Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A Recent Review Articles

A closed-loop management of lead in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) during the device service life and at the end of life is highly essential that determines whether and how this technology can be commercialized.

The role of polyoxometalate (POM) based photocatalysts in the journey to couple CO₂ reduction with water oxidation in a single integrated system provides a substantial contribution in achieving the goal of making artificial photosynthesis a reality.

Ab initio molecular dynamics can be massively accelerated using equivariant neural networks applicable to predict the properties of electrolyte solutions for predictive design in materials applications.

Here we document the reduction in porosity observed in MOFs upon their glass formation, propose routes to improve this porosity, and speculate on prospective future adsorptive applications.

In this perspective, we attempt to understand the morphology of deposited Li at the atomic level and establish the relationship between the morphology of the deposited Li and reversibility of Li plating/stripping.

We highlight the status of, and propose future approaches for, rheological, electrochemical, and spectroscopic characterization of concentrated redoxmer electrolytes for energy storage, with an emphasis on nonaqueous redox flow batteries.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), sometimes also known as coordination polymers, are a very versatile group of materials consisting of metal nodes and organic linkers forming a tunable porous structure that can exist in different structural phases.

Designing and developing efficient, robust, and cost-effective photocatalysts that can support a broad scope of chemical bond formations (C–C, C–N, C–O, and C–P) is need of the hour for the emergence of next generation viable technologies.

This perspective details every single aspects of iRu drop correction in controlled-potential electrocatalysis from fundamentals to the best practices.

The recent advances in oriented MOFs as electrode materials and solution to poor conductivity as well as random orientations have been discussed.

In this perspective, five typical strategies are summarized for designing highly active electrocatalysts towards the urea oxidation reaction (UOR).

This manuscript comprehensively reviews the effect of spatial separation of charge carriers and novel strategies to achieve spatially separated active sites for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over different photocatalyst systems.

This work comprehensively introduces recent innovative work on metal-related electrocatalysts for Li–CO₂ batteries.

Computational modeling has been used to acquire knowledge of the active site structure, reaction kinetics, and stability of metal, nitrogen co-doped carbon electrocatalysts, which exhibit encouraging activity for oxygen reduction reaction.

In this review, we explain the influence and role of the multiscale hierarchy of cellulose fibers in their chemical modifications as exemplified through recent advances in the spatioselective surface chemistry of nanocelluloses.

Aerogels have been considered to be revolutionary solid-state materials due to their highly porous structure, low density, large surface area, and low thermal conductivity, which can be applied in the many modern fields of industry.

In this review, we systematically summarize the working mechanism in the cycle process of the batteries, the preparation ways, the research progress and future developments of transition metal selenides in Li–S cells.

The significance of ferroelectric and ferroelastic materials physico-chemistry is summarized and detailed for various photocatalytic reactions, followed by an outlook on future advancements.

Given that battery-powered electric vehicles and other power equipment put forward higher requirements for long recharge mileage, the development of high-performance lithium batteries (LBs) has become necessary.

Liquid metals are poised to become vital for numerous challenges in materials science. However, the sodium–potassium liquid alloy (NaK) is severely underutilized. Meanwhile, it has exceptional physical and chemical properties and deserves more attention.

Strategies for the molecular structure-controlled synthesis of sulfur polymers used in Li–S batteries are summarized, thus presenting the opportunities and challenges for the development of sulfur polymers in the future.

This review summarized the characteristics of halide perovskite nanocrystals in photocatalytic applications. Critical insights are also provided into the existing challenges and prospects for these photocatalysts in photocatalytic applications.

This paper reviews recent advances in the shaping adsorbents: alternative geometric forms, key metrics for evaluation, typical steps of main shaping techniques, etc., are discussed, which can serve as a reference for structured adsorbent design.

The current breakthroughs in designing atomically dispersed metal catalysts for the electrochemical N₂ reduction reaction are summarized from both experimental and theoretical points of view. The outstanding performances of these catalysts are emphasized.

Bifunctional carbon-based oxygen electrocatalysts in Zinc–air batteries. .

This review summarizes the recent research progress on the preparation strategy, regulation mechanism of the coordination environment, catalytic performance and dynamic evolution process of Cu–N–C single-atom catalysts.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been rapidly developed as an effective replacement or supplement for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the high natural abundance and low cost of sodium resources.

The review summarizes the progress of emerging 2D manganese-based materials as advanced electrode materials for EES.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as highly porous crystalline structures, are newly emerging materials designed with tuneable features.

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive description of redox-induced thermocells, including the mechanism, progress, and applications.

This review provides an in-depth general overview on various types of heterogeneous CO₂ reduction in aqueous phase with a detailed discussion on EC, PEC and PV-EC/PEC processes including a thorough coverage on the futuristic MEA system.

Strategies for regulating the electronic structure of transition-metal-based electrocatalysts through doping, heterostructure, oxygen vacancies, alloy, and strain engineering are investigated.

Smart materials with convertible wettability interfaces enable to sustainably treat oil spills and purify oily wastewater.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, properties, applications, current challenges, and the prospects of non-carbide MXenes, viz., carbonitride and nitride MXenes.

The paper provides an outline of the present status in lab and industry of TOPCon structure. Additionally, this review discusses the remaining hurdles and the promise with the aim of providing guidance for the development of TOPCon solar cells.

In this article, we systematically summarize MXenes as both catalysts and supports in thermal catalysis, emphasizing the termination groups, active sites, and the metal–MXene interactions.

We review the oxygen redox reaction in lithium-rich cathodes from structural perspectives. The structure–OR coupling, structural evolution, and efficient structural control strategies are introduced, followed by an outlook on future rational design.

The fundamental understanding and rational regulation of effective metal–sulfur conversion reactions in metal–sulfur batteries.

Introducing chirality into metal halide semiconductors brings spin-polarized charges and excitons, exotic chiroptical and spintronic properties, as well as application potential in optoelectronics and spintronics devices.

Several advanced characterization methods used for defect passivation were reviewed, including capacitance measurements, spectrometry and microscopy characterizations, as well as some newly applied in situ techniques.

Here we summarize the recent developments of catalysts and electrolyzers for the CO₂ reduction reaction, which have improved product selectivity and enabled the delivery of industrial-scale current densities.

The currently strategies for activating the TMDC basal planes toward hydrogen evolution reaction were summarized, which are divided into internal and external regulation, depending on whether the pristine structure is altered or not.

In this review, particular attention is focused on the atomic degradation mechanisms of Mn-based layered oxide materials induced by the Jahn–Teller effect and the manipulative strategies for structural stability are highlighted.

We highlight the defect engineering of transition metal catalysts to tailor reactive oxygen species in advanced oxidation processes in a controlled manner for sustainable environmental applications.

An overview of carbon–polymer nanocomposites for perovskite solar cells.

The review overviews the mechanism of C–H activation through electron–hole mediated pathways in photo and electrocatalysis, and introduces various strategies to increase the conversion of CH₄ as well as the selectivity to desired products.

In this review, recent electrolyte design strategies and progress are given, along with the discussion of relative key features and properties, as well as the practical design and considerations.

The unique semiconductor properties, synthetic strategies, and corresponding optoelectronic applications of quasi-2D halide perovskite crystals are summarized and discussed in this review.

The review provides the recent progress in the processing of functional devices using oriented 2D nanomaterials and highlights the alignment strategies that contributed to the enhancement of device performance.

In this review we highlight the benefits of perovskites beyond photovoltaic technology, focusing on their use as lasers, light-emitting diodes or sensors, including technologies such as gamma-ray detection or aerospace applications.

The latest advances in the synthesis and structural regulation of photothermal nanomaterials, the construction and optimization of interfacial evaporators, and the innovative design of solar-driven interfacial evaporation systems are introduced.

The two-dimensional black phosphorus can interact with metal compounds to form BP–M composites, showing tailored properties. This review summarizes BP–Ms in different applications, revealing the challenges and prospects of this composite material.

Crosslinkable organic semiconductors in optoelectronic devices have attracted extensive attention due to the outstanding advantages of strong solvent resistance and stable film morphology.

Solar-driven interface evaporation, with photothermal materials as the core component, has an excellent seawater desalination effect and potential application prospect in the field of water treatment.

Graphene oxide has been demonstrated as a promising platform for hydrovoltaic technology. A wide variety of GO-based hydrovoltaic materials with distinctly different morphological, mechanical and functional features have been created.

This review discloses the controllable ORR selectivity and activity based on the coordination environment regulation of the carbon supported atomically dispersed metal sites (C-ADMSs).

The fundamental principles of the molecular design of Y-series NFAs (A–DA′D–A) are described, together with their achievements, comprehension, and impact on the photoelectric characteristics, photovoltaic performance, and film morphology.

We herein not only provide a comprehensive overview of the most important advances in the development of MOFs as separating materials for gas separation over the last five years, but also provide an update of the current challenges in this active field.

In situ characterization, as a real-time monitoring method, is used to address various issues in Li metal anodes.The application of in situ characterization helps to promote the further commercialization of Li-metal batteries.

Driven by renewable energy, solar-thermal technology holds promising potential for effective freshwater production with a reduced carbon footprint.

The excess emission of nitrate into wastewater is inevitable by the abundant use of fertilizers and other chemicals, which poses a huge threat to the environment and human health.

In this paper, we mainly discuss the structure and design of photocatalytic nitrogen-fixing materials, such as introducing various vacancies on the catalyst surface, conducting element doping and constructing heterojunctions.

We introduce recycling mechanisms and emerging green recycling technologies related to spent LIBs. We propose a new system to evaluate the environmental indicators of different recycling methods, the prospects and directions of spent Li recycling.

An investigation of design principles, preparation processes and structural properties is carried out to predict the development tendency of marine polysaccharide-based electromagnetic response materials which cater to the current targeted demands.

Ammonia borane as an efficient direct fuel in alkaline fuel cells: mechanism, catalysts, applications, and challenges.

This review, for the first time, systematically summarizes the application of C, Si, Sn, Bi, metal hydrides and lithium titanate as anode materials in solid-state lithium batteries.

The recent progress in fibrous triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENGs) is comprehensively introduced, with a special focus on their different fabrication techniques.

The synthesis methods, properties and applications for energy storage and electrocatalysis of MBenes were summarized. Furthermore, discussions and perspectives on the existing problems, major challenges and future development of MBenes were provided.

The rise in world pollution and energy demand has aggravated the energy crisis and depletion of non-renewable energy resources. Here, we review multifunctional materials that can be used for photoelectrochemical water splitting for clean energy production.

Synthesis strategies, characterization methods, and various supports for Ru-based single-atom catalysts and their HER performance are reviewed.