Themed collection Energy & Environmental Science Recent HOT Articles


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
Realizing the compatibility of a Li metal anode in an all-solid-state Li−S battery by chemical iodine–vapor deposition
A unique interwoven structured nano-LiI layer with excellent toughness and mechanical strength and satisfactory ionic conductivity and high interface stability was fabricated through a smart chemical iodine–vapor deposition method.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 3236-3245
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE01358D
Structure-controlled graphene electrocatalysts for high-performance H2O2 production
A structure-mechanism-performance relationship of metal-free carbon catalysts for outstanding H2O2 production activity and selectivity in alkaline media.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 2858-2866
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00548D
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.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 1597-1609
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE03565K
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.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 610-618
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE03297J
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.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 687-697
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE03528F
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.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 673-686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE03527H
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.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 473-483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE03395J

Solar-driven H2O2 production via cooperative auto- and photocatalytic oxidation in fine-tuned reaction media
A fine-tuned organic working solution that synergistically combines auto- and photocatalysis achieves one of the highest solar-to-chemical conversion efficiencies of up to 1.1% to coproduce H2O2 and aldehyde under simulated sunlight.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 5082-5092
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE02504C

Design of semitransparent tantalum nitride photoanode for efficient and durable solar water splitting
A semitransparent Ta3N5 photoanode is designed for efficient and durable solar water splitting. The Ta3N5-CuInSe2 tandem device exhibits an initial and stabilized solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of ∼9% (highest for metal oxides/nitrides) and 4%, respectively.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 4761-4775
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE02090D
Unveiling solvation structure and desolvation dynamics of hybrid electrolytes for ultralong cyclability and facile kinetics of Zn–Al alloy anodes
Weak Al3+–solvent interactions and facile desolvation for ultralong stability of Zn–Al alloy anodes.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 4572-4583
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE02453E
Deep defect passivation and shallow vacancy repair via an ionic silicone polymer toward highly stable inverted perovskite solar cells
A novel ionic silicone polymer is introduced in perovskites to achieve stable inverted perovskite solar cells with high efficiency by deep defect passivation and shallow vacancy repair simultaneously.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 4414-4424
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE02227C

Enhanced promotion of Ru-based ammonia catalysts by in situ dosing of Cs
In situ dosing of metallic Cs on Ru surface results in a higher Cs coverage (compared to conventional ex situ promotion techniques) which enhances the catalytic performance of Ru for ammonia synthesis.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 3310-3320
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00591C

Unravelling the potential of sustainable aviation fuels to decarbonise the aviation sector
Sustainable aviation fuels can cut emissions of the aviation sector. Using a holistic approach to transform solar energy into fuels, we discuss the scale of resources consumed, technology deployed, and regional drivers for their network development.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 3291-3309
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03437E
Critical role of acceptor dopants in designing highly stable and compatible proton-conducting electrolytes for reversible solid oxide cells
BaHf0.1Ce0.7Yb0.2O3−δ proton-conducting electrolyte exhibits high conductivity, excellent ionic transference number, remarkable chemical stability, and great compatibility with NiO, as confirmed by experimental and computational results.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 2992-3003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE01104B

Identifying structure–absorption relationships and predicting absorption strength of non-fullerene acceptors for organic photovoltaics
We combine experiments with density functional theory calculations, statistical analysis, and machine-learning to reveal the structure–absorption strength relationship and predict the absorption strength of organic non-fullerene acceptors.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 2958-2973
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00887D

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., 2022,15, 2591-2600
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03503G
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., 2022,15, 2638-2652
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00396A
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., 2022,15, 2479-2488
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00740A
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., 2022,15, 2537-2544
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE00595F
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
About this collection
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.