The electronic synergy of Fe nanoclusters and Ni/Fe–N ₄ single-atomic sites optimizes the adsorption/desorption of oxygenated intermediates and reduces the energy barrier of the oxygen electrocatalysis, boosting the Zn–air batteries performance.

Excellent mechanical strength and conductivity are essential and exigent features for advanced gel materials. The trade-off between them, however, remains a challenge. Here, we proposed an ion-molecular engineering strategy to develop a strong (4.46 MPa) yet high conductivity (67.43 mS cm⁻¹), freezing tolerant (−103 °C), and transparent (94%) cellulose ionogel via ZnCl₂ doping (namely CZ ionogel). Doping Zn²⁺ induces coordination interactions with cellulose molecules (Zn²⁺–COO⁻) through coupling hydrogen bonding and ion–dipole interactions, resulting in a robust CZ ionogel with 15- and 10-times improvement in the elastic modulus and toughness, respectively. The Zn²⁺–cellulose engineering produces a confined nanostructure that supports the efficient transport of small-size Cl⁻ anions, while limiting the movement of large-size cations, thereby allowing the CZ ionogel to function as a rare n-type ionic thermoelectric material to convert low-grade waste heat into useful electricity (∼110 mV at ΔT = 36 K). This ion-molecular engineering strategy offers unprecedented degrees of freedom for developing adaptable gel materials.

This review provides an in-depth analysis of enzyme immobilization techniques and their application in catalyzing the transformation of biomass into high-value chemicals.

The global “carbon emission peak” and “carbon neutrality” strategic goals promote us to replace current petroleum-based resin products with biomass-based resins. The use of technical lignins and hemicellulose-derived furfuryl alcohol in the production of biomass-based resins are among the most promising ways. Deep understanding of the resulting resin structure is a prerequisite for the optimization of biomass-based resins. Herein, a semiquantitative 2D HSQC NMR technique supplemented by the quantitative ³¹P NMR and methoxyl group wet chemistry analysis were employed for the structural elucidation of softwood kraft lignin-based furfuryl alcohol resin (LFA). The LFA was fractionated into water-insoluble (LFA-I) and soluble (LFA-S) parts. The analysis of methoxyl groups showed that the amount of lignin was 85 wt% and 44 wt% in LFA-I and LFA-S fractions, respectively. The HSQC spectra revealed the high diversity of linkages formed between lignin and poly FA (pFA). The HSQC and ³¹P results indicated the formation of new condensed structures, particularly at the 5-position of the aromatic ring. Esterification reactions between carboxyl groups of lignin and hydroxyl groups of pFA could also occur. Furthermore, it was suggested that lignin phenolic hydroxyl oxygen could attack an opened furan ring to form several aryl ethers structures. Therefore, the LFA resin was produced through crosslinking between lignin fragments and pFA chains.