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Highlights Analyze the primary causes of cathode failure in three representative batteries, illustrating their underlying regeneration mechanism. The latest research status of direct regeneration of spent lithium–ion batteries was reviewed and summarized in focus. The application examples of direct regeneration technology in production practice are introduced for the first time, and the problems exposed in the initial stage of industrialization were revealed.

Abstract The recycling bio-waste shells problem has grown more and more serious in recent years and many efforts have been made to solve this problem. One possible solution is to put these bio-shells into concrete and recycle them as building materials using the aggregate matrix concrete approach. To verify the engineering feasibility, the mechanical properties of bio-shells aggregated concrete were invested via gradient substitution rates at 10%, 30%, and 50% with a total of 78 groups of specimens in this paper. Our results show that the mechanical properties of the concrete were enhanced in maximum flexural strength and maximum compressive. Economic performance was also analyzed and found that the costs of frame-shear structure, frame structure, and tube-in-tube structure were reduced by 10.2%, 10%, and 10.3%. The carbon environmental assessment also shows superiority in the carbon reduction of a single specimen with various rates of the shell. In summary, compared with ordinary concrete materials, it is very possible to use waste bio-shells as a substitute for aggregates to develop the sustainable recycling development of concrete materials.

This paper critically examines the significant strides China has made toward sustainable urban development, emphasizing the evolution of green building practices since 2015. Through a detailed analysis of green building policies under China's 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans, as well as the General Code for Building Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Utilization, this study highlights the progressive integration of sustainability in construction. Notable advancements include the implementation of stringent energy efficiency standards and the incorporation of renewable energy technologies, which have collectively shifted the paradigm of architectural practices in urban China. Moreover, the paper draws upon several case studies, such as the Shanghai Chenghuaxinyuan Project and Mini Sky City, to illustrate the tangible outcomes and the effectiveness of these policies in real-world settings. These examples not only demonstrate significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions but also reflect the scalability and replicability of such initiatives in other urban contexts. Key findings suggest that China's proactive policy landscape has catalyzed a national movement towards environmentally responsible construction, setting a global benchmark for sustainable urban development. The paper argues that these policy-driven initiatives have important implications for practitioners, who are encouraged to adopt innovative construction technologies and sustainable practices. For policymakers, the study underscores the necessity of continuous support for research and development in green technology, coupled with robust regulatory frameworks to sustain momentum in the green building sector. Finally, the paper offers comprehensive recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficacy and adoption of green building practices, proposing that future policy directions should focus on integrating smart city technologies to further optimize energy use and urban sustainability.

Abstract In response to the urgent environmental and social challenges posed by mining operations, this paper introduces the Mining Area Sustainability Index (MASI), a novel framework aimed at transforming the mining sector towards sustainable practices. Mining activities have historically led to significant environmental degradation, including water contamination and habitat destruction, contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. These activities also have profound social implications, such as displacing communities, endangering health, and distributing economic benefits inequitably, often leaving local communities in developing countries marginalized. Recognizing these challenges, this paper outlines the consolidation and standardization in sustainability reporting within the mining sector as a pivotal development. The introduction of international standards by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and the European Union's European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) marks significant strides towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and sustainability across mining operations. Furthermore, the concept of double materiality, assessing both financial and social impacts of mining, represents an advancement in comprehending the broader societal impacts of mining alongside its environmental and economic effects. MASI emerges as a comprehensive tool designed to assess the sustainability of mining areas, offering a nuanced understanding of mining activities' impacts on local environments, societies, and economies. By focusing on localized, community-centric evaluations, MASI aims to fill existing gaps in sustainability assessment and provide a reference for local residents to gauge the sustainability of their surroundings. This framework advocates for a multidimensional approach to sustainability, encompassing ecological preservation, social welfare, and economic viability, urging a reimagined, sustainable future for mining communities.

Abstract This “Policy Brief” explores the potential integration of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) into the United Kingdom’s air quality and public health monitoring frameworks, highlighting its potential to enhance existing air pollution control strategies. Amid growing concerns over air pollution’s impact on health, particularly the link between particulate matter and lung cancer, this brief presents a focused investigation into how AOD can be leveraged alongside traditional monitoring methods to provide a more nuanced understanding of air quality trends. By correlating AOD data with lung cancer incidence rates within the UK, the brief aims to uncover potential associations and inform public health decisions. Furthermore, it discusses the advantages and limitations of employing AOD in air pollution and respiratory disease monitoring, advocating for a strategic enhancement of the UK's air pollution monitoring efforts. This approach seeks to complement and refine current monitoring practices with advanced remote sensing techniques, aiming to inform policy innovations that prioritize environmental health and public welfare. Through a comprehensive review of existing data and policies, the brief underscores the urgency of adopting multidimensional air quality management strategies that respond to technological advancements and emerging public health needs.

The paper outlines the urgency and strategies for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy discussed at the 2023 Climate Change Conference (COP28). It emphasizes the Paris Agreement's role and highlights the environmental harm of fossil fuels, advocating for sustainable alternatives like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. This transition is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting economic and health benefits. Key findings reveal advancements in renewable technologies, resulting in job creation, energy independence, and improved health due to reduced pollution. However, the transition faces challenges such as high initial costs and the need for advanced infrastructure, particularly in developing countries. The paper underscores the importance of sustainable mining for essential materials like lithium and cobalt, and references António Guterres's “five-point energy plan” as a strategic approach to address these issues. In conclusion, the paper stresses the necessity of global collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil societies. It asserts that the path to sustainable energy is rich with opportunities for innovation, growth, and equitable progress, providing a comprehensive roadmap for a feasible and just energy transition for all nations.

Digital fabrication technologies, such as 3D printing and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, are spearheading a transformative shift in urban development across China. This movement is underpinned by robust governmental support and attractive financial incentives, which are pivotal in fostering innovation within the realms of construction and architectural design. The integration of these cutting-edge technologies is poised to redefine conventional construction methodologies, promising unprecedented levels of efficiency and precision. This evolution extends beyond mere construction efficiency; it is instrumental in the emergence of smart cities, enhancing urban services and infrastructures and advancing sustainability goals. The deployment of digital fabrication techniques signifies a pivotal moment in China's urbanization journey, ushering in a new epoch where the dynamics of urban construction and design are fundamentally altered. This paradigm shift is anticipated to have profound implications for the future of urban development, offering exciting opportunities for innovation and sustainability. With digital fabrication at the helm, China is navigating towards a future where urban environments are not only more efficiently constructed but are also more responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of their inhabitants. The result is a promising horizon for urban development, where the fusion of technology, sustainability, and smart urban planning paves the way for cities that are not only more livable but also emblematic of future-forward thinking and environmental stewardship.

In a groundbreaking advance for sustainable energy, a recent study unveils a transformative approach to hydrogen production, signaling a major shift in renewable energy. This study integrates one-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with the innovative concept of harvesting atmospheric water, marking a significant stride in the quest for cleaner energy sources. It stands as the first successful integration of Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) with photocatalysis, as well as the inaugural application of COFs in the photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen from water vapor. It envisions a future where our atmosphere becomes a vital, untapped reservoir for clean energy, merging cutting-edge science with a profound commitment to environmental sustainability. This breakthrough challenges conventional energy paradigms and opens up exciting possibilities for a world striving towards ecological balance and energy innovation.

The mineral processing industry is pivotal in natural resource extraction and historically contributes to environmental damages like land degradation and groundwater contamination. In the face of resource scarcity and environmental pollution, sustainable solutions are increasingly vital. The circular economy focuses on reusing, recycling, and reducing waste, which turns unwanted by-products into valuable assets. Sustainable chemical processes offer innovative solutions in waste material reclamation and integration into the production chain. These practices not only mitigate waste but also enable resource recovery, turning waste management costs into profits. Repurposing mineral waste reduces mining's environmental impact, lessens new mining needs, and yields economic advantages.

This study developed a sustainable concrete material called Sustainable Porous-Insulation Concrete (SPIC), using mine solid waste (tailings), construction waste (waste perlite particles), and white waste (EPS granules) as aggregates. Through thermal conductivity and compression strength experiments, micro-structure analysis, and toxic leaching experiments, it was found that SPIC has both excellent thermal insulation and good strength, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly material. Potential applications of SPIC include thermal (acoustic) walls in buildings, insulated road foundations in permafrost areas, and backfill mining. Noteworthy, in the discussion section, we addressed the potential environmental impact of mine solid waste and highlighted the importance of its reuse. To facilitate the reuse of mine solid waste, we proposed a classification framework for mine solid waste based on the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC). This framework provides a standardized approach for classifying mine solid waste based on its potential for reuse, which can help to promote sustainable and responsible resource management in the mining industry.

Water splitting is widely acknowledged as an efficient method for hydrogen production. In recent years, significant research efforts have been directed towards developing cost-effective electrocatalysts. However, the management of bubbles formed on the electrode surface during electrolysis has been largely overlooked. These bubbles can impede the active sites, resulting in decreased catalytic performance and stability, especially at high current densities. Consequently, this impediment affects the energy conversion efficiency of water splitting. To address these challenges, this review offers a comprehensive overview of advanced strategies aimed at improving catalytic performance and mitigating the obstructive effects of bubbles in water splitting. These strategies primarily involve the utilization of experimental apparatus to observe bubble-growth behavior, encompassing nucleation, growth, and detachment stages. Moreover, the review examines factors influencing bubble formation, considering both mechanical behaviors and internal factors. Additionally, the design of efficient water-splitting catalysts is discussed, focusing on modifying electrode-surface characteristics. Finally, the review concludes by summarizing the potential of bubble management in large-scale industrial hydrogen production and identifying future directions for achieving efficient hydrogen production.

Summary: As global demand for natural resources escalates, the environmental impact stemming from resource extraction has risen to the forefront of contemporary discussions. This paper probed the potential of using vegetation cover as an ecological barometer to gauge the level of environmental damage and restoration in mining areas: a decline in vegetation cover may signify detrimental impacts from intense mining activities, while an increase may indicate effective local environmental stewardship. Therefore, this paper undertook an assessment and discussion of mining damage and environmental management at China’s Ta’ershan Mining Area since 2007, calculating and visualizing FVC (Fractional Vegetation Cover) of the Ta’ershan Mining Area to track changes in vegetation cover between 2007 and 2021. Changes in vegetation cover in the Ta’ershan Mining Area could act as a reflection of both mining-induced damage and subsequent successful environmental management by local authorities, providing a practical way to evaluate ecological effects in resource development.

Two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered as the next generation of hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts due to their adjustable band gap, near-zero Gibbs free energy, and lower cost compared to noble metal catalysts. However, the electrochemical catalytic hydrogen evolution performance of TMDs with two-dimensional properties is limited by innate sparse catalytic active sites, poor electrical conductivity, and weak electrical contact with the substrate. It remains challenging for the intrinsic activity of TMDs for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) to compete with the noble metal platinum. In recent years, significant development of transition metal chalcogenides, especially MoS2 and WS2, as catalysts for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic HERs has proceeded drastically. It is indispensable to summarize the research progress in this area. This review summarizes recent research results of electrocatalysts and photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions based on two-dimensional materials, mainly including MoS2, WS2, and their compounds. The challenges and future development directions of two-dimensional hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalysts and photocatalysts are summarized and prospected as well.

Despite China’s position as a global mining powerhouse, tens of thousands of small- and medium-sized mines (SM mines) within the country continue to pose potential safety hazards and environmental pollution risks. Only through the identification of suitable development paths can these mines improve their economic and environmental benefits, ultimately driving significant progress in China’s mining industry. Backfill mining, an environmentally friendly mining method, has emerged as a viable solution, offering the potential to ensure mining safety, reduce environmental pollution stemming from tailings stockpiles, and enhance ore resource recovery. This review article aims to provide researchers and readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and challenges faced by SM mines in China. It explores the mining processes, technologies, and equipment commonly employed by these mines while addressing the specific problems and challenges they encounter. Furthermore, the article offers recommendations to guide the future development of SM mines. Additionally, the review examines the prospects and potential applications of backfill mining methods within the context of SM mines in China, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable mining practices, environmental protection, and waste utilization. Ultimately, this comprehensive review article serves as a valuable resource, stimulating discourse and encouraging experts and scholars to further explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with SM mines. By highlighting the significance of green mining practices, environmental protection, backfill mining, and waste utilization, the article aims to inspire innovative solutions and foster sustainable practices within the Chinese mining industry.

Mine pollution from mining activities is often widely recognised as a serious threat to public health, with mine solid waste causing problems such as tailings pond accumulation, which is considered the biggest hidden danger. The construction of tailings ponds not only causes land occupation and vegetation damage but also brings about potential environmental pollution, such as water and dust pollution, posing a health risk to nearby residents. If remote sensing images and machine learning techniques could be used to determine whether a tailings pond might have potential pollution and safety hazards, mainly monitoring tailings ponds that may have potential hazards, it would save a lot of effort in tailings ponds monitoring. Therefore, based on this background, this paper proposes to classify tailings ponds into two categories according to whether they are potentially risky or generally safe and to classify tailings ponds with remote sensing satellite images of tailings ponds using the DDN + ResNet-50 machine learning model based on ML.Net developed by Microsoft. In the discussion section, the paper introduces the environmental hazards of mine pollution and proposes the concept of “Healthy Mine” to provide development directions for mining companies and solutions to mine pollution and public health crises. Finally, we claim this paper serves as a guide to begin a conversation and to encourage experts, researchers and scholars to engage in the research field of mine solid waste pollution monitoring, assessment and treatment.

Tailings concentration is indispensable for backfilling. Additionally, the residual flocculants in the concentration process affect the rheological properties of ultra-fine argillaceous backfilling slurry (e.g., viscosity and yield stress), resulting in a great effect on the fluidity and resistance of pipeline transportation. In this study, to explore the effect of flocculants residue on the rheological properties of the slurry, a series of rheological tests (constant shear rate test and variable shear rate test) were performed by changing the type, dosage, stirring time, temperature of flocculants addition and the amount of binder added. The results showed that the addition of flocculants increased the viscosity and yield stress of slurry. At a certain amount of flocculants additive, the flocculant network structure reached the best development state, which had a positive effect on increasing slurry viscosity and yield stress. As the stirring time increased, the scale of damage to the flocculant network structure became larger, which had a negative effect on increasing slurry viscosity and yield stress. Low temperature weakened the adsorption and bridging effect of polymeric chains, resulting in a poorly developed flocculant network structure, which had a negative effect on increasing slurry viscosity and yield stress. Caused by hydration products, the viscosity and yield stress of slurry with binder further increased. This study is significant for an in-depth study of the rheological and pipeline transport characteristics of ultra-fine argillaceous backfilling slurry, optimising the selection of flocculants for ultrafine particles, guiding backfill parameters and improving the reliability of pipeline transport.

Defects in transition metal dichalcogenides play important roles in the field of the catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the use of defective MoS2 as HER catalysts remains controversial because the types of defects are various, including zero-dimensional point defects, one-dimensional linear defects, and two-dimensional plane defects. Recently, novel structures of linear defects have drawn more and more attention, and it is necessary to explore their unique properties. This review focuses on the formation mechanism, fabrication method, accurate atomic structure, and catalytic hydrogen evolution mechanism of sulfur line vacancies in MoS2 as electrocatalysts. The structure–activity relationship between line defects and catalytic performance is discussed in detail. This will provide a route for the design of excellent catalysts by engineering line defects.

With the continuous innovation and development of science and technology, the mining industry has also benefited greatly and improved over time, especially in the field of backfill mining. Mining researchers are increasingly working on cutting-edge technologies, such as applying artificial intelligence to mining production. However, in addition, some problems in the actual engineering are worth people’s attention, and especially in China, such a big mining country, the actual engineering faces many problems. In recent years, Chinese mining researchers have conducted a lot of studies on practical engineering problems in the stope and goaf of backfill mining method in China, among which the three most important points are (1) Calculation problems of backfill slurry transportation; (2) Reliability analysis of backfill pipeline system; (3) Stope backfill process and technology. Therefore, this final part (Part III) will launch the research progress of China’s practical engineering problems from the above two points. Finally, we claim that Part III serves just as a guide to starting a conversation, and hope that many more experts and scholars will be interested and engage in the research of this field.

In the mining industry, with numerical simulation analysis of stope roof stability, stope exposed area computation, and pillar buckling collapse simulation, backfill body creep damage mechanism research is becoming the most popular method in the field of backfill mining techniques. In this paper, we first summarized and analyzed the current application status and the existing problems of numerical simulation for solving mining engineering technical problems; then, based on the practical engineering problems of mining phosphate rock resources under high and steep rock slopes (HSRS), we carried out a true-3D numerical simulation study for different underground mining methods, to determine the appropriate mining method. Therefore, this paper, taking Dingxi Mine in China as an example, highlights the advantages of the backfill mining method with a high and steep slope; meanwhile, it also points out how to improve the accuracy of a numerical simulation and make it more consistent with the actual situation of the mining engineering application site. This paper only serves as a guide, in order to start a conversation, and we hope many more experts and scholars will become interested and engaged in this field of research.

The backfill mining method is a widely used mining method in the major mines of China, which can maximize the recovery of mineral resources and protect the environment. Currently, major mines in China are starting to build backfill systems to apply the backfill mining method, therefore, Part II reviews the progress China has made on creating backfill systems, of which the main contents include: (1) Composition of the backfill system common in Chinese mines; (2) Typical examples of the backfill system in China. Finally, Part II serves as a guide to begin a conversation, and to encourage experts and scholars to engage in the research of this field.

The backfill mining method is one of the common methods of mine mining worldwide, due to its capacity to maximize the recovery of mineral resources and protect the underground and the surface environment. Similar to the developing conditions of China’s mining industry, China’s backfill mining technology started late, and the level of its equipment is weak, but its development is particularly rapid. Especially after entering the 21st century, China has paid more attention to mining safety, environmental protection, and the continuous implementation of resources development, China’s backfill mining method has increasingly improved, and the level of filling equipment has gradually reached the most advanced level worldwide, which means China has been making great progress in the equipment of backfill mining method, and in recent years, China has also made great progress in the theory of backfill pipeline transportation. Therefore, Part I mainly focuses on both the theory and equipment of backfill pipeline transportation and the recent progress China has made in is introduced in two sections as follows: (1) the theory of backfill pipeline transportation and (2) the equipment of the backfill mining method. Finally, the authors claim that this paper serves just as a guide, tossing out a brick to get a jade gem, and we hope many more experts and scholars will be interested and engage in the research of this field.

With the depletion of surface resources, mining will develop toward the deep surface in the future, the objective conditions such as the mining environment will be more complex and dangerous than now, and the requirements for personnel and equipment will be higher and higher. The efficient mining of deep space is inseparable from movable and flexible production and transportation equipment such as scrapers. In the new era, intelligence is leading to the development trend of scraper (LHD), path tracking control is the key to the intelligent scraper (LHD), and it is also an urgent problem to be solved for unmanned driving. This paper describes the realization of the automatic operation of articulating the scraper (LHD) from two aspects, a mathematical model and trajectory tracking control method, and it focuses on the research of the path tracking control scheme in the field of unmanned driving, that is, an LQR controller. On this basis, combined with different intelligent clustering algorithms, the parameters of the LQR controller are optimized to find the optimal solution of the LQR controller. Then, the path tracking control of an intelligent LHD unmanned driving technology is studied, focusing on the optimization of linear quadratic optimal control (LQR) and the intelligent cluster algorithms AGA, QPSO, and ACA; this research has great significance for the development of the intelligent scraper (LHD). As mining engineers, we not only need to conduct research for practical engineering projects but also need to produce theoretical designs for advanced mining technology; therefore, the area of intelligent mining is the one we need to explore at present and in the future. Finally, this paper serves as a guide to starting a conversation, and it has implications for the development and the future of underground transportation.

Reusing spent anodes is a pivotal step for recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, it proves challenging to completely eliminate Cu impurities from spent graphite (SG), which hinders the effective recycling of spent anodes. In this paper, a straightforward air oxidation method is proposed to directly upgrade spent anodes into stable CuO/C anodes by harnessing the inherent Cu impurities in spent anodes. The air oxidation process not only repairs the SG to some extent but also generates uniformly dispersed CuO nanoparticles, which chemically bind with the repaired graphite (RG) through Cu–O–C bonds. The specific discharge capacity of the CuO/RG anode can reach as high as 647 mA h g−1 even after 500 cycles (at 372 mA g−1 ). In addition, this program is found to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by ∼80% compared to previously reported CuO/C production programs. Clearly, this approach provides a new direction for large-scale recycling of spent LIBs and low-cost production of high-performance CuO/C anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cyclobutanone is a strained motif with broad applications, while direct assembly of the aromatic ring fused cyclobutanones beyond benzocyclobutenone (BCB) skeletons remains challenging. Herein, we report a Rh-catalyzed formal [3+2] annulation of diazo group tethered alkynes involving a 4-exo-dig carbocyclization process, providing a straightforward access to furan-fused cyclobutanones. DFT calculations disclose that, by comparison to the competitive 5-endo-dig process, 4-exo-dig carbocyclization is mainly due to lower angle strain of the key sp-hybridized vinyl cationic transition state in the cyclization step. Using less reactive catalysts Rh2(carboxylate)4 is critical for high selectivity, which is explained as catalyst-substrate hydrogen bonding interaction. This method is proved successful to direct access previously inaccessible and unknown furan-fused cyclobutanone scaffolds, which can participate in a variety of post-functionalization reactions as versatile synthetic blocks. In addition, preliminary antitumor activity study of these products indicates that some molecules exhibite significant anticancer potency against different human cancer cell lines.