Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A Recent Review Articles
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In situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy of electrocatalysts for energy conversion reactions
This review summarizes the recent progress made in electrocatalysts with regard to oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and CO2 reduction reaction by means of in situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 19079-19112
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA06656G
CO2-switchable membranes: structures, functions, and separation applications in aqueous medium
CO2-switchable membranes represent an exciting separation technology based on gas-tunable pore sizes and surface properties.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 16738-16746
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA04835F
High entropy alloy electrocatalysts: a critical assessment of fabrication and performance
Critical assessment of the present status of HEA NPs as catalysts, including an in-depth discussion of computational studies, combinatorial screening, or machine-learning studies to find the optimum composition and structure of HEA electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 14844-14862
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA05176D
Incorporating quantum dots for high efficiency and stable perovskite photovoltaics
Enhancing bulk perovskite photovoltaics by integrating perovskites and metal chalcogenide quantum dots.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25017-25027
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09096D
Towards accelerated durability testing protocols for CO2 electrolysis
This work researches and proposes methods for accelerating durability studies for the electroreduction of CO2 to value added chemicals.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 22557-22571
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08695A
The design of dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole organic photovoltaic materials for high-efficiency organic/perovskite solar cells
The design of dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole (DTP) based FREAs and dopant-free HTMs for record high power conversion efficiency and stable solar cells is updated to give insightful view on material design and device strategies to boast photovoltaic performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 22572-22592
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08706H
Stable organic thermoelectric devices for self-powered sensor applications
This review highlights recent pioneering studies involving the practical applications of organic thermoelectric devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 22544-22556
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08598G
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Direct ink writing advances in multi-material structures for a sustainable future
Direct Ink Writing (DIW) potential in developing multi-material structures.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 15646-15657
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA04181E
Catalyst design concept based on a variety of alloy materials: a personal account and relevant studies
An overview of a variety of advanced alloy materials for catalytic use is provided.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 15620-15645
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA03733H
Aggregation of non-fullerene acceptors in organic solar cells
Various types of molecular stacking can form in NFAs, which influence light absorption and efficiency of organic solar cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 15607-15619
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA03703F
Can perovskite inspired bismuth halide nanocrystals outperform their lead counterparts?
In the quest for finding non-toxic and stable lead-free perovskite nanocrystals (NCs), bismuth halide perovskites (BHP) have emerged as a promising alternative. This perspective presents an overview, challenges, and future opportunities in BHP NCs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 12951-12963
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA03490H
Development of nanowire-modified electrodes applied in the locally enhanced electric field treatment (LEEFT) for water disinfection
The desired properties, potential synthesis strategies, and an evaluation guideline of the electrodes are discussed with the review of the existing electrodes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 12262-12277
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA03750H
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The fox and the hound: in-depth and in-grain Na doping and Ga grading in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Highly efficient chalcopyrite photovoltaic cells display complex distributions of sodium dopant and gallium: how are these distributions related to each other?
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 6471-6479
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA01103G
Research progress in Li-argyrodite-based solid-state electrolytes
Recent progress in the synthesis, modification, and application of Li-argyrodite-based solid-state electrolytes has been summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25663-25686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08472G
Increasing the active sites and intrinsic activity of transition metal chalcogenide electrocatalysts for enhanced water splitting
Strategies for enhancing the electrocatalytic activities of transition metal chalcogenides by increasing the number of active sites and intrinsic activity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25465-25498
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08802A
The progress on aluminum-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
This review elaborates on the decay mechanism of aluminum anodes from five different aspects and their modification from four different aspects.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25649-25662
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09762D
Carbon nitride nanotube-based materials for energy and environmental applications: a review of recent progresses
Among the diverse graphitic carbon nitride (CN) nanostructures, CN nanotubes (CNNTs) are currently attracting increasing interest due to the appealing properties of CN and the geometric advantages of one-dimensional (1D) nanotubes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25626-25648
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08892G
Emerging flexible sensors based on nanomaterials: recent status and applications
The flexible materials, nanomaterials, and fabrication strategy of flexible sensors with stretchable and self-healing properties were reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25499-25527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09556G
An opportunity for utilizing earth-abundant metals through the mesostructural design of metal phosphate-based materials
This review focused on the surfactant-assisted synthesis of metal phosphate-based materials and summarized their potential based on the design of a mesoporous structure as well as the composition and crystal structure of the inorganic frameworks.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25528-25547
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09419F
Advances in rechargeable Mg batteries
Great advances in rechargeable Mg batteries have been achieved. Through further exploration, their commercial application in the large-scale energy storage market will be realized soon.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25601-25625
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09330K
Recent advances in solar-driven evaporation systems
Solar-driven evaporation as a promising and sustainable approach to convert solar energy into freshwater resource is attracting huge interest in the research community. This review aims to summarize the recent advances in system designs of solar-driven evaporation devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25571-25600
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08869B
Progress of 3D network binders in silicon anodes for lithium ion batteries
This review summarizes the recent progress of 3D network binders in silicon anodes with focusing on diverse crosslinking methods, and proposes a rational design principle.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 25548-25570
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07713E
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Probing the charged state of layered positive electrodes in sodium-ion batteries: reaction pathways, stability and opportunities
The complex behaviour of layered oxide cathode materials at high voltages currently limits the energy densities which can be achieved by sodium-ion batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24833-24867
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09553B
Advances and challenges in metal–organic framework derived porous materials for batteries and electrocatalysis
The development of advanced functional materials is of great significance for applications in energy storage and conversion fields.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24895-24919
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08311A
State-of-the-art advancements in photo-assisted CO2 hydrogenation: recent progress in catalyst development and reaction mechanisms
The recent advances in photo-promoted CO2 hydrogenation over solid catalysts have been reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24868-24894
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08781E
Defect suppression in multinary
chalcogenide photovoltaic materials derived from kesterite: progress and outlook
Recent theoretical and experimental studies for cation substitution in kesterite-based materials were summarized, with a particular focus on inhibiting defects for mitigating Voc,def.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24920-24942
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08202C
Electrochemical oxygen reduction for H2O2 production: catalysts, pH effects and mechanisms
We highlight the recent advances of two-electron ORR catalysts for H2O2 synthesis and provide a state-of-the-art understanding of pH effects.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24996-25016
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09122G
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Recent advances in 2D/nanostructured metal sulfide-based gas sensors: mechanisms, applications, and perspectives
This review provides perspectives on metal sulfide-based gas sensors, including the crystal structure, gas sensing mechanisms, applications, and strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24943-24976
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08190F
The preparation of waste biomass-derived N-doped carbons and their application in acid gas removal: focus on N functional groups
N-doped biochars (NPCs) derived from waste biomass are promising materials for the removal of acid gases, while waste biomass is a cheap and sustainable resource.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24977-24995
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07977D
Rational design of poly(ethylene oxide) based membranes for sustainable CO2 capture
The separation mechanism and material design of advanced PEO membranes for CO2 capture have been reviewed in detail and further directions in this field have been provided.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24233-24252
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08806D
Advances in piezoelectric halide perovskites for energy harvesting applications
This review presents recent advances in the development of piezoelectric halide perovskite materials for high-performance piezoelectric nanogenerators.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24353-24367
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08780G
Photo-driven Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Photo-driven Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) provides a attractive and sustainable alternative compared to traditional FTS. This minireview expatiates the recent advances of various metal-based catalysts for photo-driven FTS.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24253-24266
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09097B
Integrated multifunctional macrostructures for electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding
This review comprehensively introduced the electromagnetic wave absorbing and shielding (EMAS) materials with macrostructures and the multifunctionality of some advanced EMAS materials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24368-24387
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08515D
Sustainable wood-based composites for microwave absorption and electromagnetic interference shielding
In this review, wood-based composites for efficient EMI shielding and MA are comprehensively introduced.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24267-24283
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08372K
Bismuth-based photocatalysts for solar energy conversion
Bismuth-based nanomaterials comprise a rich family of narrow bandgap photocatalysts, providing excellent opportunities for converting sunlight into chemical energy. This article is believed to promote the development of efficient photocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24307-24352
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09729B
Current progress and performance improvement of Pt/C catalysts for fuel cells
Fuel cell is an electrochemical device, which can directly convert the chemical energy of fuel into electric energy, without heat process, not limited by Carnot cycle, high energy conversion efficiency, no noise and pollution.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 24284-24306
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08312G
Carbon foams: 3D porous carbon materials holding immense potential
Carbon foam is a representative of porous-structured carbon material, which has attracted increasing attention from academic communities and industry because of its unique 3D porous structure and excellent performance for various applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23699-23723
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08749A
Layered double hydroxides and their derivatives for lithium–sulfur batteries
LDHs have drawn great attention in Li–S batteries due to their various morphologies and topological transformation characteristics. We highlight recent advances of LDHs used in Li–S batteries and review its challenges in this area.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23738-23755
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08573A
Lead-free antiferroelectric niobates AgNbO3 and NaNbO3 for energy storage applications
This review elaborates on the advantages of antiferroelectrics for energy storage applications and summarizes recent research activities on two lead-free antiferroelectric niobates.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23724-23737
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08345C
Metal-free photo- and electro-catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Hydrogen production as very attractive clean energy technology has sparked the accelerated development of catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) towards efficient photo- and electrolytic water splitting.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23674-23698
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08704A
Formation of C–C bonds during electrocatalytic CO2 reduction on non-copper electrodes
Recent advances in non-Cu catalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to multi-carbon products are summarized, focusing on C–C bond formation mechanisms.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23162-23186
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08402F
Complex alloy nanostructures as advanced catalysts for oxygen electrocatalysis: from materials design to applications
This review highlights recent design strategies used to fabricate high performance complex alloy catalysts for ORR and OER, including composition regulation, size optimization, morphology control, structure engineering, and interface engineering.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23142-23161
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09092A
Recent progress in ternary organic solar cells based on solution-processed non-fullerene acceptors
A comprehensive review on TOSCs, which can provide valuable guidance for the further development of high-performance TOSCs with good stability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23096-23122
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08559F
Atomically dispersed M–N–C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
The systematic summarization of synthesis–structure–property–mechanism correlations provides guidance for the rational design of an atomically dispersed M–N–C catalyst for the ORR.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23187-23201
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08732G
Noble-metal-free electrocatalysts toward H2O2 production
This review summaries recent progress of noble-metal-free electrocatalysts toward H2O2 production including carbon-based materials, metal compounds, single atom catalysts and metal complexes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23123-23141
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08894C
Two-dimensional materials as novel co-catalysts for efficient solar-driven hydrogen production
Electrocatalysts with high HER activity can be used as co-catalysts to improve the P-HER performance of photocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23202-23230
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08045D
Design and fabrication of conductive polymer hydrogels and their applications in flexible supercapacitors
Conductive polymer hydrogels, which combine the advantages of both polymers and conductive materials, have huge potential in flexible supercapacitors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23059-23095
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07468C
Recent advances in green synthesis and modification of inorganic nanomaterials by ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
Radiation holds great potential to energize the synthesis and modification of nanomaterials with high efficiency, simplicity, scalability, and environmental friendliness.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 23029-23058
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA06742C
Recent progress in electrode and electrolyte materials for flexible sodium-ion batteries
Illustration of a flexible Na-ion battery system with associated components.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 22507-22543
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07188A
Recent progress in noble metal nanocluster and single atom electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
This article reviews the latest research results of advanced noble metal nanocluster and single-atom electrocatalysts for the HER.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 22467-22487
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA06942F
Quantum dot-carbonaceous nanohybrid composites: preparation and application in electrochemical energy storage
Quantum dot (QD)-based materials have been employed to enhance thermodynamic and kinetic properties of electrochemical reactions for energy storage and engineering.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 22488-22506
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07674K
Review on the production of high-purity lithium metal
This article presents a systematic review on the history of production of lithium metal and an insightful outlook on its future development.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 22455-22466
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07611B
3D-printing for electrolytic processes and electrochemical flow systems
Overview of the use of 3D printing manufacturing methods to fabricate electrolytic and electrochemical flow systems.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21902-21929
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07939A
Carbon materials for high mass-loading supercapacitors: filling the gap between new materials and practical applications
The recent progress on designing novel carbons and the newly developed theories for high mass-loading supercapacitors have been summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21930-21946
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08265A
Metal-based electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to formic acid/formate
This review summarizes recent progress in the development of metal-based electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to formic acid/formate. The current challenges and the future research directions of metal-based materials are also proposed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21947-21960
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08393C
Progress and prospects of CZTSSe/CdS interface engineering to combat high open-circuit voltage deficit of kesterite photovoltaics: a critical review
We review critical aspects of interface engineering of the absorber–buffer heterojunction in CZTSSe solar cells and highlight the importance of tools that are essential to identify and eradicate the root causes of low efficiency.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21547-21584
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA06450E
Progress in energy-related graphyne-based materials: advanced synthesis, functional mechanisms and applications
As new star carbon isomers Graphynes (GYs) have great potential in application. This review focuses on the mechanisms and applications of GYs in the fields of catalysis and energy storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21408-21433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08521A
A comprehensive review on the fabrication, modification and applications of Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathodes
This review provides a specialized summary of Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathodes for the first time, including an in-depth discussion of fabrication methods, modification strategies and applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21387-21407
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07872G
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Synthesis, characterization and application of defective metal–organic frameworks: current status and perspectives
An overview of important recent advances on synthesis, characterization and application of defective metal–organic frameworks is provided.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21526-21546
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08009H
g-C3N4-based photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting: a review
Recent progress in and future perspectives on strategies for improving the intrinsic properties of g-C3N4 and the quality of g-C3N4-based film electrodes for highly efficient and stable PEC water splitting.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21474-21502
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07345H
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Indoor application of emerging photovoltaics—progress, challenges and perspectives
Recent progress in the development of OPVs, PPVs and QDPVs for indoor applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21503-21525
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA06950G
Functional biobased hydrogels for the removal of aqueous hazardous pollutants: current status, challenges, and future perspectives
Functionally modified natural materials based hydrogels were intensively reviewed for the adsorption of heavy metal ions, dyes, pharmaceuticals and hazardous organic micropollutants in industrial effluents.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21585-21612
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07028A
Green-solvent-processable organic semiconductors and future directions for advanced organic electronics
In recent years, organic semiconductors which are lightweight, flexible, and low processing costs, have enabled significant progress in organic electronic fields [e.g., organic photovoltaics, perovskite solar cells, organic thin-film transistors].
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21455-21473
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07373C
Bismuth-rich bismuth oxyhalides: a new opportunity to trigger high-efficiency photocatalysis
The state-of-the-art progress in bismuth-rich bismuth oxyhalides is reviewed to clarify the key structure–activity relationship for enhanced photocatalytic performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21434-21454
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA06044E
Recent progress in morphology optimization in perovskite solar cell
Hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskite based solar cell technology has passed through a phase of unprecedented growth in the efficiency scale from 3.8% to above 25% within a decade.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 21356-21386
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA00143K
Polyelectrolytes self-assembly: versatile membrane fabrication strategy
Polyelectrolytes self-assembly is developing rapidly as a fascinating family of functional membrane fabrication strategies with the ability to modulate the architectures and physical–chemical characteristics of membranes at the molecular level.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 20870-20896
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07154D
A review of advanced metal-free carbon catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions towards the selective generation of hydrogen peroxide
Recent progress in the development of metal-free carbon catalysts for ORR to H2O2.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 20849-20869
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07900F
Recent advances in nanostructured transition metal nitrides for fuel cells
This review summarizes the advances in nanostructured transition metal nitride materials for application in fuel cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 20803-20818
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA06995G
Recent advances of non-fullerene organic electron transport materials in perovskite solar cells
The advances of non-fullerene ETMs in PerSCs and their design strategies were systematically summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 20819-20848
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA06500E
Vanadium sulfide based materials: synthesis, energy storage and conversion
The synthetic methods for vanadium sulfide based materials and their applications in energy storage and conversion are discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 20781-20802
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA07436E
About this collection
This collection contains recent Review-type articles published by Journal of Materials Chemistry A, the home for high impact applications, properties and synthesis of exciting new materials for energy and sustainability. New articles will be added to this collection as soon as possible after publication.