Themed collection Energy & Environmental Science Recent HOT Articles

53 items
Open Access Review Article

Dynamic transformation of active sites in energy and environmental catalysis

Active sites play a pivotal role in photo/electrocatalysis, particularly in the transition from fossil fuels to clean, efficient and renewable energy sources.

Graphical abstract: Dynamic transformation of active sites in energy and environmental catalysis
Review Article

Intrinsic carbon structure modification overcomes the challenge of potassium bond chemistry

Heteroatom doping engineering is widely used to modify the physical/chemical properties of carbon anodes, which can regulate the electronic structure and interface state to regulate the potassium bond to improve potassium storage performance.

Graphical abstract: Intrinsic carbon structure modification overcomes the challenge of potassium bond chemistry
Review Article

Green recycling of spent Li-ion battery cathodes via deep-eutectic solvents

This review highlights deep-eutectic solvents for green recycling of spent Li-ion battery cathodes towards future commercialization.

Graphical abstract: Green recycling of spent Li-ion battery cathodes via deep-eutectic solvents
Review Article

Progress in techniques for improving the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators

Enhancing the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators through surface modification, mechanical design and power management.

Graphical abstract: Progress in techniques for improving the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators
Review Article

Carbon-based electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–air batteries: design concepts, recent progress and future perspectives

This review provides an in-depth discussion of the carbon-based electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–air batteries from design strategies, research progress, and future perspectives.

Graphical abstract: Carbon-based electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–air batteries: design concepts, recent progress and future perspectives
Open Access Analysis

Supply risk considerations for photoelectrochemical water splitting materials

Absorber materials for photoelectrochemical water splitting have supply risks emerging from supply, demand, concentration, and political risks.

Graphical abstract: Supply risk considerations for photoelectrochemical water splitting materials
Paper

Atom-dominated relay catalysis of high-entropy MXene promotes cascade polysulfide conversion for lithium–sulfur batteries

The high-entropy TiVNbMoC3 MXene, with its atom-dominated relay catalysis effect and resilient lattice configuration, promotes a cascade of sulfur conversions and guides uniform Li+ deposition, enabling shuttle-free and dendrite-free Li–S batteries.

Graphical abstract: Atom-dominated relay catalysis of high-entropy MXene promotes cascade polysulfide conversion for lithium–sulfur batteries
Open Access Paper

Time-resolved operando insights into the tunable selectivity of Cu–Zn nanocubes during pulsed CO2 electroreduction

Electrochemical CO2 reduction using CuZn nanocubes boosted ethanol selectivity when pulsed in the oxidation regime of zinc, while time-resolved operando techniques uncovered the key roles of dynamic zinc oxide formation and hydroxide coverage.

Graphical abstract: Time-resolved operando insights into the tunable selectivity of Cu–Zn nanocubes during pulsed CO2 electroreduction
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Ambient scalable fabrication of high-performance flexible perovskite solar cells

Ionic-liquid mediated scalable ambient-printing for efficient perovskite solar modules to achieve wearable electronic integration.

Graphical abstract: Ambient scalable fabrication of high-performance flexible perovskite solar cells
Paper

Molecularly engineered potential of d-orbital modulated iron-bridged delaminated MBene for rechargeable Zn–air batteries

An air cathode with high catalytic activity and reversibility toward the OER and ORR is designed by the typical coordinations of iron phthalocyanine molecule crystals on delaminated MoAl1−xB MBene sheets.

Graphical abstract: Molecularly engineered potential of d-orbital modulated iron-bridged delaminated MBene for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Open Access Paper

Tailoring the Wadsley–Roth crystallographic shear structures for high-power lithium-ion batteries

A tailored Wadsley–Roth crystallographic shear structure containing inspiring domains with tetrahedron, tetrahedron-free and large-size blocks in the lattice of novel titanium niobium tungsten oxide for high-power lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Tailoring the Wadsley–Roth crystallographic shear structures for high-power lithium-ion batteries
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Inherent anti-Fenton property of single-atom rhenium for the ultra-durable oxygen reduction reaction

We have created a Re-SAC catalyst featuring a Re–N4 configuration with inherent anti-Fenton properties during ORR catalytic activity.

Graphical abstract: Inherent anti-Fenton property of single-atom rhenium for the ultra-durable oxygen reduction reaction
Paper

Insights into the defect-driven heterogeneous structural evolution of Ni-rich layered cathodes in lithium-ion batteries

The combination of novel operando neutron diffraction and 4D-STEM clearly reveals the defect-driven heterogeneous phase evolution in LIB full cells.

Graphical abstract: Insights into the defect-driven heterogeneous structural evolution of Ni-rich layered cathodes in lithium-ion batteries
Paper

Sustainable interface regulation enabled by a bismuth solid-state surfactant effect for Zn-free anodes

This study introduces a novel application of Bi as a solid-state surfactant in Zn electrodes, where the arriving Zn adatoms tend to migrate below Bi and nucleate locally instead of diffusing laterally and forming protruding structures.

Graphical abstract: Sustainable interface regulation enabled by a bismuth solid-state surfactant effect for Zn-free anodes
Open Access Paper

The origins of critical deformations in cylindrical silicon based Li-ion batteries

Correlative neutron and X-ray imaging unravels the causes of localized defects in Li-ion batteries containing a silicon-graphite based anode.

Graphical abstract: The origins of critical deformations in cylindrical silicon based Li-ion batteries
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Tuning sorbent properties to reduce the cost of direct air capture

A direct air capture (DAC) economic model that accounts for sorbent degradation is developed. Experimentally-measured parameters are then integrated to identify sorbent and process features that minimize both the DAC carbon footprint and cost.

Graphical abstract: Tuning sorbent properties to reduce the cost of direct air capture
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

A reversible self-assembled molecular layer for lithium metal batteries with high energy/power densities at ultra-low temperatures

We have demonstrated a molecular interface engineering strategy to address the design dilemma of low-temperature electrolytes for lithium metal batteries.

Graphical abstract: A reversible self-assembled molecular layer for lithium metal batteries with high energy/power densities at ultra-low temperatures
Paper

Achieving stable lithium metal anodes via the synergy of electrostatic shielding and the high Li+ flux inorganic interphase

A cationic polymer was developed as protective layer for Li anodes. The multiple cationic sites in molecule provided enhanced electrostatic shielding, whereas NO3 anions generated robust and high Li+ flux inorganic SEI.

Graphical abstract: Achieving stable lithium metal anodes via the synergy of electrostatic shielding and the high Li+ flux inorganic interphase
Open Access Paper

Developing kilometers-long gravity heat pipe for geothermal energy exploitation

The world-longest SLGHP (4149 m long) and the world's first SLGHP output vapor-driven power generator are developed for the exploitation of geothermal energy.

Graphical abstract: Developing kilometers-long gravity heat pipe for geothermal energy exploitation
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Insights into lithium inventory quantification of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4–graphite full cells

A systematic methodology for the quantification of lithium inventory is developed and the degradation mechanisms of high-voltage lithium batteries are revealed.

Graphical abstract: Insights into lithium inventory quantification of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4–graphite full cells
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Robust battery interphases from dilute fluorinated cations

This approach utilizes electrostatic attraction of very low fractions (~0.1 wt%) of readily reducible fluorinated cations in electrolyte to form a robust fluorine-rich SEI and enable stable Li-metal batteries.

Graphical abstract: Robust battery interphases from dilute fluorinated cations
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Self-constructing a lattice-oxygen-stabilized interface in Li-rich cathodes to enable high-energy all-solid-state batteries

A lattice-oxygen-stabilized interface is formed in situ by the interaction of indium and oxidized lattice oxygen in the interface of Li2RuO3 (LRO) and Li3InCl6 (LIC), mitigating the irreversible lattice oxygen loss and stabilizing the surface structure.

Graphical abstract: Self-constructing a lattice-oxygen-stabilized interface in Li-rich cathodes to enable high-energy all-solid-state batteries
Open Access Paper

Multi-site catalysis of high-entropy hydroxides for sustainable electrooxidation of glucose to glucaric acid

Multi-site catalysis of high-entropy hydroxides for co-production of glucaric acid and ammonia.

Graphical abstract: Multi-site catalysis of high-entropy hydroxides for sustainable electrooxidation of glucose to glucaric acid
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Regulating electrode/electrolyte interfacial chemistry enables 4.6 V ultra-stable fast charging of commercial LiCoO2

A schematic diagram of the mechanism of our fluorinated “cocktail electrolyte” stabilizing electrode/electrolyte interfaces in 4.6 V LCO batteries.

Graphical abstract: Regulating electrode/electrolyte interfacial chemistry enables 4.6 V ultra-stable fast charging of commercial LiCoO2
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Compact, robust, and regulated-output hybrid generators for magnetic energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications in power transmission lines

A hybrid magnetic energy harvester is demonstrated for self-powered sensors in transmission lines, showcasing unprecedented power density, compact size, lightweight, waterproofing, resilience to current fluctuations, and environmental robustness.

Graphical abstract: Compact, robust, and regulated-output hybrid generators for magnetic energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications in power transmission lines
Open Access Paper

Towards standardized grid emission factors: methodological insights and best practices

Grid emission factors from official sources vary. Nine relevant aspects were identified and their influence quantified. The recommended set of aspects best represents emissions from grid electricity consumption.

Graphical abstract: Towards standardized grid emission factors: methodological insights and best practices
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Unveiling the adsorption tendency of film-forming additives to enable fast-charging hard carbon anodes with regulated Li plating

By unveiling the adsorption tendency of EC and FEC additives on defective graphene surfaces and its impact on SEI formation, hard carbon anodes with efficient Li plating regulation can be achieved for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Unveiling the adsorption tendency of film-forming additives to enable fast-charging hard carbon anodes with regulated Li plating
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

An ultrafast Na-ion battery chemistry through coupling sustainable organic electrodes with modulated aqueous electrolytes

Regulating the solvation sheath reorganization kinetics through electrolyte engineering can facilitate an unprecedented battery chemistry.

Graphical abstract: An ultrafast Na-ion battery chemistry through coupling sustainable organic electrodes with modulated aqueous electrolytes
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Light-induced quinone conformation of polymer donors toward 19.9% efficiency organic solar cells

UV-light illumination converts the aromatic conformation of polymer donors into a rigid quinone structure, resulting in compact fibrillar aggregation of the active layer to achieve a maximum efficiency of 19.9% of single-junction organic solar cells.

Graphical abstract: Light-induced quinone conformation of polymer donors toward 19.9% efficiency organic solar cells
Paper

Modeling diurnal and annual ethylene generation from solar-driven electrochemical CO2 reduction devices

Integrated solar fuels devices for CO2 reduction (CO2R) are a promising technology class towards reducing CO2 emissions.

Graphical abstract: Modeling diurnal and annual ethylene generation from solar-driven electrochemical CO2 reduction devices
Paper

Engineering a zinc anode interphasial chemistry for acidic, alkaline and non-aqueous electrolytes

By employing 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) pyrazole (TFMP) as an electrolyte additive in both aqueous and non-aqueous mediums, a versatile interphase strategy is achieved. This facilitates stable Zn anodes with improved efficiency and longer cycling life.

Graphical abstract: Engineering a zinc anode interphasial chemistry for acidic, alkaline and non-aqueous electrolytes
Open Access Paper

Future environmental impacts of global hydrogen production

We quantified the life-cycle environmental impacts of H2 production at the regional and global levels for the first time.

Graphical abstract: Future environmental impacts of global hydrogen production
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Are sodiation/de-sodiation reactions reversible in two-dimensional metallic NbSe2?

The sodiation/de-sodiation mechanism of metallic NbSe2 anodes is corrected to involve an initial irreversible conversion from NbSe2 to Na2Se/Nb composites and the subsequent reversible selenide conversion reaction.

Graphical abstract: Are sodiation/de-sodiation reactions reversible in two-dimensional metallic NbSe2?
Paper

Renovating the surface matrix of FAPbl3 perovskite quantum dots via phase-transfer catalysis for 16.29% efficiency solar cells

A feasible surface matrix renovation strategy is reported, which could not only substantially eliminate surface vacancies but also predominantly ameliorate the stacking orientation of perovskite quantum dots.

Graphical abstract: Renovating the surface matrix of FAPbl3 perovskite quantum dots via phase-transfer catalysis for 16.29% efficiency solar cells
Paper

Double selective ionic gel with excellent thermopower and ultra-high energy density for low-quality thermal energy harvesting

Thermodiffusion and thermogalvanic effects of single redox electrolytes are synergistically utilized and enhanced by double selective gel design of ionic thermoelectric cells, generating remarkable thermopower and energy output in a long-cycle mode.

Graphical abstract: Double selective ionic gel with excellent thermopower and ultra-high energy density for low-quality thermal energy harvesting
Open Access Paper

Influence of contouring the lithium metal/solid electrolyte interface on the critical current for dendrites

Efforts to avoid dendrites by increasing the interfacial surface area to lower local current densities are limited by significant local pressure accumulation associated with the topography of any surface contouring.

Graphical abstract: Influence of contouring the lithium metal/solid electrolyte interface on the critical current for dendrites
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Giant tridimensional power responses in a T-shaped magneto–mechano–electric energy harvester

We present a T-shaped MME-EH that enables collaborative twisting or bending operation modes for tridimensional responses. The device produces a peak–peak output power of 98.5 mW at 60 Hz, which is 262% higher than the state-of-the-art results.

Graphical abstract: Giant tridimensional power responses in a T-shaped magneto–mechano–electric energy harvester
Paper

Exceptional thermoelectric performance in AB2Sb2-type Zintl phases through band shaping

We obtained exceptional power factors and zT values in p-type Mg3Sb2-based materials by alloying Zn at the Mg2 sites for double band degeneracy and alloying Yb at the Mg1 sites of Mg3Sb2 for decreased band effective mass.

Graphical abstract: Exceptional thermoelectric performance in AB2Sb2-type Zintl phases through band shaping
Paper

Cryo-ultramicrotomy enables TEM characterization of global lithium/polymer interfaces

The cryo-ultramicrotomy technique has been implemented in lithium battery studies, offering an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the atomic to millimeter scale structural features and compositions of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces.

Graphical abstract: Cryo-ultramicrotomy enables TEM characterization of global lithium/polymer interfaces
Paper

Crystallization dynamics and stabilization of FAPbI3 single-phase perovskite

In a stable external environment, a slow crystallization rate fosters a stable lattice of pure “black”-phase perovskite, while post treatment at the grain boundaries enhance overall grain stability, contributing to long-term stability.

Graphical abstract: Crystallization dynamics and stabilization of FAPbI3 single-phase perovskite
Paper

Balancing polysulfide containment and energy loss in lithium–sulfur batteries

Membrane modification may obstruct metal-ion mass flux, increasing battery overpotential and reducing performance. Balancing shuttle effect of separator-crossing species and minimizing overpotential-induced energy loss is crucial.

Graphical abstract: Balancing polysulfide containment and energy loss in lithium–sulfur batteries
Paper

An all-electrochem-active silicon anode enabled by spontaneous Li–Si alloying for ultra-high performance solid-state batteries

An all-electrochem-active Si/Li21Si5 anode was designed, in which the Li21Si5 served as efficient ionic/electronic channel and expansion buffer. It achieved an ultra-high ICE of 97.8% and a low expansion rate of 18.8% at a capacity of 17.9 mA h cm−2.

Graphical abstract: An all-electrochem-active silicon anode enabled by spontaneous Li–Si alloying for ultra-high performance solid-state batteries
Paper

Triboelectric junction: a model for dynamic metal–semiconductor contacts

A “triboelectric junction” is a space charge region induced by the triboelectric effect, dominating the electron–hole separation process in dynamic semiconductor-based contacts.

Graphical abstract: Triboelectric junction: a model for dynamic metal–semiconductor contacts
Paper

Tuning the solution aggregation and molecular order for efficient and thermally stable polymer solar cells

Molecular ordering effect of semi-paracrystalline polymers on the solution aggregation structure, morphology, and performance of polymer/nonfullerene blends has been thoroughly investigated by advanced neutron scattering and complementary techniques.

Graphical abstract: Tuning the solution aggregation and molecular order for efficient and thermally stable polymer solar cells
Paper

Origins of hydrogen peroxide selectivity during oxygen reduction on organic mixed ionic–electronic conducting polymers

Through experiment and theory, this work explains how a set of OMIEC polymer electrodes selectively reduce oxygen to hydrogen peroxide.

Graphical abstract: Origins of hydrogen peroxide selectivity during oxygen reduction on organic mixed ionic–electronic conducting polymers
Paper

Dredging photocarrier trapping pathways via “charge bridge” driven exciton–phonon decoupling enables efficient and photothermal stable quaternary organic solar cells

The “charge bridge” strategy is applied to organic photovoltaic devices, which dredges photocarrier trapping pathways by facilitating exciton–phonon decoupling. This benefit leads to simultaneous improvement of efficiency and photothermal stability.

Graphical abstract: Dredging photocarrier trapping pathways via “charge bridge” driven exciton–phonon decoupling enables efficient and photothermal stable quaternary organic solar cells
Open Access Paper

From fossil to green chemicals: sustainable pathways and new carbon feedstocks for the global chemical industry

Green methanol and green ammonia produced by renewable electricity and electricity-based hydrogen become the backbone for a defossilised global chemical industry.

Graphical abstract: From fossil to green chemicals: sustainable pathways and new carbon feedstocks for the global chemical industry
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Dual mechanism of ion (de)intercalation and iodine redox towards advanced zinc batteries

We propose a dual-storage ion solution of Zn2+ and I with a cathode containing a mixture of NH4V4O10 and porous activated carbon, exhibiting a dual mechanism of Zn2+ (de)intercalation and iodine redox with adsorption–desorption.

Graphical abstract: Dual mechanism of ion (de)intercalation and iodine redox towards advanced zinc batteries
Paper

A conformally bonded molecular interface retarded iodine migration for durable perovskite solar cells

A molecular hole transport material retards the iodine migration and delivers high stability in a harsh 85 °C MPP test.

Graphical abstract: A conformally bonded molecular interface retarded iodine migration for durable perovskite solar cells
Paper

High-performance all-solid-state Li2S batteries using an interfacial redox mediator

We report a Li2S/LiVS2 core–shell nano-architecture design for all-solid-state Li2S batteries where the LiVS2 shell serves as both a Li+/e transport vehicle and redox mediator for Li2S on charge to help overcome sluggish cathode kinetics.

Graphical abstract: High-performance all-solid-state Li2S batteries using an interfacial redox mediator
Paper

Dendrite-free Zn anode enabled by anionic surfactant-induced horizontal growth for highly-stable aqueous Zn-ion pouch cells

Here we propose a new anionic surfactant as an electrolyte additive to guide the preferential deposition of Zn2+ in the (002) orientation, suppress the side reactions, and realize a dendrite-free Zn anode for highly stable aqueous Zn-ion pouch cells.

Graphical abstract: Dendrite-free Zn anode enabled by anionic surfactant-induced horizontal growth for highly-stable aqueous Zn-ion pouch cells
Paper

Effects of cation superstructure ordering on oxygen redox stability in O2-type lithium-rich layered oxides

We report that the presence of superstructure ordering serves as an important building block in securing the long-term stability of the oxygen redox activity in O2-type lithium-rich layered oxides.

Graphical abstract: Effects of cation superstructure ordering on oxygen redox stability in O2-type lithium-rich layered oxides
Paper

Brownian motor inspired monodirectional continuous spinning triboelectric nanogenerators for extracting energy from irregular gentle water waves

A TENG intrinsically adaptive to chaotic agitations like the Brownian motors is designed based on dual symmetry breakings.

Graphical abstract: Brownian motor inspired monodirectional continuous spinning triboelectric nanogenerators for extracting energy from irregular gentle water waves
53 items

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

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