This paper investigates the potential of a concept for the commercial utilization of surplus intermittent wind-generated electricity for municipal district heating based on the development of an electric-driven heat storage. The article is divided into three sections: (1) A review of energy storage systems; (2) Results and calculations after a market analysis based on electricity consumption statistics covering the years 2005–2013; and (3) Technology research and the development of an innovative thermal energy storage (TES) system. The review of energy storage systems introduces the basic principles and state-of-the-art technologies of TES. The market analysis describes the occurrence of excess wind power in Germany, particularly the emergence of failed work and negative electricity rates due to surplus wind power generation. Based on the review, an innovative concept for a prototype of a large-scale underwater sensible heat storage system, which is combined with a latent heat storage system, was developed. The trapezoidal prism-shaped storage system developed possesses a high efficiency factor of 0.98 due to its insulation, large volume, and high rate of energy conversion. Approximate calculations showed that the system would be capable of supplying about 40,000 people with hot water and energy for space heating, which is equivalent to the population of a medium-sized city. Alternatively, around 210,000 inhabitants could be supplied with hot water only. While the consumer´s costs for hot water generation and space heating would be lowered by approximately 20.0–73.4%, the thermal energy storage would generate an estimated annual profit of 3.9 million euros or more (excluding initial costs and maintenance costs).

The rapid growth of portable electronics and electric vehicles has intensified the global demand for high-performance energy storage devices with superior power density, energy density, and long cycle life. Among transition metal oxide-based electrode materials with potential for energy storage, we report the development of MnO2–V2O5 nanocomposite electrodes for supercapacitor applications. Pure MnO2 and V2O5 were successfully fabricated via a simple and economical sol–gel method, while (MnO2)x–(V2O5)1−x (x = 1, 0.75, 0.50, and 0) nanocomposites were fabricated through an ex situ method. Analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy, were employed to investigate the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the electrodes. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties were systematically analysed using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The (MnO2)0.75–(V2O5)0.25 nanocomposite demonstrated a remarkable specific capacitance of 666 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g in 1 M KOH electrolyte. Additionally, the electrode material exhibited an energy density of 23 Wh/kg and a power density of 450 W/kg, while maintaining a capacitance retention of 95% after 1,500 cycles. The incorporation of V2O5 boosted the conductivity and significantly optimised the number of lattice defects. This work substantially reinforces the importance of metal oxide-based nanocomposites for future energy storage devices.

Carbon based materials are really an integral component of our lives and widespread research regarding their properties was conducted along this process. The addition of dopants to carbon materials, either during the production process or later on, has been actively investigated by researchers all over the world who are looking into how doping can enhance the performance of materials and how to overcome the current difficulties. This study explores synthesis methods for nitrogen-doped carbon materials, focusing on advancements in adsorption of different pollutants like CO₂ from air and organic, inorganic and ions pollutants from water, energy conversion, and storage, offering novel solutions to environmental and energy challenges. It addresses current issues with nitrogen-doped carbon materials, aiming to contribute to sustainable solutions in environmental and energy sciences. Alongside precursor types and synthesis methods, a significant relationship exists between nitrogen content percentage and adsorption capacity in nitrogen-doped activated carbon. Nitrogen content ranges from 0.64% to 11.23%, correlating with adsorption capacities from 0.05 mmol/g to 7.9 mmol/g. Moreover, an electrochemical correlation is observed between nitrogen atom increase and specific capacity in nitrogen-doped activated carbon electrodes. Higher nitrogen percentage corresponds to increased specific capacity and capacity retention. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the potential of nitrogen-doped carbon materials and highlights their significance in addressing critical environmental and energy challenges.

The regulation of compressor extraction and energy storage can improve the performance of gas turbine energy system. In order to make the gas turbine system match the external load more flexibly and efficiently, a gas turbine cogeneration system with solar energy coupling compressor outlet extraction and energy storage is proposed. By establishing the variable condition mathematical model of air turbine, waste heat boiler and solar collector, we use Thermoflex software to establish the variable condition model of gas turbine compressor outlet extraction, and analyze the variable condition of the coupling system to study the changes of thermal parameters of the system in the energy storage, energy release and operation cycle. Taking the hourly load of a hotel in South China as an example, this paper analyzes the case of the cogeneration system of solar energy coupling compressor outlet extraction and energy storage, and compares it with the benchmark cogeneration system. The results show that taking a typical day as a cycle, the primary energy utilization rate of the system designed in this paper is 3.2% higher than that of the traditional cogeneration system, and the efficiency is 2.4% higher.

This comprehensive review explores the forefront of nanohybrid materials, focusing on the integration of coordination materials in various applications, with a spotlight on their role in the development of flexible solar cells. Coordination material-based nanohybrids, characterized by their unique properties and multifunctionality, have garnered significant attention in fields ranging from catalysis and sensing to drug delivery and energy storage. The discussion investigates the synthesis methods, properties, and potential applications of these nanohybrids, underscoring their versatility in materials science. Additionally, the review investigates the integration of coordination nanohybrids in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), showcasing their ability to enhance the performance and stability of next-generation photovoltaic devices. The narrative further expands to encompass the synthesis of luminescent nanohybrids for bioimaging purposes and the development of layered, two-dimensional (2D) material-based nanostructured hybrids for energy storage and conversion. The exploration culminates in an examination of the synthesis of conductive polymer nanostructures, elucidating their potential in drug delivery systems. Last but not least, the article discusses the cutting-edge realm of flexible solar cells, emphasizing their adaptability and lightweight design. Through a systematic examination of these diverse nanohybrid materials, this review sheds light on the current state of the art, challenges, and prospects, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the fields of materials science, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.

MXenes are one of the most important classes of materials discussed worldwide by many researchers of diverse fields for diverse applications in recent years. It is a nanomaterial with a wide range of applications due to its multiple forms and structures with fascinating properties, for example, high surface area and porosity, biocompatibility, ease of fictionalizing with various active chemical moieties, benefit of high metallic conductivity, activated metallic hydroxide sites, and sensitivity to moisture. MXenes have great chances for potential applications in environmental issues, water purification, biological applications, and energy storage devices and sensors. MXenes show great selectivity towards the absorption of heavy metals and a good capability to reduce chemical and biological pollutants present in the water. The present review article critically analyzed advancements in water purification using the adsorption and reduction abilities of MXenes and their composites. The mechanism of various procedures, important challenges, and associated problems using MXene and their composites are discussed in detail. The future research directions can be extracted from this article efficiently and comprehensively. The energy storage issues of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, batteries other than lithium-ion batteries, and electrochemical capacitors are also discussed in detail.