Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A Emerging Investigators

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Profile: Emerging Investigators 2017

Journal of Materials Chemistry A profiles contributors to the Emerging Investigators issue.

Graphical abstract: Profile: Emerging Investigators 2017
Highlight

One-electron intermediates of water oxidation & the role of solvation in their stability

The recent observations of one-electron intermediates of the water oxidation reaction, which localize charge to the surface, suggest that their stability is guided by solvation; in turn, this calls for an expansion of current theoretical calculations of their charge trapping capacity to include explicit solvent.

Graphical abstract: One-electron intermediates of water oxidation & the role of solvation in their stability
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Highlight

Roadmap and roadblocks for the band gap tunability of metal halide perovskites

Solar cells based on metal-halide perovskite semiconductors inspire high hopes for efficient low-cost solar energy conversion technology. We here reflect on recent progress and potential limitations of the band gap tunability of these compound semiconductors.

Graphical abstract: Roadmap and roadblocks for the band gap tunability of metal halide perovskites
Highlight

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): fruit fly or outlier in organic solar cell research?

Regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is used as a model polymer for research in organic solar cells.

Graphical abstract: Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): fruit fly or outlier in organic solar cell research?
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Open Access Review Article

Materials chemistry approaches to the control of the optical features of perovskite solar cells

This work presents a comprehensive revision of the different options developed under the materials chemistry umbrella to control the optical properties of ABX3 solar cells and to endow them with additional functionalities.

Graphical abstract: Materials chemistry approaches to the control of the optical features of perovskite solar cells
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Recent efficient strategies for improving the moisture stability of perovskite solar cells

Current popular and efficient strategies to improve the long-term stability regarding protection against moisture in the field of PSCs.

Graphical abstract: Recent efficient strategies for improving the moisture stability of perovskite solar cells
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Direct C–H arylation: a “Greener” approach towards facile synthesis of organic semiconducting molecules and polymers

Direct C–H arylation enables “greener” synthesis of π-conjugated small molecules and polymers without tedious preactivation of C–H bonds.

Graphical abstract: Direct C–H arylation: a “Greener” approach towards facile synthesis of organic semiconducting molecules and polymers
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Towards enabling stable lead halide perovskite solar cells; interplay between structural, environmental, and thermal stability

Rational design approaches bring perovskite solar cells closer to meeting industrial stability criteria.

Graphical abstract: Towards enabling stable lead halide perovskite solar cells; interplay between structural, environmental, and thermal stability
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

A critical review on tin halide perovskite solar cells

In this work, we reviewed the evolution of the performance of photovoltaic devices (single junction and tandems) using Sn-containing perovskites.

Graphical abstract: A critical review on tin halide perovskite solar cells
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Mixed cation hybrid lead halide perovskites with enhanced performance and stability

The mixed cation lead halide perovskite solar cells exhibited improved performance and enhanced stabilities.

Graphical abstract: Mixed cation hybrid lead halide perovskites with enhanced performance and stability
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Recent advances in organic ternary solar cells

In this review, we first present general principles of ternary solar cells, followed by a comprehensive review of recent advances in ternary systems including the D1:D2:A system and D:A1:A2 system. In the end, we summarize the fundamentals and provide a prospect on organic ternary solar cells.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in organic ternary solar cells
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Synthesis, structure, and optoelectronic properties of II–IV–V2 materials

II–IV–V2 materials offer the promise of enhanced functionality in optoelectronic devices due to their rich ternary chemistry.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis, structure, and optoelectronic properties of II–IV–V2 materials
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Recent advances in perovskite solar cells: efficiency, stability and lead-free perovskite

In this review, we first highlighted recent progress in high-performance perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) with a discussion of the fabrication methods and PVSCs-based tandem solar cells. Furthermore, the stability issue of PVSCs and strategies to improve material and device stability have been discussed, and finally, a summary of the recent progress in lead-free perovskites has been presented.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in perovskite solar cells: efficiency, stability and lead-free perovskite
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

Low-toxic metal halide perovskites: opportunities and future challenges

Over the past few years, lead halide perovskites have emerged as a class of dominant semiconductor materials in the photovoltaic (PV) field with an unprecedented sharp enhancement of power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) up to 22.1%, as well as in other promising optoelectronic applications due to their extraordinary and unique properties.

Graphical abstract: Low-toxic metal halide perovskites: opportunities and future challenges
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Communication

Bioinspired, high-stability, nonaqueous redox flow battery electrolytes

A promising nonaqueous redox flow battery electrolyte has been developed by leveraging natural selection to elucidate stable, redox-active molecules.

Graphical abstract: Bioinspired, high-stability, nonaqueous redox flow battery electrolytes
Communication

Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of palladium nanoparticles with high energy surfaces in formic acid oxidation

Direct formic acid fuel cells hold great potential for utilizing formic acid as an energy source via formic acid oxidation (FAO).

Graphical abstract: Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of palladium nanoparticles with high energy surfaces in formic acid oxidation
Communication

Redox-active organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxometalate micelles

A redox-active hybrid organic–inorganic polyoxometalate surfactant showed solvent-dependent self-assembly to form nano-scale architectures.

Graphical abstract: Redox-active organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxometalate micelles
Communication

Chemically designed CeO2 nanoboxes boost the catalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles toward electro-oxidation of formic acid

CeO2 nanoboxes designed by controlling various chemical parameters enhance both the efficiency and stability of Pt nanoparticles towards the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid.

Graphical abstract: Chemically designed CeO2 nanoboxes boost the catalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles toward electro-oxidation of formic acid
Paper

High-throughput screening of bimetallic catalysts enabled by machine learning

We present a holistic machine-learning framework for rapid screening of bimetallic catalysts with the aid of the descriptor-based kinetic analysis.

Graphical abstract: High-throughput screening of bimetallic catalysts enabled by machine learning
Paper

High capacity potassium-ion battery anodes based on black phosphorus

Potassium electrochemistry of a battery anode based on black phosphorus is reported. The phosphorus component operates via electrochemical alloying with potassium and has a theoretical capacity of 843 mA h g−1.

Graphical abstract: High capacity potassium-ion battery anodes based on black phosphorus
Paper

Rh-promoted mixed oxides for “low-temperature” methane partial oxidation in the absence of gaseous oxidants

Rh promoted mixed-oxides show a syngas productivity of 7.9 mmol g−1 at 600 °C in the absence of gaseous oxidants.

Graphical abstract: Rh-promoted mixed oxides for “low-temperature” methane partial oxidation in the absence of gaseous oxidants
Paper

On the energetics of bound charge-transfer states in organic photovoltaics

Using temperature-dependent optical-control spectroscopy, we show that the binding energy of localised charge-transfer state is about 90 meV in a range of organic photovoltaic systems.

Graphical abstract: On the energetics of bound charge-transfer states in organic photovoltaics
From the themed collection: Celebrating our 2018 prize and award winners
Paper

Galvanic reactions at the single-nanoparticle level: tuning between mechanistic extremes

In situ spectroscopy reveals dramatic tunability of the nature and kinetics of galvanic exchange-based synthesis of porous bimetallic nanostructures.

Graphical abstract: Galvanic reactions at the single-nanoparticle level: tuning between mechanistic extremes
Open Access Paper

Porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks for solar fuel synthesis photocatalysis: band gap tuning via iron substitutions

Computer simulations show that iron substitution at the octahedral centres of porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks leads to optimal band structures for photocatalysis.

Graphical abstract: Porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks for solar fuel synthesis photocatalysis: band gap tuning via iron substitutions
Paper

Phosphate tuned copper electrodeposition and promoted formic acid selectivity for carbon dioxide reduction

Cu electrodeposition was tuned by phosphate anions and the so-prepared electrodes exhibited outstanding selectivity for CO2 conversion to HCOOH.

Graphical abstract: Phosphate tuned copper electrodeposition and promoted formic acid selectivity for carbon dioxide reduction
Paper

Probing the surface reactivity of nanocrystals by the catalytic degradation of organic dyes: the effect of size, surface chemistry and composition

We herein present a comprehensive study on how the catalytic performance and reusability of Au nanocrystals (NCs) are affected by systematic variations of crystal size, surface coating and composition.

Graphical abstract: Probing the surface reactivity of nanocrystals by the catalytic degradation of organic dyes: the effect of size, surface chemistry and composition
Paper

Constructing multifunctional MOF@rGO hydro-/aerogels by the self-assembly process for customized water remediation

We first time report a general strategy for one-step fabrication of a ZIF-8 MOF/RGO hydrogel, with the synergistic effects of chemical reduction and cross-linking by metal ions.

Graphical abstract: Constructing multifunctional MOF@rGO hydro-/aerogels by the self-assembly process for customized water remediation
Paper

Functionalization of transparent conductive oxide electrode for TiO2-free perovskite solar cells

Fullerene hydrophobic SAM acts as ETL in PSCs getting big crystals and highly efficient devices.

Graphical abstract: Functionalization of transparent conductive oxide electrode for TiO2-free perovskite solar cells
Open Access Paper

Aminated poly(vinyl chloride) solid state adsorbents with hydrophobic function for post-combustion CO2 capture

The paper presents a novel sustainable route for the production of carbon capture materials from general plastic waste.

Graphical abstract: Aminated poly(vinyl chloride) solid state adsorbents with hydrophobic function for post-combustion CO2 capture
Paper

How to make persistent micelle templates in 24 hours and know it using X-ray scattering

The controlled fabrication of nanoscale materials can enable new behaviors and properties as well as improved performance.

Graphical abstract: How to make persistent micelle templates in 24 hours and know it using X-ray scattering
Paper

Systematic variation of the optical bandgap in titanium based isoreticular metal–organic frameworks for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 under blue light

N-alkyl substitution–from methyl to heptyl–in isoreticular MIL-125-NH2 MOFs induces a stepwise decrease in the optical bandgap, while increasing CO2 photoreduction efficiencies.

Graphical abstract: Systematic variation of the optical bandgap in titanium based isoreticular metal–organic frameworks for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 under blue light
Paper

High energy density supercapacitors composed of nickel cobalt oxide nanosheets on nanoporous carbon nanoarchitectures

This work demonstrates a simple approach to the development of NiCo2O4 and nanoporous carbon composites for high-performance supercapacitor application.

Graphical abstract: High energy density supercapacitors composed of nickel cobalt oxide nanosheets on nanoporous carbon nanoarchitectures
Paper

Computational design of cobalt-free mixed proton–electron conductors for solid oxide electrochemical cells

Proton-conducting solid-oxide electrolyzer and fuel cells (PC-SOECs/FCs) with new oxide-based electrodes represent viable, green technologies for H2 production and conversion.

Graphical abstract: Computational design of cobalt-free mixed proton–electron conductors for solid oxide electrochemical cells
Paper

A pomegranate-structured sulfur cathode material with triple confinement of lithium polysulfides for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

A pomegranate-structured sulfur cathode material, with a dendrimer/graphene-oxide composite wrapping sulfur-infiltrated ferrocene-functionalized mesoporous carbon, shows high electrochemical performance.

Graphical abstract: A pomegranate-structured sulfur cathode material with triple confinement of lithium polysulfides for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Paper

Effects of proton irradiation on structural and electrochemical charge storage properties of TiO2 nanotube electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

The effects of proton irradiation on nanostructured metal oxides have been investigated.

Graphical abstract: Effects of proton irradiation on structural and electrochemical charge storage properties of TiO2 nanotube electrodes for lithium-ion batteries
Paper

Dead lithium: mass transport effects on voltage, capacity, and failure of lithium metal anodes

A mechanistic analysis of voltage shape changes in lithium metal anodes explains how dead lithium causes capacity fade and failure.

Graphical abstract: Dead lithium: mass transport effects on voltage, capacity, and failure of lithium metal anodes
From the themed collection: 10th Anniversary: Most popular articles
Paper

Mechanism of zinc oxide retardation in alkali-activated materials: an in situ X-ray pair distribution function investigation

Using in situ X-ray PDF, we elucidate the crucial role of calcium in the retardation mechanism of zinc oxide.

Graphical abstract: Mechanism of zinc oxide retardation in alkali-activated materials: an in situ X-ray pair distribution function investigation
Paper

Low-temperature vapour phase polymerized polypyrrole nanobrushes for supercapacitors

A low temperature modified vapor phase polymerization affords high-aspect ratio nanofibers of polypyrrole, which conformally coat fibrous substrates.

Graphical abstract: Low-temperature vapour phase polymerized polypyrrole nanobrushes for supercapacitors
Paper

Gold nanoparticles-supported histamine-grafted monolithic capillaries as efficient microreactors for flow-through reduction of nitro-containing compounds

Hybrid microreactors consisting in 5, 20, 100 nm-sized gold nanoparticles immobilized on histamine grafted polymeric monoliths were successfully prepared, finely characterized and further applied to the catalytic reduction of nitro-derivatives.

Graphical abstract: Gold nanoparticles-supported histamine-grafted monolithic capillaries as efficient microreactors for flow-through reduction of nitro-containing compounds
Paper

Microwave-assisted synthesis of a nanoamorphous (Ni0.8,Fe0.2) oxide oxygen-evolving electrocatalyst containing only “fast” sites

Nickel–iron oxyhydroxides (Ni1−xFexOOH) are non-precious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) that have high efficiency in alkaline media.

Graphical abstract: Microwave-assisted synthesis of a nanoamorphous (Ni0.8,Fe0.2) oxide oxygen-evolving electrocatalyst containing only “fast” sites
Paper

Harnessing molecular photon upconversion at sub-solar irradiance using dual sensitized self-assembled trilayers

Self-assembled trilayers on metal oxide surfaces are used to increase absorption cross section and photocurrent generation efficiency via triplet–triplet annihilation.

Graphical abstract: Harnessing molecular photon upconversion at sub-solar irradiance using dual sensitized self-assembled trilayers
Paper

A binary metal organic framework derived hierarchical hollow Ni3S2/Co9S8/N-doped carbon composite with superior sodium storage performance

The carbonization and sulfurization of a hierarchical hollow MOF leads to anode materials with exceptional performance in Na+ batteries with high cycle stability and rate performance.

Graphical abstract: A binary metal organic framework derived hierarchical hollow Ni3S2/Co9S8/N-doped carbon composite with superior sodium storage performance
Paper

Hybrid Na–air flow batteries using an acidic catholyte: effect of the catholyte pH on the cell performance

Hybrid-type Na–air batteries using a flow-through configuration and an acidic catholyte are investigated to enhance the battery performance.

Graphical abstract: Hybrid Na–air flow batteries using an acidic catholyte: effect of the catholyte pH on the cell performance
Open Access Paper

Elucidating the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction mechanism on platinum

Understanding the interplay between surface chemistry, electronic structure, and reaction mechanism of the catalyst at the electrified solid/liquid interface will enable the design of more efficient materials systems for sustainable energy production.

Graphical abstract: Elucidating the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction mechanism on platinum
Paper

Computational investigation of CO2 electroreduction on tin oxide and predictions of Ti, V, Nb and Zr dopants for improved catalysis

Computational chemistry elucidates surfaces structures under CO2 reduction operating conditions and predicts new dopants for Sn to enhance electrocatalysis.

Graphical abstract: Computational investigation of CO2 electroreduction on tin oxide and predictions of Ti, V, Nb and Zr dopants for improved catalysis
Paper

Fabrication and optical characterization of polystyrene opal templates for the synthesis of scalable, nanoporous (photo)electrocatalytic materials by electrodeposition

Using polystyrene opal templates, we employ electrodeposition for the synthesis of highly homogeneous, large scale nanoporous (photo)electrocatalytic materials for artificial photosynthesis.

Graphical abstract: Fabrication and optical characterization of polystyrene opal templates for the synthesis of scalable, nanoporous (photo)electrocatalytic materials by electrodeposition
Paper

High-performance LiTi2(PO4)3 anodes for high-areal-capacity flexible aqueous lithium-ion batteries

Efficient high-areal-capacity flexible aqueous lithium-ion batteries based on nitrogen-doped carbon-coated LiTi2(PO4)3.

Graphical abstract: High-performance LiTi2(PO4)3 anodes for high-areal-capacity flexible aqueous lithium-ion batteries
Paper

High efficiency ternary organic solar cell with morphology-compatible polymers

The short circuit current density and fill factor are improved in ternary organic solar cell due to the high morphology compatibility.

Graphical abstract: High efficiency ternary organic solar cell with morphology-compatible polymers
Open Access Paper

Zinc-diffused silver indium selenide quantum dot sensitized solar cells with enhanced photoconversion efficiency

The photoconversion efficiency of AgInSe2 quantum dot sensitized solar cells was enhanced to 3.57% by Zn2+ alloying and inorganic passivation.

Graphical abstract: Zinc-diffused silver indium selenide quantum dot sensitized solar cells with enhanced photoconversion efficiency
Paper

Design and synthesis of porous ZnTiO3/TiO2 nanocages with heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production

Unique mesoporous ZnTiO3/TiO2 hollow polyhedra with selectively located Pt nanoparticles have been designed and constructed for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Graphical abstract: Design and synthesis of porous ZnTiO3/TiO2 nanocages with heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production
Paper

Applying direct heteroarylation synthesis to evaluate organic dyes as the core component in PDI-based molecular materials for fullerene-free organic solar cells

A streamlined synthetic approach to easily access complex pi-conjugated molecular materials.

Graphical abstract: Applying direct heteroarylation synthesis to evaluate organic dyes as the core component in PDI-based molecular materials for fullerene-free organic solar cells
Open Access Paper

Impact of synthetic routes on the structural and physical properties of butyl-1,4-diammonium lead iodide semiconductors

We report the significant role of synthetic routes and the importance of solvents in the synthesis of organic–inorganic lead iodide materials.

Graphical abstract: Impact of synthetic routes on the structural and physical properties of butyl-1,4-diammonium lead iodide semiconductors
Paper

Supports matter: unraveling the role of charge transfer in the plasmonic catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles

This paper unravels the role played by charge transfer to and from Ag nanoparticles in their plasmonic catalytic activities.

Graphical abstract: Supports matter: unraveling the role of charge transfer in the plasmonic catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles
Paper

Solar-driven Z-scheme water splitting using tantalum/nitrogen co-doped rutile titania nanorod as an oxygen evolution photocatalyst

Tantalum and nitrogen co-doped rutile TiO2 nanorods were developed as a visible-light-active water oxidation photocatalyst for solar-driven Z-scheme water splitting.

Graphical abstract: Solar-driven Z-scheme water splitting using tantalum/nitrogen co-doped rutile titania nanorod as an oxygen evolution photocatalyst
Open Access Paper

Mechanistic insights into the formation of porous carbons from gelatin

Iron salts can change the structure and viscoelastic properties of the gelatin biopolymer and drive the formation of foams.

Graphical abstract: Mechanistic insights into the formation of porous carbons from gelatin
Paper

Distinct nanoscale reaction pathways in a sulfide material for sodium and lithium batteries

Copper sulfide is found to exhibit excellent cycle life in Na-ion batteries, and multiscale in situ techniques (TEM and X-ray diffraction) are used to reveal unique aspects of the electrochemical reaction of sodium with this material.

Graphical abstract: Distinct nanoscale reaction pathways in a sulfide material for sodium and lithium batteries
Paper

Low cost and renewable sulfur-polymers by inverse vulcanisation, and their potential for mercury capture

Stable polymers of up to 80 wt% elemental sulfur are formed from low cost industrial by-products, and renewable crosslinkers.

Graphical abstract: Low cost and renewable sulfur-polymers by inverse vulcanisation, and their potential for mercury capture
Paper

High-photovoltage all-polymer solar cells based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole–isoindigo acceptor polymer

High-photovoltage all-PSCs with good stability were realized by using a new polymer acceptor based on diketopyrrolopyrrole–isoindigo.

Graphical abstract: High-photovoltage all-polymer solar cells based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole–isoindigo acceptor polymer
58 items

About this collection

Journal of Materials Chemistry A  is proud to present this themed issue highlighting 2017’s rising stars of materials chemistry research. This issue gathers the very best work from materials chemists in the early stages of their independent career.

Each contributor was recommended by experts in their fields as carrying out work with the potential to influence future directions in materials chemistry. Congratulations to all of those who feature on their important work so far in the field of materials energy and sustainability.

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