{"title":"Non-oxide High-Entropy Ceramics for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: A Review","authors":"Gang Wang, Xingcheng Guo, Lihua Lyu, Ruihui Gan, Yongping Zheng, Hyoyoung Lee, Xiaodong Shao","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70048","url":null,"abstract":"<p>As fossil energy resources deplete and environmental challenges escalate, the development of clean energy technologies has gained global consensus. Among emerging strategies, electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production stands out due to its zero-carbon emissions. However, the oxygen evolution reaction suffers from sluggish kinetics and typically depends on precious metal catalysts. Recently, non-oxygen anion (e.g., S, P, N, F, C, etc.) high-entropy ceramics (NOHECs), a subclass of high-entropy materials doped with diverse elements, have demonstrated significant OER potential, offering a cost-effective solution with high activity and excellent stability. This review delineates the synthesis methods for NOHECs from two distinct perspectives: liquid-phase synthesis routes and gas-phase synthesis routes. Subsequently, the catalytic mechanisms and performance breakthroughs of various NOHECs are reviewed in detail, which are categorized by the types of coordinated non-oxygen anions. Importantly, this review critically explores future research directions for these materials from multiple perspectives, including innovative synthetic routes, novel NOHEC designs, theoretical simulations, advanced material characterization techniques, industrial feasibility, and expanded applications. Ultimately, it aims to provide a theoretical foundation and technical references for the integration of NOHECs in energy conversion systems while highlighting promising pathways for further advancement in this rapidly evolving field.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70048","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145012217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Photovoltaic Recycled Nano-Silicon–Silica-Based Anode to Enhance Lithium-Ion Battery Performance","authors":"Akhil Nelson, Srikanth Mateti, Ying Chen, Qi Han, Md Mokhlesur Rahman","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70049","url":null,"abstract":"<p>An economical, sustainable, and industry-acceptable process of utilizing low-value resources to produce highly competitive silicon-based anodes is attractive. In this study, a special anode architecture of PV nano-Si–SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub>/graphite is developed by utilizing low-value photovoltaic (PV) recycled silicon, which is partially converted to new hybrid PV Si–SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub> and nano-size simultaneously and wrapped by graphite fragments. An industry-grade ball milling techniques are exploited to assemble this special anode architecture under controlled environment conditions. The attained new PV nano-Si–SiO<i><sub>x</sub></i>/graphite electrode-incorporated dual binders of carboxymethyl cellulose and poly (acrylic acid) demonstrates high charge capacity and stability (600 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> at 0.2 C after 500 cycles; 600 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> at 1 C after 100 cycles) as well as commendable Coulombic efficiencies (87% initial and ≥ 99.5% subsequent cycles), providing new opportunities for practical application. The structural analysis reveals that the partial conversion of Si to Si–SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub> is critical to in situ generate the inert matrix of Li<sub>2</sub>O–lithium silicate, which works as a buffer in diminishing the volume variation in the electrode during initial lithiation. Our silicon anode design and subsequent assembly by environmentally friendly processes can potentially be used to produce high-value practical silicon anodes for lithium-ion battery technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70049","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145005585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Review: Strategies for Weaving Structure and Dimension Designing of Fabric-Based Three Dimensional Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporator","authors":"Ying Qian, Qiule Li, Fayun Wei, Hailou Wang, Jiamu Dai, Wei Zhang","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70044","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) technology stands as a core technology for sustainable water treatment, with the development of 3D evaporators breaking through the bottlenecks of traditional 2D structures in evaporation efficiency and functional expansion. Textile fabrics, featuring simple preparation, low cost, high scalability, environmental friendliness, and high specific surface area porous structures, enable the synergistic optimization of photothermal conversion, water transport, and anti-salt performance when integrated into 3D evaporation systems. This review systematically classifies and summarizes fabric-based 3D interfacial evaporators based on three dimensions: photothermal materials (carbon-based, semiconductors, polymers, and metal nanomaterials), weaving methods (woven, knitted, braided, non-woven, and special processing techniques), and structural designs (multilayer fabrics, 3D spatial structures, and bionic structures). It deeply analyzes their impacts on photothermal conversion efficiency, water evaporation rate, and anti-salt deposition capability. The review concludes with an overview of application scenarios and discusses future technical challenges and research prospects for fabric-based solar interfacial evaporators (SIEs).</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70044","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145005549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent Advances in Copper-Based Catalysts for Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to C2+ Products","authors":"Ruirui Zhang, Xiangyi Kong, Rui Ren, Yulan Gu, Yafu Wang, Lirong Zhang, Qingnuan Zhang, Xiaojun Gu, Limin Wu, Jiangwei Zhang","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70041","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>RR) to produce C<sub>2+</sub> products is extremely important. It serves as a crucial link in realizing efficient carbon cycle utilization and promoting sustainable energy development. Among various catalyst fields, copper-based materials stand out. Their unique electronic and surface properties give them an advantage in selectively converting carbon dioxide into C<sub>2+</sub> compounds, thus attracting extensive research. However, challenges such as high overpotential, slow reaction kinetics, and low selectivity still persist. We analyzed various structural forms, ranging from single-metal copper with tunable morphologies, to copper with different oxidation states, and then to copper-doped diatomic single-atom catalysts (DSACs). We discussed the design strategies of these three major categories of catalysts, systematically compared their catalytic performances and underlying mechanisms, and provided design insights for the further preparation of C<sub>2+</sub> products. Finally, the main challenges are outlined, the potential prospects of CO<sub>2</sub>RR are proposed, and it is hoped that large-scale industrial applications can be achieved in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70041","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144935370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sung Joon Park, Seung Han Kim, Ji Woo Han, Eun Ji Lee, Si Ra Kim, Yong Min Kim, Ki Jae Kim
{"title":"Synergistic Role of Viscoelasticity and Amphiphilicity in Binder Design for High-Performance Silicon Electrodes","authors":"Sung Joon Park, Seung Han Kim, Ji Woo Han, Eun Ji Lee, Si Ra Kim, Yong Min Kim, Ki Jae Kim","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70045","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Silicon is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries because of its high theoretical capacity. However, their practical application is hindered by substantial volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation, which leads to mechanical degradation and capacity fading. To address this challenge, we propose a stress-dissipative binder system based on UV-induced cross-linking of viscoelastic poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) with rigid linear poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The resulting PAA–PDMS binder can reversibly deform and recover in response to external stress due to the flexible siloxane backbone in PDMS, thereby accommodating the substantial volume expansion of Si electrode. Furthermore, the amphiphilic nature of the PDMS molecule increases its affinity for both carbon and Si particles, resulting in enhanced mechanical integrity of the Si electrode. These inherent characteristics of PDMS can effectively compensate for the rigidity of PAA, resulting in a well-balanced binder system tailored for Si electrodes. Consequently, the PAA–PDMS electrode exhibited a discharge capacity of 2072.68 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> after 100 cycles at 0.5 C−rate, whereas the PAA−based electrode reached failure after only 70 cycles. Post-mortem analyses reveal that the improved electrochemical performance of the PAA–PDMS electrode arises from its ability to mitigate Si electrode degradation by suppressing volume expansion and stabilizing the electrode–electrolyte interface.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70045","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144935055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Carbon-Based Materials as Supports for Active Metals in Ammonia Decomposition: A Comprehensive Review","authors":"Mamoona Waris, Ali Hassan Bhatti, Rui Zhang","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70033","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has intensified research into efficient hydrogen production, with ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>) decomposition emerging as a promising method due to its high hydrogen content. Catalyst design is critical to this process, in which carbon-based supports play a key role in enhancing performance. This review explores the use of various carbon-based supports, such as activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, Sibunit, mesoporous carbon, graphene, and xerogels, as carriers for metal catalysts in NH<sub>3</sub> decomposition. These supports offer thermal stability, high surface area, and favorable electronic properties, promoting better dispersion of active metal sites. This review critically examines both noble and non-noble metal catalysts and discusses how the carbon support structure and modifications influence performance. Mechanistic insights into NH<sub>3</sub> decomposition, key elementary steps, and catalyst behavior are detailed. Challenges and future directions in carbon-supported catalyst development are highlighted to guide advancements in hydrogen production and sustainable energy systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70033","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144918805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lingli Chen, Yue Xu, Angran Liu, Bo Cheng, Sihan Wang, Xiaolin Zhang, Yongbin Hua, Long Jiang, Chun Fang, Jiantao Han, Paul K. Chu
{"title":"Optimization Strategies and Mechanisms of High-Concentration Electrolytes for Aqueous Rechargeable Batteries","authors":"Lingli Chen, Yue Xu, Angran Liu, Bo Cheng, Sihan Wang, Xiaolin Zhang, Yongbin Hua, Long Jiang, Chun Fang, Jiantao Han, Paul K. Chu","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70036","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Aqueous batteries represent a significant research area due to their low cost and high safety advantages. However, aqueous electrolytes suffer from high side-reaction activity, narrow electrochemical windows, and insufficient interface stability and are frozen at low temperatures, thus hampering practical applications. This review focuses on high-concentration brine-based aqueous electrolyte optimization strategies to address the above problems. The solvation structure, hydrogen-bond network, and interfacial components are the key factors that are altered by the appropriate salts, solvent selection, and electrode interaction. A high concentration of brine decreases the free water content, inhibits the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and widens the electrochemical window. Additional salts and solvents in the electrolyte can further promote the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) to reduce deleterious interfacial side reactions. At the same time, the synergistic effects between the cathodes/anodes and the electrolyte expand the electrochemical window, improve the interface stability, and enhance the electrochemical properties of aqueous batteries. In this review, we describe the optimization strategies and mechanisms to provide guidance to future research on high-concentration electrolytes (HCE) and the challenge of high-energy and wide-temperature-range applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70036","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144909947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficient Degradation of Hazardous Dechlorane Plus by Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Strategy for Green Synthesis of Supercapacitive Alkynyl Carbon Material","authors":"Yingjie Li, Shenao Xu, Wanhao Zhao, Xiaoyu Wang, Jing Gu, Xiaojun He","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70043","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Exploring new POPs disposal strategies and synthesizing carbonous energy storage materials are two important and urgent issues in environmental and energy fields, which may be realized simultaneously through an efficient one-pot process that applies the carbon skeleton structure of POPs in the synthesis of advanced functional carbon materials. Herein, a solvent-free mechanochemical strategy is proposed to convert hazardous dechlorane plus (DP) into alkynyl carbon material (ACM) with a unique structure and high electrochemical performance. In this process, DP is efficiently degraded into ACM and harmless CaCl<sub>2</sub> with CaC<sub>2</sub> as co-milling reagent, the strategy shows green and feasible manner, and main influence factors show reciprocal compensatory effect. The resultant ACM possesses unique composition and structure with alkynyl-linked DP carbon skeleton and well ordered internal structure. Besides, the ACM electrode exhibits good electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance (222.6 F cm<sup>–3</sup>), good electrical conductivity and outstanding cycling stability. This study realizes the integrated combination of efficient degradation of hazardous DP and green synthesis of functional ACMs, further provides an innovative perspective for the current problems in the field of environment, energy, and materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70043","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144905264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Carbon Nanotube/Polyamic Acid Bilayer-Supported Composite Phase-Change Materials With Integrated Insulation and Thermal Conductivity Functions","authors":"Yingying Tian, Nannan Zheng, Zui Tao, Jun Tong, Tiantian Yuan, Xiubing Huang","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70040","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Carbon aerogel supported phase change materials (PCMs) can confer multifunctional properties to ordinary PCMs and meet specific requirements in extreme environments. In this study, composite phase change materials (CPCMs) with integrated insulation and thermal conductivity functions were successfully developed through the physical integration of a thermal insulation layer and a thermal conductivity layer. The structurally stable carbonized polyimide (C-PI)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) aerogel acts as the thermal conductivity layer substrate. The aerogel obtained from a polyamic acid salt (PAS) composite with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used for the thermal insulation layer. Then, polyethylene glycol was vacuum-impregnated into the integrated aerogel to prepare CPCMs with integrated insulation, thermal conductivity, and thermal energy storage functions. When the mass ratio of CNTs to PAS was 2, the enthalpy reaches 160.3 J/g and the PEG loading reaches 95.56%. Moreover, the presence of CNTs increased the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive layer to 0.433 W/m K. In addition, the bilayer CPCMs can conduct heat quickly and also have a good thermal insulation effect. The all-in-one material achieves a perfect combination of dual functions and provides a new solution for thermal management of power devices. Furthermore, the bilayer CPCMs also have great application potential in the field of infrared stealth.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70040","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144905263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optical Coupling Optimization Enables Cost-Effective Planar Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells","authors":"Zishuo Wang, Xianggang Chen, Xuzheng Feng, Shuyi Liu, Jixiang Tang, Yuhang Xie, Xiaoxu Sun, Shuyuan Fan, Longfei Yan, Xing Li, Molang Cai","doi":"10.1002/cnl2.70035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cnl2.70035","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Planar silicon/perovskite tandem solar cells exhibit significant advantages over textured architectures, including simplified fabrication, reduced cost, and scalability for industrial production. However, their planar configuration inherently leads to substantial optical losses. Here, we systematically analyze optical loss mechanisms in planar silicon/perovskite tandem devices and develop an optical simulation framework to address current-matching challenges between sub-cells. Through precise manipulation of hole transport layer thickness, we demonstrate synergistic optimization of parasitic absorption and reflection in the top cell. This approach yields a semi-transparent device with a short-circuit current density of 19.48 mA/cm² and a power conversion efficiency of 20.37%. An optical coupling model is established to determine optimal layer thicknesses under current-matched conditions for a tandem device. For bifacial configurations, active layer thickness and bandgap are co-optimized. Simulation results reveal that a 1.56 eV bandgap perovskite layer (800 nm) achieves 35.40% efficiency at 0.3 albedo. Cost analysis shows bifacial devices reduce the levelized cost of energy to $0.258/W at 0.3 albedo, representing a 12.8% reduction compared to single-sided Ag-coated counterparts. This study provides a comprehensive optical design strategy and cost-performance evaluation, offering critical insights for developing next-generation low-cost, high-efficiency tandem photovoltaic architectures.</p>","PeriodicalId":100214,"journal":{"name":"Carbon Neutralization","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cnl2.70035","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144905265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}