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Graphene and its derivatives (GDs) have been applied in many fields, like photocatalysts, sensors, and biomedical delivery, due to its excellent physicochemical properties. However, the widespread use of GDs has significantly increased human exposure to these materials. Some health risks of exposure to GDs have been identified, including organ fibrosis, inflammation, DNA damage, etc. Given that graphene is a novel concern, we especially emphasized the various exposure pathways and potential health risks of exposure to GDs. People get exposed to GDs mainly through inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, etc. GDs could transfer to the circular system of people and accumulate in blood, cells, and major organs. GDs exposure could induce organ and cell inflammatory responses and damage, such as disrupted kidney function, declined cell vitality, cytotoxicity, etc. These changes at the organ and cell levels might lead to adverse tangible influences on people, like decreased locomotor activity, the accelerated aging process, and even abnormal offspring development. We also summarized the characterization and detection methods of GDs. In addition, we compared the studies of exposure to dust and GDs in the aspects of health risks and study methods. This review could offer a comprehensive summary related to GDs and provide helpful references for further graphene-related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In‐depth understanding of the real‐time behaviors of active sites during electrocatalysis is essential for the advancement of sustainable energy conversion. Recently, the concept of dynamic active sites has been recognized as a potent approach for creating self‐adaptive electrocatalysts that can address a variety of electrocatalytic reactions, outperforming traditional electrocatalysts with static active sites. Nonetheless, the comprehension of the underlying principles that guide the engineering of dynamic active sites is presently insufficient. In this review, we systematically analyze the fundamentals of dynamic active sites for electrocatalysis and consider important future directions for this emerging field. We reveal that dynamic behaviors and reversibility are two crucial factors that influence electrocatalytic performance. By reviewing recent advances in dynamic active sites, we conclude that implementing dynamic electrocatalysis through variable reaction environments, correlating the model of dynamic evolution with catalytic properties, and developing localized and ultrafast in situ/operando techniques are keys to designing high‐performance dynamic electrocatalysts. This review paves the way to the development of the next‐generation electrocatalyst and the universal theory for both dynamic and static active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid pace of technology and increasing energy demands underscore the urgent need for eco-friendly materials with exceptional energy conversion and storage capabilities. Two-dimensional (2D) energy materials, characterized by unique physicochemical properties, hold great promise in renewable energy conversion, catalysis, and electronics. Nevertheless, conventional synthesis methods often falter in balancing high quality, high yield, and cost-effectiveness, presenting substantial obstacles to their large-scale application. Microwave-assisted synthesis, characterized by its rapid and efficient process, emerges as a promising approach to surmount these limitations. This review meticulously examines the pivotal role of microwave-assisted synthesis in the preparation of 2D materials, highlighting its profound impact on enhancing material quality and production efficiency. By scrutinizing the unique physical properties of microwaves and their applications in material synthesis, the review elucidates the innovative contributions of microwave technology to materials science. Furthermore, it delves into the intricate influence of microwave parameter control on the synthesis process and resultant material properties, offering insight into the potential of microwave technology for the precise modulation of material structure and functionality. This comprehensive analysis underscores microwave-assisted synthesis as a viable solution for overcoming current challenges, thereby advancing the development of high-performance 2D energy materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond conventional electrocatalyst engineering, recent studies have unveiled the effectiveness of manipulating the local reaction environment in enhancing the performance of electrocatalytic reactions. The general principles and strategies of local environmental engineering for different electrocatalytic processes have been extensively investigated. This review provides a critical appraisal of the recent advancements in local reaction environment engineering, aiming to comprehensively assess this emerging field. It presents the interactions among surface structure, ions distribution and local electric field in relation to the local reaction environment. Useful protocols such as the interfacial reactant concentration, mass transport rate, adsorption/desorption behaviors, and binding energy are in-depth discussed toward modifying the local reaction environment. Meanwhile, electrode physical structures and reaction cell configurations are viable optimization methods in engineering local reaction environments. In combination with operando investigation techniques, we conclude that rational modifications of the local reaction environment can significantly enhance various electrocatalytic processes by optimizing the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the reaction interface. We also outline future research directions to attain a comprehensive understanding and effective modulation of the local reaction environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth in intermittent renewable sources including solar and wind has sparked increasing interest in electrical energy storage. Grid‐scale energy storage integrated with renewable sources has significant advantages in energy regulation and grid security. Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as a practically attractive option for electrical storage because of environmentally benign aqueous‐based electrolytes, high theoretical capacity of Zn anode, and significant global reserves of Zn. However, application of AZIBs at the grid‐scale is restricted by drawbacks in cathode material(s). Herein, a comprehensive summary of the features and storage mechanisms of the latest cathode materials is provided. The fundamental problems and corresponding in‐depth causes for cathode materials is critically reviewed. It is also assess practical challenges, appraise their translation to commerce and industry, and systematically summarize and discuss the potential solutions reported in recent works. It is established necessary design strategies for Zn anodes and electrolytes that are matched with cathode materials for commercializing AZIBs. Finally, it is concluded with a perspective on the practical prospects for advancing the development of future AZIBs. Findings will be of interest and benefit to a range of researchers and manufacturers in the design and application of AZIBs for grid‐scale energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing an efficient and stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst is beneficial in various energy conversion and storage applications for achieving the "Carbon Neutrality" goal. Among the iron‐based perovskite oxides (AFeO3), LaFeO3 stands out as a preferred catalyst for electrocatalytic OER due to its exceptional selectivity in oxygen bonding at the A‐site. The introduction of A‐site substitution and controlled morphological engineering in perovskite structures has proven effective in enhancing the electrical conductivity and intrinsic catalytic activity. Nevertheless, the conventional A‐site substitution approach often involves prolonged high‐temperature calcination, leading to the agglomeration of nanostructures, particularly in two‐dimensional (2D) porous configurations. Herein, we introduce a novel method for synthesizing 2D porous LaFeO3 perovskite with A‐site Sr substitution using microwave shock. This microwave technique capitalizes on the benefits of transient heating and cooling, enabling simultaneous construction of 2D porous morphology and precise regulation of Sr substitution in one step. By conducting theoretical simulations of the electron configuration and analysis of crystal structure, we unveil the impact of Sr substitution on the OER activity of 2D porous LaFeO3. The synthesized La0.2Sr0.8FeO3 (LSFO‐8) catalyst exhibits an exceptional overpotential of 339 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 56.84 mV dec−1 in alkaline electrolyte. This investigation provides a fresh perspective for the design and engineering of electronic configuration in highly active 2D perovskite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving interfacial solar evaporation performance is crucial for the practical application of this technology in solar‐driven seawater desalination. Lowering evaporation enthalpy is one of the most promising and effective strategies to significantly improve solar evaporation rate. In this study, a new pathway to lower vaporization enthalpy by introducing heterogeneous interactions between hydrophilic hybrid materials and water molecules is developed. 2D MoN1.2 nanosheets are synthesized and integrated with rGO nanosheets to form stacked MoN1.2‐rGO heterostructures with massive junction interfaces for interfacial solar evaporation. Molecular dynamics simulation confirms that atomic thick 2D MoN1.2 and rGO in the MoN1.2‐rGO heterostructures simultaneously interact with water molecules, while the interactions are remarkably different. These heterogeneous interactions cause an imbalanced water state, which easily breaks the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, leading to dramatically lowered vaporization enthalpy and improved solar evaporation rate (2.6 kg m−2 h−1). This study provides a promising strategy for designing 2D‐2D heterostructures to regulate evaporation enthalpy to improve solar evaporate rate for clean water production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]