Themed collection 2023 Journal of Materials Chemistry A Most Popular Articles
![](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/Ajax-GA-Loader.gif)
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Advances in harvesting water and energy from ubiquitous atmospheric moisture
Sorbent-assisted AWH and moisture-enabled energy generation are reviewed in parallel to reveal the correlation between these two technologies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 12456-12481
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09552A
Versatile carbon superstructures for energy storage
The design strategies and underlying mechanisms of versatile carbon superstructures for energy storage are reviewed. Current challenges and development roadmaps are proposed to spur the further exploration of carbon superstructures.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 12434-12455
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09258A
CdS based 3D nano/micro-architectures: formation mechanism, tailoring of visible light activities and emerging applications in photocatalytic H2 production, CO2 reduction and organic pollutant degradation
CdS-based 3D nano/micro-architectures, their formation mechanism and tailoring of properties for visible light induced photocatalytic activities in energy and environmental applications are presented.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 10015-10064
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA00396E
Novel palladium-based nanomaterials for multifunctional ORR/OER/HER electrocatalysis
This review covers recent advances in novel palladium-based nanomaterials for multifunctional ORR/OER/HER electrocatalysis. Challenges are critically evaluated and strategies to solve current problems are summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 9383-9400
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA01059G
Recent advances in modified commercial separators for lithium–sulfur batteries
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are one of the most promising next-generation batteries because they have higher theoretical capacities, lower cost, and smaller environmental impact than lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 7833-7866
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09266B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Adsorption-based capture of iodine and organic iodides: status and challenges
This review discusses the current status and challenges in the development of novel iodine capture adsorbents, focusing on adsorption mechanisms and evaluation methods.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 5460-5475
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09448G
Manganese-based oxide electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction: a review
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as an essential process in water decomposition and air batteries, has received increasing attention in the context of clean energy production and efficient energy storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 5476-5494
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09039B
Visibly transparent supercapacitors
Transparent supercapacitors hold great promise for futuristic electronics. This review discusses about the choice of electrode materials for achieving desirable transparency in supercapacitors without sacrificing the energy storage capacity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 4907-4936
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07836H
Recent advances in Ru-based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
Recently reported ruthenium (Ru)-based catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) falling in the Ru metal and Ru compound subclasses are summarized with special emphasis being given to a discussion of activity/stability-enhancing strategies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 1634-1650
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07196G
3D fibrous aerogels from 1D polymer nanofibers for energy and environmental applications
Aerogels are highly porous structures produced by replacing the liquid solvent of a gel with air without causing the collapse of the solid network.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 512-547
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA05984C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Unravelling the CO2 capture and conversion mechanism of a NiRu–Na2O switchable dual-function material in various CO2 utilisation reactions
The mechanism of a NiRuNa/CeAl dual function material in successive cycles of CO2 capture and conversion was investigated. Carbonyls and carbonates were formed during CO2 capture, and a spillover mechanism occurred to form the desired products.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 13209-13216
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA01892J
High-areal-capacity anode-free all-solid-state lithium batteries enabled by interconnected carbon-reinforced ionic-electronic composites
A three-dimensional carbon-reinforced ionic-electronic composite (CRIEC) boosts the cycling areal capacities of working anode-free all-solid-state lithium batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 12713-12718
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA00121K
High-efficiency overall alkaline seawater splitting: using a nickel–iron sulfide nanosheet array as a bifunctional electrocatalyst
NiFeS nanosheet array on Ni foam (NiFeS/NF) behaves as a superb bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall seawater splitting, attaining a commercially demanded current density of 500 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.85 V with robust stability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 1116-1122
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA08568B
Intrinsically robust cubic MnCoOx solid solution: achieving high activity for sustainable acidic water oxidation
The MnCoOx solid solution catalysts show excellent catalytic efficiency and stability in the acidic OER. The investigation and DFT studies highlight the essential role of Co3+ and Mn4+ cations and oxygen vacancies in the OER mechanism.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 25345-25355
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA05233H
Spin-dependent active centers in Fe–N–C oxygen reduction catalysts revealed by constant-potential density functional theory
Using consistent-potential DFT calculations, two stable spin states of Fe(II)N4C10 are identified at ORR-relevant potentials. They exhibit dissimilar behavior for the adsorption of ORR intermediates and distinct ORR activity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 19360-19373
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA03271J
Porous bipolar polymers as organic cathodes for sustainable sodium/potassium-ion batteries
Bipolar porous polymers bearing carbonyl and amine groups were designed and synthesized as cathode materials in Na-ion and K-ion batteries, demonstrating great promise for high-performance and sustainable batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 16636-16647
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA02445H
Flexible covalent organic framework membranes with linear aliphatic amines for enhanced organic solvent nanofiltration
COF membranes were synthesized using aliphatic diamines with tunable pore size for precise separation, solvent permeance, and fouling resistance. These membranes showed good operational stability and potential for various filtration applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 16321-16333
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA02683C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Understanding dehydration of Prussian white: from material to aqueous processed composite electrodes for sodium-ion battery application
Understanding dehydration of Prussian white systems to enable processability of water-based electrodes for sustainable and high capacity sodium-ion batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 15778-15791
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA02570E
Dynamic compensation of MnOOH to mitigate the irregular dissolution of MnO2 in rechargeable aqueous Zn/MnO2 batteries
Ce(SO4)2 was introduced as an electrolyte additive for aqueous zinc batteries. The MnOOH generated in situ in the electrolyte was deposited on MnO2 cathodes and compensated for the influence of disproportionation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 15211-15218
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA02202A
Unprecedented urea oxidation on Zn@Ni-MOF with an ultra-high current density: understanding the competition between UOR and OER, catalytic activity limitation and reaction selectivity
Zn-doping populates the catalytically active Ni3+-OOH sites, and subsequently prevents the detrimental competition between the UOR and OER. Consequently, Zn@Ni-MOF demonstrates an outstanding ultra-high UOR current density.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 14870-14877
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA01962D
Selective conversion of CO2 to CH4 enhanced by WO3/In2O3 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with efficient CO2 activation
Novel WO3/In2O3 S-scheme heterojunctions unveiled enhanced CO2 photoreduction performance with ∼53.7% CH4 selectivity, attributing to unique S-scheme charge separation and efficient CO2 activation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 14860-14869
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA02951D
Synergetic effect of TiO2/ZnO bilayer photoanodes realizing exceptionally high VOC for dye-sensitized solar cells under outdoor and indoor illumination
Leveraging indoor photovoltaics for battery-free, self-powered IoT applications using engineered dye-sensitized light harvesters with record VOC of 1.27 V, as a sustainable solution to mitigate the carbon footprint caused by discarded and depleted batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 14748-14759
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA02698A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Cation disorder dominates the defect chemistry of high-voltage LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (LMNO) spinel cathodes
Using first-principles calculations, a comprehensive intrinsic defect study on high-voltage spinel LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (LMNO) cathode shows that the defect chemistry of this material is dominated by cation antisites and their complexes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 13353-13370
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA00532A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Increasing the limits of energy and safety in tetrazoles: dioximes as unusual precursors to very thermostable and insensitive energetic materials
Unusual thermostable and insensitive high-energy compounds which contain dioximes with donor–acceptor H-bond sites, were synthesized from glyoxal (40% in water) in straightforward steps.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 12896-12901
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09324C
S-doped C3N5 derived from thiadiazole for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Novel structured thiadiazole-attached carbon nitrides are first synthesized via sintering 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol, demonstrating excellent performances towards photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 12837-12845
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA00318C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Enhancing charge extraction in inverted perovskite solar cells contacts via ultrathin graphene:fullerene composite interlayers
Improving the perovskite/electron-transporting layer (ETL) interface is a crucial task to boost the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 12866-12875
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07512A
Organic ligand-facilitated in situ exsolution of CoFe alloys over Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ perovskite toward enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn-air batteries
Organic ligand facilitated in situ exsolution of CoFe alloys over Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 perovskite toward enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn-air batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 12856-12865
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07104E
Regulating zinc deposition behaviors by using a functional PANI modification layer on a separator for high performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries
GF/PANI separators were prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline monomers on GF. A PANI layer homogenizes the electric field distribution and induces the uniform deposition of zinc, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 11254-11263
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA01344H
An ultrathin 2D NiCo-LDH nanosheet decorated NH2-UiO-66 MOF-nanocomposite with exceptional chemical stability for electrocatalytic water splitting
Utilization of bifunctional high-efficiency non-precious electrocatalysts for stable and effective water splitting is crucial to the growth of the clean energy industry.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 10309-10318
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA00836C
Outstanding visible light photocatalysis using nano-TiO2 hybrids with nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots and/or reduced graphene oxide
A rapid synthesis of TiO2 hybrids with significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity is reported. Using state-of-the-art techniques including sophisticated DFT calculations, we report insight into the charge transfer and modulation of the energy band edges.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 9791-9806
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09586F
Fusing a machine learning strategy with density functional theory to hasten the discovery of 2D MXene-based catalysts for hydrogen generation
We establish a robust and broadly applicable multistep workflow using machine learning algorithms to construct well-trained data-driven models for predicting the hydrogen evolution reaction activity of 4500 MM′XT2-type MXenes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 8091-8100
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA00344B
A highly permeable porous organic cage composite membrane for gas separation
We proposed a facile porous organic cage (POC) composite membrane fabricated with the RCC3 cage crosslinked by terephthaloyl chloride for CO2/N2 and CH4/N2 separation. The amine-rich subnanochannel provided by RCC3 promoted the rapid penetration of CO2.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 6831-6841
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09632C
Fe, Cu dual-metal single atom catalyst on commercial carbon black for efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Fe, Cu dual metal single atom catalyst on commercial carbon black exhibited excellent oxygen reduction reaction performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 6191-6197
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09922E
Cationic vacancies and interface engineering on crystalline–amorphous gamma-phase Ni–Co oxyhydroxides achieve ultrahigh mass/areal/volumetric energy density flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor
Novel gamma-phase Ni–Co oxyhydroxides nanoplate networks with cationic vacancy defects and crystalline–amorphous interfaces achieve ultrahigh mass/areal/volumetric energy-density flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 5754-5765
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09035J
Studying the droplet sliding velocity and charge transfer at a liquid–solid interface
The relationship between the sliding speed, concentration of moving droplet and transferred charge at a liquid–solid interface, is probed using a droplet triboelectric nanogenerator.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 5696-5702
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09797D
Ti3C2Tx MXene embedded metal–organic framework-based porous electrospun carbon nanofibers as a freestanding electrode for supercapacitors
Ti3C2Tx MXene-integrated porous carbon nanofiber freestanding/flexible electrodes are engineered and the optimized MX-5@PCNF is used for the fabrication of flexible symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitor devices with high energy density.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 5001-5014
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09726E
Extremely high-efficiency solar steam generation, robust and scalable photothermal evaporator based on ZIF-67@MXene/rGO decorated rock wool
For the first-time, recycled RW waste is decorated with a ZIF-67, MXene and reduced graphene oxide as the photothermal evaporator. Solar-thermal conversion efficiency of 153.7% was achieved under 1 sun illumination.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 5296-5308
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09778H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Dramatic acceleration by visible light and mechanism of AuPd@ZIF-8-catalyzed ammonia borane methanolysis for efficient hydrogen production
The novel nanomaterials AuxPdy@ZIF-8 catalyze H2-producing ammonia borane methanolysis; the reaction is considerably boosted by visible-light irradiation and ZIF-8 surpassing other supports. KIE studies and DFT calculations delineate the mechanism.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 5245-5256
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA08396E
Lithium–sulfur cells with a sulfide solid electrolyte/polysulfide cathode interface
A lithium/sulfide/polysulfide cell design with a solid-state sulfide electrolyte and a polysulfide cathode shows a liquid–solid interface with a fast charge-transfer path, high polysulfide retention, and smooth lithium-ion diffusion.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 4519-4526
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07806F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Demonstrating the source of inherent instability in NiFe LDH-based OER electrocatalysts
During their lifetime, the electrocatalytically active NiFe LDH platelets show impressive, but unstable water-splitting capabilities due largely to compositional degradation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 4067-4077
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07261K
In situ construction of graphdiyne based heterojunctions by a deprotection-free approach for photocatalytic hydrogen generation
A facile deprotection-free method to in situ grow GDY on a C3N4 surface is developed. This straightforward strategy enables the formation of an integral GDY@C3N4 heterojunction, leading to an enhanced photocatalytic activity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 3380-3387
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09918G
Wearable energy storage with MXene textile supercapacitors for real world use
We demonstrate a Ti3C2Tx MXene coated textile supercapacitor configured as five cells stacked in series with a high operating potential range of 6 V, capable of real time operation of a wireless sensor for over 90 minutes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 3514-3523
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA08995E
Red emissive carbon dots as a fluorescent sensor for fast specific monitoring and imaging of polarity in living cells
This work presents red emissive CDs as a promising fluorescent sensor with excellent photostability, high fluorescence quantum yield, and negligible cytotoxicity for real-time sensing and visualizing polarity changes in mitochondria and lysosomes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 2679-2689
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09462B
Few-layer MoS2 nanosheets with and without silicon nanoparticles as anodes for lithium-ion batteries
NaCl crystals are employed as a substrate to grow MoS2 nanosheets. On dissolving NaCl, the nanosheets are introduced to silicon nanoparticles using layer-by-layer assembly forming robust MoS2@Si anodes for lithium-ion batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 2670-2678
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA08886J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Effects of the diphenyl ether additive in halogen-free processed non-fullerene acceptor organic solar cells
Using diphenyl ether as additive in an environmentally friendly fabrication process for non-fullerene acceptor organic solar cells, the nanostructure of the active layer can be fine-tuned to improve efficiency and stability of the devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 2419-2430
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA08603D
Photothermal-coupled solar photocatalytic CO2 reduction with high efficiency and selectivity on a MoO3−x@ZnIn2S4 core–shell S-scheme heterojunction
An S-scheme heterojunction of core–shell MoO3−x@ZnIn2S4 is first constructed for photothermal-coupled solar photocatalytic CO2 reduction with high efficiency and selectivity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 2178-2190
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09255G
Effects of hydrophobic side chains in poly(fluorenyl-co-aryl piperidinium) ionomers for durable anion exchange membrane fuel cells
Hydrophobic side chain grafted poly(fluorenyl-co-aryl piperidinium) ionomers simultaneously possess outstanding peak power density of 2.6 W cm−2 at 80 °C along with durable in situ stability of 0.4 mV h−1 voltage decay rate under 0.6 A cm−2 at 70 °C.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 2031-2041
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA08726J
Synthesis of platinum nanoparticles on strontium titanate nanocuboids via surface organometallic grafting for the catalytic hydrogenolysis of plastic waste
Pt/SrTiO3 nanoparticle catalysts have been synthesized by surface organometallic chemistry in solution on a 5 g scale. Pt/SrTiO3 selectively and repeatedly upcycles isotactic polypropylene into uniform liquid products with Mn ∼ 200 Da.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 1216-1231
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA08133D
Rational design of a phenothiazine-based donor–acceptor covalent organic framework for enhanced photocatalytic oxidative coupling of amines and cyclization of thioamides
A PTZ-based D–A COF with low exciton binding energy and high charge separation efficiency exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic performance in oxidative amine coupling and cyclization of thioamide reactions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 1208-1215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA07177K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts from biomass and waste polysaccharides for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates
A four-step method was applied to biomass and waste polysaccharides, obtaining char-based bifunctional catalysts active in CO2 conversion into cyclic carbonates.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 775-788
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA05906A
About this collection
This web collection features the top 50 most cited, most downloaded or most shared articles and reviews published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A in 2023.
Congratulations to all of the authors whose publications have been featured!