Hard carbon (HC) is considered the most promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high cost-effectiveness and outstanding overall performance. However, the amorphous and intricate microstructure of HC poses significant challenges in elucidating the structure–performance relationship, which has led to persistent misinterpretations regarding the intrinsic characteristics of closed pores. An irrational construction methodology of closed pores inevitably results in diminished plateau capacity, which severely restricts the practical application of HC in high-energy-density scenarios. This review provides a systematic exposition of the conceptual framework and origination mechanisms of closed pores, offering critical insights into their structural characteristics and formation pathways. Subsequently, by correlating lattice parameters with defect configurations, the structure–performance relationships governing desolvation kinetics and sodium storage behavior are rigorously established. Furthermore, pioneering advancements in structural engineering are critically synthesized to establish fundamental design principles for the rational modulation of closed pores in HC. It is imperative to emphasize that adopting a molecular-level perspective, coupled with a synergistic kinetic/thermodynamic approach, is critical for understanding and controlling the transformation process from open pores to closed pores. These innovative perspectives are strategically designed to accelerate the commercialization of HC, thereby catalyzing the sustainable and high-efficiency development of SIBs.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc (Zn)-metal batteries hold great promise for next-generation energy storage systems. However, their practical application is hindered by several challenges, including dendrite formation, corrosion, and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. To address these issues, we designed and fabricated a composite protective layer for Zn anodes by integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with chitosan through a simple and scalable scraping process. The CNTs ensure uniform electric field distribution due to their high electrical conductivity, while protonated chitosan regulates ion transport and suppresses dendrite formation at the anode interface. The chitosan/CNTs composite layer also facilitates smooth Zn²⁺ deposition, enhancing the stability and reversibility of the Zn anode. As a result, the chitosan/CNTs @ Zn anode demonstrates exceptional cycling stability, achieving over 3000 h of plating/stripping with minimal degradation. When paired with a V₂O₅ cathode, the composite-protected anode significantly improves the cycle stability and energy density of the full cell. Techno-economic analysis confirms that batteries incorporating the chitosan/CNTs protective layer outperform those with bare Zn anodes in terms of energy density and overall performance under optimized conditions. This work provides a scalable and sustainable strategy to overcome the critical challenges of aqueous Zn-metal batteries, paving the way for their practical application in next-generation energy storage systems.

The research teams led by Academician Lan Jiang and Researcher Weina Han from Beijing Institute of Technology, together with the team headed by Researcher Xun Cao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have published an innovative achievement in PhotoniX. They proposed a method for realizing adaptive infrared thermal camouflage based on a neural network-driven laser-electric co-modulation of multi-layer phase change material devices. The team integrated non-volatile phase change material Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ (GST) voxel units induced by ultrafast lasers with electrically tunable volatile VO₂ layers. Via laser-electric co-modulation, they achieved precise and continuous regulation of infrared emissivity over a wide range from 0.14 to 0.98 within the 8-14 μm atmospheric window, effectively covering the emissivity range of most materials. Meanwhile, by adopting a closed-loop system based on neural networks, the team realized the perception, intelligent decision-making and execution of environmental signals. With a response speed of 3℃/s and a temperature control accuracy of ±1℃, real-time thermal radiation matching between the target and the environment was achieved. This method significantly enhances the adaptability of thermal camouflage in complex environments, opens up new avenues for the practical application of dynamic thermal camouflage technology, and also lays a solid foundation for the future development of intelligent thermal camouflage technology.

In a pioneering study that explores the hidden carbon reservoirs of coastal ecosystems, researchers are quantifying the carbon stocks of macroalgal beds in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The study, titled "Carbon Stocks of Coastal Macroalgal Beds in the SW Atlantic," is led by Prof. Angelo Fraga Bernardino from the Departamento de Oceanografia at Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo (UFES) in Vitória, Brazil. This research offers valuable insights into the role of macroalgal beds in carbon sequestration, highlighting their importance in marine protected areas.