Zhan Lin

A-site high-entropy engineering reconstructs layered PrBaCo ₂ O _{5+ δ} into cubic (PrBaSrCaMgSm) _1/6 CoO _{3− δ} , coupling defect chemistry with oxygen transport. The resulting cathode delivers an ASR of 0.0152 Ω cm ² and a PPD of 1800 mW cm ⁻² at 700 °C for SOFCs.

The pursuit of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries demands high-silicon silicon-graphite composite negative electrodes, yet their commercialization remains hindered by interfacial incompatibility and mechanical instability. While an ideal binder must simultaneously achieve robust adhesion to both silicon and graphite, accommodate substantial silicon volume changes, and maintain high binder bulk stability, existing systems fail to harmonize these requirements. Here, we present a molecularly engineered binder that resolves this trilemma through interfacial-mechanical synergy. By integrating a hydrophobic-soft copolymer and hydrophilic-hard copolymer, our design enables amphiphilic interfacial adhesion and provides mechanical properties specifically tailored to accommodate silicon volume changes. A supramolecular crosslinker further reinforces interchain cohesion, ensuring binder bulk stability during long cycling life. This design enables a 2 Ah-level pouch cell to sustain 500 cycles at 0.3 C with 99.83% average Coulombic efficiency. At a commercial binder loading of 5 wt%, 1 Ah cells deliver over 2000 cycles at 1 C with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.93%. Our work has the potential to not only resolve the long-standing trade-off between interfacial and mechanical stability in silicon-based negative electrodes but also provide a practical framework for designing next-generation binders targeting energy-dense, durable batteries.

Photothermal catalysis promises to convert solar energy into fuels with the assistance of thermal energy, yet the synergy between light and heat remains poorly understood. Here, this work deconstructs this synergy in methanol steam reforming over Pt/TiO₂. The catalyst achieves an H₂ production rate of 688 mmol g^–1 h^–1 under UV/visible coupled illumination, driven by a nonlinear Arrhenius behavior. Spectral decoupling reveals a distinct wavelength-dependent thermal response under different temperatures. The UV band gap excitation of TiO₂, although accelerating the generation of formaldehyde, remains kinetically limited by its accumulation; in contrast, visible metal interband excitation on Pt induces hot-electron injection to generate sufficient driving force to accelerate formaldehyde dissociation (>170 °C). Strong excitation (405 nm) generates sufficient driving force, whereas weak excitation (450 nm) fails to fully overcome the energy threshold required to overcome this kinetic trap. These findings propose a thermodynamic regulation model that selectively amplifies hot-electron channels, establishing a strategy to rationally harness the solar spectrum.

Oxygen vacancy‐rich bismuth vanadate (BiVO _{4− x} ) photoanodes usually exhibit excellent bulk charge separation efficiency and relatively low onset potential, but the Fermi‐level pinning effect leads to a relatively low photovoltage ( V _ph ). Herein, we propose a synergistic strategy of F element doping and in situ deposition of the NiCoBi co‐catalyst to amplify the V _ph of BiVO _{4− x} . Systematic investigations demonstrate that F doping modifies the electronic structure of BiVO _{4− x} , increases the electron work function, and synergizes with the NiCoBi co‐catalyst to repair surface defect states, thereby enhancing the V _ph of the F‐BiVO _{4− x} /NiCoBi photoanode by 37.78% compared to its unmodified BiVO _{4− x} counterpart. Consequently, both organic oxidation reactions and water oxidation reactions are significantly activated. More importantly, the enhanced V _{p h} can also improve the long‐term operational stability of the photoanode. Such improvements in multiple performance metrics can provide a universal strategy for the design of next‐generation photoelectrode materials.

Silicon oxide (SiO_x) has emerged as one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity, ultralow lithiation/delithiation voltage, and abundant natural resource reserves. However, its severe volume expansion and insufficient cycling stability during lithiation-delithiation processes pose significant challenges to practical applications. Herein, an energy-dissipative sesbania gum-grafted-poly(acrylic acid) (SG-g-PAA) binder is fabricated via free-radical-initiated graft copolymerization for SiO_x anodes. The SG-g-PAA binder rationally combines the intrinsic elasticity of the natural SG with the stiffness of PAA to construct a mechanically stable framework. The 3D network balances stiffness and elasticity, effectively accommodating the large volumetric changes while preserving electrode structural integrity during cycling. And the synergistic combination of covalent cross-links and dynamic hydrogen bonding further enhance the long-term cycling stability in SiO_x anodes. With this binder, the SiO_x electrode delivers a high specific capacity of 1134 mAh g^-1 after 250 cycles at a current density of 400 mA g^-1. The assembled SiO_x@SG-g-PAA||NCM622 full cell showed an 88% capacity retention over 100 cycles at 0.3 C.

Aqueous Zn–I ₂ batteries (AZIBs) represent an efficient energy storage technology, with the emerging four‐electron redox mechanism further enhancing their application value. However, the advancement toward commercial implementation requires addressing key challenges inherent to the electrode–electrolyte interface. Apart from electrode optimization, electrolyte design is a pivotal strategy to tackle the interface issues and an inevitable road to realize the four‐electron redox reaction. In recent years, significant research efforts have been directed toward advancing AZIBs through electrolyte engineering. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in electrolyte‐regulated AZIBs. First, fundamental principles of AZIBs were presented, including their working mechanisms and inherent challenges related to both the zinc anode and iodine cathode. Furthermore, strategies based on functional additives, highly concentrated electrolytes, cosolvents, Zn salts, and hydrogel electrolytes are analyzed to evaluate their effectiveness in optimizing both traditional two‐electron and advanced four‐electron redox systems. After thoroughly discussing the zinc utilization and gas evolution of zinc anode, practical AZIBs configurations, that is, soft‐pack battery, flexible battery, and microbattery, are reviewed. Finally, prospective directions and development strategies are proposed to advance the practical implementation of AZIBs.

A method of in situ selenium-induced thermal reduction is designed to address interfacial incompatibility in all-solid-state batteries by constructing an interfacial layer, which enhances cycling performance and establishes practical viability.