Themed collection Energy & Environmental Science Recent HOT Articles

51 items
Open Access Analysis

Design considerations for multi-terawatt scale manufacturing of existing and future photovoltaic technologies: challenges and opportunities related to silver, indium and bismuth consumption

As the photovoltaic (PV) industry heading towards the multi-TW scale, PV technologies need to be carefully evaluated based on material consumption rather than just efficiency or cost to ensure sustainable growth of the industry.

Graphical abstract: Design considerations for multi-terawatt scale manufacturing of existing and future photovoltaic technologies: challenges and opportunities related to silver, indium and bismuth consumption
Communication

Realizing the compatibility of a Li metal anode in an all-solid-state Li−S battery by chemical iodine–vapor deposition

A unique interwoven structured nano-LiI layer with excellent toughness and mechanical strength and satisfactory ionic conductivity and high interface stability was fabricated through a smart chemical iodine–vapor deposition method.

Graphical abstract: Realizing the compatibility of a Li metal anode in an all-solid-state Li−S battery by chemical iodine–vapor deposition
Communication

Structure-controlled graphene electrocatalysts for high-performance H2O2 production

A structure-mechanism-performance relationship of metal-free carbon catalysts for outstanding H2O2 production activity and selectivity in alkaline media.

Graphical abstract: Structure-controlled graphene electrocatalysts for high-performance H2O2 production
Paper

Crystallization dynamics and stabilization of FAPbI3 single-phase perovskite

In a stable external environment, a slow crystallization rate fosters a stable lattice of pure “black”-phase perovskite, while post treatment at the grain boundaries enhance overall grain stability, contributing to long-term stability.

Graphical abstract: Crystallization dynamics and stabilization of FAPbI3 single-phase perovskite
Paper

An all-electrochem-active silicon anode enabled by spontaneous Li–Si alloying for ultra-high performance solid-state batteries

An all-electrochem-active Si/Li21Si5 anode was designed, in which the Li21Si5 served as efficient ionic/electronic channel and expansion buffer. It achieved an ultra-high ICE of 97.8% and a low expansion rate of 18.8% at a capacity of 17.9 mA h cm−2.

Graphical abstract: An all-electrochem-active silicon anode enabled by spontaneous Li–Si alloying for ultra-high performance solid-state batteries
Paper

Triboelectric junction: a model for dynamic metal–semiconductor contacts

A “triboelectric junction” is a space charge region induced by the triboelectric effect, dominating the electron–hole separation process in dynamic semiconductor-based contacts.

Graphical abstract: Triboelectric junction: a model for dynamic metal–semiconductor contacts
Paper

Tuning the solution aggregation and molecular order for efficient and thermally stable polymer solar cells

Molecular ordering effect of semi-paracrystalline polymers on the solution aggregation structure, morphology, and performance of polymer/nonfullerene blends has been thoroughly investigated by advanced neutron scattering and complementary techniques.

Graphical abstract: Tuning the solution aggregation and molecular order for efficient and thermally stable polymer solar cells
Paper

Origins of hydrogen peroxide selectivity during oxygen reduction on organic mixed ionic–electronic conducting polymers

Through experiment and theory, this work explains how a set of OMIEC polymer electrodes selectively reduce oxygen to hydrogen peroxide.

Graphical abstract: Origins of hydrogen peroxide selectivity during oxygen reduction on organic mixed ionic–electronic conducting polymers
Paper

Dredging photocarrier trapping pathways via “charge bridge” driven exciton–phonon decoupling enables efficient and photothermal stable quaternary organic solar cells

The “charge bridge” strategy is applied to organic photovoltaic devices, which dredges photocarrier trapping pathways by facilitating exciton–phonon decoupling. This benefit leads to simultaneous improvement of efficiency and photothermal stability.

Graphical abstract: Dredging photocarrier trapping pathways via “charge bridge” driven exciton–phonon decoupling enables efficient and photothermal stable quaternary organic solar cells
Open Access Paper

From fossil to green chemicals: sustainable pathways and new carbon feedstocks for the global chemical industry

Green methanol and green ammonia produced by renewable electricity and electricity-based hydrogen become the backbone for a defossilised global chemical industry.

Graphical abstract: From fossil to green chemicals: sustainable pathways and new carbon feedstocks for the global chemical industry
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Dual mechanism of ion (de)intercalation and iodine redox towards advanced zinc batteries

We propose a dual-storage ion solution of Zn2+ and I with a cathode containing a mixture of NH4V4O10 and porous activated carbon, exhibiting a dual mechanism of Zn2+ (de)intercalation and iodine redox with adsorption–desorption.

Graphical abstract: Dual mechanism of ion (de)intercalation and iodine redox towards advanced zinc batteries
Paper

A conformally bonded molecular interface retarded iodine migration for durable perovskite solar cells

A molecular hole transport material retards the iodine migration and delivers high stability in a harsh 85 °C MPP test.

Graphical abstract: A conformally bonded molecular interface retarded iodine migration for durable perovskite solar cells
Paper

High-performance all-solid-state Li2S batteries using an interfacial redox mediator

We report a Li2S/LiVS2 core–shell nano-architecture design for all-solid-state Li2S batteries where the LiVS2 shell serves as both a Li+/e transport vehicle and redox mediator for Li2S on charge to help overcome sluggish cathode kinetics.

Graphical abstract: High-performance all-solid-state Li2S batteries using an interfacial redox mediator
Paper

Dendrite-free Zn anode enabled by anionic surfactant-induced horizontal growth for highly-stable aqueous Zn-ion pouch cells

Here we propose a new anionic surfactant as an electrolyte additive to guide the preferential deposition of Zn2+ in the (002) orientation, suppress the side reactions, and realize a dendrite-free Zn anode for highly stable aqueous Zn-ion pouch cells.

Graphical abstract: Dendrite-free Zn anode enabled by anionic surfactant-induced horizontal growth for highly-stable aqueous Zn-ion pouch cells
Paper

Effects of cation superstructure ordering on oxygen redox stability in O2-type lithium-rich layered oxides

We report that the presence of superstructure ordering serves as an important building block in securing the long-term stability of the oxygen redox activity in O2-type lithium-rich layered oxides.

Graphical abstract: Effects of cation superstructure ordering on oxygen redox stability in O2-type lithium-rich layered oxides
Paper

Brownian motor inspired monodirectional continuous spinning triboelectric nanogenerators for extracting energy from irregular gentle water waves

A TENG intrinsically adaptive to chaotic agitations like the Brownian motors is designed based on dual symmetry breakings.

Graphical abstract: Brownian motor inspired monodirectional continuous spinning triboelectric nanogenerators for extracting energy from irregular gentle water waves
Open Access Paper

Solar-driven H2O2 production via cooperative auto- and photocatalytic oxidation in fine-tuned reaction media

A fine-tuned organic working solution that synergistically combines auto- and photocatalysis achieves one of the highest solar-to-chemical conversion efficiencies of up to 1.1% to coproduce H2O2 and aldehyde under simulated sunlight.

Graphical abstract: Solar-driven H2O2 production via cooperative auto- and photocatalytic oxidation in fine-tuned reaction media
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Design of semitransparent tantalum nitride photoanode for efficient and durable solar water splitting

A semitransparent Ta3N5 photoanode is designed for efficient and durable solar water splitting. The Ta3N5-CuInSe2 tandem device exhibits an initial and stabilized solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of ∼9% (highest for metal oxides/nitrides) and 4%, respectively.

Graphical abstract: Design of semitransparent tantalum nitride photoanode for efficient and durable solar water splitting
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Unveiling solvation structure and desolvation dynamics of hybrid electrolytes for ultralong cyclability and facile kinetics of Zn–Al alloy anodes

Weak Al3+–solvent interactions and facile desolvation for ultralong stability of Zn–Al alloy anodes.

Graphical abstract: Unveiling solvation structure and desolvation dynamics of hybrid electrolytes for ultralong cyclability and facile kinetics of Zn–Al alloy anodes
Paper

Deep defect passivation and shallow vacancy repair via an ionic silicone polymer toward highly stable inverted perovskite solar cells

A novel ionic silicone polymer is introduced in perovskites to achieve stable inverted perovskite solar cells with high efficiency by deep defect passivation and shallow vacancy repair simultaneously.

Graphical abstract: Deep defect passivation and shallow vacancy repair via an ionic silicone polymer toward highly stable inverted perovskite solar cells
Open Access Paper

Enhanced promotion of Ru-based ammonia catalysts by in situ dosing of Cs

In situ dosing of metallic Cs on Ru surface results in a higher Cs coverage (compared to conventional ex situ promotion techniques) which enhances the catalytic performance of Ru for ammonia synthesis.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced promotion of Ru-based ammonia catalysts by in situ dosing of Cs
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Unravelling the potential of sustainable aviation fuels to decarbonise the aviation sector

Sustainable aviation fuels can cut emissions of the aviation sector. Using a holistic approach to transform solar energy into fuels, we discuss the scale of resources consumed, technology deployed, and regional drivers for their network development.

Graphical abstract: Unravelling the potential of sustainable aviation fuels to decarbonise the aviation sector
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Critical role of acceptor dopants in designing highly stable and compatible proton-conducting electrolytes for reversible solid oxide cells

BaHf0.1Ce0.7Yb0.2O3−δ proton-conducting electrolyte exhibits high conductivity, excellent ionic transference number, remarkable chemical stability, and great compatibility with NiO, as confirmed by experimental and computational results.

Graphical abstract: Critical role of acceptor dopants in designing highly stable and compatible proton-conducting electrolytes for reversible solid oxide cells
Open Access Paper

Identifying structure–absorption relationships and predicting absorption strength of non-fullerene acceptors for organic photovoltaics

We combine experiments with density functional theory calculations, statistical analysis, and machine-learning to reveal the structure–absorption strength relationship and predict the absorption strength of organic non-fullerene acceptors.

Graphical abstract: Identifying structure–absorption relationships and predicting absorption strength of non-fullerene acceptors for organic photovoltaics
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Kinetic square scheme in oxygen-redox battery electrodes

Kinetic formation of the peroxo-like O22− dimer is identified as the origin of a voltage hysteresis in oxygen-redox battery electrodes.

Graphical abstract: Kinetic square scheme in oxygen-redox battery electrodes
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Identification of non-traditional coordination environments for iron ions in nickel hydroxide lattices

Iron ions are observed in a previously unobserved coordination environment in iron–nickel oxyhydroxide. Complementary characterization techniques suggest the environment sits atop the two-dimensional Ni(OH)2 sheets.

Graphical abstract: Identification of non-traditional coordination environments for iron ions in nickel hydroxide lattices
Paper

In situ and ex situ investigations on ternary strategy and co-solvent effects towards high-efficiency organic solar cells

High efficiencies for organic solar cells are achieved. Two different morphology change paths are revealed with both in situ and ex situ measurements.

Graphical abstract: In situ and ex situ investigations on ternary strategy and co-solvent effects towards high-efficiency organic solar cells
Paper

Manipulating the D:A interfacial energetics and intermolecular packing for 19.2% efficiency organic photovoltaics

A novel electron acceptor, BTP-H2, demonstrates a high efficiency of 18.5% with a high Voc of 0.932 V. It also enables the ternary device to yield an efficiency of 19.2%, ranking the highest among single-junction organic photovoltaics.

Graphical abstract: Manipulating the D:A interfacial energetics and intermolecular packing for 19.2% efficiency organic photovoltaics
Paper

Water as a hole-predatory instrument to create metal nanoparticles on triple-conducting oxides

Schematics of water-mediated ex-solution and accordingly nano-engineered protonic ceramic fuel cell furnished with the water-mediated ex-solution on a cathode and H2 ex-solution on an anode.

Graphical abstract: Water as a hole-predatory instrument to create metal nanoparticles on triple-conducting oxides
Paper

Non-fullerene acceptors with direct and indirect hexa-fluorination afford >17% efficiency in polymer solar cells

The rational molecular design of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) in organic solar cells (OSCs) can profoundly influence the photovoltaic (OPV) performance.

Graphical abstract: Non-fullerene acceptors with direct and indirect hexa-fluorination afford >17% efficiency in polymer solar cells
Paper

Phase reconfiguration of multivalent nickel sulfides in hydrogen evolution

We report a universal phase reconfiguration phenomenon and a doping strategy to enhance the activity of multivalent nickel sulfides in hydrogen evolution. Based on these, a life-time dynamic structure-activity correlation has been established.

Graphical abstract: Phase reconfiguration of multivalent nickel sulfides in hydrogen evolution
Paper

A CO2 utilization framework for liquid fuels and chemical production: techno-economic and environmental analysis

We analyzed the techno-economic and environmental performance of a wide-range of CO2-to-fuel pathways and the critical role of hydrogen in CO2 utilization framework.

Graphical abstract: A CO2 utilization framework for liquid fuels and chemical production: techno-economic and environmental analysis
Open Access Paper

Future greenhouse gas emissions from metal production: gaps and opportunities towards climate goals

The projected GHG emissions cannot reach the climate goal under any SSP. Further efforts on lowering per capita in-use metal stocks and GHG emission intensity of metal production and promoting recycling are the key to achieve the climate goal.

Graphical abstract: Future greenhouse gas emissions from metal production: gaps and opportunities towards climate goals
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Tissue-derived carbon microbelt paper: a high-initial-coulombic-efficiency and low-discharge-platform K+-storage anode for 4.5 V hybrid capacitors

Sanitary tissue is utilized as the precursor to construct a hard carbon microbelt paper (HCMB), which can be employed as a high-initial-coulombic-efficiency and low-discharge-platform K+-storage anode for 4.5 V hybrid capacitors.

Graphical abstract: Tissue-derived carbon microbelt paper: a high-initial-coulombic-efficiency and low-discharge-platform K+-storage anode for 4.5 V hybrid capacitors
Paper

17% efficiency all-small-molecule organic solar cells enabled by nanoscale phase separation with a hierarchical branched structure

By constructing a ternary cell with a B1:BO-2Cl:BO-4Cl donor:acceptors combination, an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.0% (certified to be 16.9%) has been realized for all-small-molecule organic solar cells (ASM-OSCs).

Graphical abstract: 17% efficiency all-small-molecule organic solar cells enabled by nanoscale phase separation with a hierarchical branched structure
Paper

Lanthanide electronic perturbation in Pt–Ln (La, Ce, Pr and Nd) alloys for enhanced methanol oxidation reaction activity

A series of PtLn alloys have been synthesized to act as efficient electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reactions, where the electronic perturbations of lanthanide guarantee high electroactivity and long-term durability.

Graphical abstract: Lanthanide electronic perturbation in Pt–Ln (La, Ce, Pr and Nd) alloys for enhanced methanol oxidation reaction activity
Paper

Sustainable off-grid desalination of hypersaline waters using Janus wood evaporators

A sustainable Janus wood evaporator with asymmetric surface wettability shows persistent salt-resistance for off-grid hypersaline waters desalination.

Graphical abstract: Sustainable off-grid desalination of hypersaline waters using Janus wood evaporators
Paper

Formamidine disulfide oxidant as a localised electron scavenger for >20% perovskite solar cell modules

A large FAS2+ ion in FAPbI3 scavenges localized electrons in defects, leading to perovskite solar cell module with remarkable performance values of 18.76% (25.74 cm2) and 15.87% (65.22 cm2), respectively.

Graphical abstract: Formamidine disulfide oxidant as a localised electron scavenger for >20% perovskite solar cell modules
Paper

Clarification of mechanisms of protonic photovoltaic action initiated by photoexcitation of strong photoacids covalently bound to hydrated Nafion cation-exchange membranes wetted by aqueous electrolytes

Junctions formed from materials that contain mobile charged species and fixed counterions can assist in photo-induced charge separation and lead to photovoltaic action, irrespective of whether the mobile charges are electronic or protonic.

Graphical abstract: Clarification of mechanisms of protonic photovoltaic action initiated by photoexcitation of strong photoacids covalently bound to hydrated Nafion cation-exchange membranes wetted by aqueous electrolytes
Open Access Paper

Concentrated dual-cation electrolyte strategy for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

A dual-cation concentrated electrolyte has been developed to enable a stable Zn anode and a vanadium-oxide-based cathode for efficient aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Concentrated dual-cation electrolyte strategy for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Machine learning analysis and prediction models of alkaline anion exchange membranes for fuel cells

The artificial intelligence – aided analysis and prediction the performance of alkaline anion exchange membranes for fuel cells are reported.

Graphical abstract: Machine learning analysis and prediction models of alkaline anion exchange membranes for fuel cells
Paper

Rational compatibility in a ternary matrix enables all-small-molecule organic solar cells with over 16% efficiency

The ternary all-small-molecule organic solar cells deliver a top-ranked power conversion efficiency of 16.28%, benefiting from the rational compatibility in the B1:BO-4Cl:Y7 matrix.

Graphical abstract: Rational compatibility in a ternary matrix enables all-small-molecule organic solar cells with over 16% efficiency
Paper

Machine learning-assisted development of organic photovoltaics via high-throughput in situ formulation

A new research method based on process innovation combined with digital technologies is pioneered for printed electronics.

Graphical abstract: Machine learning-assisted development of organic photovoltaics via high-throughput in situ formulation
Open Access Paper

Assessment of carbon dioxide removal potential via BECCS in a carbon-neutral Europe

The European technical potential for biogenic carbon dioxide removal is assessed considering seven different BECCS configurations that do not require purpose-grown bio-energy plantations.

Graphical abstract: Assessment of carbon dioxide removal potential via BECCS in a carbon-neutral Europe
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Stretchable supercapacitor at −30 °C

A stretchable supercapacitor at −30 °C was developed for the first time by in situ growth of polyaniline onto the newly-designed anti-freezing organohydrogel polyelectrolyte.

Graphical abstract: Stretchable supercapacitor at −30 °C
Paper

Optimizing accuracy and efficacy in data-driven materials discovery for the solar production of hydrogen

We develop and demonstrate a comprehensive data-driven screening protocol with co-validation between experiment and theory to maximize the success rate of materials discovery for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.

Graphical abstract: Optimizing accuracy and efficacy in data-driven materials discovery for the solar production of hydrogen
Open Access Paper

Towards controlling the reversibility of anionic redox in transition metal oxides for high-energy Li-ion positive electrodes

Transition metal d-states and oxygen p-states overlap and oxygen lattice integrity dictates the oxygen redox reversibility in metal substituted Li2RuO3 positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Towards controlling the reversibility of anionic redox in transition metal oxides for high-energy Li-ion positive electrodes
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

A universal method for constructing high efficiency organic solar cells with stacked structures

Quantitative relationship between the protective factor (δ) and PCE of stacked structures of OSC with a record PCE of 17.52% is proposed to understand the mechanism and provide a guideline for solvent choices of eco-friendly solvent protection method.

Graphical abstract: A universal method for constructing high efficiency organic solar cells with stacked structures
Paper

Increased residual lithium compounds guided design for green recycling of spent lithium-ion cathodes

Based on the increased residual lithium compounds of the degraded cathode, a green water-based strategy is designed for achieving closed-loop recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Increased residual lithium compounds guided design for green recycling of spent lithium-ion cathodes
Paper

High-performance ammonia oxidation catalysts for anion-exchange membrane direct ammonia fuel cells

Low-temperature direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs) can use carbon-neutral ammonia as a fuel, which has attracted increasing attention recently due to ammonia's low source-to-tank energy cost, easy transport and storage, and wide availability.

Graphical abstract: High-performance ammonia oxidation catalysts for anion-exchange membrane direct ammonia fuel cells
Paper

Polyeutectic-based stable and effective electrolytes for high-performance energy storage systems

Polyeutectic electrolyte, as a new class of electrolytes, was proposed for various high-energy storage systems.

Graphical abstract: Polyeutectic-based stable and effective electrolytes for high-performance energy storage systems
51 items

About this collection

Welcome to our online rolling collection of the hottest work published in Energy & Environmental Science. Here we feature all recent Energy & Environmental Science articles highlighted as HOT by the handling editor or our referees. Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured.

Spotlight

Advertisements