Shuai Jia

Bio: Shuai Jia is an academic researcher from Beijing Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Supercapacitor & Materials science. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 12 publications receiving 57 citations.

Tough and Multifunctional Composite Film Actuators Based on Cellulose Nanofibers toward Smart Wearables.

Abstract: Although humidity-responsive actuators serve as a promising candidate in smart wearables, artificial muscles, and biomimetic devices, most of them derived from synthetic polymers could not simultaneously achieve multifunctional properties. In this work, a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based film actuator with high mechanical properties, excellent Joule heating, and antibacterial capability is successfully constructed by integrating with Ti3C2Tx (MXene) and tannic acid (TA) via a vacuum-assisted filtration approach. Owing to the unique nacrelike structure and strong hydrogen bonds, the tensile strength and toughness of the composite film could reach 275.4 MPa and 10.2 MJ·m-3, respectively. Importantly, the hydrophilic nature of CNFs and alterable interlayer spacing of MXene nanosheets endow the composite film with sensitive humidity response and extraordinary stability (1000 cycles). With the assistance of MXene nanosheets and TA, the composite film could not only present outstanding Joule heating but also possess remarkable antibacterial properties against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Benefiting from the above merits, the proof-of-concept smart garment is assembled by the as-prepared film and is capable of regulating humidity and temperature.

O/N-co-doped hierarchically porous carbon from carboxymethyl cellulose ammonium for high-performance supercapacitors

Abstract: Nowadays, it has become a trend to prepare porous carbon as electrode materials for supercapacitors by using biomass and its derivatives by virtue of its low cost, abundant source and environmental friendliness. Carboxymethyl cellulose ammonium (CMC-NH4), a kind of cellulose derivative, is used as a carbon precursor and O/N source to prepare carbon material through cross-linking with aluminum ions, lyophilization, carbonization and activation. The as-prepared O/N-co-doped carbon samples (ONAC-500, ONAC-600 and ONAC-700) exhibit hierarchically porous structure with different size pores in carbon framework, ensuring electrolyte ions effective transport and diffusion. Meanwhile, the ONAC-600 reveals a high specific surface area of 2658 m2 g−1, abundantly porous structure with pore volume of 1.32 cm3 g−1 and effective O/N-doping, which ensure a high capacitance of 465.0 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in 3 M KOH three-electrode system. It also shows better rate capability and good stability after 10000 cycled under 10 A g−1. Besides, the assembled all-solid-state supercapacitor with ONAC-600 delivers an acceptable energy density of 7.8 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 124.2 W kg−1.

Biochar for agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, water treatment, soil remediation, construction, energy storage, and carbon sequestration: a review

Abstract: In the context of climate change and the circular economy, biochar has recently found many applications in various sectors as a versatile and recycled material. Here, we review application of biochar-based for carbon sink, covering agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, environmental remediation, construction, and energy storage. The ultimate storage reservoirs for biochar are soils, civil infrastructure, and landfills. Biochar-based fertilisers, which combine traditional fertilisers with biochar as a nutrient carrier, are promising in agronomy. The use of biochar as a feed additive for animals shows benefits in terms of animal growth, gut microbiota, reduced enteric methane production, egg yield, and endo-toxicant mitigation. Biochar enhances anaerobic digestion operations, primarily for biogas generation and upgrading, performance and sustainability, and the mitigation of inhibitory impurities. In composts, biochar controls the release of greenhouse gases and enhances microbial activity. Co-composted biochar improves soil properties and enhances crop productivity. Pristine and engineered biochar can also be employed for water and soil remediation to remove pollutants. In construction, biochar can be added to cement or asphalt, thus conferring structural and functional advantages. Incorporating biochar in biocomposites improves insulation, electromagnetic radiation protection and moisture control. Finally, synthesising biochar-based materials for energy storage applications requires additional functionalisation.