Xiubing Huang

A series of bimetallic CuxCey (x = 1–5, y = 10 – x) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared via a solvothermal method. Results reveal that the coordination between Cu2+ and the central N atoms of the porphyrin ring is consistent with partial metallation of the porphyrin macrocycle and alters excited-state and charge-transfer behavior, which contributes to the enhanced photocatalytic bactericidal activity. The Cu/Ce bimetallic sites alter the excited-state and charge-transfer behavior of the framework, which may facilitate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including singlet oxygen (1O2), while the photothermal effect derived from TCPP ligands contributes to bacterial inactivation. Under visible light irradiation (0.2 W cm–2, λ ≥ 420 nm) for 15 min, the optimized Cu2Ce8 achieves a bactericidal rate of over 99.99% against Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the bactericidal rate remains above 90% after 4 recycling cycles.

Electrochemical and photochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions (CO ₂ RR) represent pivotal strategies for converting CO ₂ into valuable chemicals, yet their multistep pathways and transient intermediates complicate the identification of the rate‐determining step (RDS). Kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) provide bond‐sensitive evidence by revealing how isotopic substitution changes reaction rates. This Perspective critically examines the application of KIEs to investigate CO ₂ activation, C─H bond formation, C─C coupling, water activation, and interfacial hydrogen transfer. Across these processes, normal, inverse, and near‐unity KIEs, when combined with spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, help distinguish competing elementary steps and reaction pathways. Isotope‐dependent product abundances further differentiate Langmuir–Hinshelwood and Eley–Rideal hydrogen transfer pathways and reveal how catalyst structure and interfacial environments regulate reaction pathways and selectivity. Finally, we discuss advances in isotope‐resolved operando detection, broader application of isotope analysis, and closer integration with theoretical calculations as opportunities to strengthen mechanistic analysis of CO ₂ RR.

This study presents a multidimensional assembly and post‐compression strategy. It unlocks the inherent high thermal conductivity of aligned composite phase change materials. Expanded graphite (EG) has poor aqueous processability for ordered frameworks. This limitation is overcome via synergistic intercalation and dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) and a dispersant. This produces a multidimensional oriented aerogel (ECGA) reinforced with EG, GO, aramid nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes. The key innovation is subsequent hot‐pressing. It consolidates the composite and induces secondary orientation‐reconstruction of the 3D thermally conductive network, forming continuous dense phonon pathways. The resulting ECGA/PW‐HP (HP denotes hot pressing) with paraffin wax maintains a high phase‐change enthalpy of 181.0 J/g. Axial and radial thermal conductivities reach 4.050 and 6.367 W/(m·K), respectively, a 19.9‐fold enhancement over the non‐compressed counterpart. The material shows a photothermal conversion efficiency of 91.4% and a thermoelectric output of 231.4 mV under 300 mW/cm ² simulated sunlight. It also lowers the maximum surface temperature of an 18650 battery under 3C cycling by 10.4°C. This work offers a new paradigm for designing advanced thermal management materials with high energy density, superior thermal conductivity, and excellent reliability.

The electron-withdrawing effect of Br groups facilitates the formation of highly active and electron-deficient Ni sites, and the abundance and regularity of mesopores optimize the dispersivity and electronic structures of Ni sites.