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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.

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.

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.