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The practical applications of aqueous Zn/I2 batteries (AZIBs) operating within a wide temperature range are severely hindered by the uncontrolled shutting of polyiodide ions (I3−/ I5−) and rampant side reactions. In this study, a wide temperature tolerant polyanionic hydrogel (borax‐bacteria cellulose / p(AMPS‐AM)) with ion selective permeability is designed for inhibiting shutting effect and side reactions under extreme temperatures range from −50 to 50 °C. The zincophilic R−SO3− significantly enhances the transport of Zn2+ cations and promotes uniform growth of Zn metal along the (002) plane. Moreover, the abundant hydrophilic groups in hydrogels effectively suppress both the hydrogen evolution reaction and the formation of by‐products by reducing the water reactivity. Furthermore, theoretical calculations, visualization experiment and in situ Raman spectroscopy confirm that R−SO3− group effectively hinders the shuttle process of I3−/I5− anions through electrostatic repulsion. Consequently, this gel electrolyte facilitates the ultra‐stable Zn/I2 full cell at a low current density of 2 C over a wide temperature range of 100 °C. A Zn/I2 pouch cell with a low negative/positive capacity ratio of 3.3 exhibits a stable performance over 350 cycles with an impressive high‐areal capacity of 2.03 mA h cm−2, thereby establishing a solid foundation for its practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) with wide operating temperature are regarded as promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage systems. However, SIBs operating under elevated temperature aggravate the electrolyte decomposition with unstable cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI), causing a rapid capacity degradation. Herein, anion receptor tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (TPFPB) is selected as electrolyte additive to construct robust NaF‐rich CEI. The strong interactions between anion and TPFPB via the electron‐deficient boron atoms weaken ClO4− solvation and promote the coordination capability between solvents and Na+ cations, demonstrating greatly improved oxidative stability. Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode in TPFPB‐containing electrolyte delivers long‐term stability with a capacity retention of 86.9% after 100 cycles at a high cut‐off voltage of 4.2 V (vs. Na+/Na) and a high temperature of 60 °C. Besides, TPFPB also works well with enhanced performance over a temperature range from −30 to 60 °C. This study proposes a prospective method by manipulating the solvation chemistry for constructing high‐temperature rechargeable SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon with few active sites and narrow interlayer distance as anode for potassium ion batteries (PIBs) always shows low capacity, sluggish kinetics, and low Columbic efficiency. Herein, poly(2‐aminothiazole) (P2AT) hollow nanospheres are first synthesized as a carbon source for high N, S co‐doped carbon hollow nanospheres (NS‐HCSs). The hollow P2AT nanospheres can be controllably synthesized with an Ostwald ripening process. The unique doping and structure endow the NS‐HCSs with high content of N and S dopants in carbon, mesoporous structure with enlarged interlayer distance, elevated ratio of N‐6 and N‐5 species, enhanced conductivity, abundant surface defects, and large active sites. When evaluated as an anode for PIBs, NS‐HCSs exhibit a high reversible capacity of 422 mAh g‒1 and excellent long‐term cycling performance. Using combined experiment and theoretical computation, including in situ TEM and in situ Raman, the K‐storage mechanism and dynamic evolution processes of NS‐HCSs, including low volume expansion, enhanced K‐ion adsorption, and stable composition and structure evolution during repeating potassiation/de‐potassiation processes is revealed. This quantitative design for highly durable K‐storage and large capacity in carbon can be advantageous for the rational design of anode materials of PIBs with ideal electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) with high safety, low cost, and eco‐friendliness advantages show great potential in large‐scale energy storage systems. However, their practical application is hindered by low Columbic efficiency and unstable zinc anode resulting from the side reactions and deterioration of zinc dendrites. Herein, tripropylene glycol (TG) is chosen as a dual‐functional organic electrolyte additive to improve the reversibility of AZIBs significantly. Importantly, ab initio molecular dynamics theoretical simulations and experiments such as in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and synchrotron radiation‐based in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirm that TG participates in the solvation sheath of Zn2+, regulating overpotential and inhibiting side reactions; meanwhile, TG inhibits the deterioration of dendrites and modifies the direction of zinc deposition by constructing an adsorbed layer on the zinc anode. Consequently, a Zn‐MnO2 full cell with TG electrolyte exhibited a specific capacity of 124.48 mAh g‐1 after 1000 cycles at a current density of 4 A g‐1. This quantitative regulation for suitable solvation sheath and adsorbed layer on zinc anode, and its easy scalability of the process can be of immediate benefit for the dendrite‐free, high‐performance, and low‐cost energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practicality of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) for large‐scale energy storage is hindered by challenges associated with zinc anodes. In this study, a low‐cost and multi‐function electrolyte additive, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), is presented to address these issues. CTAB adsorbs onto the zinc anode surface, regulating Zn2+ deposition orientation and inhibiting dendrite formation. It also modifies the solvation structure of Zn2+ to reduce water reactivity and minimize side reactions. Additionally, CTAB optimizes key physicochemical parameters of the electrolyte, enhancing the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface and promoting reversibility in AZIBs. Theoretical simulations combined with operando synchrotron radiation‐based in situ Fourier transform infrared spectra and in situ electrochemical impedance spectra further confirm the modified Zn2+ coordination environment and the adsorption effect of CTAB cations at the anode/electrolyte interface. As a result, the assembled Zn‐MnO2 battery demonstrates a remarkable specific capacity of 126.56 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 4 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. This work highlights the potential of CTAB as a promising solution for improving the performance and practicality of AZIBs for large‐scale energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reversibility and long‐term cycling stability of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) in a wide temperature range have rarely been explored. Herein, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DG) is introduced as an electrolyte additive to enhance Zn performance within a wide temperature range of −35 to 65 °C. Operando synchrotron Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis combined with molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the introduction of DG disrupts the initial hydrogen bonding network of the aqueous electrolyte, restructuring the solvation structure surrounding Zn2+ ions and mitigating water‐induced parasitic reactions. Adding DG reduces the freezing point of the aqueous electrolyte without compromising its incombustibility. Moreover, operando electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM‐D) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the coordinated DG and OTF− undergo reductive decomposition, forming a self‐healing solid electrolyte interphase comprising an inorganic/organic ZnF2‐ZnS, which can effectively suppress the notorious side reactions and guide the uniform Zn deposition. Consequently, the symmetric Zn/Zn cells demonstrate excellent cycling stability for 3500 h under 1 mA cm−2 at 25 °C, and for 1000 h under 1 mA cm−2 at both −35 and 65 °C. Full batteries with a DG‐containing electrolyte exhibit a long lifespan of 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical exercise has been shown to improve balance, gait, and cognitive function in older adults. Interactive cognitive-motor training (ICMT) combines physical exercise and cognitive stimulation, but few studies have focused on the effect of ICMT on static and dynamic balance in older adults. This study aims to improve the balance of older adults to reduce fall-related injuries for sustainable development goals. We randomly assigned 38 older adults to either the ICMT group (n = 22) or the control group (n = 16). The ICMT group participated in 60-min exercise sessions three times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their regular activities. The static and dynamic balances were assessed before and after the intervention. The results indicated the ICMT group demonstrated significant improvements in static balance, specifically in swing path and velocity (V) in the medial-lateral (M-L) direction with eyes open (p < 0.05). With eyes closed, the ICMT group showed significant improvements in total swing path and area compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In dynamic balance, there was a significant difference in the lateral (L) angle limit of stability (LOS) between the ICMT group and the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ICMT effectively enhances static balance and maintains dynamic balance in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assembling molecular proton carriers into crosslinked networks is widely used to fabricate proton conductors, but they often suffer losses in conduction efficiency and stability accompanied by unclear causes. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), with well‐defined crystal frameworks and excellent stability, offer a platform for exploring the proton transfer process. Herein, a strategy to construct proton conductors that induce conductivity and stability by introducing bottom‐up hierarchical structure, mass transport interfaces, and host–guest interactions into the COFs is proposed. The proton‐transport platforms are designed to possess hierarchically macro–microporous structure for proton storage and mass transport. The protic ionic liquids, with low proton dissociation energies investigated by DFT calculation, are installed at open channel walls for faster proton motion. As expected, the resultant proton conductors based on a covalent organic framework (PIL0.5@m‐TpPa‐SO3H) with hierarchical pores increase conductivity by approximately three orders of magnitude, achieving the value of 1.02 × 10−1 S cm−1 (90 °C, 100% RH), and maintain excellent stability. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations reveal the mechanism of "hydrogen‐bond network" for proton conduction. This work offers a fresh perspective on COF‐based material manufacturing for high‐performance proton conductors via a protocol of macro‐micropores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic compounds have become a potentially important choice for a new generation of energy-storage electrode materials due to their designability, flexibility, green sustainability, and abundance. However, the applications of organic electrode materials are still limited because of their dissolution in electrolytes and low electrical conductivity, which in turn cause poor cycling stability. Here, for the first time, we report 2-amino-4-thiazole-acetic acid (ATA) and its sodium salt, sodium 2-amino-4-thiazol-derived polymer (PATANa), as an anode. The PATANa showed a two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet structure, offering a larger contact area with the electrolyte and a shorter ion-migration path, which improved the ion-diffusion kinetics. The polymer showed excellent cycling stability and outstanding rate capability when tested as an anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). It could deliver a high reversible specific capacity of 303 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 for 100 cycles and maintain a high discharge capacity of 190 mA h g−1 after 1000 long cycle numbers even at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1. This approach of salinizing the polymer opens a new way to develop anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox-active small-molecule organic compounds have been widely studied as promising electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity. However, severe dissolution problem and unfavorable electronic conductivity still limit their wide application. Herein, we design and synthesize an organic cathode material by a simple dehydration condensation, i.e., pyrazino[2, 3- b] bispyrazino[2″, 3″:5′, 6′] pyrazino[2′, 3′- f:2″, 3″- h] quinoxaline (HAPN). A fully conjugated multi-pyrazine-based structure provides abundant redox-active sites for high Li-storage capacity. It strengthens π–π interactions, leading to rapid electron transfer and ideal structural stability. Additionally, the unique porous feature and highly extended N-rich aromatic structure provide sufficient channels for rapid electrochemical kinetics. Therefore, HAPN as cathode for LIBs exhibits high Li-storage capacity (282 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), remarkable cycling stability (112 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 even over 1000 cycles), and superior rate capability (86 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1). Additionally, by ex situ spectra analysis and theoretical calculations, the Li-storage mechanism of the HAPN cathode was revealed and understood in depth. This molecular design and detailed mechanism analysis provide essential insights into the development of advanced organic cathodes for next-generation batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offering a comparative analysis of James Baldwin's original 1974 novel If Beale Street Could Talk and the 2018 cinematic adaption directed by Barry Jenkins, this essay argues that the film adaptation successfully reconstructs the novel's depictions of racial injustice and contemplations of heterotopias as sites for potential Black agency but creates notable slippages from the novel's positions on religion, family, and gender. On the one hand, Jenkins closely follows Baldwin's social protest theme and retains discursive contemplations of the street and prison as heterotopian spaces where systemic racism occurs but can also be protested. On the other hand, Jenkins' adaptation centralizes Black romantic heterosexual love to the point of diminishing Baldwin's messaging about the need for family solidarity, the need for humanist solidarity, and the danger posed by fundamentalist religion to Black family solidarity. Jenkins' adaptation widens Baldwin's perlocutionary influence among people who would be uninterested in reading a novel but who would be willing to see a film, and potentially triggers audience members into thinking about the existential crisis of Black people in an anti-Black world, but would also be more societally helpful if it retained Baldwin's messages about hypocritical religiosity, family solidarity, and gender equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium‐ion batteries hold practical potential for large‐scale energy storage owing to their appealing cell voltage and cost‐effective features. The development of anode materials with high rate capability and satisfactory cycle lifespan, however, is one of the key elements for exploiting this electrochemical energy storage system at practical levels. Here, a template‐assisted strategy is reported for acquiring a bimetallic telluride heterostructure which is supported on N‐doped carbon shell (ZnTe/CoTe2@NC) that promotes diffusion of K+ ions for rapid charge transfer. It is shown that in telluride heterojunctions, electron‐rich Te sites and built‐in electric fields contributed by electron transfer from ZnTe to CoTe2 concomitantly provide abundant cation adsorption sites and facilitate interfacial electron transport during potassiation/depotassiation. The relatively fine ZnTe/CoTe2 nanoparticles imparted by the heterojunction result in high structural stability, together with a highly reversible capacity up to 5000 cycles at 5 A g−1. Moreover, using judiciously combined experiment and theoretical computation, it is demonstrated that the energy barrier for K+ diffusion in telluride heterojunctions is significantly lower than that in individual counterparts. This quantitative design for fast and durable charge transfer in telluride heterostructures can be of immediate benefit for the rational design of batteries for low‐cost energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction in base has resulted in large activity gap between acidic and alkaline electrolytes. Here, we present an intermetallic IrMo electrocatalyst supported on carbon nanotubes that exhibits a specific activity of 0.95 mA cm−2 at the overpotential of 15 mV, which is 14.4 and 9.5 times of those for Ir/C and Pt/C, respectively. More importantly, its activities in base are fairly close to that in acidic electrolyte and the activity gap between acidic and alkaline media is only one fourth of that for Ir/C. DFT calculations reveal that the stably-adsorbed OH spectator at Mo site of IrMo can stabilize the water dissociation product, resulting in a thermodynamically favorable water dissociation process. Beyond offering an advanced electrocatalyst, this work provides a guidance to rationally design the desirable HER electrocatalysts for alkaline water splitting by the stably-adsorbed OH spectator. While alkaline water electrolysis offers a green means for hydrogen production, H2-evolving catalysts typically show worse activities in alkaline media than in acid. Here, authors examine IrMo intermetallics as electrocatalysts and identify a stably-adsorbed OH spectator in promoting performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the population ages, cognitive impairment and dementia have become one of the greatest health threats in older adults. Prior studies suggest that exergaming could improve cognitive function in older adults. To date, few long-term exergames intervention studies on older adults during the COVID-19 epidemic exist. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exergame on cognitive function in Chinese older adults, and to examine whether exergame was more effective than aerobic dancing for executive function and working memory. Methods: 55 participants (mean age = 65.4 ± 3.7 years) were randomly assigned to an exergame training (ET) group, an aerobic dancing training (ADT) group, or a control (CON) group. The ET and ADT groups received 36 sessions (three 75-min training sessions per week, exercise intensity = 65 to 75% HRmax) during a 12-week period. The outcome measures for cognitive function included working memory measured by the N-back test, and executive function measured by the Stroop test. Results: The ET group showed a significantly positive effect in working memory, relative to the ADT (accuracy in 1-back test: ES = 0.76, p < 0.01), and CON group (accuracy in 1-back test: ES = 0.87, p = 0.02). Moreover, the performance in the Stroop test showed some improvements in executive function after intervention in the ET and ADT groups (Stroop intervention effect: ES = 0.38; p = 0.25). Conclusions: Exergame had a positive benefit in improving cognitive functions in older adults without cognitive impairment. Long-term exergame training could improve working memory in older adults. Exergame and aerobic dancing can efficiently improve inhibitory control of executive function in older adults. Maintaining an active lifestyle is protective of cognitive health in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of effective, stable anhydrous proton‐conductive materials is vital but challenging. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising platforms for ion and molecule conduction owing to their pre‐designable structures and tailor‐made functionalities. However, their poor chemical stability is due to weak interlayer interactions and intrinsic reversibility of linkages. Herein, we present a strategy for enhancing the interlayer interactions of two‐dimensional COFs via importing planar, rigid triazine units into the center of C3‐symmetric monomers. The developed triazine‐core‐based COF (denoted as TPT‐COF) possesses a well‐defined crystalline structure, ordered nanochannels, and prominent porosity. The proton conductivity was ≈10 times those of non‐triazinyl COFs, even reaching up to 1.27×10−2 S cm−1 at 160 °C. Furthermore, the TPT‐COF exhibited structural ultrastability, making it an effective proton transport platform with remarkable conductivity and long‐term durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of effective, stable anhydrous proton‐conductive materials is vital but challenging. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising platforms for ion and molecule conduction owing to their pre‐designable structures and tailor‐made functionalities. However, their poor chemical stability is due to weak interlayer interactions and intrinsic reversibility of linkages. Herein, we present a strategy for enhancing the interlayer interactions of two‐dimensional COFs via importing planar, rigid triazine units into the center of C3‐symmetric monomers. The developed triazine‐core‐based COF (denoted as TPT‐COF) possesses a well‐defined crystalline structure, ordered nanochannels, and prominent porosity. The proton conductivity was ≈10 times those of non‐triazinyl COFs, even reaching up to 1.27×10−2 S cm−1 at 160 °C. Furthermore, the TPT‐COF exhibited structural ultrastability, making it an effective proton transport platform with remarkable conductivity and long‐term durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aging and physical inactivity are associated with declines in physical fitness and cognitive function. Active video games have proven to be beneficial for the physical health of older adults, but the exact effect of active video games on physical fitness and cognitive function was still unclear. Based on self-determination theory (SDT), which is a widely used theory of healthy behavior change, this study aimed to explore the effects of an active video game intervention on fitness and cognitive function in older adults. Methods: A total of 38 participants (mean age = 65.68 ± 3.78 years, 24 female) were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (active video game training) or a control group (no additional intervention). The participants in the intervention group trained for a total of 36 sessions (3 times per week for 50–55 min each) for 12 weeks. The control group continued with their normal daily living. The pre- and posttest measurements included: IPAQ-C score and physical fitness (BMI, body fat percent, blood pressure, reaction time, sit and reach, vital capacity, grip strength, static balance, blood biochemical tests for liver function, kidney function, blood lipids, glucose and insulin levels) and cognitive functions (processing speed, spatial ability, working memory, language ability, associative memory). Result: The intervention group showed a significantly smaller decrease in total average physical activity relative to the control group. BMI, vital capacity, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and spatial cognition significantly improved after training in the intervention group (BMI: F = 9.814, p = 0.004, d = −0.93, vital capacity: F = 4.708, p = 0.038, d = 0.67, systolic blood pressure: F = 5.28, p = 0.028, d = −0.68, diastolic blood pressure: F = 6.418, p = 0.016, d = −0.86, spatial cognition: F = 8.261, p = 0.007, d = 0.72). Three measures of static balance (closed eyes) also showed improvements after training (total length of swing: F = 3.728, d = −0.62, total velocity of swing: F = 3.740, d = −0.62, total area of swing: F = 2.920, d = −0.70). No significant training effects were evident in the results from the blood biochemical tests. Conclusion: This study indicates a positive influence of active video game training on physical fitness and cognitive function. The use of SDT-based active video game exercise as a feasible, safe, and effective training method for improving community older adults' healthy, promoting group cohesion, and increasing motivation to exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research shows physical activity (PA) is negatively associated with refractive error, especially outdoor activity. Our study aimed to examine the association of PA levels and sedentary time (SED) with refractive error in boys and girls living in urban and rural areas. Methods: A total of 8506 urban/rural boys and girls (13.5 ± 2.8 years old) in Shaanxi Province, China participated in this study. Questions about PA, SED, outdoor exercises, and digital screen time were asked in the study survey. Non-cycloplegic refractive error was measured by an autorefractor. The differences between sex/area groups have been analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The association of PA/SED with spherical equivalent (SE) and cylinder power was analyzed by general linear regression. The association between PA/SED and the risk of refractive error was determined using the binary logistic regression model. Results: Of the 8506 participants, the prevalence of refractive error was significantly higher in girls and urban students (p < 0.05). Less SED and digital screen time, and more outdoor activity were significantly associated with SE (p < 0.05), respectively. More PA and less SED were significantly associated with lower cylinder power (p < 0.05), respectively. More PA and less SED were significantly associated with lower risks of myopia and astigmatism, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: PA and SED were associated with the risk of refractive error. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of refractive error in boys and girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt‐based nanomaterials are now the most reliable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the low atomic utilization efficiency and poor stability severely limit their widespread application. Herein, a facile molten salt approach for synthesizing N‐doped porous carbon embedded with Pt3Fe intermetallic nanoparticles is presented. The Pt loading of the as‐prepared materials is as low at 5.91 wt. %, while exhibiting a half‐wave potential of 0.85 V and diffusion limiting current density of −5.68 mA cm−2 in alkaline condition, which is superior to commercial Pt/C (0.83 V, −5.48 mA cm−2). As cathode for Zn‐air battery, the power density and specific capacity up to 130.0 mW cm−2 and 833 mAh g−1, respectively, are outperforming Pt/C batteries (85.8 mW cm−2, 632 mAh g−1). The theoretical calculations identify the origin of activity on Pt3Fe; the Pt3Fe (111) plane exhibits more positive activity than (200) plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic electrode materials with environmental friendliness and design flexibility at the molecular level are promising substitutes for inorganic materials as cathodes for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, traditional organic electrode materials usually exhibit poor cycling stability, mainly due to the dissolution of small organic molecules in electrolytes, and low electronic conductivity. Herein, conjugated porous polyimide poly(2,6-diaminoanthraquinone) benzamide (CP-PDAB) was prepared from 2,6-diaminoanthraquinone and pyromellitic dianhydride by a simple polycondensation reaction. The obtained CP-PDAB has disordered aggregates with a porous and loose structure, facilitating the penetration of the electrolyte and buffering the volume change during charging/discharging. The conjugated skeleton with electron delocalization offers the benefits of structural stability, insolubility in electrolyte and high electronic conductivity. When evaluated as a cathode for SIBs, it can retain a high reversible discharge capacity of 141 mA h g−1 at 500 mA g−1 for 100 cycles, and can maintain a high specific capacity of 71 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 500 cycles. This work demonstrates the potential application of organic materials containing a conjugated skeleton, porous and loose structure for next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several types of electrode materials have been developed for high–performance supercapacitors. Most of the relevant studies have focused on the discovery of new atomic structures and paid limited attention to the effect of heterostructures in supercapacitor electrodes, which has long hindered the fundamental understanding of the use of hybrid materials in supercapacitors. In this study, a novel heterostructure based on perovskite oxide (LaNiO3) nanosheets and polyazulene was synthesized. The as–prepared heterostructure–based supercapacitor exhibited a specific capacitance of up to 464 F g−1 at a high current density of 2 A g−1 in 1–ethyl–3–methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. In a symmetric supercapacitor, this heterostructure delivered an energy density of up to 56.4 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1100 W kg−1. Both LaNiO3 and polyazulene contributed pseudocapacitance and dominated the performance. Unexpectedly, electric double–layer capacitance was found to contribute in this system. Density functional theory calculations indicated that the advantage of the high electrical conductivity of the heterostructure benefited the supercapacitor operation. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance analysis revealed that the fast ion flux and adsorption boosted performance. The high intrinsic electrical conductivity and improved stability make this heterostructure a promising electrode material candidate for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical hybrid heteroarchitectures possess attractive structural/compositional merits for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, a facile yet in situ growth strategy is proposed to scalably synthesize hierarchical porous ZnO/ZnFe2O4 hybrid nanofibers (NFs) with robust core/shell heterostructure toward LIBs. In such hybrids, 2D ZnFe2O4 nanosheets (NSs) are uniformly decorated on single‐crystalline ZnO core NFs, thereby affording more exposed active sites, a fast ion diffusion kinetic, and structural stability of electrodes during repeated cycling. As a result, benefiting from the unique hierarchical porous core/shell architecture and synergistic effects between the stable substrate of ZnO NFs and high‐capacity promoter of ZnFe2O4 NSs, the optimized ZnO/ZnFe2O4 hybrid as an anode for LIBs delivers a large reversible capacity of ≈688 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, high rate capability (≈288 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1), and remarkable cyclability (≈491 mAh g−1 even over 250 cycles at 0.5 A g−1) for efficient lithium storage. This work highlights the rational design of a hierarchical architecture with a stable substrate and high‐capacity phases for next‐generation energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various semiconductor materials, zinc telluride possesses the lowest electron affinity and ultrafast charge separation capability, facilitating improved charge transfer kinetics. In addition, ZnTe has a relatively high density, contributing to high volumetric capacity. Here, 1D N‐doped carbon‐coated ZnTe core‐shell nanowires (ZnTe@C) are designed and prepared via a facile ion‐exchange and carbonization technique. When evaluated as anode for metal ion batteries, it demonstrates superior electrochemical performance in both Li and Na ion storage, including high gravimetric and volumetric capacities (1119 mA h g−1 and 906 mA h cm−3, respectively, at 100 mA g−1 for Li ion storage), excellent high‐rate capability, and long‐term cycling stability. This remarkable electrochemical performance is attributed to the low electron affinity and high density of ZnTe, and the amorphous nature of the N‐doped carbon layer in the heterostructured ZnTe@C nanowires, which not only provide fast charge transfer paths, but also effectively maintain the structural and electrical integrity of the ZnTe. The strategy of embedding high density and high‐performance active materials in highly conductive nanostructures represents an effective way of achieving electrode materials with excellent gravimetric and volumetric capacities towards superior energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for improving the energy conversion efficiency of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has motivated the development of advanced electrocatalysts with desirable activity and durability. Pt-Based intermetallic compounds, featuring atomically ordered structures, have long been considered to be very promising alternatives to widely employed Pt and Pt alloy (solid solutions) catalysts. To facilitate the practical application of Pt-based intermetallics in PEMFCs, effective strategies have been developed to further improve their catalytic activity and durability over the last decade. This feature article overviews the recent advances on the strategies for enhancing the electrochemical performances of Pt-based intermetallic catalysts, which include size control, surface engineering, and composition tuning. Thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives on the formation of the intermetallic phases are summarized to better design the synthesis conditions and realize the size control. After this, the size-control approaches (e.g. coating protection, matrix protection) are illustrated and discussed. We highlight the positive effect of surface engineering and discuss the recently developed methods for surface engineering. Finally, we discuss the thermodynamic feasibility of composition tuning and recent work based on composition-tunable intermetallic electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of newly reported antiperovskite nitrides CuxIn1−xNNi3 (0≤x≤1) with tunable composition are employed as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Cu0.4In0.6NNi3 shows the highest intrinsic performance among all developed catalysts with an overpotential of merely 42 mV at 10 mA cmgeo−2. Stability tests at a high current density of 100 mA cmgeo−2 show its super‐stable performance with only 7 mV increase in overpotential after more than 60 hours of measurement, surpassing commercial Pt/C (increase of 170 mV). By partial substitution, the derived antiperovskite nitride achieves a smaller kinetic barrier of water dissociation compared to the unsubstituted InNNi3 and CuNNi3, revealed by first‐principle calculations. It is found that the partially substituted CuxIn1−xNNi3 possesses a thermal neutral and desirable Gibbs free energy of hydrogen for HER, ascribed to the tailoring of the energy of d‐band center arose by the A‐site (A=Cu or In) substitution and a resulting optimization of adsorbate interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of newly reported antiperovskite nitrides CuxIn1−xNNi3 (0≤x≤1) with tunable composition are employed as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Cu0.4In0.6NNi3 shows the highest intrinsic performance among all developed catalysts with an overpotential of merely 42 mV at 10 mA cmgeo−2. Stability tests at a high current density of 100 mA cmgeo−2 show its super‐stable performance with only 7 mV increase in overpotential after more than 60 hours of measurement, surpassing commercial Pt/C (increase of 170 mV). By partial substitution, the derived antiperovskite nitride achieves a smaller kinetic barrier of water dissociation compared to the unsubstituted InNNi3 and CuNNi3, revealed by first‐principle calculations. It is found that the partially substituted CuxIn1−xNNi3 possesses a thermal neutral and desirable Gibbs free energy of hydrogen for HER, ascribed to the tailoring of the energy of d‐band center arose by the A‐site (A=Cu or In) substitution and a resulting optimization of adsorbate interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercapacitors (SCs) with high power output have attracted increasing attention as efficient and environmentally friendly energy storage devices. Prussian blue and its analogues (PB/PBAs) are simple coordination polymers with tunable chemical compositions and open framework. Prussian blue can act as electrode materials in its pristine form and has also been utilized to derive various metallic nanostructures for electrochemical applications due to their simple fabrication process, non‐toxic characteristics, and low price. Here, we firstly describe the charge storage mechanisms of SCs briefly followed by an introduction of the fabrication methods of PB/PBAs and their derivatives. Then, a comprehensive review on recent studies of the use of PB/PBAs and their derivatives as the electrode materials for SCs are given with a focus on strategies to improve their electrochemical performances. Finally, we discuss critical challenges in this research area and propose some general ideas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: N, O co-doped graphene layered block (NOGB) was prepared as sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries. The NOGB/S shows good rate performance due to robust electrochemical kinetics. The strong physicochemical confinement leads to an improved cycling stability.The development of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) is restricted by their poor cycle stability and rate performance due to the low conductivity of sulfur and severe shuttle effect. Herein, an N, O co-doped graphene layered block (NOGB) with many dents on the graphene sheets is designed as effective sulfur host for high-performance LSBs. The sulfur platelets are physically confined into the dents and closely contacted with the graphene scaffold, ensuring structural stability and high conductivity. The highly doped N and O atoms can prevent the shuttle effect of sulfur species by strong chemical adsorption. Moreover, the micropores on the graphene sheets enable fast Li+ transport through the blocks. As a result, the obtained NOGB/S composite with 76 wt% sulfur content shows a high capacity of 1413 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, good rate performance of 433 mAh g−1 at 10 C, and remarkable stability with 526 mAh g−1 at after 1000 cycles at 1 C (average decay rate: 0.038% per cycle). Our design provides a comprehensive route for simultaneously improving the conductivity, ion transport kinetics, and preventing the shuttle effect in LSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost‐efficient ZnMnO3 has attracted increasing attention as a prospective anode candidate for advanced lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its resourceful abundance, large lithium storage capacity and low operating voltage. However, its practical application is still seriously limited by the modest cycling and rate performances. Herein, a facile design to scalable synthesize unique one‐dimensional (1D) mesoporous ZnMnO3 nanorods (ZMO‐NRs) composed of nanoscale particles (≈11 nm) is reported. The 1D mesoporous structure and nanoscale building blocks of the ZMO‐NRs effectively promote the transport of ions/electrons, accommodate severe volume changes, and expose more active sites for lithium storage. Benefiting from these appealing structural merits, the obtained ZMO‐NRs anode exhibits excellent rate behavior (≈454 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1) and ultra‐long term cyclic performance (≈949.7 mAh g−1 even over 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1) for efficient lithium storage. Additionally, the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2//ZMO‐NRs full cell presents a practical energy density (≈192.2 Wh kg−1) and impressive cyclability with approximately 91 % capacity retention over 110 cycles. This highlights that the ZMO‐NRs product is a highly promising high‐rate and stable electrode candidate towards advanced LIBs in electronic devices and sustainable energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize the cycle life and rate performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), ultra‐fine Fe2O3 nanowires with a diameter of approximately 2 nm uniformly anchored on a cross‐linked graphene ribbon network are fabricated. The unique three‐dimensional structure can effectively improve the electrical conductivity and facilitate ion diffusion, especially cross‐plane diffusion. Moreover, Fe2O3 nanowires on graphene ribbons (Fe2O3/GR) are easily accessible for lithium ions compared with the traditional graphene sheets (Fe2O3/GS). In addition, the well‐developed elastic network can not only undergo the drastic volume expansion during repetitive cycling, but also protect the bulk electrode from further pulverization. As a result, the Fe2O3/GR hybrid exhibits high rate and long cycle life Li storage performance (632 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1, and 471 mAh g−1 capacity maintained even after 3000 cycles). Especially at high mass loading (≈4 mg cm−2), the Fe2O3/GR can still deliver higher reversible capacity (223 mAh g−1 even at 2 A g−1) compared with the Fe2O3/GS (37 mAh g−1) for LIBs. Winning ribbon: Graphene ribbon networks can effectively improve electron/ion transfer to enhance the battery performance of hybrids, especially at high mass loading. Ultra‐fine Fe2O3 nanowires uniformly anchored on interconnected graphene ribbon networks are successfully synthesized, and exhibit high rate and long cycle life performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing energy demand of electronic devices and electric vehicles, the achievement of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries with high specific capacity and superior rate capability and cycling stability still remains a challenge. Herein, we report a novel strategy to prepare the core–shell mesoporous single-crystalline MnOx nanofibers@graphene (PSCMnOx@G) through a “spraying–rapid freezing” process. The elastic graphene shell not only improves the conductivity of the electrode but can also substantially inhibit the collapse of MnOx nanofibers (NFs) over continuous discharge–charge cycles. Moreover, the double-exchange interaction of manganese mixed-valence ions further improves the conductivity of manganese oxide, and Li ion diffusion is significantly enhanced by the vertically aligned single-crystalline and mesoporous structure of MnOx NFs. As a result, the PSCMnOx@G exhibits an ultrahigh rate performance (1072 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 419 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1), which is among the best ever reported for MnOx based anodes, as well as excellent cycling stability (1162 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1 over 500 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve high-performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs), tremendous efforts have been devoted to the design of multifunctional electrode materials with a short Li+ diffusion pathway, high electronic conduction, large electrode/electrolyte contact area and efficiency elastic buffer space to accommodate volume change during cycling. However, the design and synthesis of these versatile structures still remain a big challenge. Here, for the first time we present a novel strategy for spatial confinement of ultra-small and highly crystallized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (∼12 nm) within double graphene networks constructed by ultra-small graphene sheets (USGNs) and large graphene sheets (GNs). The interconnected double graphene networks can act as a “barrier” for spatially confined growth of ZnFe2O4 and as a “structural buffer” for enhanced cycling stability, as well as electrically conductive paths. As a result, the ZnFe2O4/USGN/GN exhibits a large reversible capacity of 1257 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate capability (575 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1), and superior cycling stability (706 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 1000 cycles and 475 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 even after 2000 cycles). Our strategy can be further extended to the fabrication of other electrode materials for supercapacitors, fuel cells and metal-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have purposefully developed a smart template-engaged methodology to efficiently fabricate well-defined ternary spinel ZnMn2O4 hollow nanotubes (NTs). The procedure involves coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with ZnMn2O4 nanosheets (NSs), followed by heating at high temperature in air to oxidize the CNT template. Physicochemical characterization demonstrated that the formed ZnMn2O4 NTs with a diameter of approximately 100 nm were composed of assembled NSs and/or nanoparticles (NPs) as building blocks and possessed numerous nanopores of several nanometers in the sidewall of the NTs. In favor of the intrinsic structural advantages, the resulting ZnMn2O4 NTs exhibited superior electrochemical lithium-storage performance with a large capacity, good rate behavior, and excellent cyclability when evaluated as promising anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The remarkable electrochemical performance was rationally ascribed to the appealing one-dimensional (1D) porous hollow tubular architecture with nanoscale subunits and mesopores in the sidewalls, which decreased the diffusion length for the Li+ ions, improved the kinetic process, and enhanced the structural integrity with sufficient void space to tolerate the volume variation during Li+-ion insertion/extraction. These results highlight the promising application of 1D ZnMn2O4 NTs as anodes for high-performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]