Recent advances in aggregation-induced emission materials for enhancing solar energy utilization
We summarized the recent progress of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials in luminescent solar concentrators, photosynthesis augmentation and solar steam generation. The luminescence and heat generation of AIE materials in different states have been utilized.
Metallene-related materials for electrocatalysis and energy conversion
As a member of graphene analogs, metallenes are a class of two-dimensional materials with atomic thickness and well-controlled surface atomic arrangement made of metals or alloys.
Recent progress in electrochromic energy storage materials and devices: a minireview
Integration of several functionalities into one isolated electrochemical body is necessary to realize compact and tiny smart electronics.
Structural engineering of electrodes for flexible energy storage devices
The correlation between geometrical parameters of various novel electrode structures and the corresponding mechanical properties are assessed in this review, which provides inspiration for their applications in future flexible energy storage devices.
Recent innovations in the technology and applications of low-dimensional CuO nanostructures for sensing, energy and catalysis
Low-dimensional copper oxide nanostructures are a promising family of functional nanomaterials. This article reviews recent progress in fabrication technologies for CuO nanostructures and gives examples of their leading-edge applications.
Revitalizing zinc-ion batteries with advanced zinc anode design
This review focus on the rational design of the highly reversible zinc anode for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The design concepts are expected to be applied to other types of high-performance aqueous energy storage systems.
Biopolymer-based electrospun fibers in electrochemical devices: versatile platform for energy, environment, and health monitoring
Electrochemical power tools, fabricated using the natural-based electrospun fibers, are regarded as essential keys in a world that is becoming increasingly reliant on fossil fuels in order to meet the challenges of rapidly depleting fossil fuel supplies.
Challenges of layer-structured cathodes for sodium-ion batteries
Recent challenges of layer-structured cathodes for sodium-ion batteries and their corresponding structural and compositional modification strategies have been comprehensively studied in this review aiming at high-performance battery technology.
Wood waste-derived dual-mode materials paving the way for year-round energy saving in buildings
Utilizing wood waste to produce structural materials that possess both radiative cooling and photothermal conversion properties.
Heterogeneous CNF/MoO3 nanofluidic membranes with tunable surface plasmon resonances for solar-osmotic energy conversion
This work first reveals the regulation and mechanism of surface plasmon resonance on ion transport in nanofluidic membranes and explores the potential of solar-osmotic energy conversion based on cellulose nanofiber/molybdenum oxide heterogeneous nanofluidic membranes.
A nanoengineered vanadium oxide composite as a high-performance anode for aqueous Li-ion hybrid batteries
We report a novel synthetic approach combining laser-scribing and calcination to make a pseudocapacitive V2O5/laser-scribed graphene composite. The unconventional synthesis gives rise to high-performance.
Communication
3D printing of layered vanadium disulfide for water-in-salt electrolyte zinc-ion batteries
Durable and dissolution-free 3D printed VS2 electrodes for water-in-salt electrolyte Zn-ion batteries were reported.
Communication
Binder-free germanium nanoparticle decorated multi-wall carbon nanotube anodes prepared via two-step electrophoretic deposition for high capacity Li-ion batteries
Binder-free Ge/CNT electrodes are prepared via two-step EPD on the current collector. The electrodes exhibited superior long-term cycle stabilities & rate capabilities, suggesting an effective approach to fabricating battery electrodes in LIBs.
3D nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks with hierarchical pores and graphitic carbon channels for high-performance hybrid energy storages
3D nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous graphitic carbon cathode and subnanometric tin oxide nanocrystals anode materials are derived from Co–Zn mixed metal–organic frameworks to achieve high-performance Li-ion and Na-ion hybrid energy storage devices.
Communication
Flexible triboelectric nanogenerators using transparent copper nanowire electrodes: energy harvesting, sensing human activities and material recognition
A high performance flexible triboelectric nanogenerator using oxidation resistant pure copper nanowire electrodes.
Heterointerface promoted trifunctional electrocatalysts for all temperature high-performance rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Flexible solid-state Zn–air batteries with CoS1−δ/SnS2−δ and CBCs demonstrate a high energy density of 256 Wh kgcell−1 including all active and inactive components, high operating rates of 50 to 100 mA cm−2, and a temperature range of +80 to −40 °C.
Hydroxide ion-conducting viologen–bakelite organic frameworks for flexible solid-state zinc–air battery applications
A cationic bakelite–viologen polymer with counter-balancing hydroxide ions serves as a solid-state electrolyte for zinc–air battery.
Communication
Passive climate regulation with transpiring wood for buildings with increased energy efficiency
The transpiring wood is able to self-regulate indoor climate resulting in improved living comfort and substantial energy savings. The material sources and the fabrication process of transpiring wood also meet sustainability criteria.
In situ crafting of a 3D N-doped carbon/defect-rich V2O5−x·nH2O nanosheet composite for high performance fibrous flexible Zn-ion batteries
In situ anodic oxidation strategy is demonstrated to fabricate flexible long-life and high-capacity aqueous zinc-ion batteries adopting a 3D N-doped/defect-rich V2O5−x·nH2O nanosheets as fibrous cathodes and Zn nanosheets arrays as the anode.
High energy density primary cathode with a mixed electron/ion interface
The severe kinetic issues and interfacial characteristics of CFx can be ameliorated by GDY encapsulation with electronic structure modulation, create stable electron–ion transport channels and ameliorate interfacial characteristics. The rate performance is effectively enhanced.
Harvesting mechanical energy for hydrogen generation by piezoelectric metal–organic frameworks
A novel UiO-66-F4 nanosheet MOFs is reported for piezocatalytic water splitting, realizing a high H2 evolution rate of 178.5 μmol g−1 within 5 h under ultrasonic mechanical vibration (110 W, 40 kHz).
About this collection
The demand for efficient and sustainable energy solutions is outpacing the development of advanced materials and technologies for energy storage and harvesting. To address this urgent need, innovative strategies are being explored to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. Guest edited by Materials Horizons and Nanoscale Horizons Community Board members Edison Huixiang Ang, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and Satyajit Ratha, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneshwar, India, this collection highlights the latest breakthroughs in energy storage and harvesting. It showcases key innovations and future directions, emphasizing the interdisciplinary efforts at the interface of chemistry, physics, and nanotechnology to develop cutting-edge solutions.