Themed collection Energy & Environmental Science Cover Art
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Transforming the carbon economy: challenges and opportunities in the convergence of low-cost electricity and reductive CO2 utilization
Renewable electricity can be leveraged to produce fuels and chemicals from CO2, offering sustainable routes to reduce the carbon intensity of our energy and products-driven economy.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 472-494
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02410G
Multiscale factors in designing alkali-ion (Li, Na, and K) transition metal inorganic compounds for next-generation rechargeable batteries
This review provides well-organized and up-to-date information about the key factors influencing the properties and performances of alkali-ion transition metal inorganic cathode materials by encompassing a wide scope from atomic to microscopic levels.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4406-4449
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01277G
Flexible metal–gas batteries: a potential option for next-generation power accessories for wearable electronics
An overview of the recent technical advances and major dilemmas facing currently available flexible metal–gas batteries for use in wearable electronics is presented.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1933-1970
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00039F
Understanding the sodium storage mechanisms of organic electrodes in sodium ion batteries: issues and solutions
Organic materials offer a new opportunity to develop high-performance, low-cost, environmentally benign sodium ion batteries. This review provides insights into the different sodium storage mechanisms in various categories of organic materials.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1568-1592
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03637G
Graphdiyne for crucial gas involved catalytic reactions in energy conversion applications
This review summarizes the recent progress of GDY based catalysts for key gas involved reactions in energy conversion.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1326-1346
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03558C
Rational design of two-dimensional nanomaterials for lithium–sulfur batteries
2D materials, their features and possible approaches to mitigating the challenges in Li–S batteries are discussed.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1049-1075
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02049G
Heterointerface engineering for enhancing the electrochemical performance of solid oxide cells
This article overviews the latest developments in enhancing the conductivity, electro-catalytic activity, and stability of SOC materials through heterointerface engineering.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 53-85
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02230A
Sustainable development of biorefineries: integrated assessment method for co-production pathways
An integrated assessment method for co-production pathways can give reliable results to decision makers for sustainable development of biorefineries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2233-2242
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00812E
Control of transition metal–oxygen bond strength boosts the redox ex-solution in a perovskite oxide surface
Tuning of the cation–oxygen bond strength effectively promotes B-site ex-solution in a perovskite, thereby boosting the catalytic activity of CO oxidation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 3404-3411
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01308K
Dendrite-free Zn electrodeposition triggered by interatomic orbital hybridization of Zn and single vacancy carbon defects for aqueous Zn-based flow batteries
Highly reversible aqueous zinc anodes are demonstrated via suppressing surface diffusion of Zn adatoms from strong orbital hybridization of the Zn adatoms and single vacancy defects.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2839-2848
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00723D
Energy harvesting from shadow-effect
We demonstrate an unprecedented mode of energy harvesting from shadows that fall on the shadow-effect energy generator (SEG). Furthermore, a self-powered proximity sensor is also demonstrated using the SEG.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2404-2413
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00825G
Precise anionic regulation of NiFe hydroxysulfide assisted by electrochemical reactions for efficient electrocatalysis
An electrochemical reaction assisted by an anionic regulation strategy was proposed for precise construction of hetero-anionic electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution and polysulfide redox reactions.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1711-1716
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03573G
Blue energy fuels: converting ocean wave energy to carbon-based liquid fuels via CO2 reduction
Sequestering CO2 in the form of carbon-based liquid fuels would provide both a convenient and sustainable form of energy for practical use as well as mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1300-1308
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03566D
Ultrafast laser-annealing of perovskite films for efficient perovskite solar cells
Ultrafast laser-annealing technique for the fabrication of large-grain perovskite films and efficient perovskite solar cells at room temperature.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1187-1196
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02324K
Electrical decoupling of microbial electrochemical reactions enables spontaneous H2 evolution
The uphill reaction of H2 evolution was made possible by harvesting wastewater energy using electrical circuiting.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 495-502
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02571E
Exceptional performance of hierarchical Ni–Fe oxyhydroxide@NiFe alloy nanowire array electrocatalysts for large current density water splitting
Exceptionally high OER & HER performances were achieved by rationally designing the electrode structure of non-noble NiFe materials.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 86-95
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02388G
Manipulating unidirectional fluid transportation to drive sustainable solar water extraction and brine-drenching induced energy generation
A fluidic photothermal structure is demonstrated for completely salt-rejecting solar water extraction and simultaneous brine-drenching induced energy generation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4891-4902
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01572E
Highly active and thermally stable single-atom catalysts for high-temperature electrochemical devices
Single-atom Pt/ceria catalysts are extremely active and thermally stable at over 700 °C in high-temperature solid oxide cell electrodes.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4903-4920
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01680B
Highly durable fuel cell catalysts using crosslinkable block copolymer-based carbon supports with ultralow Pt loadings
The catalyst in which carbon shells encapsulate PtFe nanoparticles shows superior activity and durability for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4921-4929
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01095B
Phenoxazine as a high-voltage p-type redox center for organic battery cathode materials: small structural reorganization for faster charging and narrow operating voltage
Negligible structural reorganization of phenoxazine leads to superior rate capability and a narrow voltage plateau of a lithium–organic battery.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4142-4156
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01003K
A scalable top-down strategy toward practical metrics of Ni–Zn aqueous batteries with total energy densities of 165 W h kg−1 and 506 W h L−1
The bias of Ni–Zn batteries between practical applications with gravimetrical limits and scientific research with volumetrical shortages has been corrected.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4157-4167
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01221A
Discovery of crystal structure–stability correlation in iridates for oxygen evolution electrocatalysis in acid
We provide general descriptions regarding the structure–stability correlations of iridium-based complex-oxide catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in acid media.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4178-4188
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01389G
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Anisotropic carrier diffusion in single MAPbI3 grains correlates to their twin domains
The anisotropic charge carrier diffusion coupled to ferroelastic twin domains in methylammonium lead iodide opens possibilities for further optimization of perovskite solar cells and optoelectronic devices via strain engineering and heat treatments.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4168-4177
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01016B
Multiscale structured low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells with 13 W power at 500 °C
A multiscale architectured solid oxide fuel cell is demonstrated by applying a large-area ceramic micropatterning and thin-film deposition processes.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 3459-3468
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00870B
Ultrafast room-temperature synthesis of porous S-doped Ni/Fe (oxy)hydroxide electrodes for oxygen evolution catalysis in seawater splitting
A robust oxygen-evolving electrocatalyst for high-performance seawater splitting was developed using a cost-effective and industrially compatible method.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 3439-3446
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00921K
Graphene-nanoplatelets-supported NiFe-MOF: high-efficiency and ultra-stable oxygen electrodes for sustained alkaline anion exchange membrane water electrolysis
A simple and effective strategy for fabricating high-stability alkaline anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers for large-scale hydrogen production.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 3447-3458
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00877J
Origin of extra capacity in the solid electrolyte interphase near high-capacity iron carbide anodes for Li ion batteries
Both organic and inorganic ingredients in SEI undergo reversible conversions and contribute capacity enhancement with the catalysis of Fe3C.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2924-2937
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE04062E
Intrinsically self-healable, stretchable thermoelectric materials with a large ionic Seebeck effect
We report intrinsically self-healable and stretchable ionic thermoelectric materials, which exhibits excellent ionic figure-of-merit (1.04), with remarkable stretchability (~750%) and autonomous self-healability.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2915-2923
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03861B
Rewiring photosynthesis: a photosystem I-hydrogenase chimera that makes H2in vivo
Photosystem I-hydrogenase chimera intercepts electron flow directly from the photosynthetic electron transport chain and directs it to hydrogen production.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2903-2914
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03859K
A transversal low-cost pre-metallation strategy enabling ultrafast and stable metal ion capacitor technologies
A low-cost pre-metallation strategy based on inorganic sacrificial salts that decompose on the first charge.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2441-2449
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00351D
Hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers for compatible anode and cathode of potassium-ion hybrid capacitor
Hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers can efficiently eliminate kinetics and capacity mismatches between the anode and cathode of the potassium-ion hybrid capacitor.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2431-2440
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00477D
Tailoring surface wetting states for ultrafast solar-driven water evaporation
Tuning surface wettability can modulate the escape behaviour of water molecules to accelerate solar water evaporation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2087-2095
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00399A
Origin of high piezoelectricity of inorganic halide perovskite thin films and their electromechanical energy-harvesting and physiological current-sensing characteristics
This work reports the origin of high piezoelectricity of inorganic halide thin films poled at high fields along with the electromechanical energy-harvesting and motion-sensing performance.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2077-2086
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03212F
A low temperature unitized regenerative fuel cell realizing 60% round trip efficiency and 10 000 cycles of durability for energy storage applications
Unitized regenerative fuel cells with oxygen reactions occurring on different catalyst layers can achieve 60% round trip efficiencies at 1 A cm−2.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2096-2105
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03626A
Tailoring carrier dynamics in perovskite solar cells via precise dimension and architecture control and interfacial positioning of plasmonic nanoparticles
The judicious positioning of rationally designed monodisperse plasmonic NPs in the ETL affords effective tailoring of the carrier dynamics of PSCs.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1743-1752
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03937F
Highly durable photoelectrochemical H2O2 production via dual photoanode and cathode processes under solar simulating and external bias-free conditions
A phosphate (P)- and Mo-modified BiVO4 photoanode and AQ-modified carbon cathode achieve efficient and durable photoelectrochemical production of H2O2 through dual processes.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1730-1742
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03154E
Maximizing power generation from ambient stray magnetic fields around smart infrastructures enabling self-powered wireless devices
A magnetoelectric coupled magneto-mechano-electric energy conversion mechanism allows the generation of high electrical power from ambient stray magnetic fields around infrastructures.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1462-1472
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03902C
Indoor-light-energy-harvesting dye-sensitized photo-rechargeable battery
Dye-sensitized photo-rechargeable battery (DSPB) harvests and stores dim light efficiently, realizing indoor-light-harvesting battery to operate IoT devices successfully without sun light.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1473-1480
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03245B
A tailored oxide interface creates dense Pt single-atom catalysts with high catalytic activity
Catalytic supremacy of Pt-single atoms achieved by CeOx–TiO2 interfaces.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1231-1239
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03492G
Band-bending induced passivation: high performance and stable perovskite solar cells using a perhydropoly(silazane) precursor
It could successfully control the band-bending of the perovskite semiconductor, which led to improvement of the photovoltaic performance.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1222-1230
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02028D
Printed recyclable and self-poled polymer piezoelectric generators through single-walled carbon nanotube templating
High-performance, unpoled and recyclable piezoelectric generators are produced by combining dipole templating via single-walled carbon nanotubes with shear-induced polarisation via 3D printing of fluoropolymers.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 868-883
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03059J
A binder-free high silicon content flexible anode for Li-ion batteries
A high performance, binder-free flexible silicon electrode with high Si content up to 92% is developed for lithium ion batteries with a novel cellulose-based topological microscroll structure.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 848-858
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02615K
Stabilizing atomic Pt with trapped interstitial F in alloyed PtCo nanosheets for high-performance zinc-air batteries
A novel strategy is designed to stabilize atomic Pt catalysts in alloyed platinum cobalt nanosheets with trapped interstitial fluorine (SA-PtCoF) for zinc-air batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 884-895
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02657F
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Chloride transport in conductive polymer films for an n-type thermoelectric platform
Cl− transport in a conductive polymer (CP) film was demonstrated for n-type thermoelectric (TE) harvesting.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 859-867
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02399B
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Self-operating transpiration-driven electrokinetic power generator with an artificial hydrological cycle
The artificial hydrological cycle built by using deliquescent calcium chloride enables self-operation of a transpiration-driven electrokinetic power generator.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 527-534
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02616A
A highly active, robust photocatalyst heterogenized in discrete cages of metal–organic polyhedra for CO2 reduction
A photocatalyst heterogenized in discrete cages of metal–organic polyhedra provides highly active and robust conversion of carbon dioxide.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 519-526
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02619C
Mutually-dependent kinetics and energetics of photocatalyst/co-catalyst/two-redox liquid junctions
We elucidate the multi-redox charge-transfer kinetics across a photocatalyst/(co-catalyst)/water interface and reveal the dynamic interplay between local energetics and kinetics.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 162-173
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02910A
The large piezoelectricity and high power density of a 3D-printed multilayer copolymer in a rugby ball-structured mechanical energy harvester
A 3D-printed multilayer copolymer rugby ball-structured energy harvester is prepared, and a high peak output power of 16.4 mW cm−2 is obtained.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 152-161
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE01785B
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