Themed collection Editor’s Choice: Zaiping Guo
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Catalytic approaches towards highly durable proton exchange membrane fuel cells with minimized Pt use
Catalytic approaches to enhance PEMFC performances are introduced, especially focusing on the studies reporting MEA cell data.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 6782-6795
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC00541G
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Engineering and characterization of interphases for lithium metal anodes
Different strategies of SEI engineering such as modification, additive application, and artificial SEI for electrolyte are summarized. Characterization techniques for SEI studies using X-ray, neutron, and electron as probing beams are discussed.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 1547-1568
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC06181J
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Improving the intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion: where are we and where can we go?
We evaluate the improvements over the past two decades in intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion, and highlight opportunities from tuning the electrolyte.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 14-26
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04775B
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Active site engineering of single-atom carbonaceous electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
This Perspective summarizes and highlights the recent progress and milestones relating to the active site engineering of single atom carbonous electrocatalysts for enhancing the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction activity.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15802-15820
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05867C
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Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes as a key jigsaw piece for next-generation battery applications
A review of the physicochemical properties of single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes is presented. The standard characterization method, remarkable electrochemical properties and perspectives are further highlighted.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13248-13272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04023E
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Constructing nitrided interfaces for stabilizing Li metal electrodes in liquid electrolytes
In this perspective, we make a systematic summary and give out our comments on constructing nitrided interfaces for stabilizing Li metal electrodes.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 8945-8966
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC01806J
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Metal–organic framework gels and monoliths
This perspective links the synthesis of MOF Gels to the formation of MOF-monoliths and their resultant properties and application.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 310-323
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC04961D
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Solar energy conversion using first row d-block metal coordination compound sensitizers and redox mediators
The progress over the last decade in the applications of first row d-block metal, especially iron, cobalt, copper and zinc, coordination compounds in redox shuttles and sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells is reviewed.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 1225-1262
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC06828H
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Single-atom catalysts for high-energy rechargeable batteries
Single-atom catalysts are reviewed, aiming to achieve optimized properties to boost electrochemical performances of high-energy batteries.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 7656-7676
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC00716E
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On the underestimated influence of synthetic conditions in solid ionic conductors
Influence of synthesis and processing on the nature of ultimate product and the ionic transport properties of superionic conductors.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 6238-6263
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC06553F
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In situ anchor of Na2Ti3O7 in nitrogen-rich carbon hollow red blood cell-like structure as a 0D-3D hierarchical electrode material for efficient electrochemical desalination
Hollow red cell-like Na2Ti3O7/nitrogen-doped carbon are synthesized by a template-self strategy.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 4545-4554
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC06476B
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High-performance all-solid-state electrolyte for sodium batteries enabled by the interaction between the anion in salt and Na3SbS4
A high-performance all-solid-state PEO/NaTFSI/Na3SbS4 electrolyte for sodium batteries is realized owing to the electrostatic interaction between TFSI− in the salt and Na3SbS4, which immobilizes TFSI− anions and promotes the dissociation of NaTFSI.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 3416-3423
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC06745A
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Mixed-conducting properties of annealed polyacrylonitrile activated by n-doping of conjugated domains
Thermal annealing of polyacrylonitrile results in the formation of conjugated imine domains. When of sufficient size, these conjugated domains can be electrochemically activated to exhibit both electronic and ionic conductivity.
Chem. Sci., 2022,13, 225-235
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC02350K
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Computational and experimental investigation of the effect of cation structure on the solubility of anionic flow battery active-materials
Active-material solubility is critical in determining NRFB energy density, yet a predictive model accounting for solid-state cohesion energy has remained elusive. Herein we present such, based on an empirically calibrated computational framework.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 15892-15907
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04990A
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The solvation structure, transport properties and reduction behavior of carbonate-based electrolytes of lithium-ion batteries
The different roles of the anion, cyclic and linear carbonates, and additive in mixed-carbonate electrolytes are revealed. The anion–solvent exchange mechanism and factors influencing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation are deciphered.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 14740-14751
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04265C
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Self-assembled cationic organic nanosheets: role of positional isomers in a guanidinium-core for efficient lithium-ion conduction
Self-assembled organic nanosheets (SONs) having a near-atomic thickness (∼4.5 nm) are obtained through exfoliation. Among two positional isomers of the guanidinium-core analogue used for SONs, one shows greatly improved Li+ ion conductivity.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 13878-13887
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC04017K
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A vanadium-based oxide-phosphate-pyrophosphate framework as a 4 V electrode material for K-ion batteries
Highly pure K6(VO)2(V2O3)2(PO4)4(P2O7), synthesized from the oxalatophosphate precursor, demonstrates a reversible potassium extraction/insertion capacity of 59 mA h g−1 with a single discharge voltage plateau at 4.0 V at room temperature.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 12383-12390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC03725K
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Trapped interfacial redox introduces reversibility in the oxygen reduction reaction in a non-aqueous Ca2+ electrolyte
An interlayer product of oxygen reduction with Ca2+/TBA+ yields a quasi-reversible oxygen evolution reaction by inducing a trapped interfacial redox process.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 8909-8919
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC06991D
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Adaptive response by an electrolyte: resilience to electron losses in a dye-sensitized porous photoanode
Interfacial electrolyte reactions in the pores of a photoanode consume electrons. The losses are offset by compensating solution-phase reactions that generate I− locally, and promote efficient dye cycling and photocurrent generation.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 6117-6128
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SC00384D
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Non-concentrated aqueous electrolytes with organic solvent additives for stable zinc batteries
Involvement of dimethyl carbonate and trifluoromethanesulfonate anions in a hybrid aqueous electrolyte enables the formation of a new Zn2+-solvation structure and a ZnF2–ZnCO3-rich interphase that stabilizes the Zn battery chemistry.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 5843-5852
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC06734B
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Optimal water concentration for aqueous Li+ intercalation in vanadyl phosphate
We demonstrate aqueous Li+ intercalation chemistry of vanadyl phosphate in the form of monohydrates, which are only stable in an optimal water-concentration environment.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 4450-4454
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC04647G
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Nernstian Li+ intercalation into few-layer graphene and its use for the determination of K+ co-intercalation processes
Nernstian signatures and swift voltammetry at graphene electrodes help elucidate alkali ion (co-)intercalation.
Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 559-568
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC03226C
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A single-ion conducting covalent organic framework for aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries
A zinc sulfonated covalent organic framework is presented as a new single-ion conducting electrolyte for aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 11692-11698
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC02785E
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Predicting the chemical reactivity of organic materials using a machine-learning approach
Stability and compatibility between chemical components are essential parameters that need to be considered in the selection of functional materials in configuring a system.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 7813-7822
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01328E
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Understanding the electrochemistry of “water-in-salt” electrolytes: basal plane highly ordered pyrolytic graphite as a model system
The stability of water-in-salt electrolyte systems is investigated using highly concentrated solutions of KF(aq) with graphite as a model system.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 6978-6989
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01754J
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Dye-sensitized solar cells under ambient light powering machine learning: towards autonomous smart sensors for the internet of things
Indoor light harvesters enable machine learning on fully autonomous IoT devices at 2.72 × 1015 photons per inference.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 2895-2906
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC06145B
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A water-based and metal-free dye solar cell exceeding 7% efficiency using a cationic poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) derivative
A new cationic PEDOT derivative inhibits repulsion phenomena within iodine-based electrolytes, boosting the efficiency of aqueous solar cells.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 1485-1493
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC05596G
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Proton-conduction photomodulation in spiropyran-functionalized MOFs with large on–off ratio
A spiropyran functionalized metal–organic framework is presented, allowing to photomodulate the aqueous proton conductivity by two orders of magnitude.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 1404-1410
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC04926F
About this collection
In 2022, Chemical Science welcomed Professor Zaiping Guo to the journal as an Associate Editor, handling papers in the areas of energy storage and conversion. Zaiping has looked back over recently published Chemical Science papers and has selected some outstanding articles that she would like to share, with a focus on recent trends in batteries, electrocatalysts, and solar cells. We hope you enjoy reading through this selection.