Next-generation batteries with high energy density rely on high-capacity electrode materials, but large volume changes and mechanical fracture in these materials during charge and discharge limit cycle life. Here, we discover that FeS 2 electrode materials are more mechanically resilient during reaction with larger alkali ions (sodium and potassium) compared with lithium, despite larger volume changes. These findings are important since they suggest that various largevolume-change electrode materials could enable stable cycling performance in next-generation sodium-and potassium-ion batteries.

Organic and inorganic mixed matrix membranes are one of the most promising new membrane materials for ultrafiltration (UF) separation applications. In this study, PVC/Fe 2 O 3-mixed UF membranes were fabricated at different nano-Fe 2 O 3 loading levels (0-2 wt. %) using the phase inversion method. Surface chemical compositions, surface and cross-section morphologies and characteristics, hydrophilicity and mechanical strength of the membranes were characterized using several analytical techniques and instruments such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), a contact angle goniometer, dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and a nanoindenter. Membrane performance was also tested in terms of water flux, solute rejection, and anti-fouling characteristics. The experimental results demonstrated that the overall membrane structure was remarkably enhanced with the addition of Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles up to a loading of 1%. This was due to the membrane's more hydrophilic and smoother surface and a more elongated finger-like structure as well as higher porosity and pore size. The nanoindentation experiments indicated that Fe 2 O 3 incorporation greatly enhanced the hardness of the membranes providing a higher pore integrity degree. However, higher Fe 2 O 3 content caused a nanoparticle aggregation resulting in a decline in the performance of the composite membranes. Compared with the pristine PVC membrane, the membrane containing 1% Fe 2 O 3 exhibited better capabilities such as the enhanced water flux (782 L/m 2 h), higher

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