Themed collection Global Energy Challenges: Electrochemical Energy

37 items
Open Access Edge Article

In situ observation of reactive oxygen species forming on oxygen-evolving iridium surfaces

In situ XAS measurements reveal that electron-deficient oxygen species form during OER on IrOx and correlate with catalytic activity.

Graphical abstract: In situ observation of reactive oxygen species forming on oxygen-evolving iridium surfaces
Open Access Edge Article

A one-dimensional porous carbon-supported Ni/Mo2C dual catalyst for efficient water splitting

A new porous carbon-supported Ni/Mo2C composite exhibits high activity towards both the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction for overall water splitting.

Graphical abstract: A one-dimensional porous carbon-supported Ni/Mo2C dual catalyst for efficient water splitting
From the themed collection: ISACS21: Challenges in Nanoscience
Open Access Edge Article

Greigite Fe3S4 as a new anode material for high-performance sodium-ion batteries

A new anode material, Fe3S4, shows superior electrochemical performance and a novel mechanism for sodium storage.

Graphical abstract: Greigite Fe3S4 as a new anode material for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Open Access Edge Article

Structure–property study of cross-linked hydrocarbon/poly(ethylene oxide) electrolytes with superior conductivity and dendrite resistance

The influence of macromolecular composition on Li dendrite supression in solid polymer electrolytes was elucidated.

Graphical abstract: Structure–property study of cross-linked hydrocarbon/poly(ethylene oxide) electrolytes with superior conductivity and dendrite resistance
Open Access Edge Article

Self-powered fluorescence display devices based on a fast self-charging/recharging battery (Mg/Prussian blue)

Here we designed and fabricated a self-powered fluorescence display device based on a fast-charging/recharging battery, composed of a Prussian blue (PB) cathode and a magnesium metal anode with a high theoretical redox potential difference.

Graphical abstract: Self-powered fluorescence display devices based on a fast self-charging/recharging battery (Mg/Prussian blue)
Open Access Edge Article

Confined-space synthesis of nanostructured anatase, directed by genetically engineered living organisms for lithium-ion batteries

Genetically engineered living organisms direct the synthesis of nanostructured anatase with nanoparticle, mesoporous structure and carbon coating characteristics which shows excellent lithium storage performance.

Graphical abstract: Confined-space synthesis of nanostructured anatase, directed by genetically engineered living organisms for lithium-ion batteries
Open Access Edge Article

Conducting polymer PPy nanowire-based triboelectric nanogenerator and its application for self-powered electrochemical cathodic protection

A novel triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was constructed with PPy nanowires (PPy NWs). By harvesting the energies in the ambient environment, the PPy NW-based TENG can act as a power supplier and provide extra electrons to the surface of the connected metals, forming effective impressed current cathodic protection.

Graphical abstract: Conducting polymer PPy nanowire-based triboelectric nanogenerator and its application for self-powered electrochemical cathodic protection
Open Access Edge Article

Measuring the oxygen content of a single oil droplet

Using toluene droplets as a model for artificial oxygen carriers, the real-time measurement of attomole oxygen contents at the individual droplet level is reported for the first time.

Graphical abstract: Measuring the oxygen content of a single oil droplet
Open Access Edge Article

Ultrahigh performance supercapacitors utilizing core–shell nanoarchitectures from a metal–organic framework-derived nanoporous carbon and a conducting polymer

Nanoarchitectured nanoporous carbon/conducting polymer core–shell nanocomposites (carbon–PANI) are prepared from metal–organic framework-derived carbon and the controlled polymerization of polyaniline nanorods.

Graphical abstract: Ultrahigh performance supercapacitors utilizing core–shell nanoarchitectures from a metal–organic framework-derived nanoporous carbon and a conducting polymer
Open Access Edge Article

Nanoconfined nitrogen-doped carbon-coated MnO nanoparticles in graphene enabling high performance for lithium-ion batteries and oxygen reduction reaction

We prepared N-doped double carbon coated MnO composites and explored their applications in lithium ion batteries and oxygen reduction reaction.

Graphical abstract: Nanoconfined nitrogen-doped carbon-coated MnO nanoparticles in graphene enabling high performance for lithium-ion batteries and oxygen reduction reaction
Open Access Edge Article

Heteronanowires of MoC–Mo2C as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction

MoC–Mo2C heteronanowires accomplished via controlled carbonization are efficient in the hydrogen evolution reaction due to a synergistic enhancement.

Graphical abstract: Heteronanowires of MoC–Mo2C as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Open Access Edge Article

Innovative catalyst design for the oxygen reduction reaction for fuel cells

A bifunctional fuel cell catalyst system demonstrated herein overcomes the slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction by rapid heterogeneous disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide.

Graphical abstract: Innovative catalyst design for the oxygen reduction reaction for fuel cells
Open Access Edge Article

Very highly efficient reduction of CO2 to CH4 using metal-free N-doped carbon electrodes

We report the first work on the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4 using metal-free N-doped carbon electrodes.

Graphical abstract: Very highly efficient reduction of CO2 to CH4 using metal-free N-doped carbon electrodes
Open Access Edge Article

Metal-free electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation using frustrated Lewis pairs and carbon-based Lewis acids

The synergistic interaction of a carbon-centred Lewis acid and borane “hydride shuttle” offers a metal-free, CO tolerant pathway to hydrogen oxidation.

Graphical abstract: Metal-free electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation using frustrated Lewis pairs and carbon-based Lewis acids
Open Access Edge Article

The importance of nickel oxyhydroxide deprotonation on its activity towards electrochemical water oxidation

The OER activity of NiOOH enhances at pH > 11 due to formation of superoxo-like species on its surface.

Graphical abstract: The importance of nickel oxyhydroxide deprotonation on its activity towards electrochemical water oxidation
Open Access Edge Article

Creation of a new type of ion exchange material for rapid, high-capacity, reversible and selective ion exchange without swelling and entrainment

A new model for ion exchange materials has been proposed on the basis of ion exchange sites grafted to a porous organic polymer.

Graphical abstract: Creation of a new type of ion exchange material for rapid, high-capacity, reversible and selective ion exchange without swelling and entrainment
Open Access Edge Article

The smallest quaternary ammonium salts with ether groups for high-performance electrochemical double layer capacitors

The smallest quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) with ether groups on tails and tetrafluoroborate (BF4) as an anion exhibit high performance in electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs).

Graphical abstract: The smallest quaternary ammonium salts with ether groups for high-performance electrochemical double layer capacitors
Open Access Edge Article

Ultra-large optical modulation of electrochromic porous WO3 film and the local monitoring of redox activity

Porous WO3 films with ultra-high transmittance modulation were successfully fabricated on different substrates by a novel electrochemical deposited method.

Graphical abstract: Ultra-large optical modulation of electrochromic porous WO3 film and the local monitoring of redox activity
Open Access Edge Article

Solid state lithiation–delithiation of sulphur in sub-nano confinement: a new concept for designing lithium–sulphur batteries

Sub-nano confinement of sulphur enables a solid-state lithium–sulfur electrochemical reaction mechanism in liquid electrolytes.

Graphical abstract: Solid state lithiation–delithiation of sulphur in sub-nano confinement: a new concept for designing lithium–sulphur batteries
Open Access Edge Article

Controllable synthesis of mesostructures from TiO2 hollow to porous nanospheres with superior rate performance for lithium ion batteries

Uniform TiO2 nanospheres formed from hollow and mesoporous nanospheres composed of 7 nm sized nanoparticles have been synthesized and show superior rate performance as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Controllable synthesis of mesostructures from TiO2 hollow to porous nanospheres with superior rate performance for lithium ion batteries
Open Access Edge Article

Asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy density based on helical hierarchical porous NaxMnO2 and MoO2

Helical hierarchical porous NaxMnO2/CC and MoO2/CC, which are assembled from nanosheets and nanoparticles, respectively, are fabricated using a simple electrodeposition method.

Graphical abstract: Asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy density based on helical hierarchical porous NaxMnO2 and MoO2
Open Access Edge Article

Highly efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CH4 in an ionic liquid using a metal–organic framework cathode

It has been discovered that Zn metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) electrodes and ionic liquids are an excellent combination for the efficient and selective reduction of CO2 to CH4.

Graphical abstract: Highly efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CH4 in an ionic liquid using a metal–organic framework cathode
Open Access Edge Article

Ring-chain synergy in ionic liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries

The ionic liquid-based electrolyte containing ring-like Pyr1,2O1TFSI and chain-like DMS exhibits good overall performance in lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Ring-chain synergy in ionic liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries
Open Access Edge Article

Amorphous cobalt silicate nanobelts@carbon composites as a stable anode material for lithium ion batteries

Amorphous cobalt silicate nanobelts@carbon composites turned out to be excellent anode materials for lithium ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Amorphous cobalt silicate nanobelts@carbon composites as a stable anode material for lithium ion batteries
Open Access Edge Article

Fast electrosynthesis of Fe-containing layered double hydroxide arrays toward highly efficient electrocatalytic oxidation reactions

Fast electrosynthesis of Fe-containing layered double hydroxide arrays and their highly-efficient electrocatalytic performance toward small molecule oxidation reactions.

Graphical abstract: Fast electrosynthesis of Fe-containing layered double hydroxide arrays toward highly efficient electrocatalytic oxidation reactions
Open Access Edge Article

Thermally-responsive, nonflammable phosphonium ionic liquid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries: operating at 100 degrees celsius

Lithium metal battery cycling at 100 °C is enabled by thermally-responsive, nonflammable phosphonium ionic liquid electrolytes.

Graphical abstract: Thermally-responsive, nonflammable phosphonium ionic liquid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries: operating at 100 degrees celsius
Open Access Edge Article

In situ investigation of dissociation and migration phenomena at the Pt/electrolyte interface of an electrochemical cell

Using near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy we probe in situ the double layer at the Pt/liquid electrolyte interface.

Graphical abstract: In situ investigation of dissociation and migration phenomena at the Pt/electrolyte interface of an electrochemical cell
Open Access Edge Article

Tetraarylborate polymer networks as single-ion conducting solid electrolytes

A new family of solid polymer electrolytes based upon anionic tetrakis(phenyl)borate tetrahedral nodes and linear bis-alkyne linkers is reported.

Graphical abstract: Tetraarylborate polymer networks as single-ion conducting solid electrolytes
Open Access Edge Article

An efficiently tuned d-orbital occupation of IrO2 by doping with Cu for enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction activity

Tuning Ir d-orbital occupation via doping Cu into the IrO2 lattice to prepare a highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction catalyst, Cu0.3Ir0.7Oδ.

Graphical abstract: An efficiently tuned d-orbital occupation of IrO2 by doping with Cu for enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction activity
Open Access Edge Article

Rational design of quinones for high power density biofuel cells

Rationally designing quinones to label GDH and create a redox hydrogel that delivers high OCP, current and power densities.

Graphical abstract: Rational design of quinones for high power density biofuel cells
Open Access Edge Article

Cobalt diselenide nanobelts grafted on carbon fiber felt: an efficient and robust 3D cathode for hydrogen production

An easily scaled-up 3D CoSe2/CFF hierarchical electrode has been developed as a highly active and stable hydrogen evolution reaction cathode.

Graphical abstract: Cobalt diselenide nanobelts grafted on carbon fiber felt: an efficient and robust 3D cathode for hydrogen production
Open Access Edge Article

Doping-induced memory effect in Li-ion batteries: the case of Al-doped Li4Ti5O12

A memory effect in Li-ion batteries can be induced and tailored by element doping, such as Al-doping in spinel Li4Ti5O12.

Graphical abstract: Doping-induced memory effect in Li-ion batteries: the case of Al-doped Li4Ti5O12
Open Access Edge Article

Oxide-supported Ir nanodendrites with high activity and durability for the oxygen evolution reaction in acid PEM water electrolyzers

Ir nanodendrites (Ir-ND) supported on antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) show enhanced catalytic activity and stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis.

Graphical abstract: Oxide-supported Ir nanodendrites with high activity and durability for the oxygen evolution reaction in acid PEM water electrolyzers
Open Access Edge Article

Single graphene nanoplatelets: capacitance, potential of zero charge and diffusion coefficient

A nano-impact chronoamperometric experiment is presented here as a powerful technique for simultaneously probing important physical properties of graphene nanomaterials.

Graphical abstract: Single graphene nanoplatelets: capacitance, potential of zero charge and diffusion coefficient
Open Access Edge Article

A noble metal-free proton-exchange membrane fuel cell based on bio-inspired molecular catalysts

Bio-inspired chemistry allowed for the development of the first noble metal-free polymer electrolyte membrane hydrogen fuel cell (PEMFC). The device proved operational under technologically relevant conditions.

Graphical abstract: A noble metal-free proton-exchange membrane fuel cell based on bio-inspired molecular catalysts
Open Access Edge Article

Platinum-decorated carbon nanotubes for hydrogen oxidation and proton reduction in solid acid electrochemical cells

Carbon nanotubes are used as interconnects between directly deposited Pt nanoparticles and a proton conducting solid acid electrolyte for proton reduction and hydrogen oxidation in CsH2PO4-based solid acid cells. These composite electrodes significantly reduce the Pt loading and achieve record Pt utilization for solid acid cells.

Graphical abstract: Platinum-decorated carbon nanotubes for hydrogen oxidation and proton reduction in solid acid electrochemical cells
Open Access Edge Article

Computational design of molecules for an all-quinone redox flow battery

We demonstrate a successful high-throughput screening approach for the discovery of inexpensive, redox-active quinone molecules for organic-based aqueous flow batteries.

Graphical abstract: Computational design of molecules for an all-quinone redox flow battery
37 items

About this collection

We are delighted to present an online collection showcasing recently published articles in the field of energy. To address major issues facing our planet, researchers all over the world have increasingly focused their efforts on finding solutions to these energy challenges. These articles highlight some of the excellent work that tackles important global challenges related to energy. We hope you enjoy reading this collection!

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