Research articles

The poor structural stability of cathode materials is responsible for the rapid capacity loss of sodium-ion batteries during cycling. This work addresses the instability by introducing vacancies into the transition metal layers and realize long-life pouch cells.

The authors manipulate two categories of cathodes for sodium-ion batteries for a rational design that combines high energy density with high power density and long cycling life.

Biological ammonia-to-nitrite conversion (nitritation) in mainstream municipal wastewater is environmentally desirable but hard to stabilize. This study presents an effective loading rate switch strategy that enables stable nitritation in mainstream sewage.

Optimal risk management involves maintaining formal and informal risk instruments, which is difficult under increasing climate risks. A study now investigates the issue and finds that policies cultivating moderate altruism and solidarity can help farmers better manage climate risks.

Although air pollution may play a role in shaping suicide risk, the link has been difficult to estimate so far. This study quantifies the role of air quality improvements in the decline of suicide rates in China over the period 2013–2017, uncovering a causal link between particulate pollution and suicide.

This work shows a delicate titanium suboxide-based anode design for electrolysis of seawater, delivering selective production of active chlorine for on-site disinfection.

Renewable-energy-powered electrolysis of seawater provides a sustainable means of mass production of hydrogen, a critical fuel for tomorrow’s energy mix. Here the layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrocatalyst design enables ultrastable seawater splitting at industry-compatible current densities.

Rapid urbanization poses several challenges but can offer opportunities for cities to become more sustainable by, for example, reducing transport demand and its associated emissions. This study shows how this can be achieved and quantifies the co-benefits for climate, energy use, air quality and human health.

Carboxylated cellulose nanofibres are materials with combined sustainability and desirable properties. Here the authors show a synthetic process allowing for scalable and green preparation of such materials.

For battery electrolytes, addressing their safety often leads to compromised electrochemical properties. Here, the electrolyte formulation is not only non-flammable but also supports excellent performance in both K-ion and Li-ion cells.

Government spending for COVID-19 recovery could have enhanced society’s resilience to environmental shocks, but it is unclear whether this was adequately reflected in policies. A study now sheds light on this issue by applying a fiscal policy taxonomy for climate change adaptation and resilience to policies across different countries.

Removal of ultrafine suspended solids from contaminated water in a cost-effective manner remains a global challenge. Here the authors develop an injection-driven filter system that is based on a fully bio-based biodegradable nanofibre hydrogel film to achieve such a goal.

Artificial reefs provide important ecosystem services in marine environments. Accurate knowledge of the area covered by such reefs can help evaluate benefits and risks of such structures. This study describes the physical footprint of artificial reefs deployed in coastal waters of the United States.

Independent impact evaluations of voluntary REDD+ projects to protect forests are needed to provide evidence of their effects. This study evaluates the impacts of a large voluntary REDD+ project in Sierra Leone and finds evidence of slowing deforestation with no socioeconomic harm to local people.

Prescribed burning is a common tool to mitigate the risk of dangerous wildfires. However, careful consideration of the public health impacts should be incorporated into forest management plans.

Ammonia recovery from manure wastewater not only protects the aquatic ecosystem but also contributes to a sustainable nutrient cycle. Here the authors develop an electrochemical process enabling efficient ammonia recovery, with decentralized fertilizer and chemical production, from ammonia-rich manure wastewater.

This study examines productivity and workforce dynamics in the world’s fisheries over six decades, finding that the natural limits of fish stocks combined with technological advances have led to diminishing returns per fisher.

Facilities that store the waste and tailings of mining operations pose a salient threat to biodiversity. Despite international consensus to mitigate mining impacts on local ecosystems, globally, nearly 10% of facilities are located within protected areas and another 20% can be found within 5 km of their boundaries.

Water consumption in line with natural water supply ensures sustainable and equitable access to freshwater resources worldwide. This study assesses whether renewable surface water is enough to meet people’s basic needs and, where it is not, estimates how much groundwater would be required.

As political institutions debate environmental policies, this paper reveals how some members of the European Parliament think about underlying principles of degrowth versus more traditional ‘green’ and economic growth platforms.