Themed collection Energy & Environmental Science Recent HOT Articles


The relative insignificance of advanced materials in enhancing the energy efficiency of desalination technologies
We reveal the insignificance of advanced materials in further enhancing the energy efficiency of desalination and suggest more impactful approaches.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1694-1710
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00341G
Transforming the carbon economy: challenges and opportunities in the convergence of low-cost electricity and reductive CO2 utilization
Renewable electricity can be leveraged to produce fuels and chemicals from CO2, offering sustainable routes to reduce the carbon intensity of our energy and products-driven economy.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 472-494
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02410G
Crystallization kinetics modulation and defect suppression of all-inorganic CsPbX3 perovskite films
The recent research progress in film quality optimization strategies and the investigations of the film formation mechanism in all-inorganic CsPbX3 perovskite solar cells are systematically reviewed.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 413-438
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03192A

Design considerations for multi-terawatt scale manufacturing of existing and future photovoltaic technologies: challenges and opportunities related to silver, indium and bismuth consumption
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry heading towards the multi-TW scale, PV technologies need to be carefully evaluated based on material consumption rather than just efficiency or cost to ensure sustainable growth of the industry.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 5587-5610
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01814K
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
Molecular design of a non-fullerene acceptor enables a P3HT-based organic solar cell with 9.46% efficiency
A record PCE of ∼9.5% is achieved for a P3HT-based non-fullerene OSC with enhanced VOC and optimized phase separation morphology by modifying the end groups of the NFA, ZY-4Cl.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2864-2869
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01763A
Discovery of main group single Sb–N4 active sites for CO2 electroreduction to formate with high efficiency
We discover that an Sb single atom material consisting of Sb–N4 moieties anchored on N-doped carbon nanosheets can serve as a CO2RR catalyst to produce formate with high efficiency.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2856-2863
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01486A

Promoted oxygen reduction kinetics on nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbon by engineering proton-feeding centers
We demonstrate the important role of the water dissociation process in proton-feeding and enhancing ORR kinetics under an alkaline environment.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2849-2855
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01613F
Electrical decoupling of microbial electrochemical reactions enables spontaneous H2 evolution
The uphill reaction of H2 evolution was made possible by harvesting wastewater energy using electrical circuiting.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 495-502
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02571E
Identification of non-traditional coordination environments for iron ions in nickel hydroxide lattices
Iron ions are observed in a previously unobserved coordination environment in iron–nickel oxyhydroxide. Complementary characterization techniques suggest the environment sits atop the two-dimensional Ni(OH)2 sheets.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00396A

Kinetic square scheme in oxygen-redox battery electrodes
Kinetic formation of the peroxo-like O22− dimer is identified as the origin of a voltage hysteresis in oxygen-redox battery electrodes.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03503G
Manipulating the D:A interfacial energetics and intermolecular packing for 19.2% efficiency organic photovoltaics
A novel electron acceptor, BTP-H2, demonstrates a high efficiency of 18.5% with a high Voc of 0.932 V. It also enables the ternary device to yield an efficiency of 19.2%, ranking the highest among single-junction organic photovoltaics.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00595F
In situ and ex situ investigations on ternary strategy and co-solvent effects towards high-efficiency organic solar cells
High efficiencies for organic solar cells are achieved. Two different morphology change paths are revealed with both in situ and ex situ measurements.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00740A
Water as a hole-predatory instrument to create metal nanoparticles on triple-conducting oxides
Schematics of water-mediated ex-solution and accordingly nano-engineered protonic ceramic fuel cell furnished with the water-mediated ex-solution on a cathode and H2 ex-solution on an anode.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 1097-1105
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03046A
Non-fullerene acceptors with direct and indirect hexa-fluorination afford >17% efficiency in polymer solar cells
The rational molecular design of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) in organic solar cells (OSCs) can profoundly influence the photovoltaic (OPV) performance.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 645-659
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03225A
Phase reconfiguration of multivalent nickel sulfides in hydrogen evolution
We report a universal phase reconfiguration phenomenon and a doping strategy to enhance the activity of multivalent nickel sulfides in hydrogen evolution. Based on these, a life-time dynamic structure-activity correlation has been established.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 633-644
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE02985A
A CO2 utilization framework for liquid fuels and chemical production: techno-economic and environmental analysis
We analyzed the techno-economic and environmental performance of a wide-range of CO2-to-fuel pathways and the critical role of hydrogen in CO2 utilization framework.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 169-184
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01444G

Future greenhouse gas emissions from metal production: gaps and opportunities towards climate goals
The projected GHG emissions cannot reach the climate goal under any SSP. Further efforts on lowering per capita in-use metal stocks and GHG emission intensity of metal production and promoting recycling are the key to achieve the climate goal.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 146-157
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE02165F
Tissue-derived carbon microbelt paper: a high-initial-coulombic-efficiency and low-discharge-platform K+-storage anode for 4.5 V hybrid capacitors
Sanitary tissue is utilized as the precursor to construct a hard carbon microbelt paper (HCMB), which can be employed as a high-initial-coulombic-efficiency and low-discharge-platform K+-storage anode for 4.5 V hybrid capacitors.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 158-168
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03214C
17% efficiency all-small-molecule organic solar cells enabled by nanoscale phase separation with a hierarchical branched structure
By constructing a ternary cell with a B1:BO-2Cl:BO-4Cl donor:acceptors combination, an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.0% (certified to be 16.9%) has been realized for all-small-molecule organic solar cells (ASM-OSCs).
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 5903-5910
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE02124A
Lanthanide electronic perturbation in Pt–Ln (La, Ce, Pr and Nd) alloys for enhanced methanol oxidation reaction activity
A series of PtLn alloys have been synthesized to act as efficient electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reactions, where the electronic perturbations of lanthanide guarantee high electroactivity and long-term durability.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 5911-5918
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE02433G
Sustainable off-grid desalination of hypersaline waters using Janus wood evaporators
A sustainable Janus wood evaporator with asymmetric surface wettability shows persistent salt-resistance for off-grid hypersaline waters desalination.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 5347-5357
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01505B
Formamidine disulfide oxidant as a localised electron scavenger for >20% perovskite solar cell modules
A large FAS2+ ion in FAPbI3 scavenges localized electrons in defects, leading to perovskite solar cell module with remarkable performance values of 18.76% (25.74 cm2) and 15.87% (65.22 cm2), respectively.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 4903-4914
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01440D
Clarification of mechanisms of protonic photovoltaic action initiated by photoexcitation of strong photoacids covalently bound to hydrated Nafion cation-exchange membranes wetted by aqueous electrolytes
Junctions formed from materials that contain mobile charged species and fixed counterions can assist in photo-induced charge separation and lead to photovoltaic action, irrespective of whether the mobile charges are electronic or protonic.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 4961-4978
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00482D

Concentrated dual-cation electrolyte strategy for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
A dual-cation concentrated electrolyte has been developed to enable a stable Zn anode and a vanadium-oxide-based cathode for efficient aqueous Zn-ion batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 4463-4473
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01472B
Machine learning analysis and prediction models of alkaline anion exchange membranes for fuel cells
The artificial intelligence – aided analysis and prediction the performance of alkaline anion exchange membranes for fuel cells are reported.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 3965-3975
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01170G
Rational compatibility in a ternary matrix enables all-small-molecule organic solar cells with over 16% efficiency
The ternary all-small-molecule organic solar cells deliver a top-ranked power conversion efficiency of 16.28%, benefiting from the rational compatibility in the B1:BO-4Cl:Y7 matrix.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 3945-3953
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00496D
Machine learning-assisted development of organic photovoltaics via high-throughput in situ formulation
A new research method based on process innovation combined with digital technologies is pioneered for printed electronics.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 3438-3446
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00641J

Assessment of carbon dioxide removal potential via BECCS in a carbon-neutral Europe
The European technical potential for biogenic carbon dioxide removal is assessed considering seven different BECCS configurations that do not require purpose-grown bio-energy plantations.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 3086-3097
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00642H
Stretchable supercapacitor at −30 °C
A stretchable supercapacitor at −30 °C was developed for the first time by in situ growth of polyaniline onto the newly-designed anti-freezing organohydrogel polyelectrolyte.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 3075-3085
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE04066E
Optimizing accuracy and efficacy in data-driven materials discovery for the solar production of hydrogen
We develop and demonstrate a comprehensive data-driven screening protocol with co-validation between experiment and theory to maximize the success rate of materials discovery for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 2335-2348
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02984J

Towards controlling the reversibility of anionic redox in transition metal oxides for high-energy Li-ion positive electrodes
Transition metal d-states and oxygen p-states overlap and oxygen lattice integrity dictates the oxygen redox reversibility in metal substituted Li2RuO3 positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 2322-2334
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03765F
A universal method for constructing high efficiency organic solar cells with stacked structures
Quantitative relationship between the protective factor (δ) and PCE of stacked structures of OSC with a record PCE of 17.52% is proposed to understand the mechanism and provide a guideline for solvent choices of eco-friendly solvent protection method.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 2314-2321
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03490H
Increased residual lithium compounds guided design for green recycling of spent lithium-ion cathodes
Based on the increased residual lithium compounds of the degraded cathode, a green water-based strategy is designed for achieving closed-loop recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 1461-1468
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03914D
High-performance ammonia oxidation catalysts for anion-exchange membrane direct ammonia fuel cells
Low-temperature direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs) can use carbon-neutral ammonia as a fuel, which has attracted increasing attention recently due to ammonia's low source-to-tank energy cost, easy transport and storage, and wide availability.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 1449-1460
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03351K
Polyeutectic-based stable and effective electrolytes for high-performance energy storage systems
Polyeutectic electrolyte, as a new class of electrolytes, was proposed for various high-energy storage systems.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 931-939
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03100C

Post-combustion emissions control in aero-gas turbine engines
Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from aircraft cause air quality degradation and climate change. Use of ultra-low sulfur fuel along with post-combustion emissions control results in a net benefit of 304 USD per metric tonne of jet fuel burned.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 916-930
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02362K
Activating the I0/I+ redox couple in an aqueous I2–Zn battery to achieve a high voltage plateau
An inter-halogen strategy is proposed to activate and stabilize the unrealized I0/I+ redox in aqueous Zn ion batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 407-413
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03086D
Lithium-activated SnS–graphene alternating nanolayers enable dendrite-free cycling of thin sodium metal anodes in carbonate electrolyte
Lithium activated SnS–graphene nanocomposite membrane is employed as an artificial Li-based SEI layer, allowing cyclability of record-thin 100 μm Na metal foils.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 382-395
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02423F
Thermodynamic origin of dendrite growth in metal anode batteries
The whiskers/dendrites-growth phenomenon observed on metal anode-surfaces in batteries is shown to have a thermodynamic origin taking its root from negative surface tensions associated with a symmetry breaking of the crystal shape.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 5186-5197
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02665D
Effect of the chlorine substitution position of the end-group on intermolecular interactions and photovoltaic performance of small molecule acceptors
Differences in the intermolecular interactions of small molecule acceptors with different chlorine substitution positions affect their molecular packing and photovoltaic properties.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 5028-5038
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02251A
Microkinetic model for pH- and potential-dependent oxygen evolution during water splitting on Fe-doped β-NiOOH
Understanding and predicting the effect of reactor operating conditions on electrochemical water splitting is essential to optimize sustainable hydrogen production using excess renewable electricity and to adapt it for commercial use.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4962-4976
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02292F
Two compatible polymer donors contribute synergistically for ternary organic solar cells with 17.53% efficiency
The optimized ternary organic solar cells achieve a PCE of 17.53% by synergizing two well-matched polymer donors.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 5039-5047
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02516J
Time-resolved observation of C–C coupling intermediates on Cu electrodes for selective electrochemical CO2 reduction
In real-time measurements, CO dimerization occurred concurrently with CO adsorption (∼5 s), while proton-coupled reduction toward *CHO has slower kinetics (∼30 s).
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4301-4311
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01690J

Synchrotron X-ray quantitative evaluation of transient deformation and damage phenomena in a single nickel-rich cathode particle
Operando synchrotron XRD and in situ ptycho-tomography of single NMC811 particle revealed the correlation between lattice strain and degradation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 3556-3566
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02290J
Concentration polarization and metal dendrite initiation in isolated electrolyte microchannels
Combined experimental and theoretical investigations show that deviations of Sand's time scaling exponent reveal the geometry of the ionic conduction pathway.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 3504-3513
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01874K

Superior energy density through tailored dopant strategies in multilayer ceramic capacitors
Tailored dopant strategies are proposed to optimise the energy density of BiFeO3–SrTiO3, which can be adapted for other high polarisability oxide-based systems.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2938-2948
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02104K
Fabrication of layered double hydroxide microcapsules mediated by cerium doping in metal–organic frameworks for boosting water splitting
A one-step synthesis has been developed to fabricate layered double hydroxide microcapsules via a Ce-doping strategy in metal–organic frameworks.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2949-2956
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02113J
A binder-free high silicon content flexible anode for Li-ion batteries
A high performance, binder-free flexible silicon electrode with high Si content up to 92% is developed for lithium ion batteries with a novel cellulose-based topological microscroll structure.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 848-858
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02615K
Oxygen-tolerant electroproduction of C2 products from simulated flue gas
A hydrated ionomer catalyst support layer, capable of slowing oxygen transport, enables the generation of multi-carbon products from pressurized, oxygen-containing, dilute carbon dioxide feedstocks.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 554-561
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03077H
Magnetism-induced huge enhancement of the room-temperature thermoelectric and cooling performance of p-type BiSbTe alloys
Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles remarkably enhance the room-temperature thermoelectric and cooling performance of BiSbTe alloys.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 535-544
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03446C
Mutually-dependent kinetics and energetics of photocatalyst/co-catalyst/two-redox liquid junctions
We elucidate the multi-redox charge-transfer kinetics across a photocatalyst/(co-catalyst)/water interface and reveal the dynamic interplay between local energetics and kinetics.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 162-173
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE02910A
The large piezoelectricity and high power density of a 3D-printed multilayer copolymer in a rugby ball-structured mechanical energy harvester
A 3D-printed multilayer copolymer rugby ball-structured energy harvester is prepared, and a high peak output power of 16.4 mW cm−2 is obtained.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 152-161
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE01785B
About this collection
Welcome to our online rolling collection of the hottest work published in Energy and Environmental Science. Here we feature all 2020 Energy and Environmental Science articles highlighted as HOT by the handling editor or our referees. Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured.