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The present battery technology includes fluorine in electrodes and electrolytes, which is one of the most challenging environmental issues, possibly leading to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution. Herein, we investigate the features of a fully fluorine‐free battery using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) electrode, polyethylene oxide (PEO) binder, and lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) salt. The salt is incorporated both in the electrode by environmental friendly aqueous processing, and in the electrolyte exploiting a glyme solvent. The electrolyte reveals conductivity higher than 1 × 10−3 S cm−1 from 60 to −2°C, lithium transference number (tLi+) of 0.57, electrochemical stability extending from 0 to 4.3 V versus Li+/Li, low stripping/deposition polarization and interphase resistance. The electrode shows high crystallinity, adequate morphology and thickness, low tortuosity, and enhanced Li+‐percolation, decreasing the cell polarization. Furthermore, the PEO binder and the absence of organic solvents during electrode preparation enable LFP loading as high as 13.6 mg cm−2, with maximum discharge capacity at 3.5 V of 160 mAh g−1 (2.15 mAh cm−2). Therefore, this work presents a viable design of new fluorine‐free water‐processed electrodes and boron‐based glyme electrolyte solutions, which are essential for the development of high‐performing rechargeable Li‐metal batteries (LMBs) having a low environmental impact. Fluorine‐free battery exploits lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode, polyethylene oxide (PEO) binder, and lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) salt in glyme solvent. The electrolyte has excellent performances, while the PEO binder without organic solvents during electrode preparation enable LFP loading of 13.6 mg cm−2, and a capacity of 160 mAh g−1 (2.15 mAh cm−2) at 3.5 V. This viable design allows a high‐performing rechargeable LMB with low environmental impact.

The effects of two commercial endoproteases (Protex 6L and Protex 7L, Genencor Division of Danisco, Rochester, NY, USA) on the oil and protein extraction yields from extruded soybean flakes during enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction processing (EAEP) were evaluated. Oil and protein were distributed in three fractions generated by the EAEP: cream + free oil, skim and insolubles. Protex 6L was more effective for extracting free oil, protein and total solids than Protex 7L. Oil and protein extraction yields of 96 and 85%, respectively, were obtained using 0.5% Protex 6L. Enzymatic and pH treatments were evaluated to de-emulsify the oil-rich cream. Cream de-emulsification generated three fractions: free oil, an intermediate residual cream layer and an oil-lean second skim. Total cream de-emulsification was obtained when using 2.5% Protex 6L and pH 4.5. The extrusion treatment was particularly important for reducing trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in the protein-rich skim fraction. TIA reductions of 69 and 45% were obtained for EAEP skim (the predominant protein fraction) from extruded flakes and ground flakes, respectively. Protex 6L gave higher degrees of protein hydrolysis (most of the polypeptides being between 1,000 and 10,000 Da) than Protex 7L. Raffinose was not detected in the skim, while stachyose was eliminated by α-galactosidase treatment.

The mechanisms leading to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) are an important subject of ongoing research for both air quality and climate. Recent laboratory experiments suggest that reactions taking place in the atmospheric liquid phase represent a potentially significant source of SOA mass. Here, we report direct ambient observations of SOA mass formation from processing of biomass-burning emissions in the aqueous phase. Aqueous SOA (aqSOA) formation is observed both in fog water and in wet aerosol. The aqSOA from biomass burning contributes to the “brown” carbon (BrC) budget and exhibits light absorption wavelength dependence close to the upper bound of the values observed in laboratory experiments for fresh and processed biomass-burning emissions. We estimate that the aqSOA from residential wood combustion can account for up to 0.1–0.5 Tg of organic aerosol (OA) per y in Europe, equivalent to 4–20% of the total OA emissions. Our findings highlight the importance of aqSOA from anthropogenic emissions on air quality and climate.

Aircraft measurements during the 2006 Gulf of Mexico Atmospheric Composition and Climate Study (GoMACCS) are used to examine the influence of shallow cumulus clouds on vertical profiles of aerosol chemical composition, size distributions, and secondary aerosol precursor gases. The data show signatures of convective transport of particles, gases and moisture from near the surface to higher altitudes, and of aqueous‐phase production of aerosol mass (sulfate and organics) in cloud droplets and aerosol water. In cloudy conditions, the average aerosol volume concentration at an altitude of 2850 m, above typical cloud top levels, was found to be 34% of that at 450 m; for clear conditions, the same ratio was 13%. Both organic and sulfate mass fractions were on average constant with altitude (around 50%); however, the ratio of oxalate to organic mass increased with altitude (from 1% at 450 m to almost 9% at 3450 m), indicative of the influence of in‐cloud production on the vertical abundance and characteristics of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass. A new metric termed “residual cloud fraction” is introduced as a way of quantifying the “cloud processing history” of an air parcel. Results of a parcel model simulating aqueous phase production of sulfate and organics reproduce observed trends and point at a potentially important role of SOA production, especially oligomers, in deliquesced aerosols. The observations emphasize the importance of shallow cumulus clouds in altering the vertical distribution of aerosol properties that influence both their direct and indirect effect on climate. Key Points Shallow cumulus convection impacts aerosol vertical abundance Aqueous‐phase processes change aerosol chemical composition with altitude Soluble VOCs exist at cloud‐relevant altitudes

Perovskite semiconductors have emerged as competitive candidates for photovoltaic applications due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. However, the impact of moisture instability on perovskite films is still a key challenge for perovskite devices. While substantial effort is focused on preventing moisture interaction during the fabrication process, it is demonstrated that low moisture sensitivity, enhanced crystallization, and high performance can actually be achieved by exposure to high water content (up to 25 vol%) during fabrication with an aqueous‐containing perovskite precursor. The perovskite solar cells fabricated by this aqueous method show good reproducibility of high efficiency with average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.7% and champion PCE of 20.1% under solar simulation. This study shows that water–perovskite interactions do not necessarily negatively impact the perovskite film preparation process even at the highest efficiencies and that exposure to high contents of water can actually enable humidity tolerance during fabrication in air. Perovskite solar cells fabricated by an aqueous‐containing precursor method show good reproducibility with a high average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.7% and a champion PCE of 20.1%. The study shows that water–perovskite interactions do not necessarily negatively impact perovskites even at the highest efficiencies and that exposure to high contents of water can actually enable humidity tolerance during fabrication in air.

The effects of scaling-up enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction process (EAEP) using 2 kg of flaked and extruded soybeans as well as the effects of different extrusion and extraction conditions were evaluated. Standard single-stage EAEP at 1:10 solids-to-liquid ratio (SLR) was used to evaluate the effects of different extruder screw speeds and whether or not collets were extruded directly into water. Increasing extruder screw speed from 40 to 90 rpm improved oil extraction yield from 85 to 95%. Oil, protein, and solids extraction yields of 97, 86, and 78% were obtained when extruding directly into water and 95, 84, and 77% when not extruding into water. When not extruding into water, standard single-stage EAEP (1:10 SLR) yielded 95, 84, and 77% of total oil, protein, and solids extraction, respectively, and two-stage countercurrent EAEP (1:6 SLR) yielded 99, 94, and 83% total oil, protein, and solids extraction, respectively. These yields were similar to those previously obtained in the laboratory (0.08 kg soybeans), but higher oil contents were observed in the skim fractions produced at pilot-plant scale for both processes. Modifying processing parameters improved the oil distribution among the fractions, increasing oil yield in the cream fraction (from 76 to 86%) and reducing oil yield in the skim fraction (from 23 to 12%). Steady-state oil extraction was achieved after two 2-stage extractions. Two-stage countercurrent EAEP is particularly attractive due to reduced water usage compared to conventional single-stage extraction.

The surface free energy of materials plays a crucial role in defining the interactions between interfaces. In this study, we introduce the theory behind surface free energy and extend its application to solvent-based manufacturing processes of positive (cathode) and negative (anode) electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. By employing binders, namely polyvinylidene difluoride latices and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, with differing surface free energy compositions, we systematically investigate how surface free energy influences key electrode properties. The binder properties are shown to affect adhesion strength, electrical resistance, and water retention in electrodes, with analogous effects observed in both cathodes and anodes. For cathodes, these differences translate to measurable impacts on cell performance, particularly in terms of rate capability and long-term cycling stability. We also explore how binder induced variations in water retention influence the formation and stability of the solid electrolyte interphase. The findings highlight the critical role of the binder’s surface free energy composition in optimizing electrode manufacturing and provide new insights into the interplay between electrode surface chemistry, microstructure, and electrochemical performance.

A novel method using ethanol and ultrasound to extract oil from cream obtained from enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction of soybean oil was developed. To evaluate the relationships between operating variables and free oil yield and to maximize the free oil yield, response surface methodology was introduced in this work. The developed regression model was fitted with R ² = 0.9591. Optimized variables were: ethanol concentration of 73 %, ethanol addition volume of 0.55 L/kg, ultrasound power of 427 W, ultrasound time of 47 s, and ultrasound temperature of 53 °C. The free oil yield from the cream under the above conditions was 92.6 ± 3.4 %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the effect of ultrasonic treatment on ethanol-treated cream, and the SEM images clearly showed that the ultrasound treatment affected dispersing and fracturing of the microstructure of ethanol-treated cream.

Aqueous processing of state‐of‐the‐art cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries like LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) has evolved as a more sustainable and cost‐effective alternative to the conventional 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐based process. However, the implementation of aqueous processing is challenging due to the water sensitivity of nickel‐rich layered oxides. This study investigates the influence of a phosphate‐based NMC811 surface coating on the performance of aqueous‐processed NMC811 cathodes in 3 Ah cells. The results show that the cells with phosphate‐coated NMC811 outperform those with uncoated NMC811, i. e., they exhibited higher initial capacity and improved capacity retention during cycling. Post‐mortem characterization techniques reveal that the phosphate coating limits the lithium loss during aqueous cathode manufacturing and further reduces side reactions during cycling, resulting in a smaller increase of cell impedance. A phosphate‐based coating on NMC811 protects the material surface during cathode aqueous processing and during cycling in 3 Ah cells. Improved performance, specifically higher initial capacity and improved capacity retention, is obtained with cells containing the phosphate‐coated NMC811. Post‐mortem analysis reveals that improved surface protection limits loss of lithium during processing and side reactions during cycling.

Aqueous processing of positive electrode active materials (AMs) could enable a more economical and environmentally friendly production of lithium‐ion batteries. Intrinsically, aqueous processing of positive AMs is hampered by lithium‐proton exchange in the AM surface, leading to a poor electrochemical performance and a resulting strong increase in the pH value in the electrode paste, thereby corroding the aluminum current collector. Herein, the influence of different lithium salts as processing additive to tailor the pH value of the electrode paste, the manganese dissolution during processing, and the electrochemical performance is described for aqueous processing of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐based positive electrodes. Positive electrodes, based on an aqueous LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐based electrode paste which is mixed with LiN(SO2CF3)2 (LiTFSI), achieve a comparable electrochemical performance to state‐of‐the‐art nonaqueous‐processed electrodes. Manganese dissolution into the electrode paste is examined by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), showing that the addition of lithium salts to the electrode paste substantially decreases manganese leaching during processing. Furthermore, postmortem analysis shows that the addition of LiTFSI to the electrode paste has a positive effect not only during processing but also on charge/discharge cycling performance. Processing additives enable aqueous processing for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐based positive electrodes by hindering the lithium‐proton exchange while limiting the pH increase in the electrode paste and decreasing the manganese dissolution during processing at the same time. The addition of LiN(SO2CF3)2 (LiTFSI) to the electrode paste has a positive effect not only during processing but also improves the electrochemical performance of full cells.