Table of Content

20 June 2026, Volume 9 Issue 2

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Recent Advances in Membrane Electrode Assembly for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis: Performance and Durability Enhancement

Rongfu Hong, Jing Su, Jiayang Li, Jian Gu, Shuting Lin, Zhun Dong, Yunsong Yang, Junke Tang, Yuquan Zou, Lixin Xing, Lei Du, Hong Ren, Siyu Ye

2026, 9(2):  8.  doi:10.1007/s41918-026-00281-4

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Recently, anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has garnered significant global attention due to its promising potential in energy applications. The capabilities of AEMWE are increasingly recognized for their broad prospects in sustainable energy solutions. However, AEMWE currently still faces several challenges, particularly in terms of high costs and limited durability. These challenges are primarily influenced by the performance of the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), which are considered the "core" components of AEMWE. As a result, substantial efforts are focused on developing innovative materials and optimizing manufacturing processes to advance AEMWE. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review of the latest developments in key materials for AEMWE, with particular emphasis on how these advanced materials can be integrated into electrodes and MEAs. Additionally, future research and development directions for materials and MEA technologies are discussed. Our aim is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial manufacturing processes, thereby fostering the continued advancement of AEMWE. Through this discussion, we seek to facilitate the widespread application of AEMWE in the energy sector and strengthen the connection between academic research and industrial practices.



Multi-Scenario Digital Modeling and Simulation of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Weizhuo Li, Zhiming Bao, Dingjian Wang, Yang Wang, Yinsheng Yu, Hang Li, Qing Du, Zunlong Jin, Kui Jiao

2026, 9(2):  9.  doi:10.1007/s41918-026-00284-1

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Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have changed our world and underpinned a wide spectrum of technologies, from consumer electronics and electric vehicles to grid-scale energy storage, low-altitude aircraft, and aerospace systems. As demands for power density, reliability, and safety continue to increase across diverse scenarios, the traditional trial-and-error research and development (R&D) paradigm is no longer suitable for today’s fast-paced innovation environment. Digital modeling, which excels in probing fundamental mechanisms, optimizing battery design, and enhancing management strategies, has become a powerful enabler for accelerating innovation and iterative development in battery technology. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the multi-scenario modeling and simulation of LIBs. We begin with an overview of equivalent-circuit modeling (Sect. 2) and electrochemical modeling (Sect. 3) for performance prediction, followed by thermal modeling and electrical-thermal coupling frameworks (Sect. 4) to improve model accuracy. Next, we summarize battery degradation and failure mechanisms, including battery aging (Sect. 5) and thermal runaway modeling (Sect. 6). We then explore mesoscale phase field (PF) modeling for dendrite growth, phase separation, and crack propagation (Sect. 7), followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for probing electrode/electrolyte structures, ion transport, and interface reaction mechanisms (Sect. 8). Finally, we offer insights into current challenges and outline future directions. The deep integration of multiscale modeling, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-edge-end frameworks is poised to drive the next generation of intelligent, robust, and adaptive battery modeling platforms, accelerating the development of next-generation battery technologies.



Advanced Aqueous Sodium-Air Batteries: From Chemical and Electrochemical Fundamentals to Future Perspectives

Bowen Xu, Xuantian Feng, Kun Ren, Fupeng Li, Da Zhang, Bin Yang, Feng Liang

2026, 9(2):  10.  doi:10.1007/s41918-026-00282-3

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Aqueous sodium-air batteries (SABs) represent a highly promising type of next-generation energy storage system, combining high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. However, safety concerns and limited cycle life have impeded their commercialization. Over the past decade, significant breakthroughs in electrochemical performance, battery component design, and battery configuration have been achieved in aqueous SAB systems. To date, there has been a lack of focused attention and in-depth discussion on these systems. This review covers the concept, reaction mechanism, battery device, and key components (anode, anolyte, separator, aqueous electrolytes, and catalyst) of the latest developments in aqueous SABs in detail. Moreover, advanced strategies for enhancing the electrochemical performance of aqueous SABs are discussed. Furthermore, to indicate the direction of future aqueous SAB research, this review summarizes the challenges and prospects of this rapidly evolving field. This review can provide a reference for the design and application of electrochemical energy storage systems and for the development of new systems in this field.The progress in the reaction mechanisms, battery components, and electrochemical performance of aqueous sodium-air batteries is systematically reviewed.



Review on Self-Humidifying Fuel Cell Systems: Materials, Systems, and Challenges

Shangfeng Jiang, Chuang Zhai, Bowen Wang, Fan Zhang, Zixuan Wang, Jiahao Han, Kui Jiao

2026, 9(2):  11.  doi:10.1007/s41918-026-00283-2

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Self-humidifying fuel cell systems achieve automatic internal humidification through optimized materials, structures, and fuel cell control strategies. Due to their potentials for reducing system complexity and cost, they have become a prominent area of research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the development of self-humidifying fuel cells in terms of materials, components, and systems and discusses potential applications of these cells in next-generation fuel cell systems. To enhance the performance of self-humidifying fuel cells, researchers are continuously exploring new technologies, materials, and methods including membrane design improvements, catalyst layer innovations, gas diffusion layer structure optimizations, membrane electrode assembly advancements, and flow field design enhancements along with system control optimizations. However, some challenges remain such as proton exchange membrane modifications, catalyst layer/microporous layer structure designs, bipolar plate flow-field innovations, and intelligent controls. Additionally, future directions are proposed that comprise machine learning-assisted material development, optimization of additive and catalyst compatibility, and dynamic simulation and fault prediction for system analysis. This review not only summarizes the main research directions highlighting recent progress in self-humidifying fuel cell technology, but also addresses technical problems faced during practical implementation of this technology. It is highly significant in clarifying the strategic position held by self-humidifying fuel cell technology and indicating frontier areas for further research and innovation.



Multiple In Situ/Operando Synchrotron Spectroscopic Characterizations Decrypting Electrocatalytic Water Splitting Dynamics

Yuanli Li, Mikhail A. Soldatov, Bogdan O. Protsenko, Alexander A. Guda, Daiki Kido, Weiren Cheng, Fengwen Pan, Qinghua Liu

2026, 9(2):  12.  doi:10.1007/s41918-026-00278-z

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Electrocatalytic water splitting represents a sustainable and efficient approach for producing high-purity hydrogen, playing an increasingly pivotal role in addressing global energy sustainability challenges. However, dynamic and complex electrocatalytic processes pose significant obstacles to unraveling electrocatalytic mechanisms and advancing catalyst design. This review first discusses fundamental principles for conducting reliable in situ/operando synchrotron radiation (SR) spectroscopic measurements in electrocatalytic systems, proposing guidelines for standardizing practices across the community. Then, cutting-edge in situ/operando SR-based spectroscopic techniques applied in electrocatalytic water splitting are systematically examined, highlighting their distinctive advantages while critically evaluating inherent methodological limitations. Moving beyond conventional single-technique approaches, we focus on complementary probes based on in situ/operando multi-SR spectroscopic technologies to achieve panoramic visualization of the dynamic evolution for the water splitting process, spanning from the atomic and molecular scales to the electronic level. Finally, key bottlenecks and frontier research opportunities are outlined, aiming to inspire a paradigm shift from fragmented analysis toward integrated, system-level mechanistic understanding in electrocatalytic water splitting.The standardized principle of in situ/operando synchrotron radiation characterization has been proposed, and multiple technical probes have been integrated to achieve panoramic and multiscale visualization of water splitting, guiding the future of rational catalyst design.



Advanced Synthesis, Structure Design, and Property Tailoring of Carbon-Based Aerogels Toward Efficient Energy Storage and Conversion: Supercapacitors, Batteries, and Electrocatalysts

Shanshan Li, Jiahui Zhao, Yu Feng, Jiancheng Wang, Jianying Huang, Mingzheng Ge, Jie Mi, Qiang Zhao, Wei Yan, Yuekun Lai

2026, 9(2):  13.  doi:10.1007/s41918-025-00277-6

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Against the backdrop of the increasing energy crisis and environmental pollution, the exploration of low-cost, green, and sustainable energy sources has become more and more imperative. The rapid development of green energy has also stimulated the demand on energy storage and conversion systems. Carbon-based aerogels (CAs), as emerging electrode materials and characterized by sustainable and high performance, have attracted significant attentions. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the fabrication of CAs, and especially focuses on the recent advances in optimizing the electrochemical performance of CAs for applications in supercapacitors, batteries, and electrocatalysis from the perspectives of the structural design, conductivity enhancement, and chemical modifications. Critical discussion and analyses are conducted on the surface/interface properties of CAs as electrodes and catalytic material, as well as their advantages and disadvantages of advanced synthesis strategies. Discussion is also expanded on key challenges, current issues, and the prospects for their laboratory and industrial applications. This work offers valuable insights into the rational structural design and functionalization of CAs and is expected to serve as a foundation for the commercial development of electrode materials in energy storage and conversion devices.The present review provides an overview of recent advances in optimizing the electrochemical properties of carbon based aerogels for energy storage and energy conversion.The surface/interface properties, structural design and synthesis strategies used as electrode and catalysis materials were discussed. Meanwhile, challenges and prospects of their applications were also proposed.



Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolysis for Hydrogen Energy: Advanced Electrocatalysts, Membranes, and Functional Mechanisms

Ruiwen Zhang, Shiming Zhang, Jiujun Zhang

2026, 9(2):  14.  doi:10.1007/s41918-026-00287-y

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Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis (or water splitting), including proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, anion exchange membrane water electrolysis, and bipolar polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis, can offer numerous advantages, such as a compact and flexible system design, high gas purity, low gas crossover, and the ability to operate at high current densities. However, the current performance and cost of membranes, electrocatalysts, and membrane electrode assemblies remain inadequate to meet the demands of large-scale commercial deployment. Based on the technical principles as well as advantages and disadvantages of PEM water electrolysis, this paper provides a comprehensive and in-depth review of recent progress and advancements in terms of the protonic/anionic/bipolar membranes and degradation mechanisms, noble metal/non-noble metal/metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and bifunctional applications, as well as membrane electrode assemblies and their design strategies and construction methods. Key technical challenges associated with emerging PEM water electrolysis technologies are analyzed, and prospective research directions to address these challenges are proposed to guide continuous innovation and promote practical implementation towards hydrogen energy generation.



Quantum Dot-Based Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Industrial Perspectives

Mingliang Zhang, Ruiyang Xiao, Hanqing Dai, Wanlu Zhang, Guoqi Zhang, Ruiqian Guo

2026, 9(2):  15.  doi:10.1007/s41918-026-00289-w

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Sustainable hydrogen production via water electrolysis is pivotal to addressing global energy and environmental challenges. Among emerging materials, quantum dots (QDs) have garnered significant attention for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to their zero-dimensional nanostructure, high specific surface area, tunable electronic characteristics, and abundant active sites. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in QD-based catalysts for electrocatalytic HER, focusing on the fundamental mechanisms that drive their enhanced performance. Key enhancement strategies—such as substrate dispersion, surface functionalization, defect engineering, and heteroatom doping—are critically discussed. Furthermore, the review explores the potential of QD-based catalysts for large-scale and industrial applications. By synthesizing current progress and challenges, this review offers critical insights into the rational design of next-generation HER catalysts to advance sustainable hydrogen energy.