Water, salt solution, and many conventional organic solvents exhibit melting temperatures nearly or well below zero degree, and functional phase change composites based on these components will be useful in energy and environmental areas. Here, we report the design and fabrication of a series of composite hydrogels and organogels consisting of water, NaCl/water eutectic solution, n-undecane, and n-heptanol held by a built-in carbon nanotube (CNT)polymer skeleton, respectively. We adopt an initially uniform yet transformable CNT network to mix with gel precursors and obtain densified CNT-reinforced pore walls by in situgelation. These composite gels realized solid-liquid phase transition in temperatures ranging from-10 to-36 degrees C, with reduced supercooling, large enthalpy (120 to 200 J/g), enhanced structural stability and anti-leakage property, and the effects of CNTs on thermal and mechanical properties are investigated systematically. We demonstrate that by wrapping the composite gels around pipe models with cold liquid flow, the temperature increase process could be substantially prolonged, owing to efficient latent heat release during phase change. Our CNT-reinforced hydrogels and organogels, made by a general, facile approach, have many potential applications as cold energy storage and transformation media in liquefied natural gas industry, food, and biomedical fields.

The advancement of anode-free sodium metal batteries (AFSMBs) is hindered by unstable solid-electrolyte interphases (SEIs) and heterogeneous sodium deposition on conventional current collectors. Although three-dimensional sodiophilic hosts can improve performance, their intricate compositions, often incorporating multiple dopants and hierarchical pores, obscure fundamental stabilization mechanisms. Herein, we adopt a minimalist design principle using a pristine carbon nanotube framework (CNF) as a well-defined platform. Solvothermal fluorination chemically reconstitutes CNF into a fluorine-integrated monolithic conductor (FCNF), introducing semi-ionic C & horbar;F bonds, expanding the interlayer spacing, and generating a uniform fluorine-rich interface. FCNF isolates the role of lattice-integrated fluorine, which simultaneously enhances sodiophilicity and supports the formation of a thin NaF-rich SEI (approximate to 10 nm). Consequently, FCNF enables highly reversible sodium plating/stripping with >99.9% Coulombic efficiency over 800 cycles at 3 mA cm(-2)/3 mAh cm(-2). Anode-free FCNF||Na3V2(PO4)(3) full cells deliver a stack-level gravimetric energy density of 356.3 Wh kg(-1) (active-stack basis) with 89% capacity retention over 300 cycles. Scaling to a practical pouch cell format demonstrates viability, delivering an areal capacity of approximate to 1.6 mAh cm(-2) with 94.2% retention over 150 cycles. This work establishes lattice-level chemical reconstitution of a conductive scaffold as a foundational design principle for durable metal anodes, moving beyond the paradigm of complex multicomponent composites.

Shape memory composite fiber actuators have been extensively studied due to their excellent flexibility, weavability, actuation performance, and low-cost continuous fabrication. However, integrating both high actuation strain and high actuation stress within a single fiber-based material system remains a key challenge. In this study, we developed a high-performance shape memory composite fiber using a scalable wet-spinning process. The fiber exhibited an actuation stress of 15 MPa and an actuation strain up to 76% within 1 s during thermal shrinkage, along with a high work capacity of 1339 Ju00B7kgu22121. The electrical actuation achieved through efficient Joule heating also demonstrated an actuation stress of 13 MPa. Mechanistic analysis revealed excellent interfacial bonding between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the polymer (polyurethane) matrix. Furthermore, the combined effect of CNTs and crystalline regions promoted tensile alignment of polymer chains, leading to improved mechanical and actuation properties of the fiber. This study demonstrated that the fiber structure enabled integrated actuation and programmed deformation in various two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) configurations, with promising applications in future intelligent soft robotics, wearable devices, and smart textiles.

Developing a highly efficient and one-pot strategy for upcycling post-consumer waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into feedstock for the production of valuable products at scale remains a formidable challenge through chemical recyclability. Here we present the chemical degradation of waste PET sheets at scale via a one-pot process, which yields active hydroxyl-terminated oligomers with a recycling efficiency of 98.4 wt%. By utilizing the degradation products as substrates, we have prepared robust and vibrant organic pigments with a highest reflection efficiency of 89.6 %. Furthermore, these degradation products serve as a substantial foundation for waterborne polyurethane. The combination of these two renewable and valuable materials enables the creation of multi-colored coatings boasting remarkable brightness and significant coloring strength. In essence, this work establishes a simple upcycling strategy for waste PET and the micro- and nanoplastics into valuable and environment-friendly chemical products at scale with high efficiency. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Au nanoclusters (NCs) with atomic-level precision represent an ideal model catalyst enabling efficient CO2-to-chemical conversion, yet the catalytic performance of distinct active sites in Au NCs remains poorly understood. In this work, ligand-shell engineering has been successfully carried out through a “ligand-stripping pyrolysis” strategy to obtain modified Au25 NCs for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR). Significantly, in situ pyrolysis techniques and structural characterization identify that the exposure of S/Au active sites has been precisely controlled during the adjusted thermal decomposition of the Au NCs, which establishs a clear site-product relationship. The CO/H2 molar ratio can be precisely adjusted across an exceptionally wide range (0.26–25.47) – a span that encompasses key industrially relevant ratios, such as the 1:2 ratio optimal for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations quantitatively disclose the interaction trend between exposed S/Au sites and CO2. S sites exhibit a superior CO2 affinity, with the local CO2 concentration increasing as S-site density increases, thereby kinetically promoting eCO2RR. Theoretical calculations also reveal that S sites facilitate the stabilization of *CO2 and *CO intermediates and promote electron transfer. In contrast, Au sites are energetically more favorable for the hydrogen evolution reaction. This study establishes an ideal platform for investigating structure-performance relationships of atomically precise NCs and provides guidance for designing metal NCs-based catalysts.

Dual-atom catalysts (DACs), characterized by highly flexible active sites and tunable adsorbate configurations, have emerged as a new possibility in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (eCO2RR). Utilizing pairs of d-block and p-block metal atoms to construct DACs represents a novel strategy that enables unconventional d-p orbital hybridization for modulating electronic structures of the active sites, thereby enhancing electrocatalytic activity. Herein, we report a rationally designed InFe dual-atom site anchored on N-doped carbon (InFe-N-C), achieving an exceptional eCO2RR performance. The InFe-N-C catalyst delivers a CO Faradaic efficiency of 95.74% at-0.6 V vs. RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode). Moreover, a superior turnover frequency of 64308.87 h-1 at-0.8 V vs. RHE and an excellent stability of 60 hat-0.5 V vs. RHE are achieved in a flow cell. Theoretical calculations reveal that the strong d-p orbital hybridization exists between InFe dual-atom sites, which triggers the asymmetric charge distribution and downshifts the d-band center of Fe relative to the Fermi level. The electronic reconfiguration enhances the adsorption of *COOH while facilitating the desorption of *CO, thus improving the eCO2RR activity. This dual modulation of intermediate adsorption energies establishes a general design principle for high-performance DACs with d-p orbital hybridization for eCO2RR. (c) 2026 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has emerged as a promising non-noble metal catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to its intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. However, its practical application is hindered by the inert basal plane, low electrical conductivity, and insufficient active sites. Transition metal doping provides an effective strategy for modulating material properties, offering a viable route to enhance electrocatalytic performance. In this work, controllable doping of vanadium (V) into monolayer MoS2 was realized through chemical vapor deposition. By tuning the mass ratio of precursors, V-doped MoS2 (Mo1-xVxS2) monolayers with controlled doping concentration were successfully synthesized, and the films exhibit high crystallinity and uniformity. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the Mo1-xVxS2 film with 33.3% doping concentration exhibits a Tafel slope of 116.65 mV/dec in H2SO4, significantly outperforming pristine MoS2 (164.08 mV/dec). Moreover, the catalyst retained over 90% of its activity after 9000 s of continuous electrolysis, highlighting its excellent stability. Density functional theory calculations revealed that vanadium doping reduces the hydrogen adsorption free energy at basal sulfur sites and enhances charge carrier mobility. This work demonstrates the effective modulation of the electronic structure and catalytic activity of MoS2 via vanadium doping, offering a potential approach for the design of efficient and cost-effective HER catalysts.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) has emerged as a promising non‐noble metal catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to its intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. However, its practical application is hindered by the inert basal plane, low electrical conductivity, and insufficient active sites. Transition metal doping provides an effective strategy for modulating material properties, offering a viable route to enhance electrocatalytic performance. In this work, controllable doping of vanadium (V) into monolayer MoS 2 was realized through chemical vapor deposition. By tuning the mass ratio of precursors, V‐doped MoS 2 (Mo 1‐x V x S 2 ) monolayers with controlled doping concentration were successfully synthesized, and the films exhibit high crystallinity and uniformity. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the Mo 1‐x V x S 2 film with 33.3% doping concentration exhibits a Tafel slope of 116.65 mV/dec in H 2 SO 4 , significantly outperforming pristine MoS 2 (164.08 mV/dec). Moreover, the catalyst retained over 90% of its activity after 9000 s of continuous electrolysis, highlighting its excellent stability. Density functional theory calculations revealed that vanadium doping reduces the hydrogen adsorption free energy at basal sulfur sites and enhances charge carrier mobility. This work demonstrates the effective modulation of the electronic structure and catalytic activity of MoS 2 via vanadium doping, offering a potential approach for the design of efficient and cost‐effective HER catalysts.

Superhydrophobicity endows various substrates with astonishing multifunctional properties and has received widespread praise in industrial production. However, the fragile connection between the coating and the substrate not only limits the service life of superhydrophobic coatings, but also poses limitations. To address this issue, this study used 3-(perfluorooctyl) propanol and organic polysilazane (OPSZ) with universal anchoring properties as starting materials to obtain fluorine modified OPSZ through a one-step synthesis method, and then doped SiO2 micro nano particles to produce super-hydrophobic coatings that can be widely applied to various substrates. Investigating the relationship between the hydrophobic properties of the coatings and the amounts of SiO2 microparticles and nanoparticles used to create the microscopic rough structure of the superhydrophobic coatings, it was discovered that the hydrophobic properties of the coatings tended to increase as the number of nano-particles increased. The water contact angle of prepared coatings was still over 157 degrees after 48 h of UV exposure or 180 days of exposure to air. The heat resistance of the created superhydrophobic coatings was tested in a muffle furnace at 400 degrees C for 2 h. The results revealed that the coatings maintained their water contact angle of 155.1 degrees +/- 3.01 degrees and water sliding angle of 6.4 degrees +/- 1.98 degrees, demonstrating their excellent heat resistance and suitability for use in a variety of high-temperature environments. The work provided a practical way for creating superhydrophobic composite coatings with excellent mechanical stability, acid and alkali corrosion resistance, and heat resistance, and had potential application in antifouling and anti-corrosion. (c) 2025 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Recycled waste plastics and their derivatives serve as crucial alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials, offering a sustainable strategy for mitigating environmental pollution. In this work, we prepared waterborne polyurethane (WPU) with enhanced transparency, heat resistance, and mechanical properties by using the depolymerisation products (GOPs) as a chain extender from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Additionally, we incorporate dihydroxyethyl disulfide (HEDS) with GOPs co-chain extender imparts significant self-healing capabilities, with strain and tensile strength healing rates of up to 82.57% and 93.72%, respectively. Furthermore, a composite membrane featuring a polypyrrole (PPy) core was further fabricated for flexible strain sensors, which demonstrated excellent dynamic responsiveness, signal stability, and electrical monitoring performance. These findings underscore the promising potential of upcycled waste plastics in the development of advanced materials for flexible electronics and packaging applications.

In recent years, aqueous Zn-ion batteries have gained significant development due to their advantages of low cost, high safety, and high theoretical capacity. However, their commercialization has been much hindered by the serious dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency of Zn electrodes. To address these challenges, a strategy for surface modifying carbon nanotube sponge with polyindium porphyrin (POF-S) is systematically designed and prepared as the multifunctional interface layer for Zn anode. As verified by theoretical calculations and tests, POF-S possesses both hierarchical pore structures and regularly arranged Zn affinity centers. The advantages of organic and inorganic on modulating interfaces are thus effectively combined in POF-S to inhibit dendrite growth, suppress side reaction, and boost high interfacial stability of the Zn anode. The observable influence of the POF-S interface layer promotes the microcrystallized dense deposition, which manifests in two forms of zinc (Zn(002) + Zn(101)) on the anode. The thermodynamic advantages of the Zn(002) layer extend the cycling lifespan of the Zn anode to 5000 h under the condition of 1 mA cm-2/1 mAh cm-2. And the epitaxial growth advantage of Zn(101) makes the electrode capable of maintaining interface stability under larger current (20 mA cm-2) and deeper charge/discharge (10 mAh cm-2). Furthermore, the POF-S@Zn//MnO2 full battery can maintain a specific capacity of more than 120 mAh g-1 after 2200 cycles at a current of 2 A g-1.

Exploring nonprecious metal-based catalysts for cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has facilitated the realization of hydrogen economy toward water electrolysis in alkaline media. However, the difficult water dissociation process for the Volmer step (H2O → H* + OH*) and the subsequent unsuitable OH* adsorption energy on nonprecious metal-based catalysts severely reduce the kinetics of HER. Herein, the universal synthesis for a series of transition metal (Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W)-based boride@sulfide heterostructured catalysts is realized by using the molten-salt method to conduct the in situ boronization of commercial sulfides. Significantly, WB2@WS2 heterostructured catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and stability for HER. Balancing interfacial atom orbit hybridization between W(d)-B(s,p) and W(d)-S(s,p) at WB2@WS2 heterostructured interface enhances the built-in electric field. In situ Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation results reveal that the strong built-in electric field in WB2@WS2 optimizes the adsorption and desorption of OH* intermediate, reducing the energy barrier of the rate-determining step (OH* desorption step), and thus favoring the enhancement of catalytic performance toward HER.

The hydrogen peroxide electrolyzer (HPEL) is the workhorse for the energy storage system based on the electrochemical cycle of H2O2. The high H2O2 utilization towards power-to-hydrogen conversion (EH2O2-HER) in the HPEL is essential to ensure the efficiency and cyclability of the system. Unfortunately, the disproportionation of H2O2 at the anode and its crossover to the cathode in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) HPEL is detrimental to H2O2 utilization and must be mitigated. This work investigates the effects of catalyst type, catalyst loading, and membrane thickness on H2O2 utilization in PEM HPEL. The results show that cobalt- and nitrogen-doped carbon (Co-N-C) catalyst exhibits higher H2O2 utilization than the Fe-N-C and Pt/C catalysts due to its higher selectivity towards the hydrogen peroxide oxidation reaction (HPOR) and the lesser H2O2 disproportionation reaction (HPDR). Increasing the loading of the Co-N-C catalyst and membrane thickness can effectively inhibit the H2O2-crossover and improve the H2O2 utilization. On the other hand, the portion of HPDR and the ohmic loss increases with the catalyst loading and membrane thickness, respectively. A maximum H2O2 utilization of over 98% can be achieved by balancing these factors and the cell operating condition. These results provide valuable guides to the catalyst design and device optimization for highly efficient energy storage systems based on the electrochemical H2O2-H2 cycle.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered transition metal dichalcogenides have garnered significant attention for their potential in advanced applications of electronics and energy conversion technologies. As a prototypical member of the 2D materials family, vanadium disulfide (VS2) distinguishes itself through its great mechanical strength, tunable electronic characteristics, intriguing magnetic properties, and exceptional electrochemical performance. However, the synthesis of high-quality VS2 films is severely hampered by its thermodynamic instability and the tendency to form polymorphs. In this work, we present clean and efficient low-pressure chemical vapor deposition for the growth of large-scale H-phase VS2 monolayers on sapphire substrates. By regulating the ratio of precursors, controlling the growth temperature and optimizing the position of substrates, the production of polymorphs is effectively suppressed, resulting in improved quality of VS2 films. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the VS2 monolayers exhibit superior electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction compared to monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). This work provides a significant advancement in the scalable production of monolayer VS2 and its potential applications in clean energy technologies.

Melamine sponge is a major concern for oil-water separation due to its lightweight, high porosity (> 99 %), cost-effectiveness, impressive mechanical properties, and chemical/thermal stability. However, its amphiphilic nature hinders selective oil absorption in water. Recent strategies to enhance hydrophobicity are reviewed, including synthetic methods and materials, with comprehensive explanations of the mechanisms driven by surface energy and roughness. Key performance indicators for MS in oil-water separation, including adsorption capacity, wettability, stability, emulsion separation, reversible wettability switching, flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and recyclability, are thoroughly discussed. In conclusion, this review provides insights into the future potential and direction of functional melamine sponges in oil-water separation.

LiMn2O4 (LMO) has been widely studied as a green and cost-effective electrochemical active material for lithium extraction from brine. Despite its potential, LMO faces inherent challenges such as poor conductivity and low stability, which lead to high energy consumption and rapid performance decay, thereby limiting its practical application. Here, a freestanding carbon nanotube sponge (CS) supported LMO (LMO@CS) hybrid is constructed through in-situ electrochemical anodic oxidation growth and hydrothermal lithiation. The three-dimensional (3D), conductive, and hydrophilic CS substrate can efficiently disperse the LMO nanoparticles and connect them, which endows the hybrid with reduced charge transfer resistance and shortened ion diffusion pathways, as well as high separation capability and enhanced structural stability. Consequently, when serving as a lithium extraction electrode, the optimal LMO@CS hybrid exhibits a lithium capacity of up to 4.12 mmol g-1 and a high capacity retention of 87.8 % over 100 cycles. By employing the LMO@CS//Ag system in synthetic brine, the separation factors of Li+/Na+, Li+/K+, and Li+/Mg2+ reach 259, 73, and 76 after 10 cycles, respectively. Furthermore, the CS substrate can be recycled through an environmentally friendly process, extending its usability even after the LMO@CS electrode deteriorates over extended use. This study highlights the effectiveness of the 3D and binder-free LMO@CS hybrid design in maximizing the performance of pristine LMO and offers a promising route for developing high-performance electrodes in electrochemical lithium extraction.

Obtaining high-quality CH4 and CO2 product gases within a single biogas upgrading system can significantly proceed the progression of biogas upgrading and contribute to negative carbon emissions. Herein, vacuum swing adsorption (VSA), temperature swing adsorption (TSA), and vacuum-temperature swing adsorption (VTSA) were developed using a stable adsorbent, TIFSIX-3-Co scalably synthesized in deionized water with excellent CO2/CH4 IAST selectivity of over 2000, in which variations in purity, recovery and productivity driven by key operating parameters such as adsorption time, feed gas flow rate, and desorption conditions, were meticulously monitored and analyzed. Depending on the results, the VTSA process outperforms both VSA and TSA, achieving CH4 purity above 96%, CO2 purity of 95%, and a recovery rate of 90%, which can meet the request of natural gas pipeline and U.S. DOE for CO2 capture. Building on these superior results, the three-bed VTSA process was further optimized to simultaneously produce CH4 and CO2 within a single system. It is demonstrated that, the CH4 purity and recovery can reach up to 98.2% and 97.2%, respectively, alongside satisfactory CO2 performances with 95.9% purity and 97.3% recovery. Beyond that, in the three-bed VTSA process, CH4 and CO2 productivities reached up to 286 L/kg/h and 191 L/kg/h, respectively, reflecting increases of approximately 53 and 35 L/kg/h compared to the two-bed process, while operating under milder conditions. Overall, the three-bed VTSA process, utilizing TIFSIX-3-Co, successfully realize the target of simultaneously producing high-purity, high-recovery CH4 and CO2 within a single, efficient biogas upgrading system.

Chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles is prospective for reducing waste plastics. The transformation of waste PET into valuable composites in high efficiency still remains a formidable challenge. Here we report the synthesis of polyurethane elastomer (PUE) by using the degraded products from waste PET via one-pot chain extended process. Then, the composites composed of PUE as substrate with carbon nanotubes as fillers are applied in fabricating stretchable strain sensor. The results show that the degraded product was successfully introduced into the polyurethane chains. The PUE chains showed disordered stacking as the degraded product content increased, with the modulus and elongation at break were up to 763.9 %. The composites assembled strain sensors exhibited stable sensing performance and excellent durability after 1000 cycles at 20 % tensile strain. This may supply a path to efficiently recycle waste PET plastic into valuable and functional composites, and even devices.

Shape change materials or actuators that are capable of shrinking, bending or rotation under external stimuli (especially, by electricity), have attracted tremendous research interest in past years. Controlled shape change with large output capacity under low excitation voltage remains a challenging task in this field. Here, an electro-driven carbon nanotube sponge/paraffin wax bulk composite (CS@PW) that can perform various shape change functions such as, in particular, jacking and lifting heavy objects (up to 668.3 times of composite weight) under lower voltages (4-8 V) with fast response and high reversibility is presented. This unique and superior jacking performance is attributed to the predefined original CS shape, the deformability and resilience derived from 3D porous CS@PW, and efficient Joule heat transfer from conductive CS to the coaxially wrapped PW layer; the latter, by reversible phase change solidification/melting, can fix or release carbon nanotube network to enable controlled fixation/motion. Additional advantages include hydrophobicity, anti-leakage, wide operating temperature, and diverse reversible shape change modes based on CS@PW and commercial polyethylene tapes, are also demonstrated. The designed electro-driven nanocomposites, combining resilient carbon nanotube networks with low-cost organic phase-change material, have wide applications in areas such as robust artificial muscles, intelligent morphing, and energy management. A high-performance electro-driven actuator based on CNT sponge/paraffin wax bulk composite (CS@PW) is prepared, which can perform functions such as jacking and other motions with fast response, low excitation voltage and large actuation capacity. Diverse reversible actuations with good repeatability are successfully achieved based on CS@PW and commercial polyethylene tapes through the direct attachment in specific patterns.image

The sluggish kinetics for anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and insufficient catalytic performance over the corresponding Ir-based catalysts are still enormous challenges in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE). Herein, it is reported that KIr4O8 nanowires anode catalyst with more exposed active sites and rich hydroxyl achieves a current density of 1.0 A cm-2 at 1.68 V and possesses excellent catalytic stability with 1230 h in PEMWE. Combining in situ Raman spectroscopy and differential electrochemical mass spectroscopy results, the modified adsorbate evolution mechanism is proposed, wherein the rich hydroxyl in the inherent structure of KIr4O8 nanowires directly participates in the catalytic process for favoring the OER. Density functional theory calculation results further suggest that the enhanced proximity between Ir (d) and O (p) band center in KIr4O8 can strengthen the covalence of Ir-O, facilitate the electron transfer between adsorbents and active sites, and decrease the energy barrier of rate-determining step from OH* to O* during the OER.