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| Open AccessAchieving efficient power generation by designing bioinspired and multi-layered interfacial evaporator
The energy harvesting from ubiquitous natural water evaporation offers a great green energy source. Here, the authors report a bioinspired and multi-layered interfacial evaporation-driven nanogeneration strategy for efficient light-to-heat and electricity generation with continuous power output.
- Zhuangzhi Sun
- , Chuanlong Han
- & Zuankai Wang
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Article
| Open AccessInequality can double the energy required to secure universal decent living
In exploring the energy required to provide decent living for all, the authors find the costs of inequality to be far greater than that of population growth. Nonetheless, population growth remains important for other reasons.
- Joel Millward-Hopkins
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Article
| Open AccessSelf-cycled photo-Fenton-like system based on an artificial leaf with a solar-to-H2O2 conversion efficiency of 1.46%
Continuous generation of reactive oxygen species is desirable in the advanced oxidation process. Here, the authors report a self-cycled photoFenton-like with a scalable artificial leaf for production of H2O2 from water with solar-to-H2O2 efficiency of 1.46%.
- Chaoran Dong
- , Yilong Yang
- & Kan Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessElectrocatalytic synthesis of adipic acid coupled with H2 production enhanced by a ligand modification strategy
Adipic acid is an important building block of polymers, although its production relies on harmful reagents. Here, authors examined surfactant-modified nickel hydroxide for adipic acid electrosynthesis coupled with hydrogen gas evolution.
- Zhenhua Li
- , Xiaofan Li
- & Haohong Duan
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Article
| Open AccessExtending the low-temperature operation of sodium metal batteries combining linear and cyclic ether-based electrolyte solutions
The low-temperature operation of non-aqueous sodium-based batteries is affected by the properties of the electrolyte. Here the authors propose specific electrolyte formulations that are thermally stable down to −150 °C and enable a stable electrode|electrolyte interface at low temperatures.
- Chuanlong Wang
- , Akila C. Thenuwara
- & Weiyang Li
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Article
| Open AccessUltramicroporous material based parallel and extended paraffin nano-trap for benchmark olefin purification
Selective paraffin capture to afford high-purity olefins directly is critical but still challenging. Herein, the authors discover a distinctive ultramicroporous material featuring closely packed and linearly-extended isophthalic acid units and thus serving as a paraffin nano-trap for the efficient production of ultra-high purity olefins from paraffins.
- Peixin Zhang
- , Lifeng Yang
- & Huabin Xing
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Article
| Open AccessCodoped porous carbon nanofibres as a potassium metal host for nonaqueous K-ion batteries
The use of electrochemical energy storage systems based on alkali metal electrodes is hindered by the dendrites’ growth and volume changes upon cycling. Here, the authors propose nitrogen and zinc co-doped porous carbon nanofibers as potassium metal hosting material for reversible metal deposition.
- Siwu Li
- , Haolin Zhu
- & Jia Xie
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Article
| Open AccessOxidative decomposition mechanisms of lithium carbonate on carbon substrates in lithium battery chemistries
Lithium carbonate is ubiquitous in lithium battery chemistries and leads to overpotentials, however its oxidative decomposition is unclear. Here, the authors study its decomposition in ether electrolyte, clarify the role of the carbon substrate, and propose a route to limit released singlet oxygen.
- Deqing Cao
- , Chuan Tan
- & Yuhui Chen
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Article
| Open AccessTemperature-dependent dual-mode thermal management device with net zero energy for year-round energy saving
Real-world practical utilization of zero-energy thermal management systems often requires adaptability to dynamic weather. Here, authors demonstrate a zero-energy, self-adapting, dual-mode radiative thermal management device, capable of switching between heating and cooling based on the ambient temperature.
- Quan Zhang
- , Yiwen Lv
- & Yongsheng Chen
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Article
| Open AccessMoisture-triggered fast crystallization enables efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Perovskite structure is disturbed by environmental moisture, limiting the device performance. Here, Wei et al. monitor the effect of moisture during the growth by N2-protected characterization techniques, and obtain an operationally stable perovskite solar cell with efficiency approaching 24%.
- Kaikai Liu
- , Yujie Luo
- & Zhanhua Wei
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Article
| Open AccessIntroducing Brønsted acid sites to accelerate the bridging-oxygen-assisted deprotonation in acidic water oxidation
While water electrolysis devices represent a technology for renewable energy, there are few stable catalysts that survive the acidic conditions. Here, authors enhance acidic oxygen evolution by introducing strong Brønsted acid sites into RuO2 to accelerate bridging-oxygen-assisted deprotonation.
- Yunzhou Wen
- , Cheng Liu
- & Bo Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessImpedance-based forecasting of lithium-ion battery performance amid uneven usage
Accurate forecasts of lithium-ion battery performance will ease concerns about the reliability of electric vehicles. Here, the authors leverage electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and machine learning to show that future capacity can be predicted amid uneven use, with no historical data requirement.
- Penelope K. Jones
- , Ulrich Stimming
- & Alpha A. Lee
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient separation of butane isomers via ZIF-8 slurry on laboratory- and pilot-scale
The separation of butane isomers, raw materials in petrochemical industry, is challenging. Here the authors report the separation of n-butane and isobutane using a metal-organic framework slurry; the separation can be performed at large scale in a pilot-scale separation tower.
- Mingke Yang
- , Huishan Wang
- & Guangjin Chen
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Article
| Open AccessMolecular engineering of dihydroxyanthraquinone-based electrolytes for high-capacity aqueous organic redox flow batteries
Aqueous organic redox flow batteries are affected by short cycle life and low capacity. Here, the authors develop composite dihydroxyanthraquinone/polymer anolytes capable of improving the cycling stability and discharge capacity of aqueous organic redox flow batteries.
- Shiqiang Huang
- , Hang Zhang
- & Qing Wang
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| Open AccessDevelopment of high-energy non-aqueous lithium-sulfur batteries via redox-active interlayer strategy
Lithium-sulfur batteries promise high energy density, but polysulfide shuttling acts as a major stumbling block toward practical development. Here, a redox-active interlayer is proposed to confine polysulfides, increase the cell capacity and improve cell cycle life.
- Byong-June Lee
- , Chen Zhao
- & Jong-Sung Yu
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Article
| Open AccessBoosting the stability of perovskites with exsolved nanoparticles by B-site supplement mechanism
The instability of perovskites with exsolved nanoparticles for CO2 electrocatalysis impedes their practical applications. Here, the authors show the formation of B-site vacancies in perovskite substrate as a major contributor to the degradation and report a strategy to enhance the stability of the perovskites at high voltages.
- Bo-Wen Zhang
- , Meng-Nan Zhu
- & Jing-Li Luo
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Article
| Open AccessNiPS3 ultrathin nanosheets as versatile platform advancing highly active photocatalytic H2 production
While light-driven water splitting offers a renewable means to produce fuel, the limited availability of high-performance materials inspires the search for new photocatalysts. Here, authors demonstrate two-dimensional NiPS3 to enhance semiconductor photocatalytic H2 evolution activities.
- Jingrun Ran
- , Hongping Zhang
- & Shi-Zhang Qiao
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| Open AccessData-driven load profiles and the dynamics of residential electricity consumption
In modern power grids, knowing the required electric power demand and its variations is necessary to balance demand and supply. The authors propose a data-driven approach to create high-resolution load profiles and characterize their fluctuations, based on recorded data of electricity consumption.
- Mehrnaz Anvari
- , Elisavet Proedrou
- & Marc Timme
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Article
| Open AccessInsights into the activity of nickel boride/nickel heterostructures for efficient methanol electrooxidation
Understanding the role of active sites in electrooxidation reactions is important yet challenging. Here, the authors use operando spectroscopies to monitor the effect of methanol concentration on Ni3B/Ni heterostructures during formate production.
- Yanbin Qi
- , Yue Zhang
- & Chunzhong Li
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Article
| Open AccessFundamental investigations on the sodium-ion transport properties of mixed polyanion solid-state battery electrolytes
Battery solid-state electrolytes rely on mixed polyanion networks to attain high ionic conductivities. Here, the authors investigate the effect of polyanion mixing on the solid-state electrolyte ion conductivity via theoretical calculations and electrochemical measurements.
- Zeyu Deng
- , Tara P. Mishra
- & Pieremanuele Canepa
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| Open AccessStable solar water splitting with wettable organic-layer-protected silicon photocathodes
Preparation of inorganic protective layers for photoelectrodes requires high-quality deposition techniques. Here, the authors report a spin-coated organic protective layer that enables Si photocathodes to realize stable solar water splitting.
- Bo Wu
- , Tuo Wang
- & Jinlong Gong
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| Open AccessDevelopment of quasi-solid-state anode-free high-energy lithium sulfide-based batteries
The development of anode-free batteries requires investigations at the electrode and electrolyte levels. Here, the authors report a high-energy quasi-solid-state anode-free pouch cell with a Li2S-based cathode that demonstrates enhanced safety features.
- Yuzhao Liu
- , Xiangyu Meng
- & Jieshan Qiu
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Article
| Open AccessCO-tolerant RuNi/TiO2 catalyst for the storage and purification of crude hydrogen
Efficient storage of crude hydrogen, through toluene hydrogenation to methylcyclohexane, is often inhibited by CO impurities. Here, the authors develop a RuNi/TiO2 catalyst which avoids deactivation through promoting simultaneous CO methanation.
- Zhaohua Wang
- , Chunyang Dong
- & Ding Ma
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Article
| Open AccessAmmonia for post-healing of formamidinium-based Perovskite films
Solvents used for perovskite film fabrication not only dissolve the precursors but also play a role in the crystallization process. Here, authors study the role of transamination reactions in the underlying degradation mechanism of formamidinium-containing perovskites in aliphatic amines environment.
- Zhipeng Li
- , Xiao Wang
- & Shuping Pang
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Article
| Open AccessMicrobial biofilms for electricity generation from water evaporation and power to wearables
Though water evaporation-driven electricity generation is an attractive sustainable energy production strategy, existing electronic devices suffer from poor performance or is costly. Here, the authors report sustainable biofilms for efficient, low-cost evaporation-based electricity production
- Xiaomeng Liu
- , Toshiyuki Ueki
- & Jun Yao
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| Open AccessTracing the origin of lithium in Li-ion batteries using lithium isotopes
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries play a key role in the energy transition towards clean energy. It is challenging for end users to ensure that Li comes from environmentally and responsible sources. Here the authors show that Li isotope ‘fingerprints’ are a useful tool for determining the origin of Li in battery.
- Anne-Marie Desaulty
- , Daniel Monfort Climent
- & Catherine Guerrot
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Article
| Open AccessForecasting the evolution of fast-changing transportation networks using machine learning
Transportation networks undergo permanent changes influenced by a variety of human-induced and natural factors. The authors propose here a machine learning framework for prediction of connections removal that could be useful in building scenarios for transportation infrastructure needs.
- Weihua Lei
- , Luiz G. A. Alves
- & Luís A. Nunes Amaral
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Article
| Open AccessLong-range charge carrier mobility in metal halide perovskite thin-films and single crystals via transient photo-conductivity
Charge carrier mobility is a fundamental property of semiconductors. The authors of this study demonstrate a novel way to estimate long-range mobilities of perovskite thin-films and single crystals by taking early-time carrier dynamics into account.
- Jongchul Lim
- , Manuel Kober-Czerny
- & Henry J. Snaith
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Article
| Open AccessRational design of a topological polymeric solid electrolyte for high-performance all-solid-state alkali metal batteries
Solid-state polymer electrolytes are crucial for developing future rechargeable batteries, but they are still limited in performance. Here, the authors designed a topological polymeric solid electrolyte, enabling an all-solid-state high-voltage lithium metal pouch cell to cycle 200 times efficiently.
- Yun Su
- , Xiaohui Rong
- & Yong-Sheng Hu
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Article
| Open AccessMultiple valence bands convergence and strong phonon scattering lead to high thermoelectric performance in p-type PbSe
Power generation from heat to electricity can be realized by thermoelectric materials. Here, the authors improve the thermoelectric properties in PbSe enabled by multiple bands convergence and strong phonon scattering.
- Yingcai Zhu
- , Dongyang Wang
- & Li-Dong Zhao
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Article
| Open AccessDevelopment of vanadium-based polyanion positive electrode active materials for high-voltage sodium-based batteries
The development of high-capacity and high-voltage electrode materials can boost the performance of sodium-based batteries. Here, the authors report the synthesis of a polyanion positive electrode active material that enables high-capacity and high-voltage sodium battery performance.
- Semyon D. Shraer
- , Nikita D. Luchinin
- & Stanislav S. Fedotov
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Article
| Open AccessFabrication of triboelectric polymer films via repeated rheological forging for ultrahigh surface charge density
High charge density is the foundation to promote a wide range of applications of triboelectric nanogenerators. Here, authors propose a processing method based on the repeated rheological forging of triboelectric polymers achieving an enhanced triboelectricity and further study its mechanism.
- Zhaoqi Liu
- , Yunzhi Huang
- & Jin-Ping Qu
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Article
| Open AccessElectrical resistance of the current collector controls lithium morphology
The deployment of lithium metal batteries is forestalled by poor control over the deposition morphology of lithium. Here, the authors discover that high electrical resistance can be leveraged for controlling lithium morphology and enabling high-performing lithium metal batteries.
- Solomon T. Oyakhire
- , Wenbo Zhang
- & Stacey F. Bent
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Article
| Open AccessEnergy-selective confinement of fusion-born alpha particles during internal relaxations in a tokamak plasma
Confining plasma for fusion requires controlling many parameters. Here the authors report the existence of a narrow parameter space for the simultaneous confinement of energetic alpha particles and removal of slowed-down helium ash in a magnetically confined fusion plasma by using kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic hybrid simulations.
- A. Bierwage
- , K. Shinohara
- & S. Ide
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Article
| Open AccessShallow subsurface heat recycling is a sustainable global space heating alternative
Using shallow geothermal energy systems to recycle the heat accumulating in the subsurface due to climate change and urbanization is a feasible, sustainable, and opportunistic alternative to conventional space heating in the face of climate change
- Susanne A. Benz
- , Kathrin Menberg
- & Barret L. Kurylyk
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Article
| Open AccessUltrahigh transverse thermoelectric power factor in flexible Weyl semimetal WTe2
Flexible thermoelectrics are of great interest with increasing demand of flexible and wearable electronics. Here, the authors demonstrate that the Weyl semimetal, WTe2, has a high Nernst power factor and great mechanical flexibility.
- Yu Pan
- , Bin He
- & Claudia Felser
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Article
| Open AccessMetaproteomics reveals enzymatic strategies deployed by anaerobic microbiomes to maintain lignocellulose deconstruction at high solids
Efficient solubilization of plant cell wall carbohydrates is required for microbial production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. Here, the authors employ metaproteomics to interrogate enzymatic strategies of a methanogenic microbiome deconstructing switchgrass at increasing solids loading.
- Payal Chirania
- , Evert K. Holwerda
- & Lee R. Lynd
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Article
| Open AccessBixbyite-type Ln2O3 as promoters of metallic Ni for alkaline electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
While renewable H2 evolution will require inexpensive, abundant catalysts, non-noble metals typically show relatively low activities. Here, authors examine lanthanide metal sesquioxide doped metallic Ni and show efficient, stable performances for alkaline H2 evolution electrocatalysis.
- Hongming Sun
- , Zhenhua Yan
- & Miao Du
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Article
| Open AccessUltralow-voltage operation of light-emitting diodes
Light emission from 17 types of LEDs is observed at record-low voltages of 36–60% of the bandgaps, which cannot be explained by earlier theories. The electroluminescence-voltage curves reveal a unified mechanism for ultralow-voltage LED operation.
- Yaxiao Lian
- , Dongchen Lan
- & Dawei Di
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Article
| Open AccessCalcium-tin alloys as anodes for rechargeable non-aqueous calcium-ion batteries at room temperature
The key challenge for rechargeable Ca batteries originates from the severe passivation of the calcium metal anode in electrolyte solutions. Here, the authors demonstrate the feasibility and elucidate the electrochemical properties of calcium-tin (Ca–Sn) alloy anodes for rechargeable Ca batteries.
- Zhirong Zhao-Karger
- , Yanlei Xiu
- & Maximilian Fichtner
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Article
| Open AccessDesign principles for water dissociation catalysts in high-performance bipolar membranes
It is important yet challenging to elucidate the mechanism of water dissociation in bipolar membrane electrolysers. Here the authors show how water dissociation is accelerated by electric-field-focusing and catalytic effects and uncover design principles to optimize the performance.
- Lihaokun Chen
- , Qiucheng Xu
- & Shannon W. Boettcher
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Article
| Open AccessTraps and transport resistance are the next frontiers for stable non-fullerene acceptor solar cells
Long operational stability is essential to commercialisation of organic solar cells. Here, the authors investigate the thermal degradation of inverted photovoltaic devices based on PM6:Y6 non-fullerene system to reveal that trap-induced transport resistance is primarily responsible for the drop in fill factor.
- Christopher Wöpke
- , Clemens Göhler
- & Carsten Deibel
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Article
| Open AccessRuO2 electronic structure and lattice strain dual engineering for enhanced acidic oxygen evolution reaction performance
While water splitting in acid offers higher operational performances than in alkaline conditions, there are few high-activity, acid-stable oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. Here, authors examine electrochemical Li intercalation to improve the activity and stability of RuO2 for acidic water oxidation.
- Yin Qin
- , Tingting Yu
- & Tong-Yi Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessHeat-fueled enzymatic cascade for selective oxyfunctionalization of hydrocarbons
Thermoelectric materials enable us to convert heat into electricity, but their application has been limited to high-temperature heat sources. Here, the authors show the direct conversion of low-grade waste heat into chemical energy via combining thermoelectric materials with biocatalysts below 100 °C.
- Jaeho Yoon
- , Hanhwi Jang
- & Chan Beum Park
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Article
| Open AccessTailoring the metal electrode morphology via electrochemical protocol optimization for long-lasting aqueous zinc batteries
Long-lasting zinc metal electrodes are crucial in developing commercial zinc-based batteries. Here, the authors investigate the different morphology evolution between the stripping and plating process and propose electrochemical protocols to prolong the lifespan of zinc anodes.
- Qing Li
- , Ao Chen
- & Chunyi Zhi
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Article
| Open AccessA unique Co@CoO catalyst for hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran
The development of precious-metal-free catalysts to promote the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals from biomass challenging. Here the authors report a unique core-shell structured Co@CoO catalyst which exhibits excellent performance in the hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived compounds.
- Shuang Xiang
- , Lin Dong
- & Yanqin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessLow-cost synthesis of small molecule acceptors makes polymer solar cells commercially viable
The high−cost of the acceptor-donor-acceptor structured small molecule acceptors impedes its commercial viability for polymer solar cells. To address this problem, here, the authors developed a simple and cheap boron trifluoride etherate-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation with high reaction efficiency.
- Hongyuan Fu
- , Jia Yao
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessQuasi-solid-state Zn-air batteries with an atomically dispersed cobalt electrocatalyst and organohydrogel electrolyte
Quasi-solid-state Zn-air batteries are limited by sluggish kinetics and low temperature incompatibility. Here, the authors use a single-atom catalyst and an organohydrogel electrolyte to enable a 100 mA cm−2 cycling current density at 25 °C and a −60 to 60 °C operational window.
- Qichen Wang
- , Qingguo Feng
- & Xiang Xiong
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Article
| Open AccessSelf-sustained electricity generator driven by the compatible integration of ambient moisture adsorption and evaporation
Generating electricity from air opens a promising way for green energy harvesting. Here, authors present a prototype driven by the integration of moisture adsorption with evaporation to generate continuous electricity for a long duration.
- Jin Tan
- , Sunmiao Fang
- & Wanlin Guo