Themed collection 2017 Energy and Environmental Science HOT articles
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The bridge between the materials and devices of thermoelectric power generators
Beyond ZT, (ZT)eng was used as a direct indicator for thermoelectric performance to achieve a balance between material tuning and device reliability.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 69-85
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02488B
Graphdiyne for crucial gas involved catalytic reactions in energy conversion applications
This review summarizes the recent progress of GDY based catalysts for key gas involved reactions in energy conversion.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1326-1346
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03558C
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Impact of H2O on organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells
The impact of water on the lifecycle of PSCs and the underlying mechanisms in perovskites and PSCs are systematically reviewed.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2284-2311
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01674C
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Potential-induced degradation in photovoltaic modules: a critical review
This paper presents a critical review on potential-induced degradation (PID) in photovoltaic modules to illustrate the current research status and potential research paths to address PID-related issues.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 43-68
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02271E
Biomimetic and bioinspired approaches for wiring enzymes to electrode interfaces
Our review focuses on biomimetic and bioinspired ideas to improve enzyme-driven bioelectrochemical systems for applications in energy, biomedical and environmental fields.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 14-42
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02801B
Prospects for bioenergy with carbon capture & storage (BECCS) in the United States pulp and paper industry
The pulp and paper industry is a suitable candidate to lead the deployment of BECCS in the US.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2243-2261
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01107J
The value of seasonal energy storage technologies for the integration of wind and solar power
Energy storage at all timescales, including the seasonal scale, plays a pivotal role in enabling increased penetration levels of wind and solar photovoltaic energy sources in power systems.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1909-1922
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00771D
Environmental analysis of perovskites and other relevant solar cell technologies in a tandem configuration
A PKSn,Pb/PKPb tandem was found to be the most promising PV technology for lowering the environmental impacts from solar PVs.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1874-1884
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01650F
A technoeconomic analysis of perovskite solar module manufacturing with low-cost materials and techniques
This technoeconomic analysis shows that perovskite solar cells can emerge as a cost leader in photovoltaic power generation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1297-1305
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE00757D
Blue energy fuels: converting ocean wave energy to carbon-based liquid fuels via CO2 reduction
Sequestering CO2 in the form of carbon-based liquid fuels would provide both a convenient and sustainable form of energy for practical use as well as mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1300-1308
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03566D
A general polymer-assisted strategy enables unexpected efficient metal-free oxygen-evolution catalysis on pure carbon nanotubes
A conceptually new and general polymer-assisted strategy was proposed to enable unexpected efficient metal-free oxygen-evolution catalysis on pure carbon nanotubes.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2312-2317
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01702B
Alternative electrochemical energy storage: potassium-based dual-graphite batteries
In this contribution, we report for the first time a novel potassium ion-based dual-graphite battery concept (K-DGB), applying graphite as the electrode material for both the anode and cathode, in combination with an ionic liquid electrolyte.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2090-2094
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01535F
Solar-driven simultaneous steam production and electricity generation from salinity
A hybrid energy utilization technology using solar energy for desalination and extracting electricity from an evaporation induced salinity gradient is presented.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1923-1927
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01804E
Phonon-glass electron-crystal behaviour by A site disorder in n-type thermoelectric oxides
Phonon-glass electron-crystal (PGEC) behaviour is realised in La0.5Na0.5Ti1–xNbxO3 thermoelectric oxides.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1917-1922
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01510K
Highly efficient halogen-free solvent processed small-molecule organic solar cells enabled by material design and device engineering
Naphtho[1,2-c:5,6-c']bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole-based small molecules have been synthesized for organic solar cells. The optimized devices processed by a halogen-free solvent of CS2 exhibited a PCE of 11.53% with a small energy loss of 0.57 eV.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1739-1745
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE00805H
Three-dimensional bilayer garnet solid electrolyte based high energy density lithium metal–sulfur batteries
A solid electrolyte framework with porous and dense layers for high-energy and safe Li-metal batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1568-1575
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01004D
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In vivo activation of an [FeFe] hydrogenase using synthetic cofactors
The [FeFe]-hydrogenase can incorporate synthetic cofactors inside living cells, allowing for artificial enzyme activation under in vivo conditions.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1563-1567
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE00135E
Efficient catalytic greenhouse gas-free hydrogen and aldehyde formation from aqueous alcohol solutions
Single-site molybdenum di-oxo catalyst generates hydrogen fuel from aqueous alcohols under mild conditions.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1558-1562
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE03739A
Impact of microstructure on the electron–hole interaction in lead halide perovskites
The authors directly show that grain size and quality have a negligible impact on the excitonic characteristics of perovskite semiconductors.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1358-1366
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE00685C
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Indirect to direct bandgap transition in methylammonium lead halide perovskite
Unusually long charge carrier lifetime in methylammonium lead halide perovskites is a result of the Rashba-split indirect bandgap. At high pressure the bandgap becomes purely direct, with shorter carrier lifetime and higher radiative efficiency.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 509-515
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE03474H
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The hydrogen dependent CO2 reductase: the first completely CO tolerant FeFe-hydrogenase
The Hydrogen Dependent Carbon dioxide Reductase (HDCR) from Acetobacterium woodii presents a promising solution to the issue of H2 storage by reversibly coupling H2 oxidation to CO2 reduction.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 503-508
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02494G
V5S8–graphite hybrid nanosheets as a high rate-capacity and stable anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Here we report chemically-exfoliated V5S8 and graphite hybrid nanosheets (ce-V5S8–C) as a novel anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 107-113
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE03173K
A new approach for recycling waste rubber products in Li–S batteries
Vulcanized rubber products contain polymer backbones crosslinked with sulfur to improve mechanical strength.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 86-90
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02770A
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Upper limit to the photovoltaic efficiency of imperfect crystals from first principles
An approach is proposed to predict the impact of point defects on solar cell performance.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1481-1491
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00291G
High thermoelectric performance of p-BiSbTe compounds prepared by ultra-fast thermally induced reaction
High performance Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric material and modules with a conversion efficiency of 5.2% under a temperature gradient of 250 K were synthesized by TIFS.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2638-2652
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02677C
Sulfide perovskites for solar energy conversion applications: computational screening and synthesis of the selected compound LaYS3
Identification and synthesis of a new large-band gap photoabsorber for tandem-architecture water splitting: LaYS3.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2579-2593
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02702H
Towards identifying the active sites on RuO2(110) in catalyzing oxygen evolution
Surface structural transitions and active sites are identified using X-ray scattering and density functional theory.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2626-2637
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02307C
Freestanding transparent metallic network based ultrathin, foldable and designable supercapacitors
A freestanding transparent metallic network electrode is designed, fabricated and integrated for ultrathin, foldable and designable supercapacitor devices.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2534-2543
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02390A
Additive engineering for high-performance room-temperature-processed perovskite absorbers with micron-size grains and microsecond-range carrier lifetimes
CH3NH3PbI3 films with micrometer grains and microsecond carrier lifetimes are prepared through additive engineering.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2365-2371
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02272G
Trackable galvanostatic history in phase separation based electrodes for lithium-ion batteries: a mosaic sub-grouping intercalation model
Here, we demonstrated for the first time the transient voltage variation occurring dependent on the history of current density induced.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2352-2364
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02138K
Universal selection rule for surfactants used in miniemulsion processes for eco-friendly and high performance polymer semiconductors
We demonstrate a universal polymer semiconductor colloid synthesis method to realize eco-friendly and high performance organic opto-electronic devices.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2324-2333
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01943B
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A triboelectric generator based on self-poled Nylon-11 nanowires fabricated by gas-flow assisted template wetting
Highly crystalline and “self-poled” δ′-phase Nylon-11 nanowires, fabricated using a novel gas-flow assisted nano-template infiltration method, exhibit enhanced triboelectric energy harvesting performance.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2180-2189
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01292F
Large n- and p-type thermoelectric power factors from doped semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube thin films
Polymer-free semiconducting carbon nanotube networks demonstrate unprecedented equivalent n- and p-type thermoelectric performance.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2168-2179
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01130J
Charge-transfer-energy-dependent oxygen evolution reaction mechanisms for perovskite oxides
This work experimentally identifies the charge-transfer energy as a key factor governing the catalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and mechanism across a wide range of perovskite chemistries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2190-2200
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02052J
Cooperative water oxidation catalysis in a series of trinuclear metallosupramolecular ruthenium macrocycles
Well-defined hydrogen-bonded water networks inside differently sized ruthenium macrocycles facilitate cooperative proton-coupled electron transfers, and accelerate the water oxidation catalysis.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2137-2153
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01557G
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Non-fluorinated pre-irradiation-grafted (peroxidated) LDPE-based anion-exchange membranes with high performance and stability
A radiation-grafted low density polyethylene-based anion-exchange membrane that is mechanically robust enough to routinely test in alkaline membrane fuel cells at 80 °C.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 2154-2167
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02053H
Predicting and optimising the energy yield of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells under real world conditions
Optical and device modelling of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells shows promising potential for real world deployment.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1983-1993
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01232B
Impact of substrate diffusion and enzyme distribution in 3D-porous electrodes: a combined electrochemical and modelling study of a thermostable H2/O2 enzymatic fuel cell
High massic catalytic currents and long-term stability are reached in a thermostable H2/O2 enzymatic fuel cell.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1966-1982
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01830D
A superhydrophilic “nanoglue” for stabilizing metal hydroxides onto carbon materials for high-energy and ultralong-life asymmetric supercapacitors
A superhydrophilic “nanoglue” strategy to tune and stabilize metal hydroxides onto carbon materials is presented for high-performance supercapacitors.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1958-1965
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01040K
Cu nanowires shelled with NiFe layered double hydroxide nanosheets as bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
3D core–shell nanostructures of few-layer NiFe LDH nanosheets grown on Cu nanowires are fabricated toward highly efficient overall water splitting.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1820-1827
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01571B
Triboelectric nanogenerators: providing a fundamental framework
A generic electromagnetic model for the working principles of triboelectric nanogenerators derived using Maxwell's equations, to a universally applicable framework.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1801-1811
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01139C
Ammonia synthesis from N2 and H2O using a lithium cycling electrification strategy at atmospheric pressure
An electrochemical, lithium-mediated looping method for efficiently producing NH3 from N2 and H2O at ambient pressure.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1621-1630
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01126A
A near-infrared non-fullerene electron acceptor for high performance polymer solar cells
Low-bandgap polymers/molecules are an interesting family of semiconductor materials, and have enabled many recent exciting breakthroughs in the field of organic electronics, especially for organic photovoltaics (OPVs).
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1610-1620
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE00844A
Energetic productivity dynamics of global super-giant oilfields
Energy return on investment (EROI) dynamics probabilistic projections of global giant oil fields.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1493-1504
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE01031A
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Compatibility issues between electrodes and electrolytes in solid-state batteries
Compatibility and stability issues in all-solid-state batteries and methods for investigation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1150-1166
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE00534B
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Solar thermochemical splitting of CO2 into separate streams of CO and O2 with high selectivity, stability, conversion, and efficiency
Solar reactor technology for splitting CO2via a 2-step thermochemical redox cycle using concentrated solar radiation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 1142-1149
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE03776C
Biomimetic electron transport via multiredox shuttles from photosystem II to a photoelectrochemical cell for solar water splitting
A CdS–PSII hybrid PEC cell for overall water splitting contains a biomimetic electron transfer pathway comprising two redox shuttles.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 765-771
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE03401B
Efficient electricity storage with a battolyser, an integrated Ni–Fe battery and electrolyser
A battolyser charges, generates hydrogen, or instantaneously discharges, enabling a remarkably durable, efficient, flexible and switchable electricity storage and conversion.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 756-764
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02923J
Junction behavior of n-Si photoanodes protected by thin Ni elucidated from dual working electrode photoelectrochemistry
Dual-working-electrode photoelectrochemical techniques are implemented to characterize semiconductor–catalyst–solution interfaces in protected n-Si photoanodes in situ for the first time.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 570-579
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE03505A
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Modelling the morphology and thermomechanical behaviour of low-bandgap conjugated polymers and bulk heterojunction films
Schematic diagram showing the information flow from molecular structure, to atomistic model, to a slice of the solid morphology under mechanical deformation and the stress–strain response.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 558-569
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE03456J
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Interpretation of inverted photocurrent transients in organic lead halide perovskite solar cells: proof of the field screening by mobile ions and determination of the space charge layer widths
Verification of the “Wiggly Band” model for perovskite solar cells by transients measured at forward bias.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 192-204
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02914K
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Self-polymerized dopamine as an organic cathode for Li- and Na-ion batteries
Redox-active, self-polymerized dopamine shows promise as organic cathode materials for Li- and Na-ion batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 205-215
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02641A
Ternary solar cells with a mixed face-on and edge-on orientation enable an unprecedented efficiency of 12.1%
A record breaking PCE of 12.1% is achieved by incorporating 25 wt% of DR3TSBDT into a PTB7-Th:PC71BM host matrix.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 258-265
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02851A
Skutterudite with graphene-modified grain-boundary complexion enhances zT enabling high-efficiency thermoelectric device
Wrapping grain boundaries with rGO enhances zT by increasing thermal boundary resistance, Rκ, with minimal effect on the electronic transport.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2017,10, 183-191
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6EE02467J
About this collection
Welcome to our online rolling collection of the hottest work published in Energy and Environmental Science. Here we feature all 2017 Energy and Environmental Science articles highlighted as HOT by the handling editor or our referees. Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured.