Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A Recent Review Articles
Ni-rich layered cathodes in sodium-ion batteries: perspectives or déjà vu?
This Highlight explores advancements in Ni-rich cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, which offer practical synthesis methods, high specific capacity, and environmental benefits while addressing energy density and cycle life challenges.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01989J
Nanoscale spatial and time-resolved mapping in perovskite and organic solar cells: a multimodal technique to visualize the photoinduced charge dynamics
This perspective delves into the nanoscale photodynamics mapping of perovskite (PSCs) and organic solar cells (OSCs) using a multimodal approach to enhance photovoltaic performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 16329-16342
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01773K
Recent progress and perspectives of liquid organic hydrogen carrier electrochemistry for energy applications
This perspective delves into electrochemically active and regenerable liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), exploring their electrochemical properties and applications in hydrogen storage, regenerative fuel cells, batteries, and flow batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15580-15591
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01893A
Emerging electrochemical humidity sensors for zero power consumption and self-powered humidity detection: a perspective
This perspective summarizes recent advances in electrochemical humidity sensors and mainly focuses on three aspects: working principles; humidity sensing and power generation performances; self-powered humidity detection system.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14975-14985
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA06283J
Deciphering interfacial charge transfer mechanisms in electrochemical energy systems through impedance spectroscopy
Employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a non-destructive analytical tool for elucidating the interfacial charge transfer in electrochemical energy conversion/storage systems.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14334-14353
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00537F
Advancing low-dimensional flexible energy devices for wearable technology
This perspective article discusses the research, issues, and prospects of flexible batteries and supercapacitors in terms of one- and two-dimensions, as well as their stretchable, bendable, and twistable properties.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 13672-13681
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02241F
Hydrogen generation from atmospheric water
Green hydrogen, produced by water splitting with renewables, faces water scarcity issues. Atmospheric moisture, a stable source, offers an alternative. This article reviews technologies and challenges of using atmospheric water for H2 production.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 12381-12396
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00848K
Insights into adsorbent materials for lithium extraction by capacitive deionization: reconceptualizing the role of materials informatics
The potential of materials informatics in designing lithium extraction materials for capacitive deionization have been discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 10676-10685
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA07069G
A perspective on the building blocks of a solid-state battery: from solid electrolytes to quantum power harvesting and storage
We present a comprehensive perspective on the fundamental components of a solid-state battery, starting from all-solid-state electrolytes and extending to quantum power harvesting and storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 690-722
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA04228F
Temperature and pressure induced structural transitions of lead iodide perovskites
Conventional lead halide perovskites, APbI3, are excellent materials for photovoltaics and other optoelectronic applications. This perspective highlights the temperature and pressure induced structural phase transitions of CsPbI3, MAPbI3 and FAPbI3.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19-37
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA05315F
Halide perovskite for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency: basic characteristics, nanostructure engineering and applications
This review focuses on nanostructure engineering of halide perovskites from three perspectives: size morphology, composition and interfacial engineering, and then reviews its applications in five fields and also summarises stability strategies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02404D
Structural Modification of Fullerene Derivates for High-Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03900A
Sol–gel-derived nanostructured electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction: a review
This review, for the first time, provides concise insights into the synthetic methods, material characterization, and recent strategies for boosting the OER activity of various sol–gel-derived composites paving the way for subsequent research.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01442A
Catalyst architecture for metal-support interactions and its effects on heterogeneous reactions
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03423F
Research progress of zinc oxide-based heterojunction photocatalysts
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03901G
Single-molecule fluorescence imaging of photocatalytic nanomaterials
Single-molecule fluorescence imaging offers high spatiotemporal resolution and enables quantitative, operando studies of photocatalytic nanomaterials at the single- or sub-particle level.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02347A
Recent advances in upgrading CO2 to C3+ products via electrochemical and complementary engineering
This review summarizes the latest advances in material development and process design for electrochemically upgrading CO2 to value-added C3+ chemicals.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03088E
Metal–organic framework-derived single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic energy conversion applications
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are revolutionizing electrocatalytic energy conversion.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03518F
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction on Pd-Based Electrodes: From Mechanism Understanding to Rational Catalyst Design
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02379J
CO2-tolerant perovskite cathodes for enhanced solid oxide fuel cells: advancements, challenges, and strategic perspectives
This review analyzes advancements in CO2-resistant perovskite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells, detailing CO2-poisoning mechanisms, evaluation methods, enhancement strategies, and characterization techniques for future cathode development.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02455A
Anode-free lithium metal batteries: a promising flexible energy storage system
The anode-free lithium metal battery is characterized by light weight, low cost, high-energy density, and high safety and shows great potential for the application of flexible devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 16268-16292
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02003K
Research progress on the preparation of transition metal-modified zeolite catalysts and their catalytic performance for the purification of engine exhausts
This article focuses on the preparation of transition metal-modified zeolite catalysts and their catalytic performance for the purification of engine exhausts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 16293-16328
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02492C
Polythiophene and its derivatives for all-polymer solar cells
We review polythiophene and its derivative (PT)-based polymer donors for all-PSCs, focusing on material design, morphology optimization strategies, and the selection and design of polymer acceptors that complement their properties.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 16251-16267
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02245A
Functional high-entropy alloys: promising catalysts for high-performance water splitting
State-of-the-art HEAs with outstanding water splitting performance is rationally designed, which provides a blueprint for the design of a next-generation platform for hydrogen regeneration.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02271H
Recent progress in non-lithium rechargeable batteries with micro to macro 3D engineered electrode architecture
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02146K
Fabrication strategies for metallic nanowire flexible transparent electrodes with high uniformity
Recent strategies for improving the uniformity of metallic nanowire-based flexible transparent electrodes for application in highly reliable flexible devices are reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03027C
Recent advances in scanning electrochemical microscopy for probing the sites in electrocatalysts
In this review, we summarized the application methods of SECM in electrochemical reactions and also discussed the challenges and prospects of SECM in characterizing the activity of electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01292E
Recent advances in gel coatings: from lab to industry
The review summarizes and categorizes innovative gel synthesis methods and coating fabrication techniques with robust interfacial adhesion, focusing on the strategies of user and eco-friendliness in versatile scenarios.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02586E
Tailoring single-metal atom catalysts: a strategic defect engineering approach for electrochemical reduction reactions
Tailoring defect-based single-metal atom catalysts onto different supports for the CO2 reduction, NO3− reduction, oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02110J
Versatile metal fluorides in ion batteries application
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03962A
Ceramic Membrane Composites for Highly Efficient Oil-Water Separation: A Review
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04208E
Hybrid Passive Cooling: Towards the Next Breakthrough of Radiative Sky Cooling Technology
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03122A
Cost-effective polymer donors with simple structure for organic solar cells
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03254C
Balancing the relationship between the activity and stability of anode oxide-based electrocatalysts in acid for PEMWE electrolyzers
This review covers advancements in noble and non-noble metal oxides for acidic OER, emphasizing the evaluation of catalyst instability, and strategies to enhance IrO2, RuO2, and TM oxides.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02869D
Enhancing Electrochemical Performance and Corrosion Resistance of Nickel-Based Catalysts in Seawater Electrolysis: Focusing on OER and HER
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03393K
Recent progresses of MOFs and their derivatives-carbon fiber composite materials for oxygen electrocatalysis
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03760J
A synergic investigation of experimental and computational dual atom electrocatalysis for CO2 conversion to C1 and C2+ products
This review delves into the applications of DACs for the eCO2RR, highlighting their pivotal role in producing a range of diverse Cn products. DACs, through their synergistic interactions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02860K
Harnessing the power of silica aerogels for applications in energy and water sustainability
SiO2 aerogel, characterized by its lightweight, highly porous, and thermally insulating properties, has emerged as a versatile material capable of addressing the challenges of providing sustainable energy and clean water.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00568F
Electrochemical strategies for urea synthesis via C–N coupling of integrated carbon oxide–nitrogenous molecules reduction
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02891K
Flexible electrode materials for emerging electronics: materials, fabrications and applications
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01960A
Contact-Electro-Catalysis Under Natural and Industrial Conditions: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Challenges
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02062F
Electronic delocalization engineering of bismuth-based materials for catalytic electrochemical CO2 and N2 conversion
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02863E
Progress and Perspectives of Electrocatalytic Transmembrane Hydrogenation
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03345K
Metal–support interactions of 2D carbon-based heterogeneous catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
The synthesis, modulation and effect of MSI on 2D carbon-based heterogeneous catalysts for the HER.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02079K
An overview of the unstable and irreversible lithium metal anode-related issues in nonaqueous Li–O2/air batteries
The shuttle effects originating from the practical air environment and operation process (electro-reduced oxygen species, redox mediators) on Li-metal reshapes the solid-electrolyte-interphase of Li-surface and causes Li-anode failure.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15558-15579
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03167A
Polymetallic amorphous materials: research progress in synthetic strategies and electrocatalytic applications
Amorphous materials, being in a metastable state and having many “dangling bonds”, are more active than crystalline materials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15541-15557
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01418A
Viologen-based aqueous organic redox flow batteries: materials synthesis, properties, and cell performance
A complete summary of viologen-based aqueous organic redox flow batteries is provided from materials synthesis to physicochemical properties and battery performance on the basis of conventional, π-conjugated extended, and polymeric viologens.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15519-15540
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00753K
Regulation of intermediate microenvironment toward efficient C-C coupling in electrochemical CO2 reduction
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02224F
Heterostructured electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
This review focuses mainly on the overall facilitating effect of heterostructures on the OER process. The fabrication of heterostructured electrocatalysts and the relationship between their structures and electrocatalytic properties are discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02322F
Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their derivatives for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction: Insights from Molecular Engineering
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01330A
Nanoscale Halide Perovskites for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction: Product Selectivity, Strategies Implemented, and Charge-carrier Separation
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02446J
Built-in electric fields and extra electric fields in the oxygen evolution reaction
OER plays a crucial role in energy storage and conversion, and the application of thermal fields in the OER is widespread but not systematically discussed. In this work, we have a discussion on built-in electric field and extra electric field.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03069A
Advancements in 2D MXene-based supercapacitor electrodes: synthesis, mechanisms, electronic structure engineering, flexible wearable energy storage for real-world applications, and future prospects
Supercapacitors are widely recognized as a favorable option for energy storage due to their higher power density compared to batteries, despite their lower energy density.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00328D
The revival of 4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b′]dithiophene (CPDT) driven by low-cost and high-performance nonfused-ring electron acceptors
This review comprehensively summarizes the development history of CPDT-based organic photovoltaic materials, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the revival of CPDT driven by low-cost acceptors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02180K
Designing low-strain cathode materials for long-life all-solid-state batteries
This review provides valuable insights and suggestions for future research on designing low-strain cathode materials for long-life and high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries under low external pressure conditions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14940-14956
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02290D
Influence of carbon sources on silicon oxides for lithium-ion batteries: a review
Silicon oxides/carbon composites are classified based on the variation of carbon sources, and representative developments are systematically reviewed, providing a comprehensive perspective for the design and construction of SiOx/C composites.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14957-14974
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02708F
Advances in organic adsorption on hydrophilic hierarchical structures for bionic superhydrophobicity: from fundamentals to applications
Transition from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic on hydrophilic hierarchical structures due to organic adsorption and fundamentals, transition mechanism and effects of organic adsorption, preparation methods, applications and stability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14885-14939
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00456F
Interfacial engineering of suppressing Li dendrite growth in all solid-state Li-metal batteries
This work presents a systematic review of recent progress in Li dendrite growth. The origins of Li dendrite growth are ascribed to two mechanisms, crack-induced and electron-conduction.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14848-14865
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01269K
Recent advancements in radiative cooling textiles for personal thermal management
This review provides a comprehensive overview of radiative cooling textiles from fundamentals, advanced structures and construction strategies to emerging applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 14866-14884
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01734J
Unveiling the recent advances in micro-electrode materials and configurations for sodium-ion micro-batteries
The recent advances in portable and smart devices require modern microelectronics to be miniaturized, leading to the need for small, lightweight, reliable, and on-chip integrated energy storage systems like rechargeable micro-batteries (μBs).
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02096K
Design and mechanism of photothermal soft actuators and their applications
This article discusses the fundamentals and progress of photothermal actuators, and their applications from bionic design to intelligent robots in detail.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00544A
Thermoelectrics for nuclear fusion reactors: opportunities and challenges
In this review, we discuss the promising applications and practical considerations of thermoelectrics to harvest the unutilized thermal gradient between the plasma-facing surfaces and the molten salt coolant loop in tokamak fusion reactors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02197E
Non-Ir based catalysts for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction: progress and challenges
Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysis is the key to solve the problem of hydrogen production by hydrolyzing water and secondary metal–air batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01277A
Recent advances in aqueous and non-aqueous alkali metal hybrid ion capacitors
Challenges and progress made in alkali metal hybrid ion capacitors are discussed, including electrode materials, mechanisms, device/electrode components, electrochemical properties, and structural regulation in aqueous and nonaqueous systems.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02060J
Recent progress on the materials and structure of supercapacitors for AC line filtering applications
Supercapacitors are emerging as viable replacements for AECs in next-generation filtering capacitors. Researchers focus on the development of high-performance filtering capacitors by selecting electrode materials and adopting structural designs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03370A
Integrating single atoms with nanoparticle catalysts for efficient electrochemical energy conversion
This review summarizes the development (integrated effects, classifications, and applications) of emerging catalysts that integrate single atoms with nanoparticles (SA/NPCs). It also highlights the future challenges and opportunities in this field.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02585G
Next-generation carbon molecular sieve membranes derived from polyimides and polymers of intrinsic microporosity for key energy intensive gas separations and carbon capture
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02112F
Chiral carbon nanostructures: a gateway to promising chiral materials
A summary and discussion on the recent research advances in chiral carbon materials based on various carbon nanomaterials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02396J
Recent Progress in Layered Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-ion Batteries: Stability,Phase transition and Solutions
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03372H
Smart three-phase interface heterojunctions for effective photo(electro)catalytic N2 reduction to ammonia
Light-driven three-phase interface catalysts for the production of green ammonia as one of the key future energy carriers for the net-zero carbon landscape.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02540G
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.