Search Results (424)

Lithium-ion batteries with high energy density and long cycle life have been widely used as secondary batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. With the growing demand for high energy density in lithium-ion batteries, silicon-based materials, which possess a high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh g⁻¹), are regarded as core candidates for anode materials. However, Si-based materials undergo severe volume expansion (up to 300%), which leads to the collapse of the electrode structure, inducing pulverization of the active material and capacity loss, thereby hindering the commercial application of silicon-based materials. To address these issues, scholars from various countries have developed many silicon-based materials with different compositions and three-dimensional structures, and have made some research progress. This review first elaborates on the lithium storage mechanisms and advantages of diverse silicon-based anode materials by taking Si, SiO_x, SiN_x, and SiP_x as representative examples with distinct characteristics. Subsequently, from the two aspects of dimensional design (0D, 1D, 2D and 3D) and architecture design (core–shell, sandwich-like and network structure), the design strategies for various silicon-based anode structures and their enhancement on electrochemical performance are analyzed. Finally, this review elucidated the challenges faced by silicon-based anodes from the perspectives of mechanism elucidation, structural customization, industrialization, and full-cell applications. It also proposed future development directions for silicon anodes by combining actual challenges and focusing on aspects such as structure optimization, machine learning, advanced characterization techniques, and mechanistic analysis. Full article

This paper examines source-conditioned spillovers and tail dependence in Belt and Road Initiative equity markets under China-related equity distress and WTI oil-price-decline distress. We define source-conditioned spillovers as incremental changes in pairwise dependence relative to a median-threshold benchmark, and source-conditioned tail dependence as the nonlinear higher-order component of these changes. Using a DCC-GARCH model with multivariate generalized hyperbolic innovations, we construct a linear co-moment layer and a nonlinear tail-dependence layer for 32 equity markets from 2007 to 2025. The resulting annual country-level exposure measures are then related to macroeconomic, China-linked, and oil-linked characteristics through benchmark fixed-effects and source-matched regressions. The empirical results imply that the linear layer mainly reflects background synchronization, whereas the nonlinear layer captures selective tail-state amplification. SSEC-conditioned exposure is more visible in China-adjacent and regionally linked equity relationships, while WTI-conditioned exposure is more visible among intermediary receiving markets and in nonlinear oil-related episodes. The comparison after 2013 suggests that BRI equity markets became more vulnerable to energy driven tail risk, as WTI distress is more strongly associated with nonlinear downside amplification. SSEC distress mainly increases the common linear exposure channel, indicating broader regional synchronization rather than a persistent rise in nonlinear contagion. The framework provides a financial-stability diagnostic for sustainable-finance resilience by distinguishing routine cross-market synchronization from nonlinear downside exposure relevant to cross-border financing, infrastructure investment, and energy-transition-related capital allocation. Full article

The Ili River is a transboundary water body in Central Asia and a key region along the Belt and Road Initiative, yet antibiotic pollution in this river remains unexplored. This study investigated the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of 14 antibiotics in the Yining section of the Ili River and the effluent of the Huocheng Wastewater Treatment Plant (HWTP). We optimized and validated an analytical method using solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem–mass spectrometry (SPE-HPLC-MS/MS). The method achieved low detection limits (0.05–1.0 ng·L⁻¹) and good recoveries (70.0–108.3%). Results showed that HWTP removed 9.8–98.3% of detected antibiotics, with negative removal observed for several compounds due to desorption or metabolite reconversion. In the Yining river section, tetracyclines dominated (55.9% of total antibiotics), followed by fluoroquinolones (33.8%), macrolides (9.7%), and β-lactams (0.6%). Ecological risk assessment using the risk quotient method revealed that the combined risk (RQ_s) in the Yining section ranged from 1.54 to 2.74, indicating a high-risk level. Chlortetracycline exhibited the highest individual risk (RQ 0.92–0.97) and is proposed as a priority pollutant. This study provides the first baseline data on antibiotic pollution in a Central Asian transboundary river and underscores the need for international cooperation in water quality management within the Belt and Road framework. Full article

Understanding how urban road network structures influence household carbon emissions is fundamental to developing low-carbon urban environments. This study examines China’s Western Valley cities (WVCs), which have distinct structural characteristics, to analyze the heterogeneous effects of road network structures on household carbon emissions. Using 2020 household carbon emissions and road network data, we employed stepwise regression and curve estimation regression models to clarify these relationships based on the distribution patterns of both variables. The following are the key findings of this study: (1) Substantial differences exist between cities in terms of total household carbon emissions, per capita emissions, and per capita land use. (2) Regarding road network structure, cities can be categorized into three types—clusters, fingers, and belts—based on the distribution of high and low values of closeness centrality (CC), with four, five, and six cities falling into each category, respectively. While compactness differences between cities are relatively small, variability exhibits large disparities, leading to different city rankings and highlighting the complexity of road network organization. (3) The three structural characteristics show significant correlations with household carbon emissions not only in terms of direction but also magnitude and influence mechanisms. (4) CC follows an inverse function pattern, initially declining sharply before gradually stabilizing. Compactness follows a positive linear growth pattern, consistently promoting household carbon emissions. Variability exhibits a positive power-law growth pattern, showing a sharp initial increase that weakens over time. Full article

Under global warming and rapid urbanization, understanding the link between residential spatial layouts and carbon emissions, considering microclimate effects, is crucial. Using the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) framework, this study selected 60 residential neighborhoods in Suzhou (hot summer and cold winter zone). A microclimate–neighborhood morphology coupling model was built by integrating the Urban Weather Generator (UWG) and Urban Metabolism-Induced Energy (UMI) model. The factor method was used to simulate energy use and carbon emissions of building clusters. The study systematically analyzed eight spatial form indicators, their influence on carbon emissions, and developed a predictive model. Main conclusions: (1) Carbon emission intensity ranks: LCZ6 > LCZ3 > LCZ5 > LCZ4 > LCZ2 > LCZ1. (2) Shape factor is positively correlated with carbon emissions across all LCZs, being the most stable and significant predictor. (3) Dominant factors vary by LCZ: sky view factor for compact high-rise (LCZ1); scattering degree for open high-rise (LCZ4); shape factor for compact mid-rise (LCZ2), open mid-rise (LCZ5) and open low-rise (LCZ6); no significant factor for compact low-rise (LCZ3). These findings can support low-carbon residential design, energy-efficient renovation of old neighborhoods, and optimization of residential evaluation standards. Full article

As a major ecological safeguard in northwestern China and an important corridor for the Belt and Road Initiative, the Hexi Corridor holds strategic significance for improving landscape structure and enhancing regional ecological security. Focusing on the Hexi Corridor, this study develops a landscape ecological risk (LER) index based on land use (LU) data from 2000, 2010, and 2020. The study employs ArcGIS spatial analysis and XGBoost-SHAP, an interpretable machine learning method, to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of LU and LERs, as well as their driving factors. Furthermore, the Markov-FLUS model is utilized to simulate and predict LU and LER spatial patterns under multiple scenarios for 2030. The results show that: (1) The dominant land type in the Hexi Corridor is unused land, accounting for 67.33%. During the research period, the extents of unused land, grassland, and forestland showed a steady decline, while built-up land and cropland increased. (2) LERs are categorized into five types, with high risk being the most prevalent, accounting for 52.02%. Between 2000 and 2020, the total area of higher and high risks decreased by 4312 km², indicating an overall decrease in LER across the region. (3) LER is primarily influenced by annual rainfall, population density, distance to main roads, and distance to rivers. (4) Marked variations in LU patterns and LER are observed across different development scenarios projected for 2030. Full article

The countries in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) significantly influence global carbon emissions, and the spatial correlation and driving mechanisms of their emissions are crucial for regional emission reduction and global climate governance. This study constructs a carbon emission spatial correlation network, where links represent pairwise spatial correlations derived from a modified gravity model, using data from 54 BRI countries (2011–2020). It applies social network analysis (SNA) to examine the network structure and uses the Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model (TERGM) to identify influencing factors. The main findings are as follows: (1) The BRI carbon emission network has become more interconnected and cohesive, with stronger regional connectivity and reduced inequality. (2) The network shows a core–periphery structure with notable spatial association patterns. Countries like Qatar, Israel, India, China, and the UAE have rapidly established carbon emission links, positioning them at the core due to their high connectivity and influence. (3) The network displays temporal dependence, with reciprocity associated with stronger mutual connections and transitivity associated with more cohesive network structures. Technological innovation and industrial structure optimization are positively associated with the formation of carbon emission connections, while energy structure and foreign investment are negatively associated with it. Economic development and technological innovation are associated with a country’s greater involvement in carbon emission connections, and countries with similar urbanization rates, energy, and industrial structures, but large economic disparities are more likely to form carbon emission associations, reflecting potential complementarities in the network structure. Full article

Frequent major emergencies threaten the security of the feed grain import supply chain. Enhancing import resilience is essential for supporting a new development pattern. However, research on a dedicated system to evaluate the resilience of China’s feed grain imports remains limited. In addition, strategies to strengthen resilience based on country-specific distances are still underexplored. This study constructs a comprehensive indicator system for China’s feed grain import resilience, using data from 2000 to 2023. It empirically examines the impact of country distance on this resilience across four dimensions: geographic distance, economic distance, institutional distance, and cultural distance. The findings indicate that country distance has an inhibitory effect on China’s feed grain import resilience. This conclusion holds true even after testing various adjustments, such as changes to core explanatory and dependent variables, modifications in sample sizes, alterations in measurement methods, and the introduction of instrumental variables. Further analysis reveals that country distance undermines feed grain import resilience by significantly reducing trade efficiency. However, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Regional Trade Agreements (RTA) help mitigate the negative impact of country distance on resilience. To strengthen China’s feed grain import resilience, it is crucial to enhance cultural and institutional trust, improve trade efficiency, and optimize import distribution. This study provides empirical evidence to support the safety of China’s feed grain imports and promote efficient, mutually beneficial trade in feed grains with partner countries. Full article

The advancement of green and low-carbon transition in the steel industry has increased the demand for high-quality direct reduced iron (DRI) as a premium feedstock for electric arc furnace steelmaking. This imposes stricter quality requirements for fired pellets utilized in gas-based shaft furnace processes. To address the poor low-temperature reduction degradation (LTD) of fired pellets produced from a single high-grade magnetite concentrate during gas-based direct reduction. This study investigates the effects of blending hematite concentrates into a magnetite concentrate base (with additions of 0, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, and 40 wt.%) on the characteristics of the mixed concentrates, green ball properties, firing performance, and the metallurgical performance of the resulting fired pellets under conditions simulating an HYL shaft furnace. The results indicate that the incorporation of hematite concentrate optimizes the overall particle size distribution and green ball properties. As the hematite proportion increases, the optimal preheating temperature for green balls rises, while the required roasting temperature decreases. The most significant reduction in roasting temperature, from 1225 °C to 1175 °C, is achieved with a 20 wt.% hematite addition. Regarding metallurgical properties, the addition of hematite has a minor effect on the reducibility index (RI) but substantially improves the reduction swelling index (RSI). A notable decrease in the RSI is observed at addition levels of 30% and above. Critically, the LTD is significantly enhanced. The optimal improvement is attained with a 20 wt.% hematite blend, resulting in a- LTD_{+6.3 mm} fraction of 97.48 wt.%, a- LTD_{−3.2 mm} fraction of only 2.18 wt.%, and a whole pellet ratio of 88.01% after reduction. Considering the comprehensive performance, a blend of hematite concentrate between 20 wt.% and 30 wt.% yields fired pellets with superior characteristics, meeting the production requirements for gas-based shaft furnace direct reduction processes. This study provides an effective technological pathway for producing high-performance DRI-grade pellets from high-grade magnetite concentrates, contributing to the green and low-carbon transformation of the iron and steel industry. Full article

The growing demand for direct reduced iron (DRI) in green steel production requires high-quality fired pellets as the burden for the gas-based shaft furnace direct reduction process. However, the properties of magnetite concentrate as pellet feed present a significant impact on the quality of fired pellets, especially the metallurgical performance. A systematic study of the effect of pretreating the magnetite concentrate on the properties of fired pellets was conducted using two pretreatment technologies, i.e., damp-milling and high-pressure roll grinding (HPRG). Green balls were made from pretreated magnetite concentrates and fired under optimal conditions. Their performance was then evaluated in a laboratory-scale setup simulating the HYL shaft furnace environment. Key metrics included cold compressive strength (CCS), reducibility index (RI), reduction swelling index (RSI), and dynamic low-temperature reduction degradation (LTD). The pretreatment of magnetite concentrates with HPRG twice showed significant benefits. The fired pellets not only have a CCS of 2500 N/p at a roasting temperature 150 °C lower, but also achieve an RI of 3.37 and an RSI of 3.15%, respectively. Furthermore, the reduction degradation tendency was markedly reduced; the +6.3 mm fraction reached 94.72% with a whole pellet ratio of 75.49%. Conversely, while damp-milling improved the LTD, it required a 100 °C increase in preheating temperature and yielded a whole pellet ratio of only 49.15%, failing to meet industrial requirements. The improvement in metallurgical performance is attributed to the intense micro-cracking induced by the two-pass HPRG process, which optimizes the particle size distribution, specific surface areas and improves the microstructure and pore properties of the fired pellets. Full article

As China pursues its Dual Carbon Goals, understanding the environmental effects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is of critical importance. Employing panel data from 282 prefecture-level cities in China over the period 2003–2023, this study adopts a difference-in-differences (DID) approach to systematically assess the impact of the BRI on carbon emission intensity (CEI). The empirical results show that the BRI significantly reduces CEI in Chinese cities along its corridors, a finding that proves robust across multiple robustness checks and after addressing potential endogeneity concerns. Mechanism analysis reveals that the BRI reduces CEI by promoting industrial structure optimization, lowering energy intensity, and alleviating market fragmentation. Moderating effect tests indicate that government intervention strengthens the CEI reduction effect of the BRI. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that the CEI reduction effect is more pronounced in central-western cities, key environmental protection cities, old industrial base cities, and non-logistics hub cities. Full article

With the deepening of international trade and the increasing shortage of land resources, the importance of virtual soil trade in grain has become increasingly prominent. Based on FAO data, this study constructs the virtual soil trade network of wheat, rice, corn and soybean in the major G20 grain trading countries in 2013 and 2023, measures its network characteristics, and uses the exponential random graph model to explore its influencing factors from three dimensions of economic scale, geographical characteristics and resource endowment. The results show that: (1) virtual land trade is essentially a redistribution mechanism of land use pressure, rather than a simple grain flow; (2) the formation of network is driven by exogenous economic factors and endogenous relations; and (3) the role of each country in the network varies with the grain and food category and the development stage, showing a systematic differentiation. It is suggested that the allocation of land resources should be optimized according to the differences in virtual land flows in different countries and food categories. Since the export of virtual land is accompanied by ecological costs (such as deforestation, soil degradation, and water consumption), sustainability must be integrated into trade policies. Rations involve national security strategy, and it is necessary to strengthen domestic productivity and strategic reserves. Feed grain can use the market mechanism to promote trade liberalization and diversification, and reduce the risk of supply chain concentration while giving full play to the global comparative advantage. Full article

As a pivotal hub for the northward advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative and a strategic outpost for national security, the spatial patterns of towns in the border regions of northern Inner Mongolia exert a direct impact on the region’s sustainable development and long-term prosperity. This study focuses on 141 border towns situated along the Inner Mongolia stretch of China’s northern border. By leveraging analytical tools including kernel density analysis, standard deviation ellipse method, and nearest neighbor index analysis, it explores the distinctive characteristics of their spatial distribution. Furthermore, this study applies the Geodetector method to quantify the explanatory power of key influencing factors on the spatial differentiation of these border towns. The findings can be summarized as follows: (1) The border towns along the Inner Mongolia stretch of the northern border displayed a distinct heterogeneous distribution gradient characterized by prominent regional agglomeration and formed a three-tier spatial hierarchy. Specifically, the Bayannur–Hetao Plain Town Cluster served as the primary agglomeration core, supplemented by two secondary clusters, namely the Xing’an League–Southern Greater Khingan Range Town Cluster and the Hulunbuir–Border Port Town Cluster. In contrast, the Alxa League constituted a low-density peripheral belt with sparse town distribution. (2) Factor analysis via Geodetector revealed that the spatial distribution pattern of these border towns was primarily driven by the core mechanism of port-led urbanization. This core driver was synergistically reinforced by secondary factors such as mineral resource endowments, jointly shaping a complex spatial layout that partially transcended natural geographical constraints—a stark contrast to coastal ports, where development is dominated by innate natural geographic advantages. Full article

Under the Belt and Road Initiative, whether architectural education effectively supports sustainability-oriented overseas practice remains insufficiently evidenced. Anchored in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) competency frameworks, this study constructs a tripartite analytical framework linking international standards, educational curricula, and overseas job requirements. Based on curriculum texts and 200 overseas job postings from major international recruitment platforms, paragraph-level semantic alignment is quantified using TF-IDF weighting, SBERT-based embeddings, cosine similarity, and clustering analysis. The results indicate a clear structural divergence: while domestic architectural education shows moderate alignment with overseas demand in foundational technical competencies (average similarity 0.58–0.62), it consistently underperforms in sustainability-critical dimensions—including BIM-based collaboration, international standard adaptation, cross-cultural coordination, and professional ethics—with similarity values below 0.45. This misalignment reflects a systemic imbalance between design-centered training and the governance-oriented competency structure required for sustainable overseas projects, providing a quantitative diagnostic basis for reconfiguring sustainability-oriented architectural education. Full article

This paper investigates the coordination between logistics and policy decisions for electric vehicle (EV) exports under the Belt and Road Initiative. Focusing on the two modes—maritime shipping and the China Railway Express (CR Express)—along with government production subsidies, import tariffs, and service premium, a Stackelberg game model for a cross-border supply chain comprising a domestic manufacturer and an overseas retailer is constructed. The equilibrium outcomes under four scenarios formed by combining subsidy policies and transportation modes (Models NM, NR, GM and GR) are compared theoretically and numerically, with further evaluation of capacity constraints and power structures, as well as the robustness verification of the core findings. Results show that the CR Express mode exhibits a service-driven nonlinear cost pattern, where its service premium amplifies positive market responses. Its appeal to the manufacturer, however, is tightly constrained by fixed cost. Furthermore, government subsidies can overcome this barrier by synergizing with the service premium, turning the CR Express into a relatively advantageous strategy. Moreover, subsidy efficacy is conditional, depending heavily on the service premium level and logistics cost coefficient, leading to a proposed differentiated subsidy framework. This study offers a theoretical basis for corporate logistics strategy and targeted policy design. Full article