Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A Recent Review Articles
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
Hybrid passive cooling: towards the next breakthrough of radiative sky cooling technology
A critical review of the regulatory mechanisms, structural design, cooling performance, and applications of hybrid cooling to advance its commercial use in passive cooling.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03122A
Micro/Nano Encapsulated Phase Change Material: Materials, Preparation, and Emerging Advances in Solar Energy Field
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03581J
Recent advances in quaternary copper-based sulfides and their derivatives for solar hydrogen evolution
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03912B
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Leveraging machine learning in porous media
Evaluating the advantages and limitations of applying machine learning for prediction and optimization in porous media, with applications in energy, environment, and subsurface studies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00251B
Versatile metal fluorides in ion battery application
In this review, various cutting-edge metal fluorides applied as cathode materials, protective artificial interphase films, and solid electrolytes are systematically summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03962A
Electrochemical strategies for urea synthesis via C–N coupling of integrated carbon oxide–nitrogenous molecule reduction
This work highlights the electrocatalytic C–N coupling for urea synthesis, addressing CO2 and nitrogenous molecule reduction. It tackles challenges in inert molecule activation, side reactions, mechanistic insights, and catalyst development.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02891K
Translucent Solar Power for Potential Future Implementations
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03542A
Flexible electrode materials for emerging electronics: materials, fabrication and applications
This paper reviews the progress of flexible electrodes in recent years, including flexible substrates, active materials, manufacturing methods, and their latest applications in flexible sensors, flexible energy storage, and medical and healthcare.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01960A
Polymer-based films for all-in-one piezo-driven self-charging power system
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02965H
Recent progress on MOFs and their derivative-carbon fiber composite materials for oxygen electrocatalysis
Based on the oxygen electrocatalytic mechanism, MOFs and their derivative-carbon fiber composites have shown excellent catalytic performance by optimizing the reaction regulation mechanism, which will promote the development of electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03760J
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Metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction: insights from molecular engineering
Molecular engineering of MOF-based electrocatalysts for the CO2RR, computational simulations, and advanced characterization studies are discussed and summarized to illustrate the correlation between their structure and performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01330A
Improving supercapacitor electrode performance with electrospun carbon nanofibers: Unlocking versatility and innovation
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03192J
Recent progress on photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03676J
Electronic delocalization engineering of bismuth-based materials for catalytic electrochemical CO2 and N2 conversion
This review focuses on the electronic delocalization engineering of Bi-based materials for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 and N2, including facet engineering, alloying, defect engineering, atomic engineering, and others.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02863E
Progress and perspectives on electrocatalytic transmembrane hydrogenation
This review summarizes the developments of Pd membrane reactors to drive electrochemical hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds including gaseous reagents. It highlights the design of Pd-based catalysts and their utilization to drive hydrogenation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03345K
Regulation of intermediate microenvironment for efficient C–C coupling in electrochemical CO2 reduction
This review summarizes the recent progress in the regulation of local reaction intermediates and protons near active sites and discusses how their microenvironment affects the C–C coupling efficiency in the electrocatalytic CO2RR.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02224F
Nanoscale halide perovskites for photocatalytic CO2 reduction: product selectivity, strategies implemented, and charge-carrier separation
This review summarizes recent advances and provides a comprehensive discussion on nanoscale halide perovskites (NHPs) CO2 photocatalysis, including product selectivity, retrofitting strategies, and charge transport mechanism characterization.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02446J
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, 2024,12, 17073-17127
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02396J
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, 2024,12, 16987-17001
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02540G
Synthesis and electrocatalytic applications of hybrid nanomaterials containing low-dimensional metals
In this review, recent progress in the synthesis and electrocatalytic applications of hybrid nanomaterials containing low-dimensional metals was outlined and some promising future directions were proposed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 17002-17020
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02281E
Conjugated microporous polymers: their synthesis and potential applications in flexible electrodes
In this review, first, the synthesis of CMPs is reviewed. Second, the application of CMPs in flexible electronics is emphatically introduced. Finally, the problems and challenges of CMPs in flexible electrode materials are discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 17021-17053
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02085E
Advancements in flame-retardant strategies for lithium–sulfur batteries: from mechanisms to materials
Due to their extraordinary theoretical energy density, high specific capacity, and environment-friendly nature, lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have been considered the most promising candidates for energy storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 17054-17072
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01780C
Research progress on two-dimensional indium selenide crystals and optoelectronic devices
2D InSe, a novel semiconductor with unique and excellent performance. It is pivotal for designing multifunctional devices for future optoelectronics, sensors, and flexible electronics, marking a significant advancement in materials science.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 16952-16986
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01584C
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, Advance Article
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, Advance Article
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, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02062F
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, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02112F
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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, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02664K
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
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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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.