Developing fast, durable, and multifunctional fire-warning sensors remains challenging, as existing materials struggle to combine rapid response, cyclic stability, and robust mechanical and flame-retardant performance. Here, we fabricated Cellulose/MXene-PDA@LM (CMPL) films via sequential layer-by-layer assembly of MXene/cellulose (CM) gel and PDA@LM layers. This work for the first time introduction of liquid metal (LM) into fire-warning sensors, revealing unexpected flame-retardant functionality. LM significantly reduced the peak heat release rate of CMPL by 65.1% compared to CM film. When integrated into a 12 V circuit with a 30 W warning lamp, the CMPL film responds to thermal stimulus from an alcohol lamp with ultrafast response and recovery times of similar to 4 s and similar to 2 s, respectively. Its resistance responds almost instantaneously to thermal stimulus and changes over 30 orders of magnitude within the fire-warning response period, while maintaining stable cyclic performance for over 1 h. Mechanistic studies reveal that cellulose pyrolysis, PDA carbonization, and LM exothermic oxidation synergistically promote MXene oxidation, forming a dense C-LMxOy-doped TiO2 network that enables sensitive and reversible resistance transitions for rapid fire detection. This work provides a new strategy for designing green, cyclically reusable fire-warning sensors, with strong implications for next-generation fire safety systems.

Fume released from asphalt pavement threaten workers' health and the atmosphere environment. While many studies have focused on its composition analysis, influencing factors and suppression methods, the origins of different fume compositions remain unclear. In this study, 70# base asphalt was separated into four fractions including saturate, aromatic, resin and asphaltene (SARA). Their volatile species at 150 degrees C were analyzed through SPME-GC x GC-MS, meanwhile TG, GPC and SEM were adopted to investigate their thermal losses, molecule weight distributions and micro-morphology. Results show that aromatic released for nearly 80 % of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), single-ring benzenes, and sulfur-containing volatiles, while saturate contribute 84.7 % of alkanes. Except for pyrene, aromatic generated 66.8-99.4 % of single-ring benzenes and 2-4 ring PAHs. To elucidate molecular reaction pathways, reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF-MD) simulations of fume generation were performed. MD results indicated that aromatic mainly yielded 2-4 ring PAHs and saturate produced alkanes, and resin generated partial PAHs and heteroatom compounds, while asphaltene decomposed into less-volatile macromolecules with minor small molecules. These findings clarify the specific sources of asphalt fume species and provide insights for understanding fume molecules generation mechanism.

The practical application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is hindered by the shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides and sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, resulting in rapid capacity fading and limited cycle life. Here, we present a rationally engineered yolk-shell nanoreactor architecture that integrates dual confinement and catalytic functionality to address these challenges. The nanoreactor comprises a polar, catalytically active core encapsulated within a conductive nitrogen-doped carbon shell, offering synergistic physical restriction of polysulfides and accelerated multistep sulfur conversion. Density functional theory calculations reveal uniformly low-energy barriers along the Li2S8-to-Li2S pathway, with no evident rate-limiting step. Benefiting from this cooperative design, the sulfur host achieves a ultralow capacity decay (0.028% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 2 C) and enables a high areal capacity (493 mAh g(-1) at 4.3 mg cm(-2) sulfur loading) with 76.3% retention after 100 cycles at 0.3 C. This work offers a versatile strategy for constructing catalysis-integrated sulfur hosts and highlights the potential of yolk-shell nanoreactors in advancing practical Li-S energy storage systems.

The use of fly ash mineralized CO2 material for preventing coal spontaneous combustion and storing CO2 is a new path of resource utilization that balances environmental benefits and engineering application value. In response to the current problems of low self activity, and low CO2 mineralization, and leaching of harmful elements in the utilization of fly ash, fly ash was taken as the research object. The microstructure and chemical composition of activated and mineralized products of fly ash under different excitation conditions (ball milling, water, NaOH, H2SO4, Na2SO4, and triethanolamine) and mineralization conditions (atmospheric pressure, 25 ℃ and 3.5 MPa, 150 ℃) were studied. The corresponding mechanisms of fly ash activation and mineralization were explored, and the CO2 mineralization ability and harmful element leaching of fly ash under different conditions were quantitatively evaluated. And explored the inhibitory effect of raw fly ash and its different mineralized products on coal spontaneous combustion. The results show that during the activation process of fly ash, NaOH and H2SO4 can significantly change the chemical composition of fly ash. Among them, NaOH dissolves mullite by breaking the Al—O and Si—O bonds, achieving the release of Ca2+and providing a calcium source for mineralized CO2. In the process of CO2 mineralization in fly ash, NaOH stimulates the optimal amount of mineralized CO2 in fly ash, reaching 82.37 g/kg and 67.19 g/kg at normal pressure and temperature, and high pressure and high temperature, respectively. Compared with the water excitation system, it increases by 196.83% and 112.86%, respectively. Triethanolamine may be used through its complexation to mineralize CO2 at normal pressure and room temperature, and at high pressure and high temperature, with CO2 concentrations of up to 55.74 g/kg and 55.47 g/kg, respectively. Compared with the water excitation system, this represents an increase of 100.86% and 73.68%, respectively. Simultaneously confirming that high pressure and high temperature are not absolute conditions for increasing CO2 mineralization. The amount of harmful elements in the leachate of fly ash after different excitation methods and mineralization conditions is lower than the leaching toxicity identification standard value in the national standard. From the perspective of different mineralization conditions, compared to mineralizing CO2 at normal pressure and 25 ℃, the release of Cr, Zn, and Hg elements from fly ash under various excitation systems significantly decreased after mineralizing CO2 at 3.5 MPa and 150 ℃, while the As element significantly increased. From the perspective of different excitation methods, compared with the water excitation system, the NaOH, H2SO4, and triethanolamine excitation systems can significantly increase the release of harmful elements in fly ash. Additionally, preliminary studies confirm that the material formed by mineralizing CO2 with fly ash primarily inhibits coal spontaneous combustion through physical inhibition mechanisms such as moisture absorption and coverage. Compared to raw coal, the crossing-point temperature of fly ash-treated inhibition coal samples shows an overall increasing trend, while oxygen consumption rates exhibit varying degrees of decline. Under 190℃ conditions, the oxygen consumption rates of all treated coal samples decrease by more than 34.48%. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale, green application of fly ash in disaster prevention and carbon sequestration.

Although epoxy resin (EP) is cost–effective, its inherent flammability severely restricts its application in energy–storage systems. Therefore, a phosphorus–nitrogen–rich metal–organic framework (MOF)–derived flame retardant (M@F–PZN) is rationally designed and synthesized using NH2–MIL–125 as a structural carrier. The incorporation of M@F–PZN significantly enhances the thermal stability and fire safety of EP. At a loading of 6 wt%, the composite exhibits a 70.3% increase in char yield, along with remarkable reductions of 51.6% in peak heat release rate and 51.5% in peak smoke production rate. Furthermore, the overall fire safety performance of the composites is quantitatively evaluated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), identifying 6 wt% as the optimal flame–retardant loading. Notably, the EP/6.0 M@F–PZN composite functions as an efficient thermal barrier in lithium–ion battery modules, effectively delaying thermal runaway propagation and reducing the maximum temperature of the adjacent cell. This work presents a rational design strategy for multifunctional MOF–derived flame retardants and demonstrates their promising application as fire–resistant and thermal–blocking materials for advanced lithium–ion battery safety.

A Janus quasi-solid composite electrolyte spatially decouples cathode/anode interfacial chemistry, enabling dendrite-suppressed, high-voltage lithium-metal batteries with durable full-cell and pouch-cell performance.

Polymeric insulation foams, including rigid polyurethane foams (RPUF), phenolic foams (PF), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and extruded polystyrene (XPS), are indispensable passive thermal‐regulating materials. By significantly lowering building energy consumption, they alleviate operational loads on energy grids, supporting global carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability. Their low density, low thermal conductivity, and scalable processability make them widely utilized in energy‐efficient buildings. However, their porous organic structures often lead to rapid ignition, intense heat release, and hazardous smoke, creating a conflict between fire‐safety and energy‐saving performance. Conventional flame‐retardant modifications can disturb foam morphology, increase thermal conductivity, and weaken mechanical reliability, compromising their intended energy benefits. This review provides a critical overview of recent advances in fire‐safe polymeric composite foams, focusing on the interplay among polymer chemistry, cellular architecture, combustion behavior, and thermal insulation. Advanced strategies, such as reactive flame retardants, nanofiller additives, and interfacial coatings, are systematically discussed regarding their roles in condensed‐phase carbonization, gas‐phase inhibition, barrier protection, catalytic regulation, and smoke suppression. Particular attention is paid to multiscale performance trade‐offs among reliable flame retardancy, thermal resistance, mechanical robustness, and long‐term durability. Moving beyond material‐level assessments, this review connects foam thermophysical properties with building cooling energy demand and operational CO 2 emissions through EnergyPlus simulations across diverse climatic regions. Ultimately, this materials‐to‐systems perspective outlines an engineering roadmap for designing next‐generation polymeric insulation foams that reconcile effective fire‐safety, thermal management, and practical carbon reduction for a sustainable future.

The building sector faces dual challenges of high cooling energy consumption and significant fire risks from conventional construction materials. To tackle these challenges, the present research devises an innovative wood-derived composite that simultaneously provides exceptional passive daytime radiative cooling and enhanced fire safety. The material is fabricated via a two-stage fabrication procedure: delignifying natural wood so as to construct a porous framework with inherent light-scattering properties, followed by infiltrating it with a functional mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and silica (SiO2) microspheres thereby forming a structurally integrated aerogel-mimicking structure within the wood's microchannels. The final composite demonstrates outstanding optical characteristics, achieving 89% solar reflectance and 97% thermal emissivity within the atmospheric transmission window (spanning 8-13 mu m). These properties enable sub-ambient cooling, achieving a maximum 15.6 degrees C temperature reduction relative to pristine natural wood under direct solar irradiation. In terms of fire safety, the composite attains a UL-94 V-0 classification, demonstrating self-quenching properties and significantly reduced heat release rate during combustion. This multifunctionality arises from synergistic component contributions: the delignified wood provides a reflective and insulating base, SiO2 microspheres enhance solar scattering, and the PVA-based matrix improves mid-infrared emission. The APP/PVA system acts as the primary flame-retardant by promoting char formation, while SiO2 particles provide supplementary barrier effects. This research proposes a feasible and eco-friendly strategy for engineering high-performance construction materials that reduce cooling energy demands while improving fire safety, offering a promising pathway toward energy-efficient and safer built environments.

This work engineered an innovative cellulose nanofibrils aerogel-immobilized graphene oxide (GO)/magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanostructure (LDGC) for the effective simultaneous sequestration of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) ions in aqueous solution. The composite was synthesized through a facile physical encapsulation method, combining the high porosity of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogels with the multifunctional adsorption sites of GO@LDH. Structural analysis demonstrated that LDGC possessed a markedly increased specific surface area (43.78 m2·g−1) relative to its constituent materials, coupled with a high density of oxygen-functionalized moieties conducive to heavy metal coordination. Batch adsorption studies revealed outstanding simultaneous removal performance (85 mg·g−1 for Cu(II) and 88 mg·g−1 for Cr(VI) in binary-component systems), representing 318

Oxidation-induced failure of lubricant coatings remains a major challenge during hot extrusion of pure titanium. A spray-applied graphite/h-BN coating bonded with phenyltrimethoxysilane-modified aluminum dihydrogen phosphate was developed and evaluated by isothermal oxidation, ball-on-disc tests at 600-950 degrees C, and hot extrusion at 850 degrees C. The P-O-Si hybrid network improved coating integrity and reduced oxidation-induced depletion of the lamellar lubricants. Graphite interlayer shear dominated at 600-700 degrees C, whereas a borate/ phosphate-rich glassy tribofilm contributed to shear accommodation at higher temperatures. The average coefficient of friction remained below 0.2 throughout the tested temperature range. During extrusion, the coating reduced the peak specific extrusion pressure to 721 MPa, 5.5% below that obtained with a commercial graphite lubricant, and produced a smoother extrudate surface and a more homogeneous near-surface microstructure. These results demonstrate an oxidation-tolerant coating strategy for high-temperature titanium forming.

Mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers (CFs) with ultrahigh axial thermal conductivity can significantly enhance through-plane heat transfer in thermal interface materials by vertical alignment, yet raise short-circuiting and electromagnetic interference (EMI) risks. Although incorporating insulating fillers or coating CFs can suppress electron migration, it often compromises thermal performance. Herein, we engineer multi-functionally trunk-branch hierarchical heterostructures to address above limitations. Vertically aligned trunk-like CF scaffolds ensure superior through-plane heat transfer. Branch-like boron nitride (BN) networks optimize impedance matching by enhancing electrical insulation and consequently improve electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption. Meanwhile, in situ BN networks interconnect CF scaffolds, extending bidirectional thermally conductive and EMW propagation paths. At only 20.17 vol% filler, the composite exhibits a through-plane thermal conductivity of 57.96 W·m-1·K-1 (specific thermal conductivity enhancement of 1431.62 %·(vol%)-1) and an in-plane thermal conductivity of 2.93 W·m-1·K-1, together with excellent electrical insulation and absorption-dominated EMI shielding, addressing the challenge of thermal-electrical-electromagnetic coupling for next-generation electronics.

Transparent omniphobic surfaces integrating antifouling, anti-adhesion, and easy-cleaning properties are highly desirable for practical applications, yet combining strong fouling resistance with long-term durability remains challenging. Here, inspired by the slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) of nepenthes pitcher plants, we report a bioinspired lubricated octa(glycidyldimethylsilylpropyl) silsesquioxane (GPOSS) coating. Our design mimics the plant’s dual-component architecture by constructing a highly cross-linked polymer network formed via nucleophilic addition between amine groups and an octa-epoxy POSS precursor-as the artificial scaffold, followed by infusion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the mobile lubricant to create a liquid-like, low-adhesion interface. Owing to its highly cross-linked network, the coating exhibits excellent mechanical robustness, abrasion resistance (9 H pencil hardness), and chemical stability, while maintaining visible-light transmittance above 90

The photocatalytic N2 reduction process using solar energy as an environmentally friendly method has attracted significant attention. Herein, the simultaneous tuning of the energy band structures for CeO2 and MoO3-x to generate an all-solid-state heterostructure for improved nitrogen photofixation performance is reported, and a carbon dot charge-transport mediator is introduced in the photocatalytic system. Within the heterojunction, the electronic interaction between the layers creates electron-deficient Mo-sites and electron-sufficient Ce-sites with enhanced N2 chemisorption ability, and the carbon dot mediator can promote electron transfer to further reduce the energy barrier for N2 activation. The as-prepared sample displays a high ammonia synthesis rate of above 897 mu mol gcat-1 h-1, two times higher than that achieved using the CeO2/MoO3-x sample without the carbon dot mediator. The variation trend in the AQE value is generally in accordance with the absorption spectrum, and an AQE of nearly 1.2% at 420 nm is obtained. This sample also has higher photocatalytic selectivity for ammonia. The N2 reduction pathway under light irradiation follows the associative alternating process through the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The increased photocatalytic performance is also ascribed to higher visible-light utilization, stronger nitrogen adsorption and faster charge separation efficiency.

The development of sustainable building envelopes capable of passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) is critical for reducing global cooling energy consumption. However, the application of wood-based PDRC materials in construction is severely restricted by their intrinsic flammability and moisture sensitivity. To address these engineering challenges, this study develops a multifunctional delignified wood composite (DW-PCKTi-PVDF) designed for high-efficiency thermal management and superior durability. Through a vacuum-assisted impregnation process, a robust skeleton was constructed using phosphorylated cellulose (PC), kaolin, and titanium dioxide (TiO2), followed by a surface modification with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The resulting composite exhibits exceptional optical properties with a solar reflectance of 88.3% and an atmospheric window emissivity of 96.4%, achieving a temperature reduction of 9.6 degrees C relative to natural wood under direct sunlight. Crucially for building safety, the synergistic interaction between PC and kaolin significantly enhances flame retardancy, increasing the char yield at 800 degrees C to 34.6% and reducing the peak heat release rate by 18.6% compared to natural wood. Mechanism analysis reveals that PC accelerates catalytic dehydration and carbonization, forming a dense barrier that suppresses combustion. Furthermore, the composite demonstrates excellent weather resistance with a superhydrophobic surface (water contact angle of 134 degrees) and improved tensile strength (8.6 MPa), ensuring structural integrity in humid environments. Whole-building energy simulations across diverse climatic zones predict cooling energy savings of 6%-12%. These findings demonstrate that the DW-PCKTi-PVDF composite is a promising, safe, and energy-efficient material for sustainable construction applications.

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is characterized by inherent flammability and limited mechanical performance, which restrict its engineering applications. In this study, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was utilized as the primary flame retardant, while tannic acid (TA) and tea polyphenols (TP) acted as natural synergists. By combining these components with steam-exploded sugarcane fibers (SCF), we developed a fully bio-based intumescent flame-retardant PLA composite. The effects of polyphenol-assisted APP on thermal stability, flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and flame-retardant mechanisms were systematically investigated. The results indicate that polyphenols significantly enhance the charring ability of APP and improve the high-temperature thermal stability of the composites. Cone calorimetry demonstrates notable reductions in peak heat release rate and total heat release, along with an increased fire performance index. At a total flame-retardant loading of 13 wt%, the composites achieved a UL-94 V-0 rating with effective suppression of melt dripping. However, a moderate reduction in tensile strength and elongation at break was observed due to the incorporation of inorganic flame-retardant components. The addition of SCF partially mitigates the mechanical deterioration caused by the incorporation of flame-retardants. Char analysis indicates a condensed-phase-dominated mechanism, wherein polyphenols serve as efficient carbon sources and synergize with APP to form a dense, phosphorus-rich char layer. Notably, tea polyphenols exhibit slightly higher charring efficiency than tannic acid.

Amid the escalating urban heat island effects and increasing fire hazards driven by climate change and rapid urbanization, buildings face two parallel challenges: excessive heat accumulation and heightened fire vulnerability. Multifunctional surface materials that integrate passive radiative cooling (PRC) and flame retardant (FR) have emerged as promising solutions for enhancing both energy efficiency and fire safety. By synergistically combining PRC and FR functionalities, these materials can reflect solar radiation and emit heat to reduce surface temperatures, while simultaneously inhibiting ignition, slowing flame spread, and suppressing toxic smoke via gas-phase and condensed-phase mechanisms. This review presents a comprehensive overview of their working principles, performance evaluation methods, and material classifications of such materials, focusing on four main systems: organic polymer-based materials, polymer–inorganic composites, bio-based materials, and other material systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship among materials, structure, and properties, strategies for integrating multifunctionality, and the influence of environmental conditions on long-term performance. Key challenges related to climate adaptability, outdoor durability, and filler dispersion are discussed to guide future research. These materials offer a promising pathway toward energy-efficient, fire-safe, and climate-resilient buildings.

This work advances green chemistry by developing an all-solid-state heterostructure for improved nitrogen photo-fixation performances, offering a sustainable route to access valuable ammonia.

ABSTRACT Solid‐state lithium batteries (SSLBs) are promising next‐generation energy storage devices, but their widespread deployment is largely hampered by costly, resource‐intensive solid electrolytes. Here we report a low‐cost, high‐performance, and sustainable solid composite electrolyte (SCE) membrane that comprises commercial high‐alkali glass fiber (GF) separators as scaffolds for in situ polymerization of the PEGDA/LiTFSI/FEC matrix. The alkali‐doped silicate framework in GF provides abundant Lewis acid‐base sites that promote lithium salt dissociation and enhance directional Li + transport. The resulting GF‐SCE exhibits an ionic conductivity of 5.89 × 10 −4 S cm −1 at 25°C, a wide electrochemical stability window up to 5.0 V, and extensive dendrite‐free cycling, enabling the formation of a stable LiF‐rich solid‐electrolyte interphase. When GF‐SCE is used in a cell containing high‐Ni LiNi 0.96 Co 0.03 Mn 0.01 O 2 cathode and Li metal anode, a large specific capacity of 253.6 mAh g −1 and stable cycling are achieved. Techno‐economic analyses show that the production cost of GF‐SCE membranes is only $8.98–$17.15 m −2 via solvent‐free roll‐to‐roll processing with earth‐abundant precursors, favorably competitive relative to other inorganic electrolyte counterparts. By combining high electrochemical performance, potential scalability, and favorable recyclability, the glass‐fiber‐based SCEs reported in this work offer a practical, cost‐effective pathway toward circular and high‐voltage solid‐state lithium batteries.

Graphite is a cornerstone solid lubricant, yet its operational reliability at elevated temperatures is severely constrained by rapid oxidation in air. Herein, a silica-enhanced, graphite-based composite coating (G–Na2SiO3–SiO2) was fabricated on Zr-4 alloy by a slurry-spray route, where Na2SiO3 serves as both binder and inorganic matrix and SiO2 acts as an oxidation-resistant filler. The coating was systematically evaluated using a ball-on-disk tribometer in air from 500 to 800 °C. An optimum operating window was observed at 600–700 °C, yielding a low and stable average friction coefficient of 0.047 at 600 °C and a minimum counterface (Si3N4 ball) wear rate of 8.213 × 10−6 mm3/(N·m). Isothermal oxidation tests and post-wear analyses revealed temperature-dependent lubrication mechanisms within the 600–700 °C low-friction window. At 600 °C, the Na2SiO3-derived matrix and dispersed SiO2 filler jointly stabilized the graphite–silicate coating, restricted oxygen-access pathways, and helped preserve graphite-dominated interlayer shear. At 700 °C, accelerated graphite oxidation, silicate-matrix restructuring, and Zr–O/Na–Si–O-containing reaction products promoted a softened sodium-silicate-derived/oxide-rich tribofilm-assisted shear process, while residual graphite provided only a secondary contribution to interfacial sliding. This binder-mediated reinforcement strategy provides a scalable solution for significantly improving the high-temperature serviceability of graphite-based lubricants, with direct implications for demanding industrial applications such as hot extrusion.

The national food safety standards for physical and chemical testing methods serve as a fundamental tool for food safety risk assessment and management in China. Since the enactment of the Food Safety Law in 2009, these standards have undergone rigorous consolidation and follow-up evaluation. This study systematically analyzed the development, validation, and refinement processes of these standards over the past decade. The findings demonstrate that the standardization model has yielded a scientifically rigorous and highly operable standard system, supported by a feedback-driven continuous improvement mechanism. This systematic approach, with its emphasis on analytical performance validation and practical operability, offers a valuable reference for establishing or refining similar testing standards in other regions, particularly in terms of method standardization and routine laboratory application. Furthermore, prospective insights into the future development and emerging trends of these testing method standards are discussed, offering a theoretical reference for their continuous optimization and technological advancement.