Shengli Zhu

The alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a promising pathway for the large-scale production of green hydrogen. Due to the high water dissociation energy barrier in alkaline media, high energy consumption is required. In this work, a Co-doped MoNi4 self-supported electrode (Co-MoNi4/NM) prepared by laser direct writing (LDW) is reported as an efficient electrocatalyst for HER. The introduction of Co hinders the long-range ordered growth of the MoNi4 single phase, creating a MoNi4/Mo/Ni multiphase heterostructure with rich geometric defects. The electron-rich catalyst weakens the O–H bonds of water molecules, increasing the proportion of free water to provide reactants for subsequent water dissociation. As a result, Co-MoNi4/NM exhibits high HER catalytic performance with an overpotential of 131.2 mV at a current density of 100 mA cm–2. Under simulated industrial conditions (6 M KOH, 60 °C), the electrode demonstrates exceptional HER kinetics with a low overpotential of 227.8 mV at 1 A cm–2 and robust chronopotentiometric durability for 100 h. Furthermore, the assembled two-electrode electrolyzer (Co-MoNi4/NM || Co-MoNi4/NM) delivers a high current density of 1 A cm–2 at a low cell voltage of 1.74 V with long-term operational stability. This study elucidates the mechanism of interfacial water reconstruction driven by electronic modulation, offering a technological paradigm for developing highly efficient industrial-grade electrodes for hydrogen production.

Combining high mechanical integrity with optimized catalytic kinetics remains a critical bottleneck for exploiting Cu-based nanoporous materials in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, a self-supporting nanoporous Cu-based metallic glass modified with trace Pd (np-Pd-CuZrAl) was fabricated via sequential phase-selective chemical dealloying and galvanic replacement. In 1.0 M KOH, the np-Pd-CuZrAl catalyst exhibits superior performance, requiring an overpotential of only 89.0 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with a low Tafel slope of 34.38 mV dec−1, maintaining exceptional activity after 100 h of continuous operation. Notably, nanoindentation and tensile testing demonstrate the exceptional deformation tolerance of the np-Pd-CuZrAl electrode, which successfully retains its structural and electrochemical functionality under severe tensile and bending deformations. In situ Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations demonstrate that Pd incorporation effectively tunes the d-band center, enhances interfacial water adsorption, and inhibits surface oxidation. Furthermore, a water-splitting cell using this cathode achieves 10 mA cm−2 at 1.54 V. This work establishes a compelling strategy to modulate atomic configuration and mechanical stability in freestanding metallic glass electrodes, providing deep metallurgical insights.

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) employing Si–Li composite anodes are promising candidates for achieving high energy density and scalable practical applications. Incorporating metallic Li into Si anodes as a compensation source offers a promising approach to compensate for irreversible Li consumption. Nevertheless, the introduced metallic Li must be carefully regulated to provide sufficient Li compensation for the Si anode while preventing excessive reactions with Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 (LPSC). Achieving this delicate balance is therefore essential for constructing stable LPSC/Li@Si interfaces. Herein, we systematically investigate the interfacial stability of Li-metal-prelithiated Si anodes in sulfide-based ASSBs under both direct die-pressing and isostatic pressing conditions. Using NCM811|LPSC|Li@Si cells as a model system, we identify the appropriate Li thicknesses for different cell configurations and demonstrate that stable cycling critically depends on directing the redistributed metallic Li into the porous Si electrode rather than into the sulfide solid electrolyte layer. Such interfacial regulation effectively suppresses the continuous decomposition of LPSC and mitigates the growth of interfacial resistance. Benefiting from the optimized prelithiation and pressing protocol, the application of Li-metal-prelithiated Si anodes was successfully extended from direct die-pressed mold-type full cells (mold cells) to isostatically pressed pouch-type full cells, highlighting their potential for practical high-energy ASSBs.

Developing active and durable catalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for proton‐exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). However, it remains challenging because highly active oxides often undergo over‐oxidation and structural degradation under anodic conditions. In this study, we report a Ru‐modified CoMn spinel catalyst in which highly oxyphilic Ru is anchored at octahedral sites to regulate both the lattice electronic structure and the interfacial reaction environment. The strong Ru‐O covalency and pronounced oxygen‐hole character enhance the OER kinetics. Meanwhile, the highly polarized Ru centers reconstruct the interfacial hydrogen‐bond network and accelerate interfacial proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET). The introduction of Ru can maintain structural stability during OER through restraining excessive Co oxidation and local coordination changes. As a result, Ru‐MnCo ₂ O _x catalyst exhibits an overpotential of 203 mV at 10 mA cm ⁻² with over 500 h stability in acid. The Ru‐MnCo ₂ O _x ||Pt/C PEMWE device shows a cell voltage of 1.68 V@1.0 A cm ⁻² , which is much lower than that of commercial RuO ₂ ||Pt/C PEMWE device (2.1 V@ 1 A cm ⁻² ). Moreover, the Ru‐MnCo ₂ O _x ||Pt/C can be operated steadily at 0.5 A cm ⁻² over 300 h.

The escalating prevalence of multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections presents a grave global health challenge, highlighting the limitations of traditional antibacterial materials that rely on passive release mechanisms. This paper comprehensively reviews the emerging frontier of stimuli‐responsive smart antibacterial fibers (SAFs), which embody a paradigm shift towards on‐demand and targeted proactive antimicrobial functionality. Based on response mechanisms, the specific stimuli sensed by SAFs are classified as endogenous infection microenvironments (i.e., pH, dysregulated enzyme activity, and redox potential, etc.) and exogenous physical activation (i.e., light, ultrasound, mechanical force, and magnetic, etc.). Furthermore, this review systematically expounds on the fundamental design principles of SAFs (how to achieve “smartness”), antibacterial mechanisms (how to achieve “antibacterial activity”), and innovative applications in various fields. Subsequently, current challenges are thoroughly discussed, and promising future research directions are outlined. Crucially, artificial intelligence is highlighted as a pivotal enabler for integrating multifunctionality, biomimetic design paradigms, and embedded sensing capabilities, thereby facilitating seamless interoperability with digital health platforms. This review aims to establish a foundational framework inspiring innovation in developing next‐generation antibacterial fibers with superior therapeutic precision and functional sophistication.

The water‐induced side reactions and sluggish ion migration kinetics of zinc metal anodes in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) severely degrade the coulombic efficiency and lifespan. It is necessary to stabilize the zinc anode by constructing a functional interfacial layer. Here, organic cocrystals, self‐assembled from melamine (MA) and isophthalic acid (IPA), were introduced to form a supramolecular structure with an extensive hydrogen‐bond network between the zinc anode and the electrolyte. Both theoretical and experimental results indicate that these cocrystals can capture and isolate active water molecules from the zinc anode surface. Zinc‐affinity sites in the cocrystals, such as amino, carboxyl, and triazine groups, can enhance ion transport and promote uniform zinc deposition. It should be noted that the MA‐IPA@Zn//MA‐IPA@Zn symmetric cell remains stable and reversible for over 4200 h of plating/stripping cycles, and the MA‐IPA@Zn//NVO full cell retains 77.87% of its capacity after 2000 cycles at a current density of 4 A g ⁻¹ . Furthermore, the pouch cell cycles 200 times at 25°C and 1 A g ⁻¹ , maintaining a capacity of approximately 100 mAh g ⁻¹ with 75.9% retention. This work presents an efficient strategy of engineering organic cocrystals in AZIBs, underscoring their substantial potential for practical energy storage applications.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, complicating therapeutic intervention. Herein, we engineer a robust living therapeutic platform via a biomimetic nanoarmoring strategy. A uniform FDA-approved calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanocoating is in situ mineralized on the surface of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) preassembled with the flavonoid luteolin (Lut), creating the nanocomposite EcN-Lut/CaCO₃. This nanoarmoring strategy enhances bacterial viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (a 100-fold survival increase) and enables colon-specific delivery. The composite demonstrates potent reactive oxygen species scavenging (∼100%) and immunomodulatory capacity in vitro, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A) while elevating anti-inflammatory IL-10. In a DSS-induced murine colitis model, EcN-Lut/CaCO₃ significantly attenuated disease severity, restoring colon length (a 57.30% recovery compared to healthy control), reducing the disease activity index by 72.73% relative to the DSS group, and improving histopathology. Transcriptomic analysis reveals dual regulation of host signaling pathways with activation of cAMP/cGMP-PKG metabolic cascades and suppression of IL-17/TNF inflammatory pathways. Concurrently, 16S rRNA sequencing shows that the nanoarmored platform effectively reverses dysbiosis, selectively enriching beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus and Muribaculaceae while suppressing proteobacterial pathobionts. This work presents a generalizable nanoarmoring strategy that transforms fragile probiotics into intelligent, multifunctional living therapeutics, offering a powerful approach for the targeted treatment of IBD and other complex inflammatory disorders.

N-doped Li₂ZrCl_6−3xN_x chloride solid electrolytes were synthesized via a mechanochemical method, and the effects of N incorporation on crystal structure, Li local environment, and Li⁺ transport were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction suggested that the main Li₂ZrCl₆-related diffraction features were largely retained, while N introduction induced partial structural evolution toward C2/m-related features. 7Li MAS NMR revealed that N incorporation sharpened Li resonance peaks. Among the series, Li₂ZrCl_5.7N_0.1 exhibited the highest room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.15 mS cm⁻¹, with the lowest activation energy of 0.237 eV, demonstrating a reduced Li⁺ migration barrier. All-solid-state batteries incorporating Li₂ZrCl_5.7N_0.1 showed stable rate capability and long-term cycling, retaining 85.9% capacity after 500 cycles at 1C and 77.4% after 3000 cycles at 3C. These results suggest that appropriate N modification can tune the Li₂ZrCl₆-based structure and Li local environment, thereby improving Li⁺ transport in all-solid-state lithium batteries. This work provides a feasible strategy for improving chloride-based solid electrolytes for next-generation energy storage.

The hydrazine oxidation‐assisted hydrogen generation provides a promising alternative for low‐energy hydrogen production. Regulating the atomic structure of the catalyst and optimizing the reaction microenvironment is essential for overcoming the sluggish kinetics of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR), yet remains a great challenge. Herein, nanoporous V‐doped Co ₂ P (V‐Co ₂ P) is introduced as a bifunctional catalyst for HER and HzOR through the regulation of Lewis acidity. The optimized Lewis acidity by V doping facilitates the formation of an ordered hydrogen bond network, accelerating water dissociation and active hydrogen species generation for HER. In addition, the nanoporous V‐Co ₂ P can enhance the HzOR catalytic activity by creating a reactant‐enriched local environment, and reduce the energy barrier for converting *N ₂ H ₃ to *N ₂ H ₂ . As a result, the nanoporous V‐Co ₂ P based electrolyser achieves a current density of 100 mA cm ⁻² at a low cell potential of 0.13 V. In addition, a self‐powered zinc hydrazine battery and an integrated overall hydrazine splitting system deliver a hydrogen generation rate of 1.12 mmol h ⁻¹ cm ⁻² . The proposed Lewis acidity regulation strategy opens new avenues for designing highly efficient sustainable energy conversion systems.