Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A Recent Review Articles
Insight into rechargeable batteries under extreme pressure and gravity for deep space exploration
This work covers recent advancements and outlooks in rechargeable batteries for deep space application, including mass transfer, reaction interface, and core component changes under extreme pressure, microgravity, and supergravity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04410J
Ni-rich layered cathodes in sodium-ion batteries: perspectives or déjà vu?
This Highlight explores advancements in Ni-rich cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, which offer practical synthesis methods, high specific capacity, and environmental benefits while addressing energy density and cycle life challenges.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 17756-17770
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01989J
Structural determination of covalent organic frameworks through diffraction methods
As an emerging crystalline porous material constructed from organic building blocks linked by covalent bonds, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have garnered significant interest due to their well-defined pore structures.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21704-21715
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02312A
Complementary X-ray and neutron imaging of water electrolysers for green hydrogen production
This perspective discusses the current status and future needs for the use of X-ray and neutron imaging as complementary methods for helping solve key challenges facing electrolyser materials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02885F
Nanoscale spatial and time-resolved mapping in perovskite and organic solar cells: a multimodal technique to visualize the photoinduced charge dynamics
This perspective delves into the nanoscale photodynamics mapping of perovskite (PSCs) and organic solar cells (OSCs) using a multimodal approach to enhance photovoltaic performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 16329-16342
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01773K
Recent progress and perspectives of liquid organic hydrogen carrier electrochemistry for energy applications
This perspective delves into electrochemically active and regenerable liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), exploring their electrochemical properties and applications in hydrogen storage, regenerative fuel cells, batteries, and flow batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15580-15591
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01893A
Emerging electrochemical humidity sensors for zero power consumption and self-powered humidity detection: a perspective
This perspective summarizes recent advances in electrochemical humidity sensors and mainly focuses on three aspects: working principles; humidity sensing and power generation performances; self-powered humidity detection system.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14975-14985
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA06283J
Deciphering interfacial charge transfer mechanisms in electrochemical energy systems through impedance spectroscopy
Employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a non-destructive analytical tool for elucidating the interfacial charge transfer in electrochemical energy conversion/storage systems.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14334-14353
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00537F
Advancing low-dimensional flexible energy devices for wearable technology
This perspective article discusses the research, issues, and prospects of flexible batteries and supercapacitors in terms of one- and two-dimensions, as well as their stretchable, bendable, and twistable properties.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 13672-13681
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02241F
Hydrogen generation from atmospheric water
Green hydrogen, produced by water splitting with renewables, faces water scarcity issues. Atmospheric moisture, a stable source, offers an alternative. This article reviews technologies and challenges of using atmospheric water for H2 production.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 12381-12396
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00848K
Insights into adsorbent materials for lithium extraction by capacitive deionization: reconceptualizing the role of materials informatics
The potential of materials informatics in designing lithium extraction materials for capacitive deionization have been discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 10676-10685
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA07069G
A perspective on the building blocks of a solid-state battery: from solid electrolytes to quantum power harvesting and storage
We present a comprehensive perspective on the fundamental components of a solid-state battery, starting from all-solid-state electrolytes and extending to quantum power harvesting and storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 690-722
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA04228F
Temperature and pressure induced structural transitions of lead iodide perovskites
Conventional lead halide perovskites, APbI3, are excellent materials for photovoltaics and other optoelectronic applications. This perspective highlights the temperature and pressure induced structural phase transitions of CsPbI3, MAPbI3 and FAPbI3.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19-37
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA05315F
Recent Trends in CO2 Electroreduction over Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Materials: A Comprehensive Review
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03502J
Advancements in thermoelectric materials: optimization strategies for enhancing energy conversion
This review summarizes key strategies for optimizing thermoelectric materials to enhance energy conversion efficiency.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03666B
Elemental Halogen Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc Batteries: Mechanism, Challenges and Strategies
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA05108D
Toward Next Generation Wearable Sensors Based on MXene Hydrogels
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04996A
Review on the synthesis on Li-rich layered oxide cathodes
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03917C
The ion effect on electrocatalytic oxidation reactions
The ion effect on anodic reactions manifests three major forms: (1) regulate the adsorption energy through non-covalent interactions, (2) regulate the mass transfer behavior, and (3) regulate the interfacial pH by controlling proton transfer.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04113E
Defects in Kesterite Materials towards High-efficiency Solar Cells: Origin, Impact, Characterization, and Engineering
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03883E
Biomass materials with special wettability: a sustainable solution for efficient oil–water separation
Multifunctional applications of biomass materials with special wettability in oil–water separation and other fields.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04039B
Recent advances in rechargeable aqueous magnesium-ion batteries
This work provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in mild aqueous Mg-ion batteries, covering their significant components such as electrolytes, cathode materials, intercalation anode materials, Mg metal anodes, and the full cell.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03970J
Shiny quantum dots: synthesis, properties, and electroluminescent light-emitting diodes
We provide an overview of recent advances in the structure, preparation, and optical properties of various quantum dots (QDs), and discuss strategies for improving electroluminescence performance in response to current challenges in QD research.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03218G
Design and application of rhodamine derivatives in redox biology: a roadmap of the last decade towards artificial intelligence
Reactive sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen species (reactive SON species) are important topics in redox biology and their recognition by rhodamine-derived probes is impactful in the bio-medical research field.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21626-21676
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02952F
Material design and application progress of flexible chemiresistive gas sensors
This review summarizes the gas sensing mechanisms, structural design and application progress of flexible chemiresistive gas sensors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21583-21604
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02855D
Translucent solar power for potential future implementations
This review focuses on recent advancements in semitransparent perovskite solar cells, including perovskite compositions, interface engineering and cutting-edge transparent electrodes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21605-21625
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03542A
Recent progress on photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products
This review examines recent research advances for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products and predicts possible future directions to further improve the selectivity of multi-carbon species.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21677-21703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03676J
Electrochemical CO2 reduction on Pd-based electrodes: from mechanism understanding to rational catalyst design
This review summarizes the progressive understanding of the mechanism of the Pd-catalyzed CO2 reduction reaction, together with recent advances in the rational design of Pd-based electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21515-21530
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02379J
Recent progress in non-lithium rechargeable batteries with micro to macro 3D engineered electrode architecture
This review article contains a comprehensive and critical discussion of non-lithium 3D printed batteries from macro to micro scale.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21553-21582
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02146K
Hybrid passive cooling: towards the next breakthrough of radiative sky cooling technology
A critical review of the regulatory mechanisms, structural design, cooling performance, and applications of hybrid cooling to advance its commercial use in passive cooling.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21490-21514
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03122A
System for water evaporation generate electricity and simultaneous water desalination :A Review
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04084H
Recent advances of ruthenium-based materials for acidic oxygen evolution reaction: from catalyst design to proton exchange membrane water electrolysers
In this review paper, we emphatically summarize the improvement strategies of Ru-based acidic OER catalysts and their application in PEMWEs. Further challenges and directions in the development of Ru-based catalysts are also speculated.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02337D
Wearable electrochemical bioelectronics for agriculture
Recent advances in wearable electrochemical bioelectronics offer promising solutions for sensitive, real-time detection of biomarkers in agriculture.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02345E
Leveraging machine learning in porous media
Evaluating the advantages and limitations of applying machine learning for prediction and optimization in porous media, with applications in energy, environment, and subsurface studies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20717-20782
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00251B
Research progress on zinc oxide-based heterojunction photocatalysts
This article reviews the different applications of ZnO-based heterojunction photocatalysts and discusses the strategies for improving their photocatalytic performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20838-20867
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03901G
Versatile metal fluorides in ion battery application
In this review, various cutting-edge metal fluorides applied as cathode materials, protective artificial interphase films, and solid electrolytes are systematically summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20783-20802
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03962A
Ceramic membrane composites for highly efficient oil–water separation: a review
This review explores the potential for ceramic membrane composites used in highly efficient oil–water separation while summarizing the characteristics of 10 common ceramic composite membranes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20803-20837
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04208E
Recent progress on MOFs and their derivative-carbon fiber composite materials for oxygen electrocatalysis
Based on the oxygen electrocatalytic mechanism, MOFs and their derivative-carbon fiber composites have shown excellent catalytic performance by optimizing the reaction regulation mechanism, which will promote the development of electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20655-20690
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03760J
Electrochemical strategies for urea synthesis via C–N coupling of integrated carbon oxide–nitrogenous molecule reduction
This work highlights the electrocatalytic C–N coupling for urea synthesis, addressing CO2 and nitrogenous molecule reduction. It tackles challenges in inert molecule activation, side reactions, mechanistic insights, and catalyst development.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20691-20716
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02891K
Flexible electrode materials for emerging electronics: materials, fabrication and applications
This paper reviews the progress of flexible electrodes in recent years, including flexible substrates, active materials, manufacturing methods, and their latest applications in flexible sensors, flexible energy storage, and medical and healthcare.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20606-20637
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01960A
Electronic delocalization engineering of bismuth-based materials for catalytic electrochemical CO2 and N2 conversion
This review focuses on the electronic delocalization engineering of Bi-based materials for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 and N2, including facet engineering, alloying, defect engineering, atomic engineering, and others.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20638-20654
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02863E
Progress and perspectives on electrocatalytic transmembrane hydrogenation
This review summarizes the developments of Pd membrane reactors to drive electrochemical hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds including gaseous reagents. It highlights the design of Pd-based catalysts and their utilization to drive hydrogenation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20527-20541
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03345K
Regulation of intermediate microenvironment for efficient C–C coupling in electrochemical CO2 reduction
This review summarizes the recent progress in the regulation of local reaction intermediates and protons near active sites and discusses how their microenvironment affects the C–C coupling efficiency in the electrocatalytic CO2RR.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20507-20526
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02224F
Metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction: insights from molecular engineering
Molecular engineering of MOF-based electrocatalysts for the CO2RR, computational simulations, and advanced characterization studies are discussed and summarized to illustrate the correlation between their structure and performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20578-20605
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01330A
Nanoscale halide perovskites for photocatalytic CO2 reduction: product selectivity, strategies implemented, and charge-carrier separation
This review summarizes recent advances and provides a comprehensive discussion on nanoscale halide perovskites (NHPs) CO2 photocatalysis, including product selectivity, retrofitting strategies, and charge transport mechanism characterization.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20542-20577
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02446J
Online acoustic emission sensing of rechargeable batteries: technology, status, and prospects
This Review summarizes recent progress and discusses future perspectives in applying online acoustic emission sensing as a non-destructive method for monitoring rechargeable batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04571H
The role of copolymers towards key materials in electrochemical supercapacitors: a review
This review provides recent advances about roles of copolymers towards key materials in supercapacitors, such as electrodes, electrolytes, and binders, focusing on the effects of preparation methods, material selections, and structural design.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03682D
Carbon fibre based electrodes for structural batteries
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01008F
Exploring the dual phases of cadmium sulfide: synthesis, properties, and applications of hexagonal wurtzite and cubic zinc blende crystal structures
The distinctive properties of hexagonal and cubic CdS illuminate their electronic, optical, and structural features, with practical implications explored through their applications in various fields.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03496A
Breaking boundaries of soft photocatalysis: Overcoming limitations of carbon nitride as single-light absorber for overall water splitting
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03163F
Recent progress on electrocatalysts in ammonia electrooxidation reaction for clean hydrogen production
The state-of-the-art electrocatalyst design for improving the efficiency and selectivity of NH3 electrooxidation, contributing to the advancement of sustainable H2 production technologies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02897J
Halide perovskite for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency: basic characteristics, nanostructure engineering and applications
This review focuses on nanostructure engineering of halide perovskites from three perspectives: size morphology, composition and interfacial engineering, and then reviews its applications in five fields and also summarises stability strategies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19757-19782
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02404D
Catalyst architecture for metal–support interactions and its effects on heterogeneous reactions
Metal nanoparticles supported on various metal oxides play vital roles in numerous industrial catalytic reactions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19861-19884
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03423F
Cost-effective polymer donors with simple structure for organic solar cells
This review summarized recent advances in cost-effective polymer donors with a simple structure for organic solar cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19839-19860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03254C
Contact-electro-catalysis under natural and industrial conditions: mechanisms, strategies, and challenges
The competition between electron transfer and ion transfer at the solid–liquid interface is summarized and the performance improvement strategies of contact-electro-catalysis under natural or industrial conditions are given.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19783-19805
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02062F
CO2-tolerant perovskite cathodes for enhanced solid oxide fuel cells: advancements, challenges, and strategic perspectives
This review analyzes advancements in CO2-resistant perovskite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells, detailing CO2-poisoning mechanisms, evaluation methods, enhancement strategies, and characterization techniques for future cathode development.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19606-19626
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02455A
Sol–gel-derived nanostructured electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction: a review
This review, for the first time, provides concise insights into the synthetic methods, material characterization, and recent strategies for boosting the OER activity of various sol–gel-derived composites paving the way for subsequent research.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19720-19756
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01442A
Single-molecule fluorescence imaging of photocatalytic nanomaterials
Single-molecule fluorescence imaging offers high spatiotemporal resolution and enables quantitative, operando studies of photocatalytic nanomaterials at the single- or sub-particle level.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19627-19662
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02347A
Recent advances in upgrading CO2 to C3+ products via electrochemical and complementary engineering
This review summarizes the latest advances in material development and process design for electrochemically upgrading CO2 to value-added C3+ chemicals.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19663-19684
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03088E
Next-generation carbon molecule sieve membranes derived from polyimides and polymers of intrinsic microporosity for key energy intensive gas separations and carbon capture
The effects of pyrolysis protocols on the pore structure and gas separation performance of PI- and PIM-derived CMS membranes were systematically summarized and discussed, and the research progress in CO2 and olefin/paraffin separation was reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19806-19838
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02112F
Tailoring single-metal atom catalysts: a strategic defect engineering approach for electrochemical reduction reactions
Tailoring defect-based single-metal atom catalysts onto different supports for the CO2 reduction, NO3− reduction, oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19685-19719
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02110J
Exploring the Synergy of Magnetism and Electrocatalysis: A Comprehensive Review on Mechanism, Recent Developments and Future Perspectives
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02468K
High-entropy oxides for energy storage and conversion
The escalating demand for energy storage and catalysis devices in the realm of renewable energy applications has witnessed a rapid surge in recent years, with expectations for continued growth in the foreseeable future.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04156A
Dual-atom catalysts with microenvironment regulation for water electrolysis
Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) have emerged as highly promising and efficient catalysts for water electrolysis, primarily due to their distinct dual-atom site effects.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03382E
Latest advances in in situ and operando X-ray-based techniques for the characterisation of photoelectrocatalytic systems
The present review gives an overview of the different state-of-the-art X-ray techniques employed for the characterisation of photoelectrocatalytic systems, focusing on the possibilities of the studied techniques, cell designs and relevant results.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03068K
Metal–organic framework-derived single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic energy conversion applications
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are revolutionizing electrocatalytic energy conversion.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18921-18947
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03518F
Functional high-entropy alloys: promising catalysts for high-performance water splitting
State-of-the-art HEAs with outstanding water splitting performance is rationally designed, which provides a blueprint for the design of a next-generation platform for hydrogen regeneration.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18705-18732
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02271H
Balancing the relationship between the activity and stability of anode oxide-based electrocatalysts in acid for PEMWE electrolyzers
This review covers advancements in noble and non-noble metal oxides for acidic OER, emphasizing the evaluation of catalyst instability, and strategies to enhance IrO2, RuO2, and TM oxides.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18751-18773
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02869D
Fabrication strategies for metallic nanowire flexible transparent electrodes with high uniformity
Recent strategies for improving the uniformity of metallic nanowire-based flexible transparent electrodes for application in highly reliable flexible devices are reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18815-18831
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03027C
Recent advances in scanning electrochemical microscopy for probing the sites in electrocatalysts
In this review, we summarized the application methods of SECM in electrochemical reactions and also discussed the challenges and prospects of SECM in characterizing the activity of electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18733-18750
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01292E
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.