Journals
2026 EN
Patra Amarshi · Liu Zhaohan · Kasthurirangan Pavithra
+1 more
The inherently poor conductivity of the olivine structure in LiFePO 4 results in limited electrochemical performance, thus restricting its applications in Li‐ion batteries. To address this issue, this manuscript explores the use of an ion‐conducting binder based on a high‐density functional poly(ionic liquid) (HFPIL) and investigates the impact of enhanced ion conductivity on electrochemical performance. High‐density water‐soluble polymethylene‐based functional binders, such as poly(hydroxycarbonylmethylene) (PFA), poly(hydroxycarbonylmethylene ‐co ‐oxycarbonylmethylene 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) (PMIF), and poly(oxycarbonylmethylene 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) (PMAI), are synthesized and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Water‐soluble binders show better long cycling and rate studies compared to N‐methyl pyrrolidone‐soluble poly(vinylidene fluoride) binders. The PMAI binder shows excellent cycle stability, retaining 103% of initial capacity at 1C after 200 cycles and 94% at 5C after 290 cycles. The densely imidazolium‐functionalized poly(ionic liquid) reduces charge transfer resistance, lowers Li‐ion desolvation activation energy, and increases Li + diffusion coefficient. The improved performance of the cathodic half‐cell containing the PMAI binder (PMAI/LFP) is attributed to the ion conduction properties of the imidazolium‐functionalized polymer, which participates in cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) formation as confirmed by the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mitigates thick CEI formation. The HFPIL also shows better peeling strength and crack‐free cycled electrode. These findings provide valuable insights into designing better binders for active materials suffering from poor ionic conductivity.
Journals
2026 EN
Niazi Maryam · Paiva Diana · Danzi Federico
+3 more
A novel multifunctional structural electrolyte is developed using plain–weave glass fiber reinforced with a composite polymer matrix for load‐bearing energy‐storage applications such as structural batteries. The composite matrix comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blended with epoxy, LiTFSI salt, and Al 2 O 3 at optimized ratios. A set of techniques is used to evaluate and optimize the thermo‐electro‐mechanical properties of the matrix, including dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), potentiostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PEIS), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. The optimization reveals a clear trade‐off: increasing salt content enhances ionic conductivity but compromises mechanical properties, while the addition of nanofiller improves stiffness but reduces ionic conductivity. Based on multifunctionally balancing, a formulation of PVA 0.34 /epoxy 0.14 /LiTFSI 0.32 /(Al 2 O 3 ) 0.2 is obtained. The structural electrolyte, composed of glass fiber impregnated with the optimized matrix, is characterized using PEIS, DMA, tensile testing, and charge–discharge tests within lithium iron phosphate (LFP)/lithium metal and LFP/graphite cells. The electrolyte exhibits a storage modulus of 3 GPa, an ionic conductivity of 1.74 × 10 −4 S cm −1 , a bulk stiffness of 1.82 GPa, and a tensile strength of 56.9 MPa. Full‐cell testing demonstrates long cycle life and stable cyclability for ≈240 cycles, maintaining a high Coulombic efficiency of around 95% throughout cycling.
Journals
2026 EN
Lemm Philipp · Söder Jan · Reichenberger Sven
+1 more
Mild pulsed laser postprocessing of catalyst dispersions via pulsed laser defect engineering in liquids has emerged as an effective tool to enhance catalytic activity. This approach enables the introduction of cations or point defects and the modification of surface properties with single‐pulse precision in flow‐through reactors, while requiring only low laser energies. To date, it has been applied primarily to oxides, but not to metallic or alloyed catalysts. Here, we investigate the impact of nanosecond‐pulsed ultraviolet (ns‐UV) laser irradiation on Pd 3 0 Ru 3 0 Pt 1 0 Ir 1 0 Rh 2 0 high‐entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles, a theoretically proposed composition for highly active electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). After UV laser processing, the HEA nanoparticles exhibit an 80 mV lower overpotential for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and a tenfold increase in acidic ORR activity compared to the untreated sample. These enhancements correlate with a laser‐induced increase in surface charge density, while particle size and composition remain unchanged. Control experiments with iridium nanoparticles confirm an enrichment of negatively charged surface groups as the underlying factor. Remarkably, substantial performance gains are achieved at very low laser fluences of 1 mJ cm −2 in water. Optical modeling rationalizes this unusually high efficiency, highlighting the scalability of this method for kg‐scale catalyst activation, with direct relevance to green hydrogen production (OER) and fuel cell applications (ORR).
Journals
2026 EN
Giles Emily C. · Jarvis Abbey · Attidekou Pierrot S.
+16 more
Understanding the degradation of large format lithium‐ion pouch cells – critical for electric vehicle applications – is vital to extend their lifetime and allow potential second‐life application. Here, the impact on capacity fade and material degradation in two end‐of‐life cells, which were additionally subjected to accelerated aging to mimic extended use in second‐life applications, were examined using powder synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, complemented by detailed post mortem analyses. The dominant mechanism of capacity loss under these conditions was found to be lithium inventory depletion, driven by processes such as electrolyte decomposition, lithium plating and solid electrolyte interphase growth. Structural changes in the graphite anode, including amorphization and reduced active material, were more pronounced under severe overcharging conditions. The blended cathode showed lithium inventory loss in both phases, but 92–94% capacity recovery was observed on subsequent cycling in half cells vs Li, illustrating its robustness, with little structural degradation observed. The finding that electrolyte degradation/loss in these cells was a more critical contributor to cell degradation toward the knee‐point than electrode active material degradation/loss indicates that increasing – or replenishing – the electrolyte content could be a strategy to extend the usable life of such cells.
Journals
2026 EN
Kim Taegeon · Sergeev Dmitry · Schwaiger Ruth
Porous architectures with a high strength‐to‐weight ratio, large surface area, and high resilience have recently garnered interest for applications in gas storage, battery electrodes, and fuel cells. These materials’ desired properties can be achieved by tuning pore characteristics, such as wall thickness, pore size, and pore directionality, and by using various constituent materials. Another important application of such materials is carbon dioxide capture, which helps mitigate global warming caused by rising atmospheric CO 2 levels. In this study, a hierarchical structure with controlled pore direction was fabricated through directional freeze‐casting using different types of bio‐nanofibers from nature, such as cellulose, chitin, or chitosan. These free‐standing structures with controlled pore orientation were then pyrolyzed at 700°C, resulting in free‐standing carbon with controlled pore direction. The carbonized structure made from chitosan nanofiber demonstrated a CO 2 capture performance up to 13 times higher than its powder‐type counterpart, with stable cyclability.
Journals
2026 EN
Muye Williams Chibueze · Ajonye George Oche · Ahonsi Samuel Olusegun
+3 more
Integrating circular economy (CE) principles into battery design is critical for enhancing sustainability in energy storage, as lithium‐ion batteries grow essential for renewable energy and electric mobility. However, raw material depletion, hazardous waste, and inefficient end‐of‐life (EoL) practices threaten long‐term resource and environmental sustainability. This study reviews 94 sources, synthesizing material flow analyses, design innovations, recycling technologies, and policy frameworks to assess CE applications across the battery lifecycle. Fourthemes emerge: 1) recovery of critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel via emerging recycling methods that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact; 2) design innovations such as modularity and disassembly‐oriented approaches that enable reuse and efficient resource recovery; 3) second‐life battery use in stationary renewable energy systems to extend lifespan and lower costs; and 4) regulatory mechanisms, including extended producer responsibility and digital product passports to support circular practices. Key barriers include limited recycling infrastructure, complex chemistries hindering disassembly, lack of data transparency, and fragmented regulations reducing producer accountability. Promising solutions involve low‐impact recycling, standardized modular designs, blockchain‐based material traceability, and harmonized policies enforcing EoL responsibility. The study proposes a forward‐looking framework combining technological innovation and policy reform driven by interdisciplinary collaboration to transform batteries into regenerative assets aligned with CE goals.
Journals
2026 EN
Bellmann Martin · Darsene Dimd Berhane · Søiland AnneKarin
+16 more
In the ICARUS project, European partners collaborate to develop and scale innovative technologies for recovering and refining secondary raw materials from silicon photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing. The production of photovoltaic modules generates significant quantities of waste, particularly silicon kerf, graphite, and silica residues from ingot and wafer manufacturing. ICARUS aims to transform these waste streams into high‐value secondary materials suitable for reintegration into the PV value chain and other industrial applications. Four industrial pilot‐scale processes are developed, targeting the purification and reuse of these materials. Results from the pilots demonstrate both the technical feasibility and economic potential of substituting these recovered materials for virgin and critical raw materials. This work provides a viable pathway toward a more resource‐efficient and circular PV manufacturing industry.
Journals
2026 EN
Papan Djaniš Jelena · Hočevar Jan · Prinčič Griša Grigorij
+1 more
Lignin, an underutilized by‐product of the processing of lignocellulosic biomass, represents a promising opportunity for the development of high‐value nanomaterials. Unlike cellulose and hemicellulose, which are widely used in industry, the complex and heterogeneous structure of lignin has hindered its utilization on a large scale. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the transformation of lignin into functional nanomaterials with a wide range of applications. This article explores the latest developments in lignin‐based nanomaterials (NanoLGs), which is divided into lignin‐based nanomaterials (LBNMs), lignin‐derived nanomaterials, and nanohybrid LBNM materials. Each of the mentioned groups has its own attractive features and possible applications that can be competitive with traditional nanomaterials. The main advantages of NanoLGs are sustainability, biocompatibility, tunable functionality, and potential for diverse applications in environmental remediation, energy storage, biomedical devices, and advanced materials. Future research needs to focus on refining synthesis techniques, improving material performance, and integrating sustainability aspects. NanoLGs have the potential to replace fossil‐based materials and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Journals
2026 EN
Dahdah Anthony · Maniam Subashani
Wood has long been applied as a component in the development of housing, as well as providing useful compounds which are used in pharmaceuticals, agrifoods, and cosmetics. In recent times, its applicability in various industries continues to increase as more building takes place, along with the continual search for greener and more natural therapies. Currently, energy‐intensive processes are the driving force in the preparation of these wood samples. This review summarizes our current understanding of wood processing and its various applications. Additionally, this review focuses on the substitution of these energy‐intensive approaches with greener and more efficient techniques, which include the usage of supercritical fluids such as supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ). The use of scCO 2 has been documented to successfully dewater as well as perform resin extraction of various species of wood, more specifically, pine.
Journals
2026 EN
Garzón Diego A. · Cerqueira Rafael · Almeida Alves Cristiana F.
+5 more
Cu(In, Ga)Se 2 (CIGSe) solar cells with a tunable bandgap stand out as a promising technology for tandem applications. Addressing the environmental concerns associated with Cd‐based buffers, this study investigates the suitability of zinc tin oxide (ZTO), deposited via chemical bath deposition (CBD), as a Cd‐free alternative for both low‐bandgap CIGSe and wide‐bandgap (Ag, Cu)(In, Ga)Se 2 (ACIGSe) solar cells. Best ZTO‐buffered devices exhibit competitive power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 14% and 7% for low‐bandgap and wide‐bandgap absorbers, respectively. The optimal tin concentration for ZTO buffer layers vary, with 10% [Sn Sn] + [Zn]) ratio (TTZ) identified as optimal for wide‐gap ACIGSe and 20% TTZ for low‐gap CIGSe. A performance decline beyond optimal tin concentrations could be linked to losses in open‐circuit voltage. In summary, ZTO‐based devices showcase promising photovoltaic performance, emphasizing ZTO's potential as a practical and nontoxic alternative, deposited by CBD, to traditional CdS for diverse CIGSe solar cell applications.