Phase change materials (PCM) with enhanced thermal conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties are vital for applications in electronic devices, energy storage, and aerospace. However, achieving a synergistic improvement in both thermal and EMI shielding performance remains a significant challenge. This study presents the development of phase change composites reinforced with 3D Ag foam and short carbon fibers (SCF) to address this challenge. Ag@SCF/ PCM composites were fabricated using a vacuum-assisted impregnation and curing process. Polyethylene glycol and epoxy resin formed the PCM matrix, while SCF and Ag foam created a dual-scale interpenetrating network to provide channels for phonon and electron transmission. The dual-scale network significantly improves thermal conductivity (2.24 W/m·K) and EMI shielding (69.7 dB), while maintaining latent heat storage (melting: 71.5 J/g, freezing: 68.7 J/g). These multifunctional properties make Ag@SCF/PCM composites promising candidates for applications requiring simultaneous thermal management and electromagnetic performance optimization.

Background: Foam roller exercise is widely used for myofascial release and improving joint range of motion. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the most effective session of thoracic foam roller exercise by examining changes in thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA) and trunk active range of motion (AROM) in healthy males in their 20s. Design: Single-group design. Methods: The study analyzed changes in TKA and trunk AROM across sessions following the application of a thoracic foam roller exercise for 45 seconds per session over three sessions in 16 healthy males in their 20s. Results: Compared to pre-test values, TKA significantly decreased and trunk AROM significantly increased after thoracic foam roller exercise (P<0.01). Post hoc analysis showed a significant decrease in TKA in session 3 compared to session 1 (P<0.01). Trunk AROM (flexion, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion) showed significant changes in sessions 2 and 3 compared to session 1 (P<0.01). Right rotation significantly improved in session 3 compared to session 1 (P<0.01). Conclusions: For managing thoracic vertebral alignment in healthy males in their 20s, three sessions of thoracic foam roller exercise per day are recommended. For improving trunk AROM management, two sessions per day be sufficient.

Aqueous zinc–iodine batteries (AZIBs) are gaining attention for their ability to store and convert electrical energy. Nevertheless, their performance is hindered by the continual migration of polyiodides towards the zinc anodes, leading to undesirable side reactions, diminished coulombic efficiency, and compromised cycling stability. Traditional carbon materials have proven inadequate in resolving these challenges, mainly due to their limited iodine capacity and weak binding forces. Herein, we explore the use of porous carbon nanosheets (PCNSs) synthesized via the “Pharaoh’s Serpent” reaction as cathode electrodes in AZIBs without pre-load iodine. The PCNSs, characterized by their nanosheet structure and expansive specific surface area, not only facilitate a shorter diffusion path for rapid electrolyte infiltration but also provide numerous sites for ion adsorption and capacitive storage, markedly improving the efficacy of electrochemical reactions and ion migration rates. Utilizing the synthesized PCNSs as the cathode electrode in AZIBs, a specific capacity of 296 mAh g− 1 was achieved at 0.3 A g− 1. Even when the current density increased to 30 A g− 1, a specific capacity of 144 mAh g− 1 was still attained, with a capacity retention ratio of up to 48.6%, which is competitive with that of supercapacitors. In addition, the AZIBs demonstrated impressive cycling stability, retaining 103% of their capacity after 10,000 cycles, and a notable energy density of 266.4 Wh kg− 1 based on the cathode material. These findings significantly broaden the application of carbon materials in AZIBs research, emphasizing their potential in advancing AZIB technology.

Developing advanced anode materials is one of the effective strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance of sodiumion batteries (SIBs). Herein, inspired by the biological central nervous system structure, we report a facile and efficient strategy to fabricate the three-dimensional hierarchical neural network-like carbon architectures, where the glucose-derived hard carbon (HC) nanospheres are in situ assembled and embedded in carbon nanotube (CNT) network nanostructure (HC/CNT hybrid networks). The HC nanospheres with large carbon interlayer spacing help to decrease the diffusion length of sodium ions and the interconnected CNT networks enable the rapid electron transfer during charge/discharge process. Benefiting from these structure merits, the as-made HC/CNT hybrid networks can deliver a superior rate capacity of 162 mA h g− 1 at the current density of 5 A g− 1. Additionally, it exhibits excellent cycling performance with a capacity retention rate of 86.3% after 140 cycles. This work offers a promising candidate anode material for SIBs and a new prospect towards carbon-based composites design, simultaneously.

The synthesis of functional carbon materials with controllable morphology and structure using a simple, effective, and green process starting from biomass has been an attractive and challenging topic in recent years. After decades of technological development, high value-added biomass-derived carbon nanomaterials with different morphologies and structures prepared by low-temperature hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) have been gradually developed into a huge system covering different series in different dimensions, and are widely used in the fields of adsorption, electrochemical energy storage, and catalysis. However, due to a vague understanding of the fundamental structure–performance correlation and the absence of customized material design strategies, the diverse needs in practical applications cannot be well met. Herein, we reviewed the mechanism, modifications, and applications of the low-temperature HTC method for biomass. The synthesis mechanisms, structural designs strategies, and related applications of biomass-derived hydrochar are highlighted and summarized in different dimensions, including six major categories: zero-dimensional spherical structure, one-dimensional fibrous and tubular structure, two-dimensional lamellar structure, three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure, and special-shaped asymmetric structure. Then a sustainability assessment is conducted on the hydrothermal carbonization process. Finally, the controllable preparation of biomass-derived hydrochar is summarized and prospected for the application requirements in different fields.