Journal of environmental management • 2026

Prolonged idle conditions pose a major challenge to aerobic granular sludge (AGS) systems by compromising granule integrity and pollutant removal performance. This study investigates the in situ reactivation of AGS after three months of static storage using two quorum sensing molecules, N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) and N-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL). All reactors rapidly restored COD and NH 4 + -N removal efficiencies to >92% and >98%, respectively. C6-HSL significantly accelerated phosphorus recovery, reaching removal efficiencies above 90% by day 26, compared to day 34 in the control and C8-HSL groups. C8-HSL enhanced EPS secretion and granule growth, yielding the largest granule size (1210 μm), which was 1.26-fold and 1.71-fold larger than those in the control and C6-HSL groups, respectively. Metagenomic analysis revealed comparable microbial structures at the phylum level, but distinct functional responses. C6-HSL increased the abundances of phosphorus metabolism genes (ppk, ppx, ppa), while C8-HSL notably upregulated genes related to the biosynthesis of tyrosine, tryptophan, and structural polysaccharides (e.g., alginate and Psl), supporting enhanced EPS production and granule stability. These results demonstrate molecule-specific regulatory roles of individual N-acyl-homoserine lactones during AGS reactivation, linking functional recovery and structural regeneration to distinct quorum sensing pathways. This study provides mechanistic and engineering insights into an energy-efficient strategy for restoring AGS performance after prolonged ambient idle conditions, with direct relevance to the stable operation and management of full-scale wastewater treatment systems.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Stability in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of palm oil mill effluent (POME) is frequently compromised by temporal fluctuations in organic loading that cause process inhibition. This study aims to compare the effects of material conductivity on AD performance under varying feed-to-inoculum (F/I) ratios. Batch reactors were operated under mesophilic conditions (37 ± 1°C) for 54 d using carbon felt, carbon graphite felt, carbon fiber brush, and polyurethane foam at 3 g·L -1 dosage and F/I ratios of 1.45, 2.16, and 3.62 (g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/gCOD). Material addition improved solids degradation, COD removal, and volatile fatty acid reduction (p < 0.05). Carbon felt achieved the greatest improvement, increasing methane production by 39% and shortening the lag phase by up to 4.0 days, relative to the control. Statistical analysis confirmed that the F/I ratio was the dominant factor influencing methane yield and lag phase (p < 0.05), whereas material conductivity did not significantly affect performance (p > 0.05). Mechanistic investigation integrating kinetic behavior and thermodynamic evaluation found that the observed improvements were driven mainly by microbial retention, biofilm development, and stabilized syntrophic cooperation rather than conductivity-mediated electron transfer. Although direct interspecies electron transfer offers favorable donor-side thermodynamics, its acceptor-side proton demand constrains its practical expression, thereby limiting the correspondence between conductivity and performance. Overall, this study highlights that temporal shock loading commonly encountered in the continuous AD of POME systems can be effectively buffered through material addition, with stabilization driven by microbial adaptation capacity rather than conductivity-dependent mechanisms.

Environmental microbiome • 2026

Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a cost-effective and efficient approach for wastewater treatment, but the mesophilic anaerobic digestion only well performed within a narrow temperature range, typically between 30 and 40 °C. However, lower temperatures affected the performance of AD, microbial community and granular sludge properties. Recent studies mainly focused on adding exogenous quorum sensing (QS) signal molecules to accelerate the recovery of anaerobic digestion performance under pressure conditions, while few studies on endogenous QS molecules. To investigate microbial stress adaptation mediated by endogenous QS system under stepwise temperature reduction, an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor with gradual temperature reduction from 35 to 20 °C was constructed.

Journal of hazardous materials • 2026

Xanthates are widely used collectors in sulfide ore flotation, but pose ecological risks due to their toxicity and the releasing of carbon disulfide (CS 2 ). This study systematically investigated the biodegradation of three representative xanthates-potassium amyl xanthate (PAX), potassium butyl xanthate (PBX), and potassium isopropyl xanthate (PIX)-in an oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor (O 2 -MBfR). The O 2 -MBfR achieved over 98 % removal of all xanthates across surface loadings up to 6000 mg-COD/m 2 ·d, with corresponding COD removals of 62-90 %. While PIX exhibited slightly lower COD removal due to the slower oxidation of its branched isopropyl group, functional gene analyses revealed the co-enrichment of alcohol and sulfur oxidation genes (adh, ALDH, soxABC/XYZ, fccAB) and C-S bond cleavage genes (cynT, ssuD). Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic results showed that Pseudomonas and Rhodanobacter predominated in PIX degradation, whereas Thiobacillus, Zoogloea, and Ottowia were mainly involved in PAX and PBX oxidation. Monod kinetics indicated that PIX had the highest maximum specific degradation rate (33.85 mg/gVSS/h) and lowest sCOD decay rate constant (0.29 h -1 ), reflecting strong microbial affinity but limited mineralization. Continuous-flow treatment of real flotation wastewater achieved > 98 % xanthate and ∼85 % COD removal, confirming system robustness. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the structure-dependent biodegradability of xanthates and demonstrate the feasibility of O 2 -MBfR technology for sustainable treatment of flotation wastewater.

Journal of environmental management • 2026

Coking wastewater (CWW) contains complex, highly toxic organic compounds, posing substantial environmental risks. Conventional treatments are often ineffective in removing refractory organics, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 + -N). In this study, a laboratory-scale biofilm-enhanced biological fluidized bed-biological filter (BF-BFB) system was developed for the treatment of real CWW, using a microbial consortium bioaugmented with Comamonas sp. ZF-3 as the inoculum. Preliminary comparative experiments employing different types of wastewater were conducted to evaluate the applicability of bioaugmentation, and the results demonstrated superior performance under high-concentration conditions. The BF-BFB system was then operated with high-strength influent. The integrated system showed excellent treatment efficiency, reducing COD from 858.78 to 44.21 mg/L and NH 4 + -N from 70.04 to 0.48 mg/L. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that most refractory compounds, including phenol and pyridine, were completely degraded or significantly reduced. Dense and stable biofilms formed in all reactor units within 30 days, with average thicknesses of 171 μm in the facultative anaerobic biofilter, 175 μm in the aerobic fluidized bed, and 161 μm in the anaerobic biofilter. Microbial analysis revealed Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Chlorobi as the dominant phyla. Simulated degradation experiments confirmed the high removal efficiency of phenol and pyridine, achieving nearly complete pyridine degradation. Based on the laboratory-scale findings, the BF-BFB system was successfully implemented in a full-scale coking wastewater treatment project in Yunnan, achieving COD and NH 4 + -N removal efficiencies exceeding 99%. This study provides an effective, scalable technical solution for treating coking wastewater.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Traditional two-stage anaerobic digestion of food waste is hindered by long retention times and low digestion rates. To overcome these limitations, an advanced liquefaction-anaerobic digestion (ALAD) process was developed and verified at both the laboratory and pilot scales. The ALAD process first dissolved organic matter from the solid to the liquid phase by supplementing a microbial consortium, and then converted the liquefied organic matter into biogas in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors. A eukaryote-prokaryote mixed microcosm enriched with Saccharomycetales and Clostridium for synergistic hydrolysis and acidogenic fermentation liquefied 52.3% of solid organic matter in 6 days. Subsequent methanogenesis of the liquefied organic matter achieved 94.0% COD removal at an organic loading rate of 11 kg COD/m 3 /d and a hydraulic retention time of 1 day. Methane generation was predominantly mediated by Methanobacterium and Methanosaeta, which together accounted for 34.7% of total microbial abundance and channeled 75.9% of organic carbon into biogas. Life cycle assessment of pilot-scale experimental data showed obvious advantages of ALAD for greenhouse gas mitigation and resource conservation. This study developed a scalable strategy for effective and sustainable resource recovery from food waste.

Bioresource technology • 2026

To enhance the performance of endogenous partial denitrification (EPD) systems, different iron valence states (nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI), Fe(II), and Fe(III)) were introduced, and their effects on microbial communities and metabolic pathways were investigated using metagenomics. The results indicated that iron supplementation significantly improved the removal of COD, NO 3 - -N, and PO 4 3- -P, as well as NO 2 - -N accumulation. Notably, Fe(III) proved most effective, achieving a NO 2 - -N accumulation of 27.7 ± 3.7 mg/L and a PO 4 3- -P removal efficiency of 64.7 ± 7.5%, whereas excessive Fe(II) and Fe(III) (40 mg/L) inhibited NO 2 - -N accumulation. While the overall microbial community structure remained stable, iron addition enriched specific denitrifying and phosphorus-accumulating genera such as Candidatus Competibacteraceae (1.36%, 2.40%, 2.30%), Candidatus Competibacter (0.40%, 0.65%, 0.62%), and Thauera (3.02%, 1.76%, 3.00%). nZVI promoted carbon utilization and denitrification gene expression, enhanced the including endogenous carbon transformation and nitrogen metabolism. In contrast, Fe(II) and Fe(III) enhanced NO 2 - -N accumulation by suppressing key genes (nirS/nirK, norB, nosZ) and shifted phosphorus metabolism toward chemical removal as the dominant pathway. Exogenous iron optimizes the performance of the EPD system by downregulating iron metabolism genes (afuA, fbpA, and afu) to mitigate iron toxicity stress. These findings provide theoretical support for optimizing EPD systems and improving nutrient removal in wastewater treatment.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Low temperatures suppress microbial growth and metabolism activity and pollutant removal in wastewater treatment systems. This study systematically compared shaping effect of micro electric fields (MEF) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) on municipal wastewater treatment by a microalgae-bacteria system (MBS) at 5 °C, 10 °C, and 15 °C. Both electric field modes showed significant improvement in cell biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigment synthesis, and nutrient and COD removals compared to non-electrified controls. Under identical operating conditions, MEF and PEF exhibited distinct electrobiological modulation behaviors, MEF promoted more stable cell biomass-pollutant coupling under cold stress, whereas PEF provided stronger short-term stimulation at moderately low temperatures. Energy analysis showed that PEF reduced volumetric energy consumption by 20-50% compared with MEF. Overall, a coupled process of microalgal-bacterial consortia and PEF offers an energy-efficient, non-thermal complementary strategy to conventional thermal approaches for wastewater management under low-temperature conditions.

Water research • 2026

Semi-coking wastewater (SCWW) contains toxic compounds that threaten both human health and ecosystem integrity. In this study, an anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox)-based simultaneous partial nitrification, anammox, and denitrification (SNAD) process, enhanced with a novel polyvinyl alcohol/phytic acid/iron (PVA/PA/Fe) hydrogel carrier, was evaluated for treating actual SCWW. During long-term operation, the system achieved removal efficiencies of 90.8 % for ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 + -N) and 91.4 % for chemical oxygen demand (COD) in SCWW. The PVA/PA/Fe carrier facilitated sludge aggregation, enhanced extracellular polymeric substance secretion, and successfully enriched key functional microbes, encompassing anammox bacterium Candidatus Brocadia and phenol-degrading denitrifier Ottowia. Acute toxicity assays and nitrogen removal inhibition tests identified phenyl cyanate as a major toxicant in SCWW. Molecular docking confirmed its strong binding affinity for critical enzymes such as hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (Hao) and nitric oxide reductase (Nor). Adsorption experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the PVA/PA/Fe effectively adsorbed phenyl cyanate via Fe-mediated coordination, with an adsorption capacity of 10.59 mg g -1 . This capacity was sixfold greater than that of the unmodified carrier, substantially lowering the environmental concentration of phenyl cyanate and alleviating its inhibitory effect. Collectively, these findings provide a viable carrier-enhanced strategy for the biological treatment of SCWW.

Journal of environmental management • 2026

Soilless greenhouse cultivation generates large volumes of wastewater with high nutrient concentrations, while effective solutions for its environmentally safe management remain limited. This study compared two strategies for final wastewater treatment. In Variant A, wastewater underwent direct biological treatment in a biofilm reactor, whereas in Variant B, it was first alkalized to pH 8.5 to induce phosphorus precipitation and recovery before biological treatment. Citric acid served as the sole organic carbon source, applied at COD/N ratios of 2, 4, and 6. The study evaluated nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency, citric acid utilization, sludge characteristics, and bacteriobiome dynamics. Preliminary alkalization enabled recovery of over 95% of phosphorus and improved denitrification, resulting in effluent nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations below discharge limits. Denitrification was efficient across a wide pH range (2.45-8.97), and citric acid supported complete denitrification despite inhibitory effects of increased alkalinity from nitrate reduction or post-alkalization conditions. The COD/N ratios required for complete denitrification were 3.16 ± 0.16 (Variant A) and 3.14 ± 0.10 (Variant B). Higher COD/N ratios enhanced pollutant removal rates and reduced hydraulic retention time. Alkalization had a stronger impact on bacteriobiome composition than on metabolic activity, with structural transformations proving more critical than changes in microbial abundance. Dominant genera included Castellaniella, Paracoccus, and Trichococcus, depending on treatment variant and COD/N ratio. Overall, the two-stage strategy integrating alkalization with citric acid-driven biological denitrification provides an effective and sustainable solution for managing nutrient-rich wastewater from hydroponic systems.

Journal of environmental management • 2026

The application of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology for treating real, low-concentration sewage (0.89 ± 0.26 kg COD/m 3 ·day; COD: 195.6 ± 57.8 mg/L; C/N 9:1 C/N 9:1) at a pilot scale was investigated. Two sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were started up with no inoculum and operated with different cycle configurations. SBR1 operated on a 4-h cycle with a 40-min non-aerated phase followed by 180 min of aeration, while SBR2 had a 15-min non-aerated phase followed by 205 min of aeration, treating real sewage to determine how feeding phase duration influences granulation, EPS dynamics, and nutrient removal under high-temperature and low-strength conditions. AGS formation occurred within 80 and 48 days in SBR1 and SBR2, respectively. Both reactors achieved COD and ammonia removal rates of over 70% and 80%, respectively. SBR1 showed superior COD removal (83 ± 8% vs 74 ± 15%) due to higher biomass retention, while SBR2 exhibited faster granulation and higher average EPS (203 ± 109 vs 157 ± 137 mg/g VSS). Nitrite accumulation in SBR1 (8.2 ± 5.3 mg/L) reflected free ammonia inhibition of NOB, whereas SBR2 produced more nitrate (4.4 ± 4.2 mg/L). EPS declined sharply to 33-49 mg/g VSS under low F/M ratios (<0.3 kg COD/kg VSS·d), indicating endogenous metabolism and structural maintenance. Microbial analysis revealed EPS-producing genera (Mesorhizobium 25.9% in SBR1; Paracoccus 24.2% and Devosia 10.3% in SBR2) that enhanced stability but limited complete denitrification under the tested conditions. These findings demonstrate that shorter non-aerated feeding accelerates granulation but can also reduce biomass retention, while longer feeding enhances pollutant removal but results in slower startup, these results provide critical design parameters for tropical AGS implementation with real sewage.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Advances in Materials • 2025

The initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of lithium‐ion batteries, quantifying the irreversible Li+ loss during the first cycle, is critical for determining practical energy density. Many electrode materials exhibit substandard ICEs (<90%) due to excessive formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Traditional strategies modifying SEI formation mainly focus on the generating process but often consume extra Li+ and yield limited improvements. Here, a strategy is introduced that targets the terminating process of SEI formation, usually impeded by interfacial parasitic reactions, to achieve ICEs exceeding 90%. Using TiO2 as a model electrode, it is demonstrated that equivalent chemical fluorination suppresses the parasitic reaction between phosphorus pentafluoride (PF₅) and surface hydroxyl groups (─OH), early terminating SEI formation. Interfacial analysis and theoretical simulations reveal that this approach reduces organic SEI formation while preserving the beneficial LiF‐rich inner SEI layer. As a result, the fluorinated TiO2 anode exhibits an ICE of 92.1%, significantly higher than the 74.1% of pristine TiO2, without compromising other electrochemical performance metrics. Pouch cell tests confirm the practical applicability of the method. This work provides deep insights into mechanisms of terminating SEI formation and opens a new pathway for optimizing the battery performances through inherent SEI manipulation.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Batteries &amp; Supercaps • 2025

Traditional graphite‐based anode materials perform poorly in sodium‐ion battery (SIB) due to their insufficient interlayer spacing. Hard carbon has received much attention as anode material for SIBs. Biomass materials are a perfect source of hard carbon precursors due to their inherent benefits and ability to be renewed. Herein, silicon/hard carbon (Si/HC‐X) composite is synthesized from Citrus limon leaves as a useful anode material for SIBs. The intrinsic doping of silicon in carbon matrixes increases interlayer distance as well as defects, which promotes mass transportability and Na+ adsorption capacity. The optimized Si/HC‐1100 electrode shows ≈261 mAh g−1 of reversible specific capacity with ≈79.8% initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Additionally, the composite exhibits ≈87.4% capacity retention at 200 mA g−1 after 200 cycles. The plateau capacity increases from Si/HC‐900 to Si/HC‐1300 as the micro‐ and nanopores formation increases with increasing calcination temperature. The expanded‐interlayer distance contributes to the plateau capacities, whereas slope capacity arises due to adsorption of Na+ on defects and open pores. The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, ex‐situ XRD and Raman analysis suggest “adsorption‐intercalation‐pore filling” mechanism, where intercalation contributes more to the plateau capacity of Si/HC‐1100. Moreover, the full‐cell (Si/HC‐1100||Na3V2(PO4)3) achieves a maximum 207 mAhg−1 reversible capacity from the anode side and remarkable cycle stability.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Nano letters (Print) • 2025

Silicon has emerged as a premier candidate for next-generation lithium-ion battery anodes. Nevertheless, the low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) hinders its commercialization. The mainstream view is that the continuous growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the silicon surface depletes the lithium inventory. In this work, a new mechanism is proposed that the SEI strips off the interphase with silicon as the silicon shrinks during discharge, which is the origin of the low ICE. A mathematical model is developed to describe this phenomenon, and the results demonstrate the ICE of 62%. Based on these findings, an external pressure inhibition mechanism of the interphase stripping is proposed, which can realize a 14% improvement. As a proof-of-concept, a capacity utilization improvement of 63% is also achieved under proper external pressure. This mechanistic and pressure modulation strategy establish a paradigm-shifting approach to overcome the limitations of silicon anodes.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Advanced Energy Materials • 2025

Calendar aging significantly affects lithium metal battery performance, with even short rest periods causing measurable drops in Coulombic efficiency (CE). However, most studies focus only on CE losses during rest, and the impact on subsequent cycles remains unclear. Here, calendar aging behavior is systematically examined in various carbonate and ether electrolytes, showing that aging influences not only CE after rest but also the following cycles. While all electrolytes show CE loss during rest, distinct CE patterns appear in the two post‐rest cycles. To clarify the mechanism behind these fluctuations, dead lithium formation during and after aging is tracked using titration gas chromatography. This also enables quantification of CE loss associated with solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) evolution. The results indicate that the interplay between SEI evolution and dead lithium recovery governs the electrolyte‐dependent CE response during post‐rest cycling. Resting frequency in full cells is further varied, and it is found that increased resting frequency does not necessarily accelerate capacity loss, suggesting that rest‐induced degradation is largely reversible. These findings provide insight into post‐calendar aging mechanisms in lithium metal batteries and highlight the dynamic nature of rest‐induced degradation.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Small Methods • 2025

Driven by the demand for high‐energy‐density storage, Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) and anode‐free Lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs) have attracted significant attention due to their high theoretical capacity and low reduction potential. However, achieving reproducible Coulombic Efficiency (CE) measurements remains a challenge due to inconsistencies in electrochemical protocols and experimental conditions. This study systematically evaluates and compares three CE measurement methodologies, identifying key factors that influence reproducibility and accuracy. Unlike previous studies, which often report CE values without considering their methodological limitations, the impact of electrolyte composition, electrolyte concentration, and electrode surface properties are highlighted on CE variations. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that a pre‐cycling Li reservoir method effectively minimizes substrate effects, leading to the most sensitive measurements across various testing conditions. This work provides a standardized framework for CE evaluation in LMBs and AFLMBs, offering valuable insights for optimizing Li‐free anode interfaces and accelerating the commercialization of high‐performance LMBs.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Small • 2025

Maximizing energy density in Lithium-ion batteries requires careful attention to the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of the cathode. Even among layered metal oxides, the ICE of ternary cathodes (NCM) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) shows significant differences. Nevertheless, the fundamental causes of ICE loss remain poorly understood, particularly in distinguishing between kinetic and structural contributions. In this study, the mechanisms behind ICE loss in layered cathodes are systematically investigated. By introducing apparent and real irreversible capacities and their relationship with charging cut-off voltage and ICE, the roles of lithium-ion diffusion and structural degradation is differentiate, positioning ICE as a physical descriptor that correlates with phase transitions and structural evolution. For LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811), below 4.1 V, the irreversible capacity loss originates almost entirely from lithium diffusion kinetics at the end of discharge, which can be recovered through constant-voltage discharge and shows a certain correlation with the reversible phase transition. Above 4.1 V, real irreversible capacity arises due to irreversible phase transitions and lattice distortion. These results establish a direct link between ICE and structural changes, positioning ICE as a key diagnostic tool for probing phase transitions in layered cathodes and offering insights for the design of next-generation, high-efficiency materials.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

ChemSusChem • 2025

Hard carbon (HC) is a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries due to its affordability, substantial sodium storage capacity, and low sodium intercalation potential. However, it suffers from low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE). Herein, an innovative acetylene-mediated strategy is proposed to tailor the heteroatom content and pore structure of anthracite-derived HC. During pyrolysis, hydrogen radicals from acetylene react with heteroatoms (O, N, S) in anthracite, eliminating them as gaseous species (e.g., H2O, NH3, H2S), while carbon radicals deposit into defects, converting open pores into closed pores. Compared to HC produced through direct anthracite carbonization, the optimized anthracite-based HC demonstrates superior electrochemical performance, delivering a high specific capacity of 220 mAh g-1 at 0.3C with 88% ICE. Furthermore, the material exhibits exceptional cycling stability, maintaining a reversible discharge capacity of 210 mAh g-1 at 0.3C after 500 cycles. This radical-mediated approach simultaneously mitigates irreversible Na+ consumption and boosts capacity, surpassing the typical ICE limit (70%-85%) of HCs. The method provides a universal route for designing high-performance carbon anodes from diverse precursors.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object]

Journal of the American Chemical Society • 2025

Anode-Free Lithium Metal Batteries (AFLMBs) promise ultrahigh energy densities beyond 500 Wh kg-1, yet prior work mainly studied on <350 Wh kg-1 AFLMBs, which lack advantages over commercial Li-ion batteries and mechanistic understanding of battery degradation at high-energy levels. Here, we developed Ah-level 450 Wh kg-1 AFLMBs with >99% Coulombic efficiency (CE) and examined their degradation across cell, electrode, and atomic dimensions. Under high-energy-density conditions (5.6 mAh cm-2 cathode, 2.0 g Ah-1 electrolyte), the battery degradation behavior is dictated by the dominant inactive lithium component. Two typical modes of "sudden death" and "gradual decay" are revealed, which are associated with "truffle-shaped" dead lithium caused by brittle solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and "mushroom-shaped" active lithium interwoven with flexible SEI, respectively. The gradual-decay mode, with slower degradation and minimized dead lithium, exhibits a superior lifespan and safety. In addition, the SEI's elastic deformation emerges as a more reliable parameter than Young's modulus for lithium metal stabilization. These findings are different from previous lower-energy-density studies, wherein the batteries could run many cycles even under a relatively low CE and abundant dead lithium, thus establishing a more reliable composition-structure-performance correlation for battery failure and facilitating the development of high-energy-density practical AFLMBs.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Advances in Materials • 2025

Aqueous zinc‐sulfur batteries (AZSBs) hold great promise for large‐scale energy storage but suffer from low Coulombic efficiency (CE) due to sluggish Zn─S redox kinetics and severe Zn anode corrosion, limiting their cycling life and practical applicability. Although state‐of‐the‐art iodine‐based redox mediators can accelerate cathode kinetics, they typically result in the formation of free I3− species, which exacerbate Zn corrosion. Here, we report a covalent iodo–thiadiazole redox mediator (CIM) as an anti‐corrosive and highly efficient catalyst to achieve high CE in AZSBs. The covalently anchored iodine in CIM effectively suppresses free I3− formation and mitigates Zn corrosion. More importantly, dynamic electronic restructuring from C5═N to C5─N bonds (C5: 5th‐position carbon in the thiadiazole ring) promotes Zn–S redox kinetics through a σ‐coordination electron pathway facilitated by the Zn─I─C5 bond. As a result, CIM‐based coin cells achieve an average CE of 99.56% and a capacity of 344 mAh g−1 after 700 cycles at 8 C. The CIM‐based pouch cell demonstrates a high capacity of 1398 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles at 0.8 C. This work presents a practical design strategy for iodine‐based catalysts, enabling next‐generation aqueous metal‐sulfur batteries with enhanced durability and performance.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Nature Communications • 2025

The fundamental interactions and the as-derived microstructures among electrolyte components play a pivotal role in determining the bulk and interfacial properties of the electrolytes. However, the complex structure-property relationships remain elusive, leading to uncontrollable physicochemical characteristics of electrolytes and unsatisfied battery performance. Herein, we propose two interaction motif descriptors to quantify ion-solvent interactions spanning electrostatic to dispersion regimes. These descriptors are highly relevant to salt dissolution, phase miscibility, and electrode-electrolyte interface chemistries. Guided by the principle of minimizing ion-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions while ensuring sufficient salt dissociation, a representative electrolyte, i.e., lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide dissolved in trimethyl methoxysilane and 1,3,5-trifluorobenzene with a molar ratio of 1:2.5:3.0, is designed, which achieves ~99.7% (±0.2%) Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency and endows 4.5 V Li||LiCoO2 with 90% capacity retention after 600 cycles at 0.2 C/0.5 C charge/discharge rate. Notably, Cu||LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 pouch cells with this electrolyte sustain over 100 stable cycles. By establishing quantitative relationships between interaction motifs and electrolyte functionalities, this work provides a universal framework for rational electrolyte design, paving the way for highly reversible lithium metal batteries. Electrolyte interactions critically govern battery performance yet lack precise design principles. The authors introduce interaction motif descriptors to design an electrolyte enabling 99.7% Li-metal Coulombic efficiency for 4.5 V batteries.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Small • 2025

Hard carbon (HC) is regarded as a promising anode candidate for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its natural abundance, high theoretical capacity, optimal operation potential, and superior cycling stability. However, it suffers from low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor rate capability. Herein, a series of HC-x are prepared by carbonizing chemically-treated waste African redwood at various temperatures of x °C under Ar for 2 h. The optimal HC-1300 is further nitrogen-doped by annealing with melamine at 800 °C under N₂ for 2 h to form N-HC-1300. The N-HC-1300 exhibits a high discharge capacity of 350.1 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C, a high ICE of 90.1%, excellent rate capability (e.g., 260.4 mAh g-1 at 1 C), and superior cycling stability (e.g., 262.7 mAh g-1 after 1200 cycles at 1 C with 96.5% retention). When paired with an N-HC-1300 electrode, the Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 108.7 mAh g-1, an average operating voltage of 3.3 V, and an ICE of 92.9%. At 1 C, the NVP retains 80.2 mAh g-1 after 300 cycles with 93.4% capacity retention. The enhanced performance is attributed to hierarchical pore and channel structures, enlarged carbon layer spacing, and nitrogen doping of N-HC-1300.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Journal of the American Chemical Society • 2025

Prelithiation is a recognized strategy to enhance the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, existing methods generally suffer from insufficient lithiation precision, poor spatial homogeneity, and limited operational feasibility. Here, a molecular customized prelithiation reagent, 1-methyl-naphthalene-lithium/2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (EmNaph-LiΘ = 0.21 V vs Li+/Li), is designed to lithiate graphite anode to its threshold potential for irreversible Li-storage (EGr-irr = 0.22 V vs Li+/Li), thereby achieving an ideal ICE of 100%. The well-matched potentials of EmNaph-LiΘ and EGr-irr enable self-terminating prelithiation upon reaching equilibrium states, precisely eliminating irreversible lithium loss while avoiding the stringent control of lithium dosages or durations required by traditional methods. Combined microstructural and computational analyses reveal that the spontaneous formation of Stage-IV lithium-graphite intercalation compounds (Estage-IV Li-GICΘ = 0.22 V) drives the growth of spatially uniform, inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte interphases (SEI) with accelerated Li+ transport kinetics. Full cells incorporating prelithiated electrodes demonstrate marked improvements in ICE, capacity retention, and energy density. In addition, the universality of this potential-matching approach is demonstrated for hard carbon and silicon/carbon anodes. Our work advances the understanding of graphite intercalation chemistry and provides a scalable, customizable approach to precise prelithiation in LIBs.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Angewandte Chemie • 2025

Li-rich manganese-based oxides (LRMO) are promising cathode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to their high-capacity and low-cost merits. However, the low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and irreversible oxygen release of LRMO severely hinder their commercialization processes. Here, we employ glyoxal treatment to modulate the hybridization between transition metal (TM) 3d and oxygen (O) 2p orbitals in LRMO. This approach is found to reduce the Co/Mn t2g-O 2p hybridization in LRMO while simultaneously activating the Co2+/Co3+ redox below the Fermi level. Our findings demonstrate that tuning TM 3d-O 2p orbital hybridization can be a viable approach to improve the ICE of LMRO. Specifically, the ICE of LRMO can be elevated from 85.3 % to 102.5 %, and a high specific capacity of 291.2 mAh g-1 can be achieved at 0.1 C. Moreover, the treated LRMO cathodes exhibit significantly enhanced capacity retention.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Angewandte Chemie • 2025

Coulombic efficiency (CE) is a quantifiable indicator for the reversibility of lithium metal anodes in high-energy-density batteries. However, the quantitative relationship between CE and electrolyte properties has yet to be established, impeding rational electrolyte design. Herein, an interpretable model for estimating CE based on data-driven insights of electrolyte properties is proposed. Hydrogenbond acceptor basicity (β) and the energy level gap between the lowest unoccupied and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO gap) of solvents are identified as the top two parameters impacting CE by machine learning. β and HOMO-LUMO gap of solvents govern anode interphase chemistry. A regression model is further proposed to estimate the CE based on β and HOMOLUMO gap. Using the new solvent screened by above regression model, the Li metal anode in the pouch cell with an energy density of 418 Wh kg-1 achieves the highest CE of 99.2%, which is much larger than previous CE ranging from 70-98.5%. This work provides a reliable interpretable quantitative model for rational electrolyte design.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Nature Communications • 2025

Lithium metal negative electrode is pivotal for advancing high-energy-density lithium batteries. Despite their promise, the inherent poor interfacial stability of electrolytes on lithium metal and the repeated reconstruction of the solid electrolyte interphase lead to continuous consumption of active Li and electrolyte, causing rapid failure of Li metal batteries under practical conditions. Here, we propose compressing the spacing between Li ions and anions to recruit more anions around Li ions, forming tighter solvation clusters, and then achieving the super-saturated electrolyte with a 16 M Li salt concentration in the solvent phase. This compressed solvation structure electrolyte demonstrates enhanced stability towards Li metal negative electrode, attaining more than 99.9% coulombic efficiency in Li||Cu cells and enabling long cycling life in lean-Li Li metal full cells. Designed with a positive electrode material proportion of 68%, our Li metal pouch cell achieves a specific energy of 510.3 Wh kg−1 (based on the total mass of the cell) and maintains stable cycling over 100 cycles. Li metal batteries face the challenges of poor reversibility and severe side reactions of Li metal negative electrode. Here, the authors propose compressing the solvation structure of Li+, achieving a Li coulombic efficiency beyond 99.9% and thereby enhancing the performance of Li metal batteries.

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Fuels • 2026

Laboratory-based research on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is often costly and limited to a small number of variables, making optimization challenging. However, machine learning (ML) offers a promising solution by enabling efficient multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariable optimization. These techniques can provide significant insights and optimization opportunities. The goal of this study is to propose an ML-based approach to explore the relationships between bioelectricity generation (in terms of voltage, power density (PD), current density (CD), and coulombic efficiency (CE)) and two key variables, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and pH, as well as to recommend their optimal combinations. Specifically, the objectives are to (1) integrate a laboratory-based MFC study with multivariate data analyses; (2) apply PCA to reduce data complexity by focusing on the principal components that account for the greatest variance, thus improving interpretability; and (3) identify the optimal combinations of COD and pH for maximizing bioelectricity generation. The PCA results demonstrated that COD positively influenced the generated voltage while having an inverse effect on CE. Additionally, both PD and CD increased with higher pH values. The optimal combination of COD and pH improved CD, PD, and CE; however, their optimal combination for generated voltage differed, with higher COD leading to higher voltage. The optimal predicted voltage, CD, PD, and CE of the study were 795.71 (mV), 1451.80 (mA/m2), 57.46 (mW/m2), and 4.85%, respectively. By integrating ML approaches, this study contributed to the optimization of bioelectricity generation from wastewater and offered valuable insights for researchers working in this field.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Catalysts • 2025

The expensive nature and limited availability of platinum (Pt) cathodes pose a significant challenge for the widespread adoption of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. Although many alternatives have been studied, very few reports provide a systematic head-to-head comparison of different Ni–oxide cathodes under the same operational conditions. This research investigates cost-effective nickel-based metal oxide composites (Ni–TiO2, Ni–Cr2O3, Ni–Al2O3) as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), using Pt as a reference point. The performance of the MFC was thoroughly evaluated in terms of power output, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, and Coulombic efficiency (CE). The Pt cathode exhibited the highest performance (275 mW m−2, 87% COD removal, 35% CE), confirming its catalytic advantages. Among the alternative materials, the Ni–TiO2 composite yielded the best outcomes (224 mW m−2, 79% COD removal, 17.7% CE), markedly surpassing the performances of Ni–Cr2O3 (162 mW m−2, 72%, 24% CE) and Ni–Al2O3 (134 mW m−2, 64%, 11.6% CE). Koutecký–Levich analysis clarified the mechanisms at play: Pt facilitated a direct 4-electron ORR process, while the composites operated through a 2-electron mechanism. Notably, the semiconductor properties of Ni–TiO2 resulted in a higher electron transfer number (n = 2.8) compared to the other composites (n ≈ 2.3), which accounts for its increased efficiency. With its low production cost, Ni–TiO2 presents an exceptional cost-to-performance ratio. By linking catalytic performance directly to the electronic nature of the oxide supports, this study offers clear design guidelines for selecting non-precious cathodes. The dual evaluation of electrochemical efficiency and cost-to-performance distinguishes this study from prior reports and underscores its practical significance and originality. This study highlights Ni–TiO2 as a highly sustainable and economically viable catalyst, making it a strong candidate to replace Pt for practical MFC applications that focus on simultaneous power generation and wastewater treatment.

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Environmental Progress &amp; Sustainable Energy • 2025

Distillery wastewater, characterized by a high organic load and complex pollutants, poses severe environmental challenges if discharged untreated. This study addresses the need for sustainable treatment methods by developing and optimizing a dual‐chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) capable of both wastewater remediation and bioelectricity generation. Graphite electrodes were surface‐modified using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) at varying concentrations to enhance microbial adhesion and electron transfer. Performance was evaluated through power density, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, and coulombic efficiency (CE). The 5 M KOH‐treated electrodes achieved the highest performance, delivering a maximum power density of 9.0 mW/cm 2 , COD removal efficiency of 87.9%, and CE of 32.1% significantly outperforming both HCl‐treated and untreated electrodes. The improvements were linked to increased surface roughness, porosity, and the presence of oxygen‐containing functional groups. These findings demonstrate that KOH modification offers a cost‐effective and efficient strategy for enhancing MFC performance, making it a promising approach for sustainability.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Indonesian Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainability • 2025

Currently, tofu wastewater (TWW) is one of the major environmental issues that must be addressed. When discharged untreated TWW into natural water bodies or soil, it poses a serious threat to the environment. Therefore, effective treatment of TWW is crucial before to disposal. As an advanced bio-electrochemical technology, the microbial fuel cell (MFC) offers a promising approach to reduce pollutants while simultaneously generating electricity. However, the choice of cathode material is crucial for enhancing MFC performance. This study aims to evaluate the performance of an MFC using an SSM-304 cathode with TWW as the target substrate.  Several characteristics of TWW including pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS), were analyzed before and after MFC treatment. Additionally, the performance of the MFC system was further evaluated based on voltage output (V), current density (J), coulombic efficiency (CE), and MFC efficiency (?MFC). The results show that COD and BOD were reduced by 69.56% and 64.00%, while TS, TDS, and TSS increased by 48.79%, 32.24%, and 45.15%, respectively. The MFC system with SSM-304 produced a voltage of 167 mV, a current density of 267.2 mA/m², a coulombic efficiency of 3.35%, power density of 27.89 mW, and MFC efficiency of 10.43%. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of MFCs for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery.

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Algebra : Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial dan Sains • 2026

Induction motors are electrical machines that operate based on electromagnetic principles to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. In the oil and gas industry, electric motors are widely used for operational processes. This accounts for a large portion of operational costs. At the Fuel Oil Complex II operating unit, the 011P-109B drive motor for the LDO product pump was damaged, so the motor was replaced with one that exceeded the existing specifications, namely from 125HP to 150HP, 111.855 kW, 2 poles, and a frequency of 50 Hz. Research was conducted to test the efficiency of the motor. The method used in this test was a literature review of several publications that comply with national and international standards. Based on efficiency calculations, the 150HP induction motor has superior operational efficiency compared to the 125HP motor, with an average efficiency of 93.63% compared to 93.15%, as well as lower power loss of 4.8kW compared to the 125HP motor, which has a power loss of 5.01kW. The comparison results with the IEC 60034-30-1:2014 standard show that both motors are technically classified in the IE2 (High Efficiency) to IE2+ (Borderline IE3) category.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

International Journal of Managerial Finance • 2026

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between organizational ambidexterity (AMBI) and investment efficiency. While prior research has explored drivers of efficient corporate investment, limited attention has been paid to the strategic role of ambidexterity. We aim to address this gap by examining how firms' ability to balance exploration and exploitation contributes to more effective investment decisions. Design/methodology/approach We measure AMBI using a semi-supervised machine learning approach that analyzes earnings call transcripts from 2005 to 2019. Investment efficiency is assessed using the residuals from a regression of investment on sales growth. To ensure robustness, we apply a range of empirical strategies, including multivariate regressions, propensity score matching, entropy balancing and instrumental variable techniques. Findings Our results show a positive and statistically significant relationship between ambidexterity and investment efficiency. The effect is stronger in firms led by experienced and capable managers or where managerial incentives are well-aligned with shareholder interests and weaker among firms facing financial constraints. We also find that real option intensity, organizational capital and innovation play mediating roles in this relationship. Research limitations/implications The measure of ambidexterity depends on a specific machine learning technique, which may not capture all dimensions of strategic behavior. Future work could explore how ambidexterity influences other corporate outcomes, such as financing policies or risk-taking behavior. Originality/value This study is among the first to leverage neural language models to quantify AMBI. By grounding ambidexterity in real options theory and introducing real option intensity as an empirical mechanism, we show how managerial flexibility under uncertainty improves investment efficiency.

[object Object]

Research Square • 2026

Abstract Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly adopted as governance-focused strategies to enhance sustainability and the delivery of ecosystem services in protected areas. Despite their growing importance, a consistent gap remains between governance design and successful ecological implementation. This research investigates the relationship between governance mechanisms and the quality of ecosystem services, emphasizing the intermediary roles of environmental efficiency and resilience in arid protected areas. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from key stakeholders involved in the management of protected areas. Structural equation modeling was used to look at both direct and indirect effects. The results show that governance mechanisms make ecosystem services much better. Additionally, environmental efficiency and resilience significantly mediate this relationship, with resilience exerting a more pronounced mediating effect. The integrated mediation model demonstrates substantially superior explanatory power compared to the direct-effect model. The results show that governance structures by themselves are not enough to achieve long-term ecological results. Effective implementation strategies that improve operational efficiency and adaptive capacity are also needed. This study adds to the body of research on sustainability governance by providing real-world proof that governance-driven Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can improve the performance of ecosystem services.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Chinese Physics B • 2026

Abstract The passivation of crystalline silicon surface is extremely crucial and irreplaceable in the preparation of crystalline silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells, and it is highly sensitive to the surface structural configuration and characteristics of the silicon substrate. In this work, we innovatively proposed a hydrophobic modification scheme for the silicon substrate surface by diluted HF solution incorporated into the slow lifting process, in order to optimize the interface characteristics and enhance the photovoltaic performance of the solar cells. This study conducts an in-depth exploration of the surface reaction mechanism of silicon wafers during HF slow lifting process and its impact on solar cell performance. Compared to the conventional slow lifting of deionized water conjugated with the drying of hot air, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal that a stable hydrogen-terminated surface with minimal oxidation is formed by the strategic surface modification during HF slow lifting process, characterized by the dominant Si 0 peaks and reduced Si-O-Si signals. The reduced contact resistivity ( ρ c ) and series resistance ( R s ) of the solar cells are also shown to be reduced, and the fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of SHJ cells are enhanced by 2.2% and 1.9%, respectively. This study presents an economical and practical method to modify the surface bonding configuration of crystalline silicon. It is elucidated how precisely engineered c-Si surface chemistry effectively suppresses substrate oxidation and markedly elevates cell performance, while simultaneously streamlining cleaning and texturing protocols to accelerate manufacturing rhythm.

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Journal of Risk and Financial Management • 2026

Stock market efficiency plays a vital role in financial economics, as it reflects how quickly and accurately asset prices incorporate available information. This study investigates stock market efficiency and banking sector stability in the MENA region, focusing on the dynamic interactions between macroeconomic indicators, financial depth, and bank-specific variables. Using panel data from 21 countries over the period 2003–2021, the analysis employs both fixed-effects regression and a Panel Vector Autoregression (PVAR) framework to capture cross-country heterogeneity, temporal dynamics, and systemic interdependencies. The findings reveal that traditional macroeconomic variables, including inflation, GDP per capita, and domestic credit to the private sector, exert limited direct influence on banking sector stability as measured by the Z-score. Instead, the results highlight the importance of country-specific characteristics, institutional quality, and regulatory frameworks in shaping financial resilience across MENA countries. Overall, the findings confirm that effective risk management plays a central role in strengthening bank stability. By enhancing financial resilience, improving operational discipline, and reducing vulnerability to economic and financial shocks, sound risk management practices support the ability of banks to maintain consistent performance over time. The results further suggest that stability is not solely driven by internal mechanisms but also depends on the broader economic and institutional environment in which banks operate. Together, these elements reinforce the capacity of banking systems to contribute to long-term financial stability in the region.

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Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting • 2026

Background and Objectives: Investors use financial statements as a vital tool for evaluating a company's financial position, operational effectiveness, and potential for future growth. This study aim analyze influence efficiency inventory and effectiveness asset to mark company with performance finance as variables mediation in companies subsector trading retail on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, exploring mechanism improvement market valuation through optimization source Power operational and profitability company. Research Design: Study adopt approach quantitative with design causal comparative for test connection cause and effect between variable. Location and Duration Study: Study carried out in the company subsector trading retail listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during five- year period, from January 2020 to December 2024. Methodology: Secondary data collected through documentation report finance annual that has been audited from 20 companies retail use purposive sampling technique, resulting in 100 units observation. Variable measured using inventory turnover to efficiency inventory, total asset turnover for effectiveness assets, return on equity for performance finance, and price to earnings ratio for mark company. Data analysis using analysis track with SPSS version 25, including assumption test classical, multiple linear regression, hypothesis testing partial and simultaneous, coefficients determination, as well as the Sobel test for test effect mediation. Results: Findings show efficiency inventory and effectiveness asset influential positive significant to performance finance with mark significance of 0.000 and 0.024 respectively. Efficiency supply influential direct to mark company with significance of 0.014, while effectiveness asset No influential significant in a way direct with mark significance 0.090. Financial performance proven influential dominant to mark company with significance of 0.000 and coefficient regression highest 196,138. Sobel's mediation test proves performance finance mediate connection efficiency supply to mark company with a p-value of 0.0000 and effectiveness asset to mark company with a p-value of 0.0210. The research model capable explains 67.3 percent variation mark company. Conclusion: Efficiency inventory and effectiveness asset increase mark company retail through improvement performance finance as mechanism mediation. Optimization management supply give signal positive direct to investors, whereas utilization asset productive need translation become superior profitability for increase market valuation. Research upcoming need explore variables external and expanding coverage sector industry for generalization findings.

[object Object]

Applied and Computational Engineering • 2026

Traditional deep-sea equipment primarily relies on batteries or surface-laid cables for power, which imposes substantial constraints on mission economic viability and entails high maintenance costs. Inspired by the highly efficient filtering and capture mechanism of the deep-sea feather duster worm, this research developed a novel bionic composite material that integrates efficient particle capture with triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) functionality. By analyzing the fluid-structure interaction mechanics of the multi-level structure of the feather duster worm's crown tentacles and combining it with the solid-liquid interface contact electrification mechanism, an innovative multi-scale fractal-structured bionic fiber network was designed. Flexible composite fibers consisting of polymer and conductive materials were fabricated using coaxial electrospinning micro-nano assembly technology. For functional validation, a simulated deep-sea environment featuring low temperature, high pressure, and low flow velocity was constructed. Experimental results indicate that under simulated deep-sea flow conditions of 3-5 cm/s, the bionic material achieved a stable capture efficiency of approximately 85% for standard 5 m particles. The triboelectric power generation unit produced an open-circuit voltage of about 3.2 V and a short-circuit current of approximately 0.55 A, delivering an estimated power density of 1.7 mWm, which is sufficient to power micro-sensors.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Building Services Engineering Research &amp; Technology • 2026

Indoor carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) accumulation in university classrooms is associated with fluctuations in students’ cognitive performance. This study investigated the preliminary associations between short-term CO 2 exposure, heart rate (HR), and cognitive accuracy (ACC), leveraging a small-N intensive longitudinal design with 54 synchronized observation sets over 6 days. Results indicated that HR responded to CO 2 in two stages under the observed conditions: an initial sensitive response with relatively stable HR when CO 2 was below the 1000 ppm reference level, followed by a gradual adaptive decline as concentrations increased. Standardized mediation analysis confirmed a global indirect effect (β = −0.106, p 0.05). Notably, segmented analysis revealed that this physiological-cognitive coupling was primarily driven by the intensified impact of HR on cognitive accuracy in Phase II (β = 0.389, p = 0.022), whereas the mechanism remained exploratory in Phase I. These preliminary findings suggest that the relationship between CO 2 and cognition may be mediated by autonomic regulation (reflected by HR). Under the observed classroom conditions, 1000 ppm may serve as a guideline-aligned environmental reference associated with physiological–cognitive shifts. Practical applications This pilot study suggests that heart rate (HR) mediates the association between indoor CO 2 and cognitive performance in university classrooms. Specifically, CO 2 levels exceeding 1000 ppm were associated with distinct physiological changes and reduced cognitive accuracy, highlighting this value as a critical reference for ventilation control. Practically, these results support implementing occupancy-sensitive ventilation strategies to limit CO 2 accumulation. Additionally, the observed CO 2 -HR coupling indicates that aggregate HR trends derived from wearable devices could serve as non-invasive, supplementary indicators of indoor environmental conditions. These exploratory findings inform future human-centric approaches to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) management in educational settings.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Journal of Functional Biomaterials • 2026

The placement technique of resin composites may significantly influence marginal integrity, wear resistance, and operative efficiency. This in vitro study evaluated the influence of different placement techniques for a bulk-fill resin composite on marginal integrity, wear behavior, and application time. Standardized Class I cavities were prepared in extracted human molars and restored using the same bulk-fill composite (Filtek One Bulk Fill, 3M, USA) applied with four techniques: incremental placement, incremental placement with a modeling liquid (GC Modeling Liquid, GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan), bulk placement, and the stamp technique. Application time was recorded in seconds. All specimens underwent combined mechanical and thermal aging (SD Mechatronik, Germany). Marginal integrity was assessed three-dimensionally using micro-computed tomography, while surface wear was quantified through computer-based digital analysis with OraCheck software (Dentsply Sirona, Germany). Bulk placement exhibited significantly higher microleakage scores than the other techniques while demonstrating the shortest application time. Incremental placement, incremental placement with modeling liquid, and the stamp technique showed comparable microleakage results (p 0.05). Although the use of modeling liquid did not increase microleakage, it resulted in significantly greater wear. Placement technique significantly influences marginal integrity, wear behavior, and application time of bulk-fill composite restorations.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object]

Energy Efficiency • 2026

Abstract The United Kingdom has committed, through a legally-binding target, to achieve net zero emissions in the UK economy by 2050. The UK government envisages local authorities as being critical actors in achieving net zero. However, no coherent national guidance regarding net zero implementation exists for local governments. In the context of evolving national- and regional- scale energy planning, with the formation of Great British Energy, the National Energy System Operator and other bodies, local authorities will have an increasing role in energy planning. However, funding environments, human resources and technical capacity remain constrained. Strong governance mechanisms will be required to manage the socio-technical transition to a net zero future in the UK, and to engage with multiple actors across spatial and political scales. This article draws on research examining the challenges that UK local authorities (at County Council, District Council and Combined Authority scales) are having with access to and analysis of data for meaningful evaluation of current projects and future project planning. Through semi-structured interviews with 19 separate actors from UK local authorities, national bodies and consultancies working in net zero with UK local governments, we: • Examine the evaluation gap in carbon reduction, project costs and progress to net zero. • Consider the effect that an uncoordinated national policy framework for net zero is having on the ability for local authorities to effectively evaluate future project development routes. • Discuss how the increasingly adopted Local Area Energy Planning methodology is affecting local net zero policy and spatial planning, and what governance frameworks are needed to ensure that a net zero project is well-facilitated, timely and accelerated. Our findings highlight principles for how governance for monitoring and evaluation of net zero projects is a necessary foundation for assessing the success or failure of interventions, having relevance in the UK and beyond.