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, 2024,12, 17756-17770
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01989J
Complementary X-ray and neutron imaging of water electrolysers for green hydrogen production
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02885F
Structural determination of covalent organic frameworks through diffraction methods
As an emerging crystalline porous material constructed from organic building blocks linked by covalent bonds, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have garnered significant interest due to their well-defined pore structures.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02312A
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
Breaking boundaries of soft photocatalysis: Overcoming limitations of carbon nitride as single-light absorber for overall water splitting
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03163F
Recent progress on electrocatalysts in ammonia electrooxidation reaction for clean hydrogen production
The state-of-the-art electrocatalyst design for improving the efficiency and selectivity of NH3 electrooxidation, contributing to the advancement of sustainable H2 production technologies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02897J
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, 2024,12, 19757-19782
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02404D
Catalyst architecture for metal–support interactions and its effects on heterogeneous reactions
Metal nanoparticles supported on various metal oxides play vital roles in numerous industrial catalytic reactions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19861-19884
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03423F
Cost-effective polymer donors with simple structure for organic solar cells
This review summarized recent advances in cost-effective polymer donors with a simple structure for organic solar cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19839-19860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03254C
Contact-electro-catalysis under natural and industrial conditions: mechanisms, strategies, and challenges
The competition between electron transfer and ion transfer at the solid–liquid interface is summarized and the performance improvement strategies of contact-electro-catalysis under natural or industrial conditions are given.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19783-19805
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02062F
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, 2024,12, 19606-19626
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02455A
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, 2024,12, 19720-19756
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01442A
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, 2024,12, 19627-19662
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, 2024,12, 19663-19684
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03088E
Next-generation carbon molecule sieve membranes derived from polyimides and polymers of intrinsic microporosity for key energy intensive gas separations and carbon capture
The effects of pyrolysis protocols on the pore structure and gas separation performance of PI- and PIM-derived CMS membranes were systematically summarized and discussed, and the research progress in CO2 and olefin/paraffin separation was reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19806-19838
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02112F
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, 2024,12, 19685-19719
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02110J
Exploring the Synergy of Magnetism and Electrocatalysis: A Comprehensive Review on Mechanism, Recent Developments and Future Perspectives
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02468K
Online Acoustic Emission Sensing of Rechargeable Batteries: Technology, Status, and Prospects
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04571H
Shiny Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Properties, and Electroluminescent Light-emitting Diodes
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03218G
High-entropy oxides for energy storage and conversion
The escalating demand for energy storage and catalysis devices in the realm of renewable energy applications has witnessed a rapid surge in recent years, with expectations for continued growth in the foreseeable future.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04156A
Dual-atom catalysts with microenvironment regulation for water electrolysis
Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) have emerged as highly promising and efficient catalysts for water electrolysis, primarily due to their distinct dual-atom site effects.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03382E
The Role of Copolymers Towards Key Materials in electrochemical supercapacitors: A review
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03682D
Latest advances in in situ and operando X-ray-based techniques for the characterisation of photoelectrocatalytic systems
The present review gives an overview of the different state-of-the-art X-ray techniques employed for the characterisation of photoelectrocatalytic systems, focusing on the possibilities of the studied techniques, cell designs and relevant results.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03068K
Recent advances of ruthenium-based materials for acidic oxygen evolution reaction: from catalyst design to proton exchange membrane water electrolyser
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02337D
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, 2024,12, 18921-18947
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03518F
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, 2024,12, 18705-18732
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02271H
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, 2024,12, 18751-18773
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02869D
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, 2024,12, 18815-18831
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, 2024,12, 18733-18750
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, 2024,12, 18901-18920
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02586E
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, 2024,12, 18866-18878
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02079K
Review of carbon-support-free platinum and non-platinum catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells: will they feature in future vehicles?
Carbon-support-free platinum and non-platinum catalysts are reviewed to clarify the source of recent controversial results and to propose experimental conditions for their use in future fuel cell vehicles.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18636-18673
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02664K
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, 2024,12, 18774-18814
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02860K
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, 2024,12, 18832-18865
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02322F
A comprehensive review on advanced supercapacitors based on transition metal tellurides: from material engineering to device fabrication
The utilization of transition metal tellurides in supercapacitors holds great promise for advancing energy storage technology, offering high performance, stability, tunability, and sustainability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18674-18704
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01040J
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, 2024,12, 18879-18900
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00568F
Heteroatom-based doping and neutron diffraction: doping strategies and mechanisms for ionic conductivity enhancement in inorganic solid-state electrolytes
Exploring doping fundamentals to boost inorganic SSEs, we detail their application in various electrolytes, highlighting neutron diffraction's role in revealing microstructural and lithium-ion distribution effects.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03257H
Recent advances in quaternary copper-based sulfides and their derivatives for solar hydrogen evolution
This review presents the recent advances in quaternary copper-based sulfides and their derivatives for solar hydrogen evolution, with an emphasis on the structure–function correlation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03912B
Improving supercapacitor electrode performance with electrospun carbon nanofibers: unlocking versatility and innovation
Electrospun carbon nanofibers provide electrode materials with customizable structures for supercapacitors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03192J
Structural modification of fullerene derivates for high-performance inverted perovskite solar cells
This review focuses on the design strategies of fullerenes and their derivatives as electron transport materials in inverted PSCs, and the effects of different application forms on the photovoltaic performance and stability of the devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03900A
Enhancing electrochemical performance and corrosion resistance of nickel-based catalysts in seawater electrolysis: focusing on OER and HER
Hydrogen production by electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using eco-friendly seawater electrolysis can help address the energy shortage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03393K
Micro/nano encapsulated phase change material: materials, preparation, and emerging advances in the solar energy field
Phase change materials (PCMs) possess high latent heat during the solid–liquid phase transition, making them promising materials for thermal energy storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03581J
Polymer-based films for all-in-one piezo-driven self-charging power systems
This review highlights the materials selection and self-charging performance of polymer based piezoelectric components in all-in-one self-charging power systems.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02965H
Exploring the Dual Phases of Cadmium Sulfide: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of hexagonal wurtzite and cubic zinc blende Crystal Structures
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03496A
Recent progress on photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products
This review examines recent research advances for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products and predicts possible future directions to further improve the selectivity of multi-carbon species.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03676J
Design and application of rhodamine derivatives in redox biology: a roadmap of the last decade towards artificial intelligence
Reactive sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen species (reactive SON species) are important topics in redox biology and their recognition by rhodamine-derived probes is impactful in the bio-medical research field.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02952F
Material design and application progress of flexible chemiresistive gas sensors
This review summarizes the gas sensing mechanisms, structural design and application progress of flexible chemiresistive gas sensors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02855D
Translucent solar power for potential future implementations
This review focuses on recent advancements in semitransparent perovskite solar cells, including perovskite compositions, interface engineering and cutting-edge transparent electrodes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03542A
Electrochemical CO2 reduction on Pd-based electrodes: from mechanism understanding to rational catalyst design
This review summarizes the progressive understanding of the mechanism of the Pd-catalyzed CO2 reduction reaction, together with recent advances in the rational design of Pd-based electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02379J
Recent progress in non-lithium rechargeable batteries with micro to macro 3D engineered electrode architecture
This review article contains a comprehensive and critical discussion of non-lithium 3D printed batteries from macro to micro scale.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02146K
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, 2024,12, 17923-17957
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02096K
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, 2024,12, 18047-18070
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03069A
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, 2024,12, 17896-17922
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00544A
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, 2024,12, 17973-17991
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02180K
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, 2024,12, 17771-17792
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02197E
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, 2024,12, 17817-17834
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, 2024,12, 17793-17816
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02585G
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, 2024,12, 17958-17972
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01277A
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, 2024,12, 17992-18046
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00328D
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, 2024,12, 17835-17895
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02060J
Research progress on zinc oxide-based heterojunction photocatalysts
This article reviews the different applications of ZnO-based heterojunction photocatalysts and discusses the strategies for improving their photocatalytic performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03901G
Ceramic membrane composites for highly efficient oil–water separation: a review
This review explores the potential for ceramic membrane composites used in highly efficient oil–water separation while summarizing the characteristics of 10 common ceramic composite membranes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04208E
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.