PONE-D-24-46130Numerical analysis of sodium diffusion in aluminum electrolysis cathode carbon blocks based on a microstructure multi-factor corrected modelPLOS ONE

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Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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Reviewers' comments:

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: This manuscript presents an interesting numerical investigation into the influence of various factors on sodium diffusion within cathode carbon blocks. The methodology is clearly explained and designed. The simulation results are both highly impressive and aligned with the experimental results, offering valuable insights for advancements in the aluminum electrolysis industry.

Key parameters are comprehensively established in the computational models. However, the two-dimensional mesoscale model is simplified as a circular structure. Increasing the randomness of the model’s geometry could enhance the reproducibility in the future. Additionally, a brief discussion on potential three-dimensional modeling could enhance the paper’s perspective and future studies. The literature review could be expanded to include more recent studies. It would be beneficial to use images with higher resolution to improve clarity.some recent work should be cited by this manuscript. 

1)Recent progress in electrode materials for micro-supercapacitors. Iscience.

2) MOF-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Polyhedrons/Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries. Nanomaterials, 13(17), 2416.

3) High-performance S cathode through a decoupled ion-transport mechanism. Journal of Energy Storage, 104, 114588.

Overall, this work is well-structured and recommended for publication after minor revisions.

Reviewer #2: The study offers a predictive model to understand the sodium diffusion in cathode carbon blocks. Could you please provide some answers for the following questions:

1: Have you performed any statistical validation for the comparative results (e.g., error analysis, confidence intervals)?

2: Could you highlight its novel aspects more explicitly?

3: Mentioned in the introduction (Line 40-42). How can you method ensure that the experimental setup accurately reflects the real-world operating conditions?

There are several relevant works worth citing, including:

a. Lychee seed-derived microporous carbon for high-performance sodium-sulfur batteries. Carbon, 201, 864-870.

b. Recent advances in porous carbon materials as electrodes for supercapacitors. Nanomaterials, 13(11), 1744.

c. Three-dimensional nanostructured Co2VO4-decorated carbon nanotubes for sodium-ion battery anode materials. Rare Metals, 42(12), 4060-4069.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: No

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Numerical analysis of sodium diffusion in aluminum electrolysis cathode carbon blocks based on a microstructure multi-factor corrected model

PONE-D-24-46130R1

Dear Dr. Xu

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Sheng Yu

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE