Introduction: The knowledge of light scattering from powdered graphite is important in both astronomy and material science, however it is particularly of more interest in astronomy because graphite is a pre-solar grain material - meaning, it is found in the ejecta of dying stars which is the origin of solar system. Graphite is found in meteorites like Ureilites and Enstatite chondrites and among astronomical objects like terrestrial planets and asteroids the presence of graphite is evident from previous studies.

Method: On asteroids, materials are present in the form of dust layers called regolith and an efficient way to study their nature can be from scattered sunlight. However, due to the presence of many unknown parameters of regolith, light scattering is a difficult subject from both theoretical and computational standpoint. But experimentally we can simulate such surfaces within laboratory of known parameters to study light scattering from regolith analogous surfaces and compare them with the theoretical results to know more about true light scattering.

Results: In this work, two graphite samples – one with fine particles and the other with coarser particles were studied experimentally for their photometric behavior which show a distinctive nature from general theoretical understanding. The sample particles were studied for their composition by using XRD analysis and shapes by using SEM analysis. The results show that both of them are of same composition (i.e. comprises of highly pure graphite particles) and the particles are highly irregularly shaped.

Conclusion: These experimental results can be used for better understanding of light scattering from regolith of similar nature while they can also be helpful to test theoretical models of light scattering from irregular particles that involve multiple scattering.

A major challenge in energy technology is the limitation of large-scale energy storage technologies, which greatly impedes the widespread adoption of many renewable energy sources due to their non-constant and commonly unpredictable energy generation rates. Thus, for society to move away from its current dependence on fossil fuels, a cost-effective solution for large-scale energy storage is essential. One promising technology is hydrogen generation through photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, which uses sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. This method allows hydrogen gas to be stored and utilized as an on-demand energy source utilizing existing technologies, thus providing a green energy source with the flexibility of fossil fuels. Previous studies on single-catalyst PECs are greatly limited by only being able to harvest a fraction of the solar spectrum or have band edges that do not facilitate the evolution of both hydrogen and oxygen gases. In order to overcome this barrier, we have identified WO_2.9 and Cu₂O as co-catalysts for direct Z-scheme device geometry. We have prepared the WO_2.9/Cu₂O heterostructures by synthesizing WO_2.9 nanostructures using hot wire chemical vapor deposition on Cu₂O thin films that were grown in situ on Cu substrates. The resulting WO_2.9 nanostructures are rod-shaped with an average diameter of 50 nm. The photocatalyst shows excellent hydrogen production activity under visible light, achieving a solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of approximately 1% without any applied bias potential. Here we will discuss these results along with their potential for utilization in high-performance, low-cost photocatalysts for green hydrogen production applications.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) have widespread use in various fields. They are widely investigated for antibacterial coatings, cancer treatment solutions, sunscreens, pigments in paint matrices, and other applications. However, numerous studies have reported links between TiO₂-NP inhalation and adverse pulmonary outcomes such as emphysema, lung inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer. Hybrid experimental–computational toxicogenomic approaches are increasingly used in the risk assessment of chemicals and nanomaterials. Such an approach allows researchers to decrease the need for animal studies while keeping the high accuracy of the obtained results. In our work, we aimed to quantitatively link inhaled TiO₂-NP properties with a complex transcriptomic dataset comprising 621 genes measured in female mice lungs after exposure to five well‑characterized TiO₂‑NPs at doses of 18–162 µg/mouse and evaluated at 1 and 28 days post‑exposure periods, resulting in 30 experimental conditions. With 30 conditions, 29 principal components (PCs) captured all transcriptomic variance before supervised modelling. The input predictors set comprised particle surface area, size, charge, dose, and post‑exposure period. The combination of the first two PCs captured 44 % of gene‑level variance, and the ridge regression model predicted this endpoint with Q² = 0.79, tested on six unseen while training conditions. Consequently, the single Machine Learning (ML) model enables approximate reconstruction of >270 genes in the response to TiO₂-NP inhalation based on their loadings to the PCs. In practice, this enables rapid ML-based exploration of TiO₂‑NP designs and prioritization before animal studies, accelerating safe‑by‑design iteration. By projecting the predicted gene signatures onto established Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), this method can also flag early key events that mechanistically link molecular perturbations to lung outcomes. Thus, the present work extends a previously established computational paradigm of computational nanotoxicology.

This work was funded via the Polish National Science Centre in the frame of the TransNANO project (UMO-2020/37/B/ST5/01894).

High-plasticity clays (CH) are widely known in geotechnical engineering for their undesirable characteristics. These characteristics include low shear strength, high compressibility, and swelling potential, yet their presence in infrastructure projects is often unavoidable. This study aims at investigating a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) stabilization by evaluating the durability performance of soil–geopolymer mixtures (SGMs) using quarry dust (QD), an industrial by-product from sand and gravel quarrying in the Philippines. Durability testing was considered essential in this study due to the tropical climate in the Philippines, which is characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons that can significantly affect the long-term performance of stabilized soils. The QD was activated with a combination of sodium silicate (SS) and sodium hydroxide (SH) and blended with CH to form SGMs. Index property tests were conducted to characterize the raw materials and determine optimal mix proportions. After a 28-day curing period, the SGMs underwent wetting–drying (WD) cycles, where each cycle consisted of 5 hours of submersion in potable water, followed by 42 hours of oven drying at 70°C. Mass loss and soil-cement degradation were assessed by brushing the sample surfaces with a wire brush and weighing the samples, in accordance with procedures recommended by the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The results showed an average mass loss of 6.83% after 12 WD cycles, meeting the Portland Cement Association’s (PCA) requirement of less than 7.00% for stabilized clays. These findings support the use of QD-based geopolymer as an effective and environmentally sustainable stabilizer for high-plasticity clays, particularly in tropical regions where seasonal exposure cycles pose significant durability challenges.

Introduction:
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are pivotal to modern energy storage systems, powering everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles and grid infrastructures. With rising global energy demands and sustainability concerns, the development of next-generation LIBs hinges on the discovery and application of advanced materials that can enhance energy density, safety, cycle life, and environmental compatibility.

Methods:
This review synthesizes findings from over a decade of research on LIB material innovations. A comprehensive analysis of recent studies, including those focusing on electrode compositions, electrolytes, separators, and nanostructured materials, is undertaken. The methodology includes comparative assessments of anode and cathode chemistries, electrolyte performance, nanocomposite integration, and life cycle environmental impact studies.

Results:
Emerging anode materials such as silicon and lithium-metal-based composites demonstrate significantly higher theoretical capacities than commercial graphite but face limitations due to volumetric expansion and mechanical instability. Cathode advancements have focused on high-nickel and cobalt-free layered oxides to reduce costs and improve sustainability. Electrolyte innovations include solid-state and polymer-based alternatives that enhance safety and support high-voltage operations. Furthermore, nanocomposite materials incorporating carbon, oxides, and polymers have shown potential in improving structural integrity, conductivity, and lithium diffusion pathways. Advanced separators and interface engineering continue to address thermal stability and safety concerns. Environmental life cycle assessments have underscored the need for sustainable material sourcing, recycling technologies, and green processing, particularly for high-output markets.

Conclusions:
The development of high-performance LIBs is closely tied to breakthroughs in materials science. While significant progress has been made in enhancing energy density, thermal stability, and cycle life, issues of cost, safety, and environmental impact remain. The future of LIBs will be defined by the integration of silicon-based anodes, cobalt-free cathodes, safer solid-state electrolytes, and scalable nanomaterial applications. Additionally, closed-loop recycling and green chemistry approaches will be critical for establishing sustainable supply chains.

The economic impact of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines continues to grow. Dependence on fossil fuels significantly contributes to the rising global energy demand and has intensified the development of environmentally friendly systems for energy generation and storage. In this context, lithium-ion batteries have emerged as a viable solution to environmental, economic, and social challenges, currently dominating the electric vehicle industry.

Among the battery components, cathode material has the most significant influence on performance, safety, cost, or lifespan. The first commercialized cathode was LiCoO₂, which is now being gradually replaced due to its low safety level and high cost.

Partial or complete substitution of cobalt with other elements enables the development of new properties that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. The introduction of aluminium contributes to structural stability and reduced economic impact, but also leads to a decrease in storage capacity. Manganese has high potential for improving electronic conductivity, suppressing microcracks, enhancing structural integrity and mechanical strength. Nickel allows for high energy density, but pure LiNiO₂ is difficult to synthesize and process and lacks sufficient safety.

Therefore, although conventional cathodes, such as LiNi_1-x-yCo_xMn_y and LiNi_1-x-yCo_xAl_y exhibit valuable properties, they still suffer from several limitations. Therefore, the development of new cathode materials that deliver high performance without compromising safety or durability is essential.

This work focuses on the synthesis of new oxide-based materials with high potential for use as cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, aiming to achieve a balance between performance, cost-effectiveness, and criticality of the constituent elements.

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, such as carbon dots, have gained significant attention due to their unique luminescent properties, high photostability, and excellent charge transport capabilities. These quasi-spherical nanoparticles, typically <10 nm in diameter, are valued for their ease of synthesis, versatile surface functionalization, strong light absorption, and high quantum yield. Such features make them promising for applications in photocatalysis, solar energy conversion, and optoelectronics. In photocatalytic systems, carbon dots enhance light harvesting, charge separation, and overall energy conversion efficiency. This review highlights recent progress in the synthesis, modification, and application of carbon dots for sustainable energy technologies. Two-dimensional (2D) materials offer exceptional electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, making them attractive for energy conversion applications. Their atomic thickness, large surface area, and tunable band structure enable efficient light–matter interactions and charge carrier transport, advancing photocatalysis, hydrogen evolution, and piezoelectric energy harvesting. In piezoelectric 2D materials such as Bi₂WO₆, WO₃ or MoS₂, mechanical deformation induces an internal electric field that promotes charge separation and reduces recombination, improving catalytic performance. 2D materials are also effective in sonocatalysis, where ultrasonic waves generate cavitation, producing localized high-energy conditions that activate catalyst surfaces, enhance mass transfer, and generate reactive species. Coupling light with ultrasound in sono-photocatalysis provides synergistic effects, enabling efficient pollutant degradation, water purification, and hydrogen production. Their incorporation into functional coatings and active membranes further improves selectivity, permeability, and durability, enabling multifunctional energy systems.

This review compares the advantages, challenges, and prospects of both 1D carbon-based nanostructures and 2D layered materials in next-generation sustainable energy technologies. The combined understanding of these material classes can guide future research, inspire hybrid designs, and accelerate the development of high-efficiency, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

Acknowledgements

The European Commission grant supported this work: HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01-01 – Piezo2D (project number 101131229) and H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018 - FUNCOAT (project number 823942)

Abstract

Composite of nickel doped manganese cobalt sulfide (Mn0.6Ni0.4Co2S4) and MXene have proven to be good electrode materials but not without restacking, aggregation, slow reaction kinetics and volume expansion issues hindering their practical use. This work involves an easy synthesis of Mn1-xNixCo2S4/Ti3C2Tx described here as (MMNCS) nanocomposite utilizing the coprecipitation method using garcinia kola fruit pulp extract as green intercalant and evaluating the effect of extract concentration on the electrochemical performance of the synthesized composite. The XRD shows an increase in interlayer spacing distance of 9.6 Ả for Ti3C2Tx@Al to 12.04 Ả, 13.4 Ả, 14.8 and 14.1 Ả in MMNCS 0, MMNCS 1, MMNCS 2 and MMNCS 3 composites respectively while BET surface area analysis shows that MMCS 2 has the highest surface area of 102.2 m2/g. The green intercalated MMNCS 3 nanocomposite form a sandwich-like structure that is a boon for ion penetration. MXene's bandgap value of 2.4 eV generally reduced to 2.22 eV, 2.18 eV, 1.92 eV and 2.09 eV for MMNCS 0, MMNCS 1, MMNCS 2 and MMNCS 3 respectively. FTIR spectra clearly show the various functional groups in the samples. Optimum specific capacitance of 1832 C/g was recorded by MMNCS 2 at 1.0 A/g with 90.3 % capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. EIS spectra validate a quicker electron transfer rate for this electrode hence, it suggests the potential of the Mn0.6Ni0.4Co2S4/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite synthesized with garcinia kola fruit pulp extract as green intercalant as a hopeful material for energy storage.

This study demonstrates the superior performance of cellulose nanofibril (CNF)-reinforced microcapsules for phase change material (PCM) encapsulation. Compared to conventional polyurethane encapsulation, CNF incorporation yields significant improvements in both structural and thermal properties while enhancing sustainability.

The CNF-modified microcapsules exhibit thick shells (530 nm maximum) with substantially improved mechanical strength, enabling better resistance to PCM volume changes during phase transitions. This structural enhancement leads to 78% encapsulation efficiency – an 11% increase over method without CNF – and to improved thermal stability due to the shift in onset decomposition temperatures and a more efficient protection of the encapsulated OD from elution in the organic solvent. The uniform CNF distribution creates a robust fibrous network that maintains capsule integrity through repeated thermal cycles.

CNF modification eliminates synthetic surfactants through its natural emulsifying properties while reducing chemical crosslinker requirements. The renewable nature of CNF makes this approach particularly attractive for sustainable energy storage solutions.

These advancements position CNF-enhanced microcapsules as ideal for demanding applications in building materials, thermal textiles, and electronic cooling systems where conventional encapsulation falls short. The combination of improved durability, thermal regulation, and eco-friendly credentials represents a significant advancement in PCM technology. Future work will focus on optimizing CNF surface modifications for specific application requirements while maintaining the demonstrated performance benefits. This research establishes CNF as a transformative additive for next-generation thermal energy storage systems.

Carbon nanofiber mats derived from renewable resources are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic precursors for energy storage applications. Redox flow batteries are a promising solution for large-scale energy storage, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the grid. However, the efficiency of these batteries is often limited by conventional carbon felts or papers, which suffer from poor electrocatalytic activity, hindering their potential for grid-scale applications. In this study, alkali lignin, a biopolymer rich in aromatic structures, was employed as the primary carbon source for the fabrication of carbon nanofiber mats via electrospinning, aimed at application in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was incorporated as a binder polymer to enhance the electrospinnability of the lignin solution using stationary needle-based electrospinning techniques. The electrospun mats underwent thermal stabilisation and carbonisation to yield conductive carbon nanofibers. A comprehensive analysis of the morphological and elemental evolution of the nanofibers throughout the processing stages was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results demonstrate that lignin-based carbon nanofibers possess favourable characteristics such as interconnected morphology, adequate carbon yield, and structural integrity, making them promising electrode candidates for sustainable VRFB systems. This study underscores the potential of biomass-derived polymers in advancing the development of next-generation carbon electrodes for large-scale energy storage.