Efficient aqueous processing and utilization of high-quality graphene for high performance supercapacitor electrode

Recent advances in the hybridization of cellulose and carbon nanomaterials: Interactions, structural design, functional tailoring, and applications

Due to the good biocompatibility and flexibility of cellulose and the excellent optical, electronic, as well as mechanical properties of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), cellulose/CNM hybrid materials have been widely synthesized and used in energy storage, sensors, adsorption, biomedicine, and many other fields. In this review, we present recent advances (2016-current) in the design, structural design, functional tailoring and various applications of cellulose/CNM hybrid materials. For this aim, first the interactions between cellulose and CNMs for promoting the formation of cellulose/CNM materials are analyzed, and then the hybridization between cellulose with various CNMs for tailoring the structures and functions of hybrid materials is introduced. Further, abundant applications of cellulose/CNM hybrid materials in various fields are presented and discussed. This comprehensive review will be helpful for readers to understand the functional design and facile synthesis of cellulose-based nanocomposites, and to promote the high-performance utilization and sustainability of biomass materials in the future.

Progress in modifications of 3D graphene-based adsorbents for environmental applications

3D graphene-based materials are promising adsorbents for environmental applications. Furthermore, increasing attention has been paid to the improvement of 3D graphene adsorbents for removing pollutants. In this article, the progress in the modification of 3D graphene materials and their performance for removing pollutants were reviewed. The modification strategies, which were classified as (1) the activation with CO₂ (steam and other oxidants) and (2) the surface functionalization with polymers (metals, and metal oxides), were evaluated. The performances of modified 3D graphene materials were assessed for the removal of waste gases (such as CO₂), refractory organics, and heavy metals. The challenges and future research directions were discussed for the environmental applications of 3D graphene materials.

Effective accommodation and conversion of polysulfides using organic-inorganic hybrid frameworks for long-life lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are one of the most promising candidates for meeting the emerging market demands for energy storage, and have the advantages including high energy density and low cost. However, the practical application of Li-S batteries is hindered by the lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttle, which induces low sulfur utilization and unsatisfactory capacity retention. To address this problem, recent studies have focused on improving the transformation of LiPS into insoluble Li2S2/Li2S through methods beyond physical or chemical adsorption. Nevertheless, the commonly used host materials have limited ability to simultaneously trap and propel redox transfer of LiPS. Herein, the bottom-up construction of new organic-inorganic hybrid frameworks for sulfur cathodes is proposed to fundamentally restrict LiPS dissolution and enhance their electrochemical transformation. The synergistic integration of organic cellulose networks and inorganic ZIF-derivatives caused highly efficient LiPS mediators to suppress the shuttle effect and retain electrode stability. The resulting RCE-Co3O4@G-S cathode materials delivered a stable capacity of 726.5 mA h g-1 at 0.2 C after 350 cycles, with a very low fading rate of 0.026% per cycle and a high coulombic efficiency of 98.9%.