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Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries show promise in meeting the requirements of high energy density and cost-effective energy storage systems. However, they are hindered by slow reaction kinetics and lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling. In this research, a multifunctional sulfur host, Ti3C2Tx/VS2, is developed by incorporating VS2 onto the surface of few-layer Ti3C2Tx using a self-assembly method. The presence of VS2 sheets can prevent the re-stacking of Ti3C2Tx sheets. The Ti3C2Tx/VS2 composite exhibits high electronic conductivity, strong adsorption and anchoring of LiPSs by Ti3C2Tx, and excellent electrocatalytic activity due to VS2. Additionally, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used as both conductive agents and binders in the cathode to promote electron/ion transport and improve structural stability. These characteristics can accelerate redox kinetics and mitigate LiPS shuttling. The Ti3C2Tx/VS2/S composite cathode demonstrates a high initial capacity of 1382.7 mA h g−1 and excellent cycling stability, maintaining a reversible capacity of 806.6 mA h g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.1C. Moreover, 3D printing technology is utilized to manufacture 3D grid electrodes with a high sulfur loading of 10.05 mg cm−2. The 3D-printed composite cathode maintains an areal capacity of 7.13 mA h cm−2 after 100 cycles at 0.05C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries can offer high capacity and energy‐density, but face challenges like low conductivity, lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttling, and limited reaction kinetics. In this study, the electronic configuration of Mo 4d orbital in MoS2 is modulated through a one‐step method involving tungstate anion (WO42−) modulation to form a stable 1T‐MoS2/carbon composite (1T‐W‐MoS2/C). When WO42− is introduced, it causes a transfer of electrons to Mo in 2H‐MoS2, resulting in the generation of a stable 1T phase. In the composite, 1T‐MoS2 nanosheets exhibit remarkable electronic conductivity, hydrophilicity, and catalytic activity, facilitating the LiPSs adsorption and Li+ transport. Meanwhile, the WO42− modulation can create abundant adsorption/catalytic sites with defects on the basal surface and edges of MoS2, facilitating the efficient catalysis of LiPSs conversion. Furthermore, the 3D‐printed electrodes without utilization of binders and current collectors can ensure high mass loading and promote ion diffusion and electrolyte penetration. Theoretical and experimental results confirm that 1T‐W‐MoS2/C can catalyze LiPSs conversion, suppress LiPSs shuttling, and enhance sulfur reaction kinetics. Therefore, the 3D‐printed 1T‐W‐MoS2/C/S cathode exhibits a high initial capacity and excellent rate capability, achieving an areal capacity of 7.37 mAh cm−2 with a sulfur loading of 8.89 mg cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown significant potential in hybrid capacitive deionization owing to their unique structure and adjustable pore size. However, their limited electronic conductivity and electrochemical stability hinder their practical application. In this study, we developed hierarchically structured Ni-MOF nanosheets interconnected by carbon nanotubes (Ni-MOF@CNT) through a one-pot hydrothermal reaction. By combining the porous structure of Ni-MOF with the synergistic effect of Ni2+ ions and CNTs, the Ni-MOF@CNT electrode with fast interfacial charge transfer demonstrates a high desalination capacity of 47.58 mg g–1 and excellent cycling stability. Additionally, the Ni-MOF@CNT electrode demonstrates a remarkable Li+ ion extraction capacity of 30.29 mg g–1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K can reversibly intercalate into graphite by forming KC8 (279 mA h g−1, ≈0.2 V) in conventional carbonate electrolytes, but the large ionic radius of K+ (1.38 Å) easily results in structural degradation and rapid capacity decay. Here, commercial graphite particles are directly electrospun into network-like carbon fibers, thus forming a flexible Gr@CNF membrane. This hybrid electrode configuration can efficiently withstand the volume expansion during K+ insertion. K‖‖Gr@CNF half-cells can stably operate for over 800 cycles (running time of 170 days at C/3) and achieve fast K+-intercalation kinetics at 5C. The fabricated Gr@CNF‖‖AC K-ion hybrid capacitor delivers a high energy density of 119.3 W h kg−1 at 2717.82 W kg−1, corresponding to a fast-charge time of 3.2 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic ammonia production holds immense promise as an environmentally sustainable approach to nitrogen fixation. In this study, In2O3/In2S3-ZnCdS ternary heterostructures were successfully constructed through an innovative in situ anion exchange process, coupled with a low-temperature hydrothermal method for ZnCdS (ZCS) incorporation. The resulting In2O3/In2S3-ZCS photocatalyst was proved to be highly efficient in converting N2 to NH3 under mild conditions, eliminating the need for sacrificial agents or precious metal catalysts. Notably, the NH4+ yield of In2O3/In2S3-0.5ZCS reached a significant level of 71.2 μmol g−1 h−1, which was 10.47 times higher than that of In2O3 (6.8 μmol g−1 h−1) and 3.22 times higher than that of In2O3/In2S3 (22.1 μmol g−1 h−1). This outstanding performance can be attributed to the ternary heterojunction configuration, which significantly extends the lifetime of photogenerated carriers and enhances the spatial separation of electrons and holes. The synergistic interplay between CdZnS, In2S3, and In2O3 in the heterojunction facilitates electron transport, thereby boosting the rate of the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation reaction. Our study not only validates the efficacy of ternary heterojunctions in photocatalytic nitrogen fixation but also offers valuable insights for the design and construction of such catalysts for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are increasingly recognized for their great potential in the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the sluggish kinetics of the CO2RR impedes their widespread commercialization. Here, a novel in situ formed metal/high-entropy perovskite heterointerface, NiFe@Sr2Fe0.4V0.4Mo0.4Ni0.4Ti0.6O6−δ (SFVMNT), is proposed to enhance the CO2RR. The electronic conductivity of NiFe@SFVMNT is one order of magnitude higher than that of Sr2FeMoO6−δ perovskite. Theoretical analyses reveal that the strong metal/perovskite interaction significantly accelerates CO2RR kinetics. Moreover, NiFe@SFVMNT with its high-entropy configuration and embedded exsolution structure ensures high stability during the continuous CO2RR. As an application, the NiFe@SFVMNT-based SOECs demonstrate an impressive current density of 1.66 A cm−2 at 1.5 V and 800 °C, maintaining nearly consistent performance over 200 h, thereby surpassing most state-of-the-art cathode materials for the CO2RR. Consequently, this metal/high-entropy perovskite interface emerges as a highly efficient and durable cathode of SOECs towards the CO2RR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]