Paper
Decoding carbonation-driven voltage losses in anion exchange membrane fuel cells: Anodic CO32? enrichment and interfacial double-layer restructuring
Technologies based on anion exchange membranes (AEMs), including fuel cells (AEMFCs) and water electrolysis (AEMWE), offer strong potential due to their use of non-precious metal catalysts and fluorine-free polyelectrolytes. However, CO2 in cathode air causes severe voltage loss (“carbonation”), restricting large-scale AEMFC deployment. Using multiple operando techniques, this study elucidates the carbonation-induced degradation mechanism. Combined operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis reveal that carbonation elevates mass transport polarization resistance by over two orders of magnitude, dominating voltage loss. Operando EIS and anode CO2 outlet monitoring show this effect arises not from reduced membrane conductivity, but from CO32? enrichment in the anode catalyst layer ionomer via the CO2–CO32- equilibrium. AEMFC operation follows mass conservation: CO32? and OH? migrate simultaneously to the anode and participate in the hydrogen oxidation reaction in ratios determined at the cathode. In-situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) reveal carbonation forms a thickened electric double layer (EDL) at the electrode/polyelectrolyte interface, weakening interfacial electric fields and hindering CO32? transport. Modulating anode ionomer ion exchange capacity (IEC) reduces both mass transport resistance and voltage loss, experimentally validating the mechanism and advancing understanding of EDL dynamics in AEMFCs.
Industry Tag:
Material
Fluorine-free superhydrophobic coating for wooden construction materials: Enhanced weather resistance and UV protection
Given its inherent porous structure and particular chemical makeup, wood is highly vulnerable to the combined effects of moisture and UV radiation when exposed to the outdoors, which can lead to a range of performance-related issues. This deterioration phenomenon is particularly prominent in wood structure buildings in areas with high ultraviolet radiation, which seriously affects the service life and aesthetics of wood. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a new protective coating system based on modified nano-SiO2. Through a simple one-step blending process, the modified nano-SiO2, palm wax, polydimethylsiloxane-trimethyl terminated (PDMS-Ts), organic ultraviolet absorber (UV-329), light stabilizer (HALS-770), ?-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) and isopropyl titanate (TTIP) were compounded in dichloromethane solvent, and then the dispersion was evenly covered on the wood surface by spraying method. This coating not only endows wood with excellent superhydrophobic properties (WCA = 161.1?±?1.1°, SA ? 1?±?0.5°), but also significantly enhances its ultraviolet shielding ability (color difference ?E* = 2.04), effectively inhibiting the photodegradation of ultraviolet light on wood. Moreover, the treated wood displays outstanding resistance to staining, self-decontaminating capabilities, and improved durability. Following rigorous mechanical wear testing (e.g., sandpaper abrasion, fingernail scratches, and impact from gravel) as well as chemical stability evaluation, the wood surface retained consistent superhydrophobic characteristics. The anti-weathering fluorine-free superhydrophobic coating developed in this study provides an innovative and efficient new idea for the protection of the external walls of wooden buildings in areas with high ultraviolet radiation. It is expected to significantly prolong the service life of wood and maintain its aesthetics, which opens up new possibilities for the application of wood in the field of outdoor architecture.
Swelling-Resistant Conductive Nanocellulose Network for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
The practical deployment of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) is often hindered by cathode swelling, structural degradation, and sluggish ion transport arising from unstable binder/conductive networks. Here, we report a swelling-resistant dielectric-conductive crosslinked network by integrating Zr4+-modified nanocellulose (Zr-CNF) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to construct freestanding paper cathodes. The amorphous Zr-O coating on Zr-CNF shields cellulose hydroxyl groups, suppresses water-induced swelling, and crosslinks adjacent fibers to preserve morphology and mechanical integrity. Meanwhile, the intrinsic dielectric property of Zr-CNF regulates interfacial polarization, eliminates space charges, and accelerates transport. Mechanistic studies reveal that Zr-CNF conductive network lowers the Li+ diffusion activation energy to 17.5 kJ mol-1, while suppresses Mn3+ disproportionation and structural collapse. Consequently, LiMn2O4 cathodes based on the Zr-CCNT framework deliver a high specific capacity of 108 mAh g-1 at 5 C and retain 60.2% of their capacity after 250 cycles at a mass loading of 6.44 mg cm-2. Furthermore, the universality of this design is demonstrated in Zn//AC capacitors, which show only 9.5% capacity loss after 10000 cycles. This work establishes a generalizable strategy for anti-swelling, multifunctional nanocellulose frameworks that couple structural resilience with accelerated ion/electron transport, providing a sustainable pathway toward high-performance aqueous batteries.
Industry Tag:
Material
An efficient fabric phase sorptive extraction protocol combined with UPLC-MS/MS for the trace-level determination of PFAS in sunflower oil
In this research work, a novel sample preparation FPSE-UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the selective determination of PFAS in sunflower oil samples. The reliable determination of PFAS in edible oils is particularly challenging due to their occurrence at trace levels, their interaction with lipid-rich matrices, and the strong matrix effects that can compromise sensitivity and accuracy. The main steps that affect the sample preparation procedure were optimized and the method was validated. Good selectivity, accuracy, precision, linearity, and sensitivity were demonstrated. As revealed by BAGI and ComplexMoGAPI evaluation, the herein developed method exhibited good practicality in terms of applicability and reduced environmental impact. These benefits can be attributed to the decreased consumption of organic solvent during the FPSE procedure, the possibility for parallel sample handling, the reduced sample consumption, and the simple and efficient synthetic procedure for the preparation of the sol-gel CW 20 M coated membranes. Finally, the FPSE-UPLC-MS/MS method was utilized for the analysis of various sunflower oil samples. Most samples showed PFAS concentrations below the detection limit, indicating insignificant contamination. However, trace amounts were detected in several samples including PFOA in twelve, PFNA in six, and PFOS in three samples with one sunflower oil sample exhibiting the highest levels (0.008 µg kg-1 PFOA and 0.005 µg kg-1 PFOS).
Industry Tag:
Food
Non-fluorinated electrolyte for high-voltage anode-free sodium metal battery
Abundant sodium (Na) batteries are a sustainable alternative to resource-constrained lithium-ion batteries, offering huge cost advantages. However, developing high-voltage anode-free sodium metal batteries (SMBs) to narrow the energy density gap with lithium-ion batteries is hindered by a critical challenge: existing electrolytes cannot simultaneously achieve ultra-high Na coulombic efficiency and anodic stability. Here we present a rationally designed non-fluorinated electrolyte (1.0?M NaPF6 in 1,2-diethoxyethane/1,2-di-tert-butoxyethane) to address this key limitation, achieving Na coulombic efficiency of >99.95% and anodic stability of >4.8?V. For coin cells (2.0?mAh?cm?2, N/P?=?1.7), our electrolyte design enables 4.0?V Na?|?|Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) at 5?C and 4.3?V Na?|?|NaNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) at 0.3?C for 5,000 and 500 cycles with a capacity retention >80%. Remarkably, the 50?mAh anode-free pouch cells 4.0?V Al?|?|NVP and 4.3?V Al?|?|NMC622 also achieve 500 and 300 cycles (retention >75%) with a specific energy of >360?Wh?kg(electrode)?1. This work focuses on electrolyte optimization and conceptual advances, whereas critical aspects such as safety, large-scale manufacturability and practical feasibility of SMBs require further investigation. The electrolyte design using non-fluorinated solvents enhances the anodic stability without sacrificing Na efficiency, laying groundwork for advancing low-cost, high-energy SMBs and supporting the transition to sustainable battery technologies.
Industry Tag:
Energy
Dual-scale Hierarchical Surface Engineering via Competitive Interfacial Interactions for Durable and Scalable Superhydrophobic Coatings
Achieving durable and scalable superhydrophobic coatings remains a critical challenge due to the trade-offs between surface functionality, mechanical robustness, and fabrication simplicity. Herein, we report a one-step, ambient-pressure strategy for constructing fluorine-free superhydrophobic surfaces via competitive interfacial interactions between a partially condensed ZrO? gel layer and self-assembling octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) molecules. This process enables simultaneous development of dual-scale hierarchical micro/nanostructures and low-surface-energy molecular coatings, driven by the dynamic balance between solvent-mediated partial dissolution and chemisorption-driven self-assembly. By tuning three interfacial parameters—gel condensation degree, ODPA concentration, and immersion time—we achieve superhydrophobicity with water contact angles exceeding 150° and rolling angles below 5°. The resulting hybrid surfaces exhibit exceptional mechanical and chemical durability, retaining water-repellency under abrasion, bending, and chemical exposure. Furthermore, they demonstrate self-cleaning and self-healing behaviors, including recovery of non-wettability after UV/ozone or chemical damage. Crucially, the method is seamlessly transferable from spin-coating to spray-coating, enabling conformal deposition on large-area, porous, and geometrically complex substrates such as textiles, paper, wood, and brick—without the need for vacuum systems or post-processing. This substrate-independent, scalable strategy bridges top-down and bottom-up fabrication approaches and offers a practical platform for integrating superhydrophobicity into flexible electronics, filtration membranes, environmental coatings, and anti-fouling surfaces.
Industry Tag:
Coating
Synergistic Enhancement of Proton Conductivity in Proton Exchange Membranes via Acid–Base Cross-Linked Dual Proton Channels
Proton exchange membranes possessing a high proton conductivity and robust mechanical stability are essential for achieving high power density and long-term durability in fuel cells. To address the challenge of balancing mechanical stability and proton conductivity in proton exchange membranes, this study presents a cost-effective and easily fabricated strategy for constructing fluorine-free composite membranes. Using sulfonated polyarylene ether nitrile (SPEN) as the polymer matrix and amino-functionalized silica as the functional filler, an acid–base ion-pair cross-linked network is established. This structure simultaneously creates dual proton channels while enhancing the mechanical integrity. The resulting composite membranes exhibit both a high proton conductivity and excellent dimensional stability. Compared with the widely used commercial Nafion membranes, the developed SPEN-SN composite membranes exhibit enhanced mechanical properties and proton conduction. The tensile strength and modulus of the SPEN-SN composite membranes both surpass those of the pure SPEN membrane. Besides, its tensile strength reaches 57.5 MPa, which is 2.42 times that of the Nafion membrane in the dry state. The proton conductivity of the SPEN-SN-5 membrane reaches 0.162 S/cm at 80 °C. Remarkably, the conductivity remains nearly unchanged over a 120 h stability test, demonstrating exceptional operational stability. Furthermore, when applied in an H2/O2 fuel cell with a low Pt loading (0.2 mg/cm2), the membrane achieves a peak power density of 405 mW/cm2. These results underscore the potential of SPEN-SN composite membranes as promising alternatives for fuel-cell applications.
Industry Tag:
Energy
Electron-conductive binder for silicon negative electrode enabling low-pressure all-solid-state batteries
While solid electrolyte-excluded Si electrodes can form in situ lithiated monolithic structures with minimal side reactions, their poor performance at low operating pressures remains a formidable challenge for all-solid-state batteries. Herein, we propose an electrically conductive binder—poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly((styrene sulfonic acid)x-co-(maleic acid)y) (PEDOT:P(SSx-co-MAy))—that is scalable, fluorine-free, and water-processable. This binder offers sufficient e?-conductivity to eliminate carbon additives, while ensuring strong adhesion and electrochemical stability in contrast to conventional liquid electrolyte systems. Ex situ measurements reveal disrupted e-connectivity during delithiation at 5?MPa, resolved by employing PEDOT:P(SSx-co-MAy). The improved electrochemical performance of Si electrodes comprising PEDOT:P(SSx-co-MAy), compared with those using conventional polyvinylidene fluoride, is validated in (Li-In) | Li6PS5Cl?|?Si half cells and Si | Li6PS5Cl?|?LiNi0.70Co0.15Mn0.15O2 full cells at 30?°C and 5?MPa, achieving 134?mAh?g?1 at 0.5?C with 86% capacity retention after 100 cycles. Finally, 233?mAh pouch-type Si?||?LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2 ASSBs are demonstrated, highlighting the potential of PEDOT:P(SSx-co-MAy) as a practical binder platform for high-energy ASSBs.
Industry Tag:
Energy
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