Localizing Tungsten Single Atoms around Tungsten Nitride Nanoparticles for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis in Metal-Air Batteries

Recent Advances in Engineering Fe-N-C Catalysts for Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Zn-Air Batteries

Fe-N-C single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for oxygen electrocatalysis due to their maximized atom utilization efficiency, high intrinsic activity, and strong metal-support interaction. Significant progress has been made in engineering Fe-N-C SACs for oxygen electrocatalysis in Zn-air batteries (ZABs). This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in Fe-N-C SACs, with a special focus on effective engineering strategies, their performance in oxygen electrocatalysis, and their potential applications in ZABs. The review also discusses the key challenges and future directions in the development of Fe-N-C SACs for efficient and durable oxygen electrocatalysis in ZABs. This review aims to offer valuable insights into the current state of research in this field and to guide future efforts in the development of advanced oxygen electrocatalysts for ZABs.

Immobilization of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac in metal-organic frameworks through biomimetic mineralization for sustainable pest management

Traditional chemical pesticide dosage forms and crude application methods have resulted in low pesticide utilization, increased environmental pollution, and the development of resistance. Compared to traditional pesticides, nanopesticides enhance the efficiency of pesticide utilization and reduce the quantity required, thereby decreasing environmental pollution. Herein, Cry1Ac insecticidal crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Subsp. Kurstaki HD-73 was encapsulated in a metal-organic framework (zeolite imidazolate framework-8, ZIF-8) through biomimetic mineralization to obtain Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 nanopesticides. The Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 nanopesticides exhibited a dodecahedral porous structure, and the introduction of Cry1Ac did not affect the intrinsic crystal structure of ZIF-8. The indoor toxicity analysis revealed that the toxicity of Cry1Ac towards Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), Helicoverpa armigera Hubner, and Spodoptera litura Fabricius was not affected by ZIF-8 encapsulation. Surprisingly, Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 still exhibited excellent pest management efficacy even after exposure to heat, UV irradiation, and long-term storage. More importantly, the encapsulation of ZIF-8 significantly enhanced the internal absorption performance of Cry1Ac in maize leaves and extended its persistence period. Thus, ZIF-8 could potentially serve as a promising carrier for the preparation of nanopesticides with enhanced applicability, stability, and persistence period, providing a powerful strategy to improve the application of Cry1Ac in future agricultural pest management.

Non-noble metal single-atoms for oxygen electrocatalysis in rechargeable zinc-air batteries: recent developments and future perspectives

Ever-growing demands for zinc-air batteries (ZABs) call for the development of advanced electrocatalysts. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), particularly those for isolating non-noble metals (NBMs), are attracting great interest due to their merits of low cost, high atom utilization efficiency, structural tunability, and extraordinary activity. Rational design of advanced NBM SACs relies heavily on an in-depth understanding of reaction mechanisms. To gain a better understanding of the reaction mechanisms of oxygen electrocatalysis in ZABs and guide the design and optimization of more efficient NBM SACs, we herein organize a comprehensive review by summarizing the fundamental concepts in the field of ZABs and the recent advances in the reported NBM SACs. Moreover, the selection of NBM elements and supports of SACs and some effective strategies for enhancing the electrochemical performance of ZABs are illustrated in detail. Finally, the challenges and future direction in this field of ZABs are also discussed.

Flexible Solid-State Metal-Air Batteries: The Booming of Portable Energy Supplies

The rapid development of portable and wearable electronics has given rise to new challenges and provoked research in flexible, lightweight, and affordable energy storage devices. Flexible solid-state metal-air batteries (FSSMABs) are considered promising candidates, owing to their large energy density, mechanical flexibility, and durability. However, the practical applications of FSSMABs require further improvement to meet the demands of long-term stability, high power density, and large operating voltage. This Review presents a detailed discussion of innovative electrocatalysts for the air cathode, followed by a sequential overview of high-performance solid-state electrolytes and metal anodes, and a summary of the current challenges and future perspectives of FSSMABs to promote practical application and large-scale commercialization in the near future.