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Technology Review for Carbon Neutrality

Tsinghua University Researchers Outline Energy Storage Roadmap for China’s Carbon-Neutral Power Systems

As China pursues carbon neutrality, the decarbonization of its power systems demands strategic integration of energy storage technologies to address renewable energy intermittency and grid stability. A research team led by Professor Qiang Zhang at Tsinghua University has systematically evaluated the evolving landscape of electrical energy storage technologies, their economic viability, and deployment pathways. Published in Technology Review for Carbon Neutrality, the study provides a roadmap for policymakers and industry stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future. The research underscores the critical role of electrical energy storage in balancing supply-demand mismatches, enhancing grid flexibility, and enabling renewable integration. By categorizing technologies based on storage duration—from ultrashort-term (flywheels, supercapacitors) to ultralong-term (hydrogen storage)—the team identifies their unique advantages and bottlenecks. For instance, lithium-ion batteries dominate short-duration applications (0.5–4 hours) due to declining costs, while hydrogen storage emerges as a cost-competitive solution for seasonal energy shifts (>100 hours). Pumped hydro and compressed air storage remain pivotal for intermediate durations (4–100 hours), though their market share may shrink as lithium-ion and hydrogen technologies advance. Economic analysis reveals that the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) for lithium-ion batteries is projected to drop by 33% by 2030, solidifying their dominance in sub-4-hour applications. Meanwhile, hydrogen storage is expected to achieve cost parity for ultralong-duration scenarios by 2035. Regional deployment strategies are tailored to local resources: the Northwest prioritizes hybrid “lithium-hydrogen” systems to leverage its abundant solar/wind resources, while the Northeast adopts thermal-energy hybrid storage to mitigate extreme cold impacts on electrochemical systems. The study proposes multi-sectoral policies to accelerate electrical energy storage adoption, including R&D incentives for solid-state batteries and high-efficiency electrolyzers, market mechanisms for grid service compensation, and region-specific financial tools such as tax rebates and infrastructure REITs. The team emphasizes workforce development through academic programs and vocational certifications to address skill gaps in the rapidly expanding storage sector. “Energy storage is the linchpin of China’s decarbonization strategy,” said Qiang Zhang, corresponding author of the study. “Our work provides a techno-economic foundation and policy blueprint to align storage deployment with regional needs, ensuring a reliable, cost-effective transition to carbon neutrality.” The research team’s findings, grounded in China’s provincial energy profiles and global LCOS trends, offer actionable insights for achieving the nation’s 2060 carbon-neutrality target. The study underscores the urgency of scaling diversified storage solutions to balance grid resilience, energy security, and environmental sustainability. This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program, Tsinghua Jiangyin Innovation Special Fund, Ordos-Tsinghua Innovative & Collaborative Research Program in Carbon Neutrality, and Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program. See the article: The shifting technology landscape of electrical energy storage toward carbon neutrality in China DOI: 10.26599/TRCN.2025.9550004
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Carbon Future

Efficient Catalytic Conversion of Polyethylene Terephthalate to Dimethyl Terephthalate over Mesoporous Beta Zeolite Supported Zinc Oxide

The escalating global plastics crisis, exemplified by the >31 million tons of PET production in 2019, necessitates efficient recycling strategies as PET waste persists as harmful microplastics. Among various recycling approaches, catalytic methanolysis to dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) shows particular promise due to its direct integration into PET synthesis cycles. While supercritical methanol processes (9.0–11.0 MPa, 260–270 ℃) achieve high conversion (> 99.9%), their substantial energy requirements without catalysts limit industrial viability. Similarly, homogeneous metal acetate catalysts, despite their high activity, face separation challenges that impede practical implementation. In this work, we report the synthesis of a hierarchically porous Zn-Beta-meso catalyst via facile impregnation. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the catalyst structure: XRD patterns exhibited characteristic *BEA framework peaks without ZnO diffraction signals (31.7°, 34.4°, 36.2°), while XPS analysis revealed Zn2+ species (Zn2p peaks at 1045.0 and 1022.2 eV). N2 physisorption demonstrated dual micro-mesoporous architecture through sharp uptakes at P/P0 < 0.05 and 0.4-0.8. The reduced surface area and pore volume post-Zn loading, coupled with STEM-EDS mapping, confirmed highly dispersed Zn species within the hierarchical pore network. Under optimized conditions (180℃), the catalyst achieved quantitative PET conversion with exceptional DMT selectivity (>99.9%). Comparative studies revealed the synergistic effect between Zn species and mesoporosity: H-Beta-meso and ZnO yielded <1% and 72% DMT respectively, while microporous Zn-Beta, Zn-ZSM-5, and Zn-Y showed 61-86% yields. The catalyst demonstrated remarkable versatility across various PET substrates, including pigmented bottles, polyester fabric, adhesive tape, and soundproofing cotton (>99% conversion, >99% DMT yield). Mechanistic investigations utilizing BHET dimer as a model compound elucidated the reaction pathway. Initial simultaneous methanolysis of terminal and internal ester bonds (k = 0.028 and 0.037 min-1) generates MHET intermediates, followed by rate-determining conversion to DMT (k = 0.018 min-1). Despite literature suggestions of acid site catalysis, in-situ FTIR studies using 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylpyridine and kinetic correlations identified Zn species as the primary active centers. The catalyst maintained excellent stability through three cycles (>99% DMT yield) with slight deactivation in the fourth cycle (91% yield) attributed to coking (8.4 wt% mass loss above 300℃). Full activity was restored through calcination at 550°C. Hot filtration experiments confirmed the heterogeneous nature of the active species, with negligible contribution from leached Zn species. This work establishes an efficient catalytic system for PET chemical recycling while providing molecular-level mechanistic insights. The demonstrated efficiency, versatility, and recyclability offer promising directions for industrial-scale PET chemical upcycling.  See the article: Efficient catalytic conversion of polyethylene terephthalate to dimethyl terephthalate over mesoporous Beta zeolite supported zinc oxide DOI: 10.26599/CF.2025.9200039  About Carbon Future Carbon Future is an open access, peer-reviewed, and international interdisciplinary journal Sponsored by Tsinghua University, published by Tsinghua University Press, and exclusively available via SciOpen. It serves as a platform for researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to share their findings and insights on carbon-related materials and processes, including catalysis, energy storage and conversion, as well as low carbon emission process and engineering. It features cutting-edge research articles, insightful reviews, perspectives, highlights, and news and views in the field of carbon (the article publishing charge is covered by the Tsinghua University Press).
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Cell Organoid

Assembloids: the next frontier in 3D tissue modeling for human biology

For decades, biomedical research has relied on traditional 2D cell cultures and animal models, yet these approaches often fail to capture the intricate cellular interactions that define human physiology. Organoids—self-organizing 3D structures derived from stem cells—have brought researchers closer to replicating organ-specific functions, but they still lack the interconnectivity and multicellular complexity found in vivo. Assembloids overcome this limitation by integrating multiple organoids or diverse cell types, enabling scientists to study large-scale biological phenomena such as neural circuitry formation, gut-brain interactions, and immune-tumor dynamics. This next-generation approach marks a critical step toward more physiologically relevant models for studying human biology. Published (DOI: 10.26599/CO.2025.9410010) on December 27, 2024, in the journal Cell Organoid, a comprehensive review from researchers at Peking University and Peking University Third Hospital explores the transformative potential of assembloids. The study systematically classifies assembloids into four major categories—multi-region, multi-lineage, multi-gradient, and multi-layer—each tailored to model specific human systems, including the nervous, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and circulatory systems. With their ability to replicate complex biological interactions, assembloids offer unparalleled insights into disease mechanisms and human development, advancing the frontiers of biomedical research. The review details how different types of assembloids are designed to simulate distinct biological processes. Multi-region assembloids combine organoids from different anatomical areas, enabling the study of inter-regional communication, including the reconstruction of specific neural pathways and the investigation of cell migration dynamics, such as modeling cortical interneuron migration or cancer cell invasion. Multi-lineage assembloids incorporate diverse cell types—such as microglia or endothelial cells—to investigate tissue-tissue interactions, like the neuroimmune axis in neurodegenerative disorders and vascular contributions to organoid maturation. Multi-gradient assembloids employ biochemical gradients to mimic developmental pathways, offering a controlled environment to study morphogen-driven tissue patterning while shedding light on disorders linked to regional specification. Meanwhile, multi-layer assembloids recreate the intricate architecture of hollow organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract, by integrating epithelial and stromal components. A standout application of assembloids lies in modeling neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Timothy syndrome, where assembloid-based studies have revealed defects in interneuron migration. They have also played a crucial role in infectious disease research, such as modeling SARS-CoV-2 infection in the brain using pericyte-like cells. In oncology, assembloids have demonstrated their potential to replicate tumor microenvironments, providing new insights into the metastasis of small-cell lung cancer to the brain. "Assembloids represent a significant leap forward in our ability to model human tissues in vitro," says Dr. Kai Wang, co-corresponding author of the study. "By integrating multiple cell types and organoids, we can now study complex interactions that were previously inaccessible, paving the way for more accurate disease modeling and drug discovery." Looking ahead, assembloids hold immense potential in drug development and personalized medicine. By offering a more physiologically relevant platform, they can enhance drug efficacy and toxicity screening, potentially reducing the reliance on animal models. In parallel, assembloids provide unprecedented insights into neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer, enabling researchers to explore novel therapeutic targets in a controlled environment. Beyond disease modeling, assembloids contribute to developmental biology by improving our understanding of human organogenesis and tissue maturation. With advances in bioengineering, including microfluidic systems, bioprinting, and AI-driven modeling, assembloids are also emerging as scalable platforms for high-throughput drug screening and precision medicine applications. Looking further ahead, their potential extends to regenerative medicine and organ transplantation, where they may facilitate functional tissue replacements and personalized therapeutic strategies. This work was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFA1104800), Beijing Natural Science Foundation (JQ23029, L246020, L244089, L234024, L234021), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82370514, 32401144, 82472171), Beijing Nova Program (20220484100, 20230484448), Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission (Z231100007223001), the open research fund of State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital (2022KF-04), Clinical Medicine Plus X-Young Scholars Project, Peking University (PKU2024LCXQ006), Emerging Engineering Interdisciplinary-Young Scholars Project, Peking University, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (PKU2023XGK011), Scientific and Technological Innovation project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Science (C12023C056YLL), the open research fund of State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Southeast University (2023K-01), the open research fund of Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorder Related Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing, PR China (DXWL2023-01), the open research fund from State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital (BYSYSZKF2023023). the Innovation and Translation Fund of Peking University Third Hospital (BYSYZHKC2023106) and Elite Support Program (jyzc2024-04). Author Biography Professor Kai Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology at Peking University, where he also leads a research group as a Principal Investigator at the State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling. He completed his Ph.D. at Peking University and pursued postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital and Cornell University from 2016 to 2021. His laboratory specializes in interdisciplinary research on stem cells and vascular organoids. Professor Wang holds editorial roles as an Associate Editor for Microvascular Research and Cell Organoid, and serves on the editorial board of Cell Transplantation. He has authored 18 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact scientific journals, including Cell Stem Cell, Science Advances, Advanced Science, Advanced Materials, and Biomaterials. Additionally, he contributes as an ad hoc reviewer for prestigious journals such as Science Advances, ACS Nano, and Angiogenesis. Dr. Xi Wang is a distinguished Principal Investigator affiliated with the Clinical Stem Cell Research Center of Peking University Third Hospital, the State Key Laboratory for Female Fertility Promotion, and the Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine at Peking University. Her research primarily centers on unraveling the mechanisms underlying diabetes and reproductive endocrine disorders, as well as developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Dr. Wang earned her Ph.D. from Cornell University in the United States and further honed her expertise through postdoctoral training in the renowned laboratory of Dr. Douglas A. Melton at Harvard University’s Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Her scholarly contributions include 32 publications in leading journals such as Cell Stem Cell, Science Translational Medicine, Science Advances, Advanced Materials, and Trends in Cell Biology. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Wang is an accomplished innovator, having filed over 10 patents. Among these, she holds 2 PCT international invention patents, 3 US patents, and 5 Chinese patents, underscoring her significant impact on both scientific research and translational medicine. See the article: Evolving from organoid to assembloid with enhanced cellular interactions About Cell Organoid Cell Organoid aims to provide a worldwide platform for research into all aspects of organoids and their applications in medicine. It is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-quality articles dealing with a wide range of basic research, clinical and translational medicine study topics in the field. Journal website: https://www.sciopen.com/journal/3007-6552 Submission site: https://mc03.manuscriptcentral.com/cellorganoid
Life Sciences and Medicine
Nano Research

Enhancing adhesive performance of polyvinyl alcohol with sub-nanoscale polyoxotungstate clusters under extreme conditions

Water-based adhesives face several challenges despite their environmental benefits. One major issue is that achieving high adhesion strength on various substrates, especially in wet or humid conditions, is difficult due to the inherent properties of water-based systems. Additionally, the volatility of water also leads to issues like bubble formation and uneven drying, affecting the adhesive's performance and appearance. Moreover, formulating water-based adhesives with both high solids content and low viscosity is technically demanding, as it requires a delicate balance of ingredients to achieve the desired properties without compromising the adhesive's stability. These challenges need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of water-based adhesives in various industrial applications. A team of material scientists led by Kun Chen from South China University of Technology in Guangzhou, China, recently have achieved a significant breakthrough in adhesive technology by developing POT-PVA nanocomposites. These nanocomposites are created by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with 1-nm Keggin-type polyoxotungstate clusters (POTs) that carry four negative charges. The resulting material exhibits exceptional adhesion to hydrophilic surfaces, with high crosslinking densities and fracture energies exceeding 6.23 kJ·m−2. The POTs' chaotropic effect reduces PVA crystallinity, enhancing polymer chain dynamics and conferring robust adhesive properties across a wide temperature range from −196 to 100 °C. This innovation addresses key challenges in water-based adhesives, offering a promising solution for eco-friendly, versatile, and durable adhesives suitable for diverse applications and extreme conditions. The team published their research in Nano Research （DOI: 10.26599/NR.2025.94907126）on January 6, 2025. "This breakthrough addresses key challenges in water-based adhesives, such as slow drying speed, weak adhesion strength in wet conditions, and difficulties in achieving high solids content with low viscosity," said Kun Chen, the principal investigator of the study, associate professor in the School of Emergent Soft Matter at South China University of Technology. "Our POT-PVA nanocomposites not only overcome these limitations but also set new standards for eco-friendly, versatile, and durable adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications and extreme conditions." POTs exhibit a wide range of shapes and sizes, from simple spherical clusters to more complex, cage-like structures. Keggin-type POTs are highly stable, both thermally and chemically, and can function as redox-active species, catalysts, and even as building blocks for supramolecular assemblies. Their tunable properties and ability to interact with various substrates make them valuable in fields such as materials science, catalysis, and sensing technologies. The chaotropic effect of Keggin-type POTs reduces PVA crystallinity, enhancing polymer chain dynamics. This not only improves adhesion but also maintains the flexibility and durability of the adhesive. The demand for high-performance, eco-friendly adhesives has been growing across various industries. Traditional adhesives often struggle to maintain their performance under extreme conditions, limiting their applications. This research addresses these challenges by developing a novel nanocomposite that combines the benefits of PVA with the unique properties of POTs. POT-PVA nanocomposites exhibit robust adhesive properties across an unprecedented temperature range, from −196 to 100 °C. Their thermostability makes them ideal for use in extreme environments, such as cryogenic and high-temperature applications. The development of these POT-PVA nanocomposites has far-reaching implications. POT-PVA nanocomposites introduced in this research offer a glimpse into a future where adhesives can perform exceptionally well under extreme conditions, while also being environmentally sustainable. They could revolutionize industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and electronics by providing adhesives that can withstand extreme conditions. Additionally, the eco-friendly nature of these adhesives aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental impact. Other contributors include Pengcheng Cui, Qiang Yu, Jiadong Chen, and Panchao Yin from the School of Emergent Soft Matter at South China University of Technology, China. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 22101086) and Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (Nos. 2023A1515140030 and 2024A1515030212). See the article: Enhancing adhesive performance of polyvinyl alcohol with sub-nanoscale polyoxotungstate clusters under extreme conditions About the Authors Dr. Kun Chen is a full associate professor in the Faculty of School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, China. Her research interests focus on the field of materials science, with a particular focus on the development and application of advanced nanocomposite materials based on polyoxometalates. Until now, she has published more than 60 papers in Nano Research and other journals, presided over 5 national/provincial scientific research projects, owns 10 invention patents. For more information, please pay attention to her research homepage https://www2.scut.edu.cn/SESM/2022/0919/c33012a481141/page.htm. About Nano Research Nano Research is a peer-reviewed, open access, international and interdisciplinary research journal, sponsored by Tsinghua University and the Chinese Chemical Society, published by Tsinghua University Press on the platform SciOpen. It publishes original high-quality research and significant review articles on all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology, ranging from basic aspects of the science of nanoscale materials to practical applications of such materials. After 17 years of development, it has become one of the most influential academic journals in the nano field. Nano Research has published more than 1,000 papers every year from 2022, with its cumulative count surpassing 7,000 articles. In 2023 InCites Journal Citation Reports, its 2023 IF is 9.6 (9.0, 5 years), and it continues to be the Q1 area among the four subject classifications. Nano Research Award, established by Nano Research together with TUP and Springer Nature in 2013, and Nano Research Young Innovators (NR45) Awards, established by Nano Research in 2018, have become international academic awards with global influence.
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Materials and Solidification

Multi-scale simulation of thermal processes and microstructure evolution in wire arc additive manufacturing of 921A steel

As one of the key additive manufacturing methods, Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is particularly well-suited for producing complex, large-scale steel components due to its high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, adaptability to complex environments and versatility. 921A steel (10CrNi3MoV) is a domestically produced low-alloy, tempered high-strength steel in China, renowned for its excellent combination of mechanical properties, toughness, weldability, and corrosion resistance. These characteristics make it a preferred material for manufacturing critical components in ocean engineering, particularly in shipbuilding. Consequently, WAAM technology holds significant potential for the production and repair of critical ship components fabricated from 921A steel. The WAAM process is inherently a multi-scale and multi-physics coupling process, encompassing macroscopic phenomena such as heat and mass transfer and microscopic mechanisms like grain growth kinetics within the melt pool. The interplay between grain growth and nucleation strongly influences the final microstructure and mechanical properties, as they depend on the unique thermal history experienced during manufacturing. Utilizing microstructure simulation technology is crucial for understanding the complex dynamics of the additive process. This knowledge is key to ensuring uniform internal grain structures and achieving superior mechanical properties in the fabricated components. Recently, a team of material scientists led by Lei Shi from Shandong University, China developed a multi-scale model of the heat transfer flow and microstructure evolution of the molten pool during the WAAM process of 921A steel, combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and cellular automata (CA) method, and utilizing the open-source ExaCA code for the microstructure simulation. The model successfully predicted the temperature field, flow field, and microstructural evolution within the sedimentary layer of 921A steel WAAM. The team published their work in Materials and Solidifications (DOI: 10.26599/MAS.2025.9580003) on January 22, 2025. “In this report, we carried out a systematic study of single-layer single-pass deposition process experiments, FLOW-3D temperature field and CA microstructure multiscale simulation for 921A steel WAAM. The macroscopic metallographic of the deposited layer is columnar grains consistent with the direction of heat flow, organized as granular bainite and ferrite.” said Lei Shi, professor at School of Materials Science and Engineering at Shandong University (China), a senior expert whose research interests focus on the field of friction stir welding and additive manufacturing. “We used FLOW-3D software to simulate the macroscopic temperature and flow fields of the 921A steel WAAM. The combined surface and internal flow shows that the molten pool metal mobility is weakened when the melting speed is higher. The results of the simulation and the experimental forming dimensions are basically in agreement.” said Lei Shi. Accurate modeling of the macro-scale thermal history provides critical input information for subsequent microstructure simulation models, and the solidification data from the thermal history model is used for subsequent CA simulations. “We used the ExaCA model to simulate the solidification process in the cross-section of the melt pool under the effect of the welding transient temperature field. In this case, the columnar crystals of the melt pool grow toward the center of the melt pool normal to the fusion line, and the nucleated equiaxed grains blocking the original columnar grains are formed in the center of the melt pool at low temperature gradient.” said Lei Shi. However, more detailed research work is needed to explore the microstructure evolution during the WAAM process of 921A steel. In this regard, Shi also suggests possible research directions to be pursued in future work, including more quantitative grain size, grain orientation versus actual, and larger-scale microstructure simulation analysis. Other contributors include Xiaohui Lyu, Ji Chen, Chuansong Wu, Ashish Kumar from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Shandong University in Jinan, China; Ming Zhai from the Metals and Chemistry Research Institute, China Academy of Railway Sciences Co. Ltd. in Beijing, China; Wenjian Ren from Shandong Aotai Electric Co., Ltd. in Jinan, China. This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2022YFB4600902), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 52275349 and 52035005), the Shandong Provincial Science Foundation for Outstanding Young Scholars(Grant No. ZR2024YQ020), the Excellent Young Team Project of Central Universities (No. 2023QNTD002) and the Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province (Grant No. 2021ZLGX01). See the Article: Multi-scale simulation of thermal processes and microstructure evolution in wire arc additive manufacturing of 921A steel About Author Lei Shi is currently a professor at School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China. He received his doctoral degree from Shandong University, China, in 2016. His research interests include friction stir welding and additive manufacturing. About Materials and Solidification Materials and Solidification is a single-blind peer-reviewed, fully open access international journal published by Tsinghua University Press, with academic support provided by the State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Northwestern Polytechnical University. The Journal aims to publish cutting-edge research results in solidification theory and solidification technologies for metal, semiconductor, organic, inorganic, and polymer materials in bulk or as thin films. It includes, but is not limited to, casting, welding, and additive manufacturing related to solidification processing, and is also involved in nonequilibrium solidification phenomena in multiphysical fields, such as electricity, ultrasonication, magnetism, and microgravity.
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Food & Medicine Homology

Ginseng: the dual-purpose herb for health and healing

For over 2,000 years, Panax ginseng has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, renowned for its nourishing and healing properties. In today's world, challenges such as subfertility and an aging population have intensified the need for natural, holistic remedies. Despite extensive research, the full potential of ginseng as both a food and medicinal substance remains largely unexplored. This growing demand for natural solutions calls for deeper investigations into ginseng's nutritional and therapeutic benefits. In a new review article (DOI: 10.26599/FMH.2025.9420059) published on February 6, 2025, in Food & Medicine Homology, researchers from China Pharmaceutical University and collaborating institutions offer a comprehensive look at the historical and contemporary uses of Panax ginseng. The article delves into the herb’s medicinal and edible properties, showcasing its potential in both health maintenance and disease prevention. The review provides a thorough analysis of ginseng’s chemical composition and therapeutic benefits. The herb is rich in bioactive compounds, such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, and essential nutrients, which contribute to its remarkable medicinal and nutritional properties. Modern research has identified over 200 different ginsenosides, the primary active compounds in ginseng, with demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and metabolic-regulatory effects. The study also examines how various processing techniques, such as steaming and fermentation, can enhance the bioactivity of ginseng. Steaming, for instance, transforms certain ginsenosides into more potent forms, while fermentation can produce rare ginsenosides with distinct health benefits. The review underscores the need for further exploration of these processing methods to unlock ginseng's full potential in both its medicinal and edible forms. Dr. Bing Yang, a leading researcher on the project, stresses the importance of recognizing ginseng’s dual role. "Ginseng is not only a medicinal herb but also a valuable food with substantial health benefits. Our study aims to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science to fully tap into its potential," says Dr. Yang. This study highlights the vast potential of Panax ginseng for applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Its ability to regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, boost cognitive function, and promote overall well-being positions it as a powerful resource for addressing modern health challenges. The research advocates for optimizing processing methods to maximize ginseng's therapeutic benefits. Looking ahead, the development of innovative products that integrate both medicinal and edible applications of ginseng could lead to new health supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals, advancing health outcomes and enhancing disease prevention strategies. This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82204626, 82230117), Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Postdoctoral Talent (No. 2022ZB317), and Innovation Team for Double First Class Construction of China Pharmaceutical University (No. CPU2018GY11). See the article: The history, beneficial ingredients, mechanism, processing, and products of Panax ginseng for medicinal and edible value
Life Sciences and Medicine
Energy Materials and Devices

Next-gen energy storage: hydrogel electrolyte boosts sodium-zinc battery efficiency

Aqueous secondary batteries have garnered significant attention for their inherent safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness, making them strong contenders for next-generation energy storage systems. However, their practical applications are hindered by a narrow electrochemical stability window and relatively low energy density, which limit their scalability and performance in large-scale settings. These challenges highlight the urgent need for advanced electrolytes that can overcome these limitations and unlock the full potential of aqueous batteries for energy storage applications. On December 31, 2024, researchers from the China University of Petroleum (East China) unveiled their findings (DOI: 10.26599/EMD.2024.9370050) in the journal Energy Materials and Devices. The team successfully synthesized a novel hydrogel electrolyte that, when paired with a Prussian blue cathode, achieves outstanding energy density and cyclability in sodium-zinc hybrid ion batteries. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in the field of aqueous battery technologies. The newly developed hydrogel electrolyte, named Zn–SA–PSN, is built on a unique polymer network featuring interconnected amide chains and hydrophilic functional groups, which are key to its high performance. This advanced design delivers an impressive ionic conductivity of 43 mS·cm⁻¹, significantly surpassing traditional electrolytes, and an expanded electrochemical stability window of 2.5 V. The broader stability window supports higher voltage operations, critical for enhancing the energy density of batteries. When paired with a Prussian blue cathode, the sodium-zinc hybrid battery demonstrates remarkable performance, achieving over 6000 cycles with a minimal capacity decay of just 0.0096% per cycle at a high current density of 25 C. This stability is attributed to the hydrogel electrolyte’s ability to suppress side reactions and inhibit dendrite growth, which are common challenges in zinc anodes. Additionally, the battery achieves an impressive energy density of approximately 220 Wh·kg⁻¹ and outstanding rate performance, with capabilities of up to 5 C. The Zn–SA–PSN electrolyte’s versatility extends its applications to other cathode materials, making it compatible with both aqueous sodium-zinc hybrid batteries and zinc-ion batteries. These findings highlight the transformative potential of hydrogel electrolytes in advancing battery technologies. "Our hydrogel electrolyte represents a significant advancement in the field of aqueous batteries," said Dr. Linjie Zhi, lead researcher on the project. "Its ability to maintain high performance over thousands of cycles and at high current densities is a testament to its potential for practical applications in energy storage. This innovation addresses critical limitations in current battery technologies and opens new avenues for further development." The development of the Zn–SA–PSN hydrogel electrolyte carries profound implications for the energy storage industry. Its ability to deliver high energy density and long-term stability could transform battery systems for grid-scale energy storage, electric vehicles, and other applications demanding efficiency and safety. Moreover, this breakthrough underscores the promise of hybrid ion batteries in meeting the growing need for sustainable, high-performance energy storage solutions. As the demand for reliable and environmentally friendly energy systems continues to rise, innovations like this hydrogel electrolyte pave the way for a more sustainable energy future. This work was financially supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2022YFE0127400), Taishan Scholar Project of Shandong Province (Grant Nos. ts202208832 and tsqnz20221118), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52473285), Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. 21CX06028A). See the article: Advanced high-voltage and super-stable sodium–zinc hybrid ion batteries enabled by a hydrogel electrolyte About Energy Materials and Devices Energy Materials and Devices is launched by Tsinghua University, published quarterly by Tsinghua University Press, exclusively available via SciOpen, aiming at being an international, single-blind peer-reviewed, open-access and interdisciplinary journal in the cutting-edge field of energy materials and devices. It focuses on the innovation research of the whole chain of basic research, technological innovation, achievement transformation and industrialization in the field of energy materials and devices, and publishes original, leading and forward-looking research results, including but not limited to the materials design, synthesis, integration, assembly and characterization of devices for energy storage and conversion etc.
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Journal of Advanced Ceramics

Achieving High >90% Energy Efficiency in Relaxor Ferroelectric

High-quality relaxor ferroelectric BNT-based ceramics achieved high discharge density by many methods of chemical doping, hierarchical structure design, advanced sintering technology, and defect structure engineering. Unfortunately, the inferior energy efficiency of BNT-based ceramics is still at a level of 60 to 70%, which means a large portion of stored energy is dissipated generating more joule heat. Notably, low energy efficiency is a long-time neglected but important issue, and corresponding solutions need to be developed. Recently, a research group of dielectric materials for energy storage capacitor led by Prof. Dr. Zong-Yang Shen from Jingdezhen Ceramic University, reported aliovalent rare earth ion Sm3+-doped relaxor ferroelectric Ba0.12Na0.3Bi0.3Sr0.28-1.5x□0.5xSmxTiO3 (abbreviated as Smx-BNBST) solid solutions thorough defect-engineered phase/domain structure competition. Sm0.07-BNBST ceramics achieve a high energy efficiency of 91% together with a recoverable energy density of 2.1 J/cm3 at a low electric field of 114 kV/cm, which exceeds other reported dielectric materials at the same electric field. The team published their work in Journal of Advanced Ceramics (DOI: 10.26599/JAC.2024.9220999) on November 7, 2024. “In this work, we proposed that defect-induced phase competition between tetragonal phase P4bm and pseudo-cubic phase Pmm not only strengthens polarization switching ability but also improves dielectric temperature stability via thermal evolutions. More importantly, a high 91% energy efficiency with discharge density of 2.1 J/cm3 was achieved in Sm0.07-BNBST ceramics at a low electric field of 114 kV/cm, which is closely related to a reduced Pr demonstrated by PFM measurement.” said Prof. Zong-Yang Shen, vice dean at School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic University (China), whose research interests include dielectric ceramics for high power density energy storage capacitors, and high Curie temperature piezoelectric ceramics. “Reduced domain size determines the remanent polarization (Pr), while the competition between tetragonal phase and pseudo-cubic phase determines the maximum polarization (Pmax). For the x=0 composition, it exhibits obvious ferroelectricity with increasing voltage; and after the electric field is removed, the polarization direction is still maintained and difficult to return to the initial state, corresponding to a high Pr. For the x=0.07 composition, the ferroelectricity is significantly weakened; when the external voltage is removed, the polarization direction can quickly return to the initial state, corresponding to a low Pr. The rapid response of polarization switching in Sm0.07-BNBST ceramics indicates that it has highly active polar nanoregions (PNRs), which produce low Pr and moderate Pmax, contributing to enhanced energy density and efficiency.” said Zong-Yang Shen. “As the Sm concentration increases, the P-E loops of Smx-BNBST ceramics gradually become slimmer, and both Pmax and Pr gradually decrease, indicating that Sm doping weakens the ferroelectricity. When the Sm equals to 0.07 mol, Pmax shows a sudden increase, which may be related to the synergistic contributions of tetragonal/pseudo-cubic phase competition and reduced domain size.” said Zong-Yang Shen. “Compared with pure BNBST ceramics with one dielectric peak of <100 °C, Smx-BNBST ceramics exhibit a new weak dielectric peak near ~200°C, which should be related to the thermal evolution of defect-induced phase competition between tetragonal phase and pseudo-cubic phase in BNT ceramics. As the Sm concentration increases, the dielectric peaks gradually broaden, and corresponding transition temperature Tm1 shifts towards lower temperatures, strengthening the dielectric temperature stability.” said Zong-Yang Shen. Prof. Zong-Yang Shen said “In the following work, we will do research on designing and analyzing the influence of defect structure on dielectric and ferroelectric behaviors of BNT-based ceramics.” He hopes to obtain a BNT-based ceramics with high discharge density and energy efficiency at low electric field, and then fabricate them into multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) to advance the development of dielectric materials in practical applications. Other contributors include Dong-Xu Li, Wei Deng, Zhipeng Li, Xuhai Shi, You Zhang, Wenqin Luo, and Fusheng Song from School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic University in Jingdezhen, China; Deng Wei from Research Center for Advanced Functional Ceramics at Wuzhen Laboratory, Jiaxing, China; You Zhang from Ceramic Research Institute of Light Industry of China, Jingdezhen, China; Chao-Feng Wu from Center of Advanced Ceramic Materials and Devices at Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang province, China. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52267002), Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province (20212ACB204010), and Science & Technology Research Project of Jiangxi Provincial Education Department (GJJ211301). About Author First Author: Dong-Xu Li is currently a lecturer at School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic University. He obtained his PhD degree in 2024 from Wuhan University of Technology. His main research interest includes ferroelectric/antiferroelectric materials for electrostatic energy storage. Co-first Author: Wei Deng has received his Master degree in 2023 from Jingdezhen Ceramic University. His main research interest includes dielectric materials for energy storage capacitor. Corresponding Author: Zong-Yang Shen is currently a professor and vice dean of School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic University. He obtained his PhD degree at School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, in 2007. Afterward, he joined Prof. Jing-Feng Li’s group in Tsinghua University, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. In the year 2010, he joined Jingdezhen Ceramic University, and studied in MRI, Pennsylvania State University, as a visiting scholar in Prof. Shujun Zhang’s group from 2012 to 2013. His research interests include dielectric ceramics for high power density energy storage capacitors, and high Curie temperature piezoelectric ceramics. He was granted the Ninth Science and Technology Nomination Award for young scientists from the Chinese Ceramic Society in 2011 and the Polish Ceramic Society Award in 2018. He has published over 60 SCI/EI papers as the first/corresponding author. See the article: Aliovalent Sm-doping enables BNT-based realxor ferroelectric ceramics with > 90% energy efficiency About Journal of Advanced Ceramics Journal of Advanced Ceramics (JAC) is an international academic journal that presents the state-of-the-art results of theoretical and experimental studies on the processing, structure, and properties of advanced ceramics and ceramic-based composites. JAC is Fully Open Access, monthly published by Tsinghua University Press, and exclusively available via SciOpen. JAC’s 2023 IF is 18.6, ranking in Top 1 (1/31, Q1) among all journals in “Materials Science, Ceramics” category, and its 2023 CiteScore is 21.0 (top 5%) in Scopus database. ResearchGate homepage: https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Journal-of-Advanced-Ceramics-2227-8508
Ceramics
Carbon Future

Highly selective pathway for propyne semihydrogenation achieved via CoSb intermetallic catalyst

Researchers delved deep into the regulation of cobalt active sites to enhance the selectivity of propylene to improve scalability and affordability of the production of this important chemical. Chemical reactions are not always naturally optimized to yield the products in the quantities needed, especially on the scale needed for the amount of industry in the world today. Researchers from East China University of Science and Technology explored the options available to develop a more cost-effective, scalable and straightforward method to increase specificity towards a certain pathway to maximize selectivity for propylene, an important building block for the preparation of gasoline and other chemicals that are found in a wide range of products. This is done through the synthesis of a cobalt-antimony (CoSb) intermetallic catalyst, which is a highly ordered structure achieved by combining at least two metallic elements, providing unique properties to the material that gives it enhanced catalytic abilities. Results were published in Carbon Future (DOI: 10.26599/CF.2024.9200020) on September 29, 2024. Propyne semihydrogenation selectively adds hydrogen to carbon-carbon triple bonds to reduce them to double bonds. Propyne is a popular chemical intermediate and is also used as a specialty fuel. For such a necessary chemical, little effort has been put towards finding a way to optimize the cobalt reaction sites for configuration matching for this given scenario. Researchers saw an astounding 97% selectivity for propylene which significantly outperforms the reference cobalt catalyst. This notable percentage of selectivity can be attributed to the unique properties the CoSb intermetallic catalyst gives to the reaction thanks to the well-defined and highly organized geometric and electronic structure. “Temperature-programmed surface reaction and desorption measurements, along with theoretical calculations, unravel that this exceptional selectivity arises from the kinetically preferred desorption of propylene over its further hydrogenation to undesired propane byproduct on the finely regulated Co sites of the CoSb intermetallic catalyst,” said Xuezhi Duan, author and researcher of the study. The CoSb catalyst is used to optimize the process of propyne semihydrogenation. Its selectivity can be attributed to a reaction’s preference for ease: energetically, the desired product of propylene is yielded in larger quantities than the undesired product of propane, which can save time and resources while reducing the amount of “junk” products at the end of the reaction. In many reactions, two or more products will be yielded in varying percentages, and it’s not always the case that the desired product is yielded in a higher quantity than the undesirable product. Achieving a highly selective pathway for a chemical reaction can help ensure the proper product is yielded in the desired quantities while minimizing the percentage of undesired products, creating a more efficient reaction that can lead to an overall reduction of the amount of materials used. With the impressive selectivity rate of the CoSb catalyst it is possible that Co catalysts can be tuned with near-perfect precision by Sb. Not only does this provide a positive outlook for the subject of this study, but other substrates could be tested and observed for their effectiveness as an alternative for selective hydrogenation. Xiaohu Ge, Ziyue Kou, Nina Fei, Yueqiang Cao, Xinggui Zhou and Xuezhi Duan of the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology and Hao Jiang of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at the East China University of Science and Technology contributed to this research. The National Key R&D Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Shanghai Rising-star Program, the Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan, the Program of Shanghai Academic/Technology Research Leader, Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities and the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF made this research possible. See the article: Regulation of cobalt active sites by antimony to match adsorption configuration for propyne semihydrogenation About Carbon Future Carbon Future is an open access, peer-reviewed and international interdisciplinary journal, published by Tsinghua University Press and exclusively available via SciOpen. Carbon Future reports carbon-related materials and processes, including catalysis, energy conversion and storage, as well as low carbon emission process and engineering. Carbon Future will publish Research Articles, Reviews, Minireviews, Highlights, Perspectives, and News and Views from all aspects concerned with carbon. Carbon Future will publish articles that focus on, but not limited to, the following areas: carbon-related or -derived materials, carbon-related catalysis and fundamentals, low carbon-related energy conversion and storage, low carbon emission chemical processes.
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Energy and Climate Management

Chinese NGOs’ engagement in trans-boundary renewable energy technology transfer

Effective adoption of renewable energy technologies (RETs) is essential for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As a leader in RETs, China has been pivotal in advancing trans-boundary technology transfer. Since launching the Green Belt and Road Initiative in 2017, China has expanded its renewable energy network to the global South by increasing climate finance and accelerating technology transfer. However, numerous challenges remain, including political, financial, legal, environmental, and cultural barriers. To address these issues, Chinese Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have started to engage in RET transfers, collaborating with tech enterprises, recipient country governments, local communities, and other stakeholders. Researchers from Renmin University of China analyzed the roles of Chinese NGOs in this process through three case studies. Their findings were published in Energy and Climate Management (DOI: 10.26599/ECM.2024.9400009) on August 30, 2024. “We aim to balance the studies on the roles of NGOs in trans-boundary technology transfer, as previous research has primarily focused on NGOs in the West. The engagement of Chinese domestic NGOs in trans-boundary renewable energy technology transfer is a recent phenomenon, accompanying the advancement of Chinese technologies and supplying capacities in this field, thus making it an emerging field of inquiry. This study is one of the early birds in this field, hopefully it will inspire future studies,” said Professor Lei Zhang, corresponding author of the paper, associate professor from the School of Ecology & Environment at Renmin University of China. The team examined three distinct Chinese NGOs: Institution G, a comprehensive NGO that implements technology transfer pilot projects; Institution L, a think tank specializing in industry research and policy advocacy; and Institution M, a bridge organization that empowers local NGOs and fosters cooperation between social organizations and enterprises. These cases were chosen to represent different types of Chinese NGOs involved in trans-boundary RET transfers. The team used rigorous methods to analyze the three cases, including semi-structured interviews with NGO experts and renewable energy firm representatives, supplemented by secondary data analysis from reports, articles, and documents. Researchers found that the combination of globalization, informatization, and the institutional push for green and low-carbon transformations driven by environmental and climate crises has led to a new grid-based technology transfer model involving multiple players. Within this framework, Chinese NGOs play various critical roles, such as coordinating stakeholders, offering technical assistance and policy guidance, creating technology information exchange platforms, monitoring the environmental and social responsibilities of overseas enterprises, conducting pilot projects, and providing professional advice to support renewable energy investments and financing. Despite their growing importance, the involvement of Chinese NGOs in climate technology transfer remains limited. Their participation in trans-boundary RET transfers is still in its early stages and faces several challenges, including limited global integration, insufficient policy and institutional support, a lack of professional expertise, and inadequate funding. The research team discovered the new roles of domestic NGOs engaged in RET transfer and expected the paper to inform policy and practice, enabling NGOs to take on a more engaged and impactful role in global environmental governance and promoting the inclusive growth of host countries. Professor Lei Zhang said, “Building on previous studies on NGOs and technology transfer, we explored how the uniqueness in terms of Chinese domestic NGOs and the policy context in which they operate would contribute to the knowledge pool. Standing between the North and the South, Chinese NGOs do play a dual role, yet face dual challenges. We trust that this study will shed light on the potentials and concerns of these NGOs through in-depth case studies.” Other contributors include Anqi Zhu and Xu Pan from the School of Ecology & Environment, and Professor Minpeng Chen from the School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, both at Renmin University of China. This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China [2018YFA0606503]. See the article: Chinese NGOs’ engagement in trans-boundary renewable energy technology transfer About Energy and Climate Management Managing the changing climate and energy transition are two closely related scientific and policy challenges of our society. Energy and Climate Management is an open access, peer-reviewed scholarly, policy-oriented academic journal dedicated to publishing interdisciplinary scientific papers on cutting-edge research on contemporary energy and climate management analysis. The Journal is exclusively available via SciOpen and aims to incentivize a meaningful dialogue between academics, think tanks, and public authorities worldwide. Contributions are welcomed covering areas related to energy and climate management, especially policy, economics, governance, and finance. Online submission portal available at https://mc03.manuscriptcentral.com/jecm.
Humanities and Social Sciences
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