Themed collection 2017 Sustainable Energy and Fuels HOT Articles

37 items
Perspective

Low-grade waste heat recovery using the reverse magnetocaloric effect

This study demonstrates a novel thermal energy harvesting cycle and provides pathway for low-grade waste heat recovery using magnetocaloric materials.

Graphical abstract: Low-grade waste heat recovery using the reverse magnetocaloric effect
Review Article

Magnetic energy harvesting with magnetoelectrics: an emerging technology for self-powered autonomous systems

Energy harvesting from the weak magnetic fields based on the magneto-mechano-electric (MME) effect is quite promising for powering the low power consumption electronics.

Graphical abstract: Magnetic energy harvesting with magnetoelectrics: an emerging technology for self-powered autonomous systems
Open Access Review Article

Multidimensional performance optimization of conducting polymer-based supercapacitor electrodes

We review the most promising design strategies for enhanced conducting polymer-based supercapacitors, summarizing the challenges and recent progress in optimizing each of the most important metrics of supercapacitor performance.

Graphical abstract: Multidimensional performance optimization of conducting polymer-based supercapacitor electrodes
Review Article

Visible-light-absorbing semiconductor/molecular catalyst hybrid photoelectrodes for H2 or O2 evolution: recent advances and challenges

Herein, we review the recent advances and challenges in the field of visible-light-absorbing semiconductor/molecular catalyst photoelectrodes for H2 and O2 evolution.

Graphical abstract: Visible-light-absorbing semiconductor/molecular catalyst hybrid photoelectrodes for H2 or O2 evolution: recent advances and challenges
Review Article

Insights on pathways for hydrogen generation from ethanol

Hydrogen can be produced from ethanol via reforming, partial oxidation, dehydrogenation, gasification, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis.

Graphical abstract: Insights on pathways for hydrogen generation from ethanol
Review Article

Current understanding of chemical degradation mechanisms of perfluorosulfonic acid membranes and their mitigation strategies: a review

This article provides a comprehensive perspective of perfluorosulfonic acid fuel cell membrane degradation phenomena, reviews and appraises the effectiveness of key concepts for the mitigation strategies and identifies future research priorities.

Graphical abstract: Current understanding of chemical degradation mechanisms of perfluorosulfonic acid membranes and their mitigation strategies: a review
Review Article

The rise of lithium–selenium batteries

The lithium–selenium (Li–Se) battery is an alternative to its sulfur counterpart with some noticeable advantages, such as the significantly higher electrical conductivity of Se and better electrochemical performance.

Graphical abstract: The rise of lithium–selenium batteries
Communication

Revealing how molten salts promote CO2 capture on CaO via an impedance study and sorption kinetics simulation

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses were utilised to explore the oxygen ion conductivity of alkali metal salts promoted CaO.

Graphical abstract: Revealing how molten salts promote CO2 capture on CaO via an impedance study and sorption kinetics simulation
Communication

Stabilizing organic photocathodes by low-temperature atomic layer deposition of TiO2

Low-temperature atomic layer deposition forms a compact TiO2 film atop a polymer light absorber for stable and efficient organic–inorganic photo-driven H2 evolution.

Graphical abstract: Stabilizing organic photocathodes by low-temperature atomic layer deposition of TiO2
Communication

Carbon-based materials as heterogeneous antioxidants for biodiesel: efficiency and synergy with soluble antioxidants

The interaction of biochar and aromatic amines showed an unexpected, but excellent synergy improving the oxidation stability of biodiesel.

Graphical abstract: Carbon-based materials as heterogeneous antioxidants for biodiesel: efficiency and synergy with soluble antioxidants
Paper

Carbon onion/sulfur hybrid cathodes via inverse vulcanization for lithium–sulfur batteries

Inverse vulcanization was used to create carbon onion/sulfur hybrid cathodes for lithium–sulfur battery applications.

Graphical abstract: Carbon onion/sulfur hybrid cathodes via inverse vulcanization for lithium–sulfur batteries
Paper

Efficient hypochlorous acid (HClO) production via photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion using a BiVO4-based photoanode

BiVO4/WO3/FTO multilayer photoelectrode was found to be suitable for the photoelectrochemical Cl oxidation into HClO with high current efficiency and low external bias.

Graphical abstract: Efficient hypochlorous acid (HClO) production via photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion using a BiVO4-based photoanode
Paper

Laboratory filter paper as a substrate material for flexible supercapacitors

A lightweight flexible asymmetrical all solid-state supercapacitor based on common laboratory filter paper has been built and exhibits excellent electrochemical and mechanical flexibility performance.

Graphical abstract: Laboratory filter paper as a substrate material for flexible supercapacitors
Open Access Paper

Solvent selection and design for CO2 capture – how we might have been missing the point

Efforts to reduce the cost of CO2 capture via the development of new sorbents have primarily focused on increasing CO2 working capacity. Here we show that improved transport properties should be the primary focus.

Graphical abstract: Solvent selection and design for CO2 capture – how we might have been missing the point
Paper

Multi-shell tin phosphide nanospheres as high performance anode material for a sodium ion battery

The multi-shell Sn4P3 nanospheres with larger specific surface area and interlayer space improve the cycling performance of a sodium ion battery.

Graphical abstract: Multi-shell tin phosphide nanospheres as high performance anode material for a sodium ion battery
Paper

Small-scale demonstration of the conversion of renewable energy to synthetic hydrocarbons

This paper presents an installation with an average power of 2 kW converting solar energy into synthetic hydrocarbons.

Graphical abstract: Small-scale demonstration of the conversion of renewable energy to synthetic hydrocarbons
Open Access Paper

Process exploration and assessment for the production of methanol and dimethyl ether from carbon dioxide and water

Direct utilisation of CO2 is shown to be no less thermodynamically favourable than CO in the production of dimethyl ether.

Graphical abstract: Process exploration and assessment for the production of methanol and dimethyl ether from carbon dioxide and water
Paper

Direct synthesis of a carbon nanotube interpenetrated doped porous carbon alloy as a durable Pt-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline medium

The carbon nanotube interpenetrated porous doped carbon alloy derived from trimetallic ZIF displays excellent oxygen reduction activity in alkaline media.

Graphical abstract: Direct synthesis of a carbon nanotube interpenetrated doped porous carbon alloy as a durable Pt-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline medium
Open Access Paper

Candidate photoferroic absorber materials for thin-film solar cells from naturally occurring minerals: enargite, stephanite, and bournonite

A search for photoactive ferroelectric minerals reveals three candidates, which are investigated using first-principles materials modelling.

Graphical abstract: Candidate photoferroic absorber materials for thin-film solar cells from naturally occurring minerals: enargite, stephanite, and bournonite
Paper

In situ grown nickel nanoparticles in a calixarene nanoreactor on a graphene–MoS2 support for efficient water electrolysis

The calixarene laden Gr–MoS2 sheets make SC8 as an ideal nanoreactor for the uniform growth of nanometer sized Ni NPs without using any surfactant. The coalescing of the SC8 will form an interconnected network, facilitate rapid electronic transport in electrode reactions and enhances the stability of the GrMoS2SC8Ni nano composite for OER reaction.

Graphical abstract: In situ grown nickel nanoparticles in a calixarene nanoreactor on a graphene–MoS2 support for efficient water electrolysis
Paper

Destabilisation of Ca(BH4)2 and Mg(BH4)2via confinement in nanoporous Cu2S hollow spheres

Complex borohydrides of calcium (Ca(BH4)2) and magnesium (Mg(BH4)2) have the potential to store significant amounts of hydrogen. However, the temperature for hydrogen release is high >300 °C and reversibility difficult to achieve. Nanoconfinement of these hydrides in Cu2S hollow spheres provides an effective approach to achieve a low temperature for hydrogen release with some partial reversibility.

Graphical abstract: Destabilisation of Ca(BH4)2 and Mg(BH4)2via confinement in nanoporous Cu2S hollow spheres
Paper

Chlorine-induced degradation in SOFCs operating with biogas

Experiments described in this work examine degradation mechanisms of nickel-based anodes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating with a biogas surrogate and exposed to 110 ppm Cl (delivered either as CH3Cl or HCl).

Graphical abstract: Chlorine-induced degradation in SOFCs operating with biogas
Open Access Paper

Suppression of byproduct accumulation in rechargeable aluminum–air batteries using non-oxide ceramic materials as air cathode materials

To develop a high-capacity rechargeable aluminum–air battery with resistance toward the degradation induced by long-term charge–discharge electrochemical reactions, non-oxide ceramic materials, e.g., TiN, TiC, and TiB2, were used as air cathode materials with the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride as the electrolyte.

Graphical abstract: Suppression of byproduct accumulation in rechargeable aluminum–air batteries using non-oxide ceramic materials as air cathode materials
Paper

Surface-modified metal sulfides as stable H2-evolving photocatalysts in Z-scheme water splitting with a [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox mediator under visible-light irradiation

Z-scheme water splitting was achieved using K2[CdFe(CN)6]-modified metal sulfides as H2-evolving photocatalysts combined with CoOx-loaded TaON photoanode in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as an electron mediator.

Graphical abstract: Surface-modified metal sulfides as stable H2-evolving photocatalysts in Z-scheme water splitting with a [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox mediator under visible-light irradiation
Paper

Spinifex nanocellulose derived hard carbon anodes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Spinifex grass derived hard carbon is used as anodes for sodium-ion batteries. Extraordinary stability and capacity retention of ∼300 mA h g−1 on prolonged cycling against sodium was observed. The eco-friendly and low-cost synthesis procedure make the biomass derived carbon material promising for energy storage applications.

Graphical abstract: Spinifex nanocellulose derived hard carbon anodes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Paper

A polymer-supported electrolyte-affinity hybrid membrane and modification of the amphiphilic block copolymer for use as a super-high flexible and high-performance supercapacitor

In this study, a super-high flexible membrane electrode (FME) was developed via a facile method based on liquid–liquid phase separation involving the migration and self-assembly of the components.

Graphical abstract: A polymer-supported electrolyte-affinity hybrid membrane and modification of the amphiphilic block copolymer for use as a super-high flexible and high-performance supercapacitor
Paper

Hydrothermal co-liquefaction of biomasses – quantitative analysis of bio-crude and aqueous phase composition

Hydrothermal liquefaction of 11 biomasses and their co-liquefaction mixtures show how product composition depends on feedstock biochemical components, while nitrogen and oxygen distribution is controlled by carbohydrate and protein interactions.

Graphical abstract: Hydrothermal co-liquefaction of biomasses – quantitative analysis of bio-crude and aqueous phase composition
Paper

Template-free synthesis of mesoporous manganese oxides with catalytic activity in the oxygen evolution reaction

Solvothermally synthesised MnCO3 leads to template-free formation of highly porous, defect-rich MnO2 with high activity in water oxidation.

Graphical abstract: Template-free synthesis of mesoporous manganese oxides with catalytic activity in the oxygen evolution reaction
Paper

Facile hydrothermal fabrication of ZnO–graphene hybrid anode materials with excellent lithium storage properties

ZnO–graphene hybrid materials were synthesized via a hydrothermal fabrication method. As cathodes for Li-ion batteries, their electrochemical performances are investigated.

Graphical abstract: Facile hydrothermal fabrication of ZnO–graphene hybrid anode materials with excellent lithium storage properties
Paper

Enhanced oxygen evolution on visible light responsive TaON photocatalysts co-loaded with highly active Ru species for IO3 reduction and Co species for water oxidation

Loading an appropriate cocatalyst significantly enhances the activity of semiconductor photocatalysts in both conventional one-step water splitting and Z-scheme-type water splitting with a redox couple.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced oxygen evolution on visible light responsive TaON photocatalysts co-loaded with highly active Ru species for IO3− reduction and Co species for water oxidation
Paper

Fabrication of CuInS2 photocathodes on carbon microfiber felt by arc plasma deposition for efficient water splitting under visible light

An efficient CuInS2 photocathode was fabricated on conductive carbon microfiber felt (CMF), which comprises a three-dimensional (3D) network of carbon fibers (CFs), by the sequential deposition of metal precursors (Cu and In) and subsequent annealing under a stream of diluted H2S.

Graphical abstract: Fabrication of CuInS2 photocathodes on carbon microfiber felt by arc plasma deposition for efficient water splitting under visible light
Paper

Enhancement in efficiency and optoelectronic quality of perovskite thin films annealed in MACl vapor

We analyzed and compared quantitatively the optoelectronic characteristics of perovskite PV devices with and without annealing the perovskite layer in a methyl ammonium chloride vapor atmosphere (MACl treatment).

Graphical abstract: Enhancement in efficiency and optoelectronic quality of perovskite thin films annealed in MACl vapor
Paper

Evaluation of flow schemes for near-neutral pH electrolytes in solar-fuel generators

Operating conditions and design principles for the efficient operation of solar-fuel generators with active flow of near-neutral pH electrolytes.

Graphical abstract: Evaluation of flow schemes for near-neutral pH electrolytes in solar-fuel generators
Paper

Hydrothermal liquefaction of blackcurrant pomace and model molecules: understanding of reaction mechanisms

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) refers to the conversion of carbonaceous resources into oily substances in hot pressurized liquid water.

Graphical abstract: Hydrothermal liquefaction of blackcurrant pomace and model molecules: understanding of reaction mechanisms
Paper

Towards sustainable hydrocarbon fuels with biomass fast pyrolysis oil and electrocatalytic upgrading

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation offers a carbon and energy efficient strategy for upgrading pyrolytic bio-oil with renewable electricity in biomass processing depots.

Graphical abstract: Towards sustainable hydrocarbon fuels with biomass fast pyrolysis oil and electrocatalytic upgrading
Paper

CeO2@C derived from benzene carboxylate bridged metal–organic frameworks: ligand induced morphology evolution and influence on the electrochemical properties as a lithium-ion battery anode

Spherically shaped MOF-derived CeO2@C shows a superior performance as a lithium-ion battery anode with high specific capacity, rate performance and cycling stability.

Graphical abstract: CeO2@C derived from benzene carboxylate bridged metal–organic frameworks: ligand induced morphology evolution and influence on the electrochemical properties as a lithium-ion battery anode
Open Access Paper

Carbon onion–sulfur hybrid cathodes for lithium–sulfur batteries

Hybrids of carbon onions and sulfur can be used as efficient lithium sulfur battery cathodes with promising performance stability.

Graphical abstract: Carbon onion–sulfur hybrid cathodes for lithium–sulfur batteries
37 items

About this collection

Welcome to our online rolling collection of the hottest work published in Sustainable Energy and Fuels.  Here we feature all 2017 Sustainable Energy and Fuels articles highlighted as HOT by the handling editor or our referees.  Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured.

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