Micrometer-sized silicon oxide (SiO) anodes encounter challenges in large-scale applications due to significant volume expansion during the alloy/de-alloy process. Herein, an innovative deep eutectic electrolyte derived from succinonitrile is introduced to enhance the cycling stability of SiO anodes. Density functional theory calculations validate a robust ion–dipole interaction between lithium ions (Li⁺) and succinonitrile (SN). The cosolvent fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) optimizes the Li⁺ solvation structure in the SN-based electrolyte with its weakly solvating ability. Molecular dynamics simulations investigate the regulating mechanism of ion–dipole and cation–anion interaction. The unique Li⁺ solvation structure, enriched with FEC and TFSI⁻, facilitates the formation of an inorganic–organic composite solid electrolyte interphase on SiO anodes. Micro-CT further detects the inhibiting effect on the SiO volume expansion. As a result, the SiO|LiCoO₂ full cells exhibit excellent electrochemical performance in deep eutectic-based electrolytes. This work presents an effective strategy for extending the cycle life of SiO anodes by designing a new SN-based deep eutectic electrolyte.

Membrane fouling has been one of the most important challenges in membrane separation operations. In this study, we report a facile strategy to prepare antifouling polysulfone (PSf) UF membranes by blending amphiphilic zwitterion polysulfone-co-sulfobetaine polysulfone (PSf-co-SBPSf) copolymer. The copolymer chemical structure was characterized by ¹HNMR spectroscopy. The PSf/PSf-co-SBPSf blend membranes with various zwitterionic SBPSf segment contents exhibited better surface hydrophilicity and excellent antifouling ability compared to PSf and PSf/PEG membranes. The significant increase of both porosity and water permeance indicates that the PSf-co-SBPSf has a pore-forming effect. The pure water flux and flux recovery ratio of the PSf/PSf-co-SBPSf blend membranes were both remarked to improve 286.43 L/m²h and 92.26%, while bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection remained at a high level (97.66%). More importantly, the water flux and BSA rejection see minimal variance after heat treatment, indicating excellent thermostability. Overall, the PSf/PSf-co-SBPSf blend membranes achieved a comprehensive performance of sustainable hydrophilic, high permeation flux, and remarkable antifouling ability, thus becoming a promising candidate in high-temperature separation application.

Industries containing excess acid or alkaline wastewater exacerbate water security. As a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic with superior chemical resistance, exceptional mechanical strength, and outstanding thermal stability, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising candidate for advanced functional membranes in water remediation. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of recent advances in PEEK materials, encompassing PEEK membrane fabrication, strategies for membrane hydrophilic modification, and applications in wastewater treatment. Specifically, research efforts have focused on membrane preparation methods such as nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS), thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), and chemical-induced crystallization (CIC), which aim to address the critical challenge of forming solvent-resistant PEEK membranes while maintaining membrane performance. Additionally, various hydrophilic modification strategies (pretreatment, co-blending, and post-treatment) for PEEK membranes are discussed to alleviate membrane fouling problems, with in-depth discussions of diverse applications in wastewater treatment (such as the removal and purification of synthetic dyes, organic solvents, natural organic matter removal, and oil–water mixture). The review concludes with an emphasis on the current challenges and potential of PEEK membrane for wastewater treatment.

Bacteria are difficult to be eliminated because of their multi‐drug resistance, which brings significant threats to public health. Among the antibacterial methods, mechanobactericidal surfaces provide a possible approach to solving this problem. In this study, a generally used mechanical sterilization is developed by fabricating a nanostructured coating. The functional coating is simply fabricated by growing zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs, ZIF‐8 mixed with ZIF‐67) nanospikes on the surface of the fabric substrate in situ. The fabricated ZIF nanospikes are stable and effective, with the sterilization efficiency approaching 99.9999%. This technique provides a fast, safe, and low‐cost antibacterial method without drug resistance, which can be potentially used in hospitals, emergency treatments, and superbug protection in the future.