Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A Recent Review Articles

310 items - Showing page 1 of 5
Highlight

Topological quantum materials in catalysis

Let's quantum: topological quantum materials offer high electron mobility, stable surface states, and resistance to contamination, making them ideal candidates for next-generation heterogeneous catalysts.

Graphical abstract: Topological quantum materials in catalysis
Perspective

Precise design of MOF-derived single-atom catalysts with symmetric and asymmetric coordination for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have demonstrated great potential as ideal electrocatalytic hosts for sulfur cathodes in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries.

Graphical abstract: Precise design of MOF-derived single-atom catalysts with symmetric and asymmetric coordination for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
Open Access Perspective

Decoding pH-dependent electrocatalysis through electric field models and microkinetic volcanoes

This perspective highlights advances in capturing pH-dependent surface structures, reactivity, and mechanisms via electric field-based methods.

Graphical abstract: Decoding pH-dependent electrocatalysis through electric field models and microkinetic volcanoes
Open Access Perspective

Reducibility, adsorption energies, surface acidity – fundamental material properties for fast oxygen exchange

Combining a comprehensive discussion of literature with new mechanistic insights, we derive two fundamental design principles for material systems with optimal oxygen exchange kinetics: a shallow O 2p band center and a low work function.

Graphical abstract: Reducibility, adsorption energies, surface acidity – fundamental material properties for fast oxygen exchange
Perspective

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements of solid oxide cells: beyond open circuit voltage conditions

This work emphasizes the importance of performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses in loading mode rather than under open circuit voltage conditions.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements of solid oxide cells: beyond open circuit voltage conditions
Open Access Perspective

Tribocatalysis: a successful marriage of triboelectricity and heterogeneous catalysis

We discuss how tribocatalysis utilizes friction-generated charges to drive chemical transformations. The proposed mechanistic understanding, catalyst design, and future research directions are examined.

Graphical abstract: Tribocatalysis: a successful marriage of triboelectricity and heterogeneous catalysis
Perspective

Disorder by design: high-entropy oxides as next generation thermoelectric materials

Entropy-engineered oxides for thermoelectric energy.

Graphical abstract: Disorder by design: high-entropy oxides as next generation thermoelectric materials
Perspective

Beyond traditional TOF: unveiling the pitfalls in electrocatalytic active site determination

TOF reflects intrinsic catalytic activity by measuring per-site efficiency, unlike current density. Accurate TOF estimation requires identifying true active sites and RDS, enabling rational design of efficient electrocatalysts for sustainable water splitting.

Graphical abstract: Beyond traditional TOF: unveiling the pitfalls in electrocatalytic active site determination
Perspective

Repurposing PVA-based slime to address electrolyte challenges in portable electrochemical devices

PVA-based slime is an unexplored, cost-effective, and spill-proof alternative to conventional electrolytes. Its inherent ionic conductivity makes it a promising electrolyte for portable electrochemical surface-monitoring probes.

Graphical abstract: Repurposing PVA-based slime to address electrolyte challenges in portable electrochemical devices
Perspective

Stabilizing ultrafine intermetallics on carbon supports: from structural design to catalytic applications

Ultrafine intermetallics (<5 nm) offer unique catalytic properties but face sintering challenges. We highlight carbon-supported synthesis strategies for precise control, focusing on electrocatalytic applications and future directions.

Graphical abstract: Stabilizing ultrafine intermetallics on carbon supports: from structural design to catalytic applications
Perspective

Ordered energy conversion systems inspired from the biological world

In addressing the urgent challenges facing the energy industry, this perspective emphasizes the importance of offering efficient, clean and low-carbon ordered energy conversion systems by integrating biology and engineering.

Graphical abstract: Ordered energy conversion systems inspired from the biological world
Open Access Perspective

On the use of bioprecursors for sustainable silicon-based anodes for Li-ion batteries

Plants and protists: promising sources for Si-based Li-ion battery anodes.

Graphical abstract: On the use of bioprecursors for sustainable silicon-based anodes for Li-ion batteries
Perspective

How common is it to get an OER overpotential that is <250 mV?

This work raises concerns about the unintentional mistakes made by researchers developing OER electrocatalysts by overlooking the fundamentals.

Graphical abstract: How common is it to get an OER overpotential that is <250 mV?
Perspective

Unveiling the significance of working electrode substrates in electrocatalytic water splitting for sustainable hydrogen energy production

This perspective highlights how electrode substrate choice critically affects electrocatalyst performance in water splitting, guiding researchers to design better catalysts by leveraging each substrate’s unique properties.

Graphical abstract: Unveiling the significance of working electrode substrates in electrocatalytic water splitting for sustainable hydrogen energy production
Perspective

Recent advancements in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for flexible supercapacitors aimed at wearable technology

Flexible supercapacitors have made significant progress, as they can be integral to the wearable technology field due to their unique ability to allow seamless movement for the wearer.

Graphical abstract: Recent advancements in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for flexible supercapacitors aimed at wearable technology
Perspective

Advances and industrialization of LiFePO4 cathodes in electric vehicles: challenges, innovations, and future directions

Evolution, research focus, industrialization and recovery techniques of LiFePO4 cathodes are reviewed, highlighting their critical role in meeting energy demands, especially in EVs.

Graphical abstract: Advances and industrialization of LiFePO4 cathodes in electric vehicles: challenges, innovations, and future directions
Perspective

From lab to market: the future of zinc–air batteries powered by MOF/MXene hybrids

Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) stand at the forefront of energy storage technologies. However, challenges like slow kinetics and low rechargeability persist. MOF–MXene hybrids enhance performance, enabling sustainable ZAB technology.

Graphical abstract: From lab to market: the future of zinc–air batteries powered by MOF/MXene hybrids
Perspective

Sulfur element achieves rapid and stable migration of Li+ in oxide cathode materials

Higher energy density can be obtained by increasing the charging cut-off voltage of Ni-rich materials to meet the range requirements of electric vehicles.

Graphical abstract: Sulfur element achieves rapid and stable migration of Li+ in oxide cathode materials
Open Access Perspective

Capacity-weighted figures-of-merit for battery transport metrics

Fast-charging materials are necessary for a battery-centric future. Ionic and electronic transport crucially determine performance where their capacity-weighted figures-of-merit account for performance across all states-of-charge.

Graphical abstract: Capacity-weighted figures-of-merit for battery transport metrics
Perspective

Recent advances in characterization of rechargeable battery materials via scanning probe microscopy

Scanning probe microscopy can be used to obtain topographical, mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical information on a wide range of materials in a variety of environments, including in situ and operando studies for rechargeable battery systems.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in characterization of rechargeable battery materials via scanning probe microscopy
Perspective

Sorbent-based atmospheric water harvesting: engineering challenges from the process to molecular scale

Atmospheric water harvesting is an emerging technique that can potentially increase water access to water-constrained communities.

Graphical abstract: Sorbent-based atmospheric water harvesting: engineering challenges from the process to molecular scale
Accepted Manuscript - Review Article

Advancements in Thermoelectric Hydrogels: Structural Design and Material Innovation for Biomedical and Wearable Applications

Review Article

Engineering MoS2-based electrocatalysts for water splitting: a comprehensive review of doping, heterostructures, and support integration strategies

The article offers a thorough analysis of MoS2, including its crystallographic phases (1T, 2H, and 3R), basic structural, optical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics, as well as synthesis and characterisation methods.

Graphical abstract: Engineering MoS2-based electrocatalysts for water splitting: a comprehensive review of doping, heterostructures, and support integration strategies
Review Article

Awakening the substrate: design of metal foam electrodes for water electrolysis

Metal foams, combining porosity and conductivity, are ideal self-supporting electrodes. This review outlines advances in their surface and structural design, providing insights and challenges for sustainable hydrogen energy systems.

Graphical abstract: Awakening the substrate: design of metal foam electrodes for water electrolysis
Open Access Review Article

Removal of radioactive elements from nuclear wastewater using metal–organic frameworks: a comprehensive analysis using DFT and meta-analysis

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have great potential in nuclear wastewater treatment.

Graphical abstract: Removal of radioactive elements from nuclear wastewater using metal–organic frameworks: a comprehensive analysis using DFT and meta-analysis
Open Access Review Article

Quinones: understanding their electrochemistry, chemistry and degradation pathways to tap their full potential in aqueous redox flow batteries

Quinones are prime candidates for aqueous redox flow batteries. This review discusses the chemistry of quinones and degradation pathways in aqueous solution, illuminating their pathway to successful implementation through case studies and examples.

Graphical abstract: Quinones: understanding their electrochemistry, chemistry and degradation pathways to tap their full potential in aqueous redox flow batteries
Review Article

MXene gel solar thermal evaporator: a novel pathway for seawater desalination

This review explores the properties, design, and synthesis of MXene materials and analyzes the unique advantages of MXene-based composite gels with polymers, nanomaterials, and biomass in seawater desalination.

Graphical abstract: MXene gel solar thermal evaporator: a novel pathway for seawater desalination
Review Article

Layered double hydroxide-based catalysts for seawater electrolysis at industrial current densities: advances and perspectives

Seawater electrolysis is of great significance for sustainable hydrogen production, particularly in coastal and offshore regions with abundant renewable energy but limited freshwater resources.

Graphical abstract: Layered double hydroxide-based catalysts for seawater electrolysis at industrial current densities: advances and perspectives
Review Article

Engineering asymmetric MOF composites toward high-efficiency catalytic reactions

Asymmetric metal–organic framework composites (AMOFs) have garnered increasing attention due to their distinctive functional properties, demonstrating considerable promise in catalysis, particularly as micro- and nano-structured catalysts.

Graphical abstract: Engineering asymmetric MOF composites toward high-efficiency catalytic reactions
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Accepted Manuscript - Review Article

Advancing HTPEM Fuel Cell Technology: Durability and Performance Under Start-Stop Conditions

Open Access Accepted Manuscript - Review Article

A review on electrochemical CO2-to-CH4 conversion for a sustainable energy future: From electrocatalysts to electrolyzers

Accepted Manuscript - Review Article

Advances in Amine-Functionalized Metal Organic Frameworks for Carbon Capture

Accepted Manuscript - Review Article

Metal-Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion: Bridging Fundamental Insights to Practical Solutions

Review Article

Opaque, transparent, and colored low-emissivity materials for mid-infrared thermal management

This review reveals how microstructural design simultaneously governs coloration and thermal radiation control for advanced passive thermal management materials.

Graphical abstract: Opaque, transparent, and colored low-emissivity materials for mid-infrared thermal management
Review Article

Advancements in water electrolysis: enhancing hydrogen and oxygen production efficiency through electrocatalyst design and urea oxidation

In light of growing energy shortages and environmental challenges, hydrogen energy has emerged as a promising renewable energy alternative to fossil fuels.

Graphical abstract: Advancements in water electrolysis: enhancing hydrogen and oxygen production efficiency through electrocatalyst design and urea oxidation
Open Access Review Article

Electrochemical etching of MXenes: mechanism, challenges and future outlooks

This review focuses on the eco-friendly electrochemical etching synthesis of MXenes and their cutting-edge advancements compared to the conventional strategy, highlighting the innovations, challenges, and future outlooks.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical etching of MXenes: mechanism, challenges and future outlooks
Review Article

The role of single-crystal substrates in synthesis of low-dimensional materials by CVD and their applications in electrocatalysis

Single-crystal substrates have significant influence on the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for preparing low-dimensional materials.

Graphical abstract: The role of single-crystal substrates in synthesis of low-dimensional materials by CVD and their applications in electrocatalysis
Review Article

From atoms to algorithms: a review of machine learning approaches to cathode material innovation in zinc-ion batteries

This review explores how ML accelerates data-driven design and synthesis of Zn-ion batteries, addressing data gaps, interpretability, and validation while emphasizing standardized datasets, explainable AI, and experiment–theory integration.

Graphical abstract: From atoms to algorithms: a review of machine learning approaches to cathode material innovation in zinc-ion batteries
Review Article

Advances in perovskite-based functional fibers and fabrics: toward smart, sustainable, and wearable technologies

Perovskite materials have emerged as a class of multifunctional materials with exceptional optoelectronic, physical and chemical properties, which have aroused great interest in their applications in functional fibers and fabrics.

Graphical abstract: Advances in perovskite-based functional fibers and fabrics: toward smart, sustainable, and wearable technologies
Review Article

Taming polysulfide shuttle and lithium dendrites in lithium–sulfur batteries via all-/quasi-solid-state electrolytes: recent progress and future prospects

Two critical challenges impede the advancement of lithium–sulfur batteries: lithium dendrite growth and polysulfide shuttle. This review systematically examines diverse solutions leveraging various all-solid-state and quasi-solid-state electrolytes.

Graphical abstract: Taming polysulfide shuttle and lithium dendrites in lithium–sulfur batteries via all-/quasi-solid-state electrolytes: recent progress and future prospects
Review Article

Research progress of heterogeneous catalysts with different dimensional supports for catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane

This paper reviews the latest research progress in hydrogen production by AB hydrolysis from the perspective of supported catalysts of different dimensions and discusses their catalytic mechanism, synthesis methods and reaction processes.

Graphical abstract: Research progress of heterogeneous catalysts with different dimensional supports for catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane
Open Access Review Article

Exploring metal halide perovskites as active architectures in energy storage systems

Metal halide perovskites are expanding beyond photovoltaics, showing promise in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and photo-induced energy storage systems through their unique properties.

Graphical abstract: Exploring metal halide perovskites as active architectures in energy storage systems
Open Access Review Article

A review on copper-based chalcogenide materials for supercapacitor application: exploring through experimental evidence and machine learning

Copper chalcogenides (CuS, CuSe, CuTe) are emerging as promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors due to their tuneable structural and electrochemical properties.

Graphical abstract: A review on copper-based chalcogenide materials for supercapacitor application: exploring through experimental evidence and machine learning
Review Article

Recent advances in nickel-based anodes for anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers

This review sheds light on the developments made in the affordable Ni-based oxygen evolution catalysts and their potential application in anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) for green hydrogen production.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in nickel-based anodes for anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers
Review Article

Atomic-level environment engineering in carbon-based single-atom catalysts: a review of theoretical insights for hydrogen evolution and triiodide reduction

Five microenvironment engineering strategies are proposed to modulate single-atom active sites, integrating computational catalysis, functional materials design, and sustainable energy applications to drive interdisciplinary advances.

Graphical abstract: Atomic-level environment engineering in carbon-based single-atom catalysts: a review of theoretical insights for hydrogen evolution and triiodide reduction
Review Article

Humidity stability of halide solid-state electrolytes

This review focuses on the humidity stability of halide solid-state electrolytes, including the root causes, characterization methods and mitigation strategies for humidity instability, as well as key challenges and future research directions.

Graphical abstract: Humidity stability of halide solid-state electrolytes
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Review Article

Engineering core–sheath phase change fibers for thermal energy storage: fundamentals, fabrication, and smart applications

Core–sheath phase change fibers provide an innovative strategy for precise thermal regulation, scalable PCM encapsulation, and multifunctional integration, offering scalable routes toward advanced thermal management and sustainable energy systems.

Graphical abstract: Engineering core–sheath phase change fibers for thermal energy storage: fundamentals, fabrication, and smart applications
Open Access Review Article

Strategies for performance and stability advancement in multicomponent perovskite photovoltaics

State-of-the-art strategies adopted for the improvement of photovoltaic performance and stability in multi-component perovskite materials and devices.

Graphical abstract: Strategies for performance and stability advancement in multicomponent perovskite photovoltaics
Open Access Review Article

Navigating ionic conductivity in MOF electrolytes: addressing measurement pitfalls and performance limits

Schematic of a solid-state battery with a MOF-based electrolyte, where Li+ ions migrate through the porous framework, facilitating ionic conduction between the cathode and anode.

Graphical abstract: Navigating ionic conductivity in MOF electrolytes: addressing measurement pitfalls and performance limits
Review Article

Spin and ferroelectric-driven photocatalysts for efficient CO2 reduction: material design and future perspectives

This review summarizes recent advances in spin- and ferroelectric-driven photocatalysts, highlighting material design strategies that control electron polarization to promote charge separation and boost CO2 photoreduction efficiency.

Graphical abstract: Spin and ferroelectric-driven photocatalysts for efficient CO2 reduction: material design and future perspectives
Review Article

Bridging lab-to-fab gaps: recent advances in the reproducibility of organic solar cells

This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in OSC reproducibility of organic solar cells from material synthesis, film preparation, and interfacial & electrode, which would provide significant insights into large-scale fabrication.

Graphical abstract: Bridging lab-to-fab gaps: recent advances in the reproducibility of organic solar cells
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Review Article

Recent advances in the application of magnetron sputtering for lithium metal batteries

The present review systematically outlines recent progress in utilizing magnetron sputtering for lithium metal batteries, highlighting emerging coating strategies such as target design and their corresponding characterization methodologies.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in the application of magnetron sputtering for lithium metal batteries
Open Access Review Article

Emerging innovations in polymeric hollow fiber membranes for sustainable natural gas valorization

This review highlights advanced hollow fiber membranes for natural gas processing, focusing on innovative materials and fabrication techniques that overcome permeance-selectivity trade-offs while addressing plasticization and aging challenges.

Graphical abstract: Emerging innovations in polymeric hollow fiber membranes for sustainable natural gas valorization
Review Article

A newly synthesized 2D polyaramid: structure, properties, and applications in energy storage, electrocatalysis, and sensing

This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the multifunctional applications of 2DPA.

Graphical abstract: A newly synthesized 2D polyaramid: structure, properties, and applications in energy storage, electrocatalysis, and sensing
Review Article

Recent advances in bio-inspired radiative cooling film designs for sustainable building applications

This review examines the operational mechanisms of radiative cooling, identifies limitations of conventional film materials, and evaluates recent progress in bio-inspired design strategies for radiative cooling films.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in bio-inspired radiative cooling film designs for sustainable building applications
Review Article

Beyond graphene: a review of graphene's lesser-known yne relatives and their energy applications

The experimental advances and computational predictions of the yne relatives of graphene, graphyne (GY), graphdiyne (GDY), graphtriyne (GTY) and graphtetrayne (GT4Y), in energy and environmental applications are reviewed.

Graphical abstract: Beyond graphene: a review of graphene's lesser-known yne relatives and their energy applications
Review Article

Molten salt synthesis of low-dimensional nanostructured perovskite oxide electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction: a review

This work summarizes research progress in molten salt synthesis of low dimensional nanostructured perovskite oxide electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction, which covers their synthesis, structural characterization and applications.

Graphical abstract: Molten salt synthesis of low-dimensional nanostructured perovskite oxide electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction: a review
Review Article

Low-cost polyanion cathodes for sodium ion batteries: challenges, strategies, and progress

This review focuses on the modification measures of polyanionic cathode materials, pays attention to their improvement effect on the performance of active materials, and discusses the modification mechanism and the latest development trend.

Graphical abstract: Low-cost polyanion cathodes for sodium ion batteries: challenges, strategies, and progress
Review Article

Advances in solvent-free syntheses of covalent organic frameworks towards catalysis and battery applications

This review provides an introduction to the recent progress of solvent-free syntheses of COFs, summarizes their preparation methods, unique advantages and applications in catalysis and batteries and discusses the opportunities and challenges.

Graphical abstract: Advances in solvent-free syntheses of covalent organic frameworks towards catalysis and battery applications
Open Access Review Article

Low-cost, large-area carbon electrode perovskite solar cells

The application of carbon electrodes, as an interface and a terminal electrode in carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs).

Graphical abstract: Low-cost, large-area carbon electrode perovskite solar cells
Review Article

Non-free water dominated electrolyte architectures for zinc-based batteries: toward sustainable long-life zinc-based energy storage solutions

Non-free water dominated electrolyte architecture is reviewed based on a new perspective of different forms of electrolytes, mainly including lean-water liquid electrolytes, gelatinized electrolytes, and solidified electrolytes.

Graphical abstract: Non-free water dominated electrolyte architectures for zinc-based batteries: toward sustainable long-life zinc-based energy storage solutions
Accepted Manuscript - Review Article

Recent progress on ZnIn2S4 -based composite photocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production coupling organic synthesis

From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Accepted Manuscript - Review Article

Leveraging the Ingenuity of Carbon Nanomaterials towards Water Quality Amelioration

Review Article

Advances in microwave-absorbing materials: from fundamentals to emerging technologies

Advancement of different microwave absorbing materials and their absorption mechanism for emerging technologies.

Graphical abstract: Advances in microwave-absorbing materials: from fundamentals to emerging technologies
Review Article

Porphyrin-based heterojunction photocatalysts: design principles and applications in solar-to-chemical energy conversion

As global climate change and energy crises continue to escalate, the development of efficient solar energy conversion technologies has become imperative for addressing pressing environmental and energy-related challenges.

Graphical abstract: Porphyrin-based heterojunction photocatalysts: design principles and applications in solar-to-chemical energy conversion
Review Article

CO2 utilization in energy storage and conversion

This review explores four emerging CO2-based energy technologies that utilize CO2 as an active energy carrier, highlighting its roles, challenges, and future strategies in sustainable energy conversion and storage.

Graphical abstract: CO2 utilization in energy storage and conversion
Review Article

Photocatalytic synergies: mechanisms, enhancement strategies, and applications

Synergistic multi-field photocatalysis—integrating photo-piezoelectric, photothermal, photomagnetic, and other effects—uses in situ characterization and ab initio methods to boost charge separation and reaction kinetics for environmental/energy use.

Graphical abstract: Photocatalytic synergies: mechanisms, enhancement strategies, and applications
Review Article

AFP-based anti-icing coatings: present challenges and future opportunities

AFP-based anti-icing coatings prevent surface icing through dual mechanisms: dynamic repulsion of impacting water droplets and significant suppression of ice-adhesion forces.

Graphical abstract: AFP-based anti-icing coatings: present challenges and future opportunities
Review Article

Innovative conversion electrode materials and electrolyte strategies in aqueous zinc–S/Se batteries for advanced energy storage

This review summarizes recent strategies to enhance AZSBs and AZSeBs, including cathode and electrolyte optimization, advanced characterization, and reaction mechanism studies, while highlighting current challenges and future development directions.

Graphical abstract: Innovative conversion electrode materials and electrolyte strategies in aqueous zinc–S/Se batteries for advanced energy storage
Review Article

Recent advances in functional energy materials for microbial fuel cells: progress, challenges, and future perspectives

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising sustainable technology for addressing global energy shortages and environmental pollution, attracting increasing research interest in recent years.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in functional energy materials for microbial fuel cells: progress, challenges, and future perspectives
310 items - Showing page 1 of 5

About this collection

This collection contains recent Review-type articles published by Journal of Materials Chemistry A, the home for high impact applications, properties and synthesis of exciting new materials for energy and sustainability.

New articles will be added to this collection as soon as possible after publication.

Spotlight

Advertisements