Themed collection Frontiers in electrocatalysis for clean energy

33 items
Review Article

Recent trends in CO2 electroreduction over metal–organic framework-derived materials: a comprehensive review

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is an emerging, promising method for CO2 mitigation, optimizing current and faradaic efficiencies for effective conversion of CO2 into solar fuel.

Graphical abstract: Recent trends in CO2 electroreduction over metal–organic framework-derived materials: a comprehensive review
Review Article

Constructing a high-performance bifunctional MnO2-based electrocatalyst towards applications in rechargeable zinc–air batteries

MnO2-based materials are excellent electrocatalysts for rechargeable zinc–air batteries due to their various advantages. The review comprehensively discusses four different strategies to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of MnO2.

Graphical abstract: Constructing a high-performance bifunctional MnO2-based electrocatalyst towards applications in rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Review Article

Exploring the synergy of magnetism and electrocatalysis: a comprehensive review on mechanisms, recent developments and future perspectives

Material modifications and magnetic field play a significant role in enhancing the performance of electrocatalyst.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the synergy of magnetism and electrocatalysis: a comprehensive review on mechanisms, recent developments and future perspectives
Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Recent progress on electrocatalysts in ammonia electrooxidation reaction for clean hydrogen production
Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Enhancing electrochemical performance and corrosion resistance of nickel-based catalysts in seawater electrolysis: focusing on OER and HER
Open Access Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction: insights from molecular engineering
Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Balancing the relationship between the activity and stability of anode oxide-based electrocatalysts in acid for PEMWE electrolyzers
Open Access Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Review of carbon-support-free platinum and non-platinum catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells: will they feature in future vehicles?
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: A synergic investigation of experimental and computational dual atom electrocatalysis for CO2 conversion to C1 and C2+ products
Review Article

Recent research progress on polyoxometalate-based electrocatalysts in energy generation

Review of POM-based electrocatalysts in the fields of HER, OER, and CO2RR.

Graphical abstract: Recent research progress on polyoxometalate-based electrocatalysts in energy generation
Open Access Review Article

A review of noble metal-free high entropy alloys for water splitting applications

Nano-sized high entropy alloy (HEA) catalysts have attracted much attention as extraordinary electrocatalysts in water-splitting applications, i.e., the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER).

Graphical abstract: A review of noble metal-free high entropy alloys for water splitting applications
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Communication

Three-dimensional porous NiCoP foam enabled high-performance overall seawater splitting at high current density

Three-dimensional porous NiCoP foam supported on Ni foam is a superb bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall seawater splitting, attaining a large current density of 1000 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.97 V with robust stability over 300 hours.

Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional porous NiCoP foam enabled high-performance overall seawater splitting at high current density
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

Ultrathin carbon layer-coated mesoporous core–shell-type FeP/Fe2O3/C for the hydrogen evolution reaction

With its unique morphology, bonding configuration, and mesoporous surface, FeP/Fe3O4/C demonstrates exceptional HER activity, significantly outperforming FeP/C.

Graphical abstract: Ultrathin carbon layer-coated mesoporous core–shell-type FeP/Fe2O3/C for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Open Access Paper

Improved ammonia production using Cu2O@poly-carbazole electrocatalysts in the electrochemical reduction of molecular nitrogen and nitrogen oxoanions

In this work, a Cu2O@PCz electrode is proposed for the electrocatalytic production of ammonia reducing nitrogen and nitrogen oxoanions. This electrode takes advantage of the catalytic properties of Cu2O together with the stabilization provided by polycarbazole (PCz).

Graphical abstract: Improved ammonia production using Cu2O@poly-carbazole electrocatalysts in the electrochemical reduction of molecular nitrogen and nitrogen oxoanions
Paper

Location effects of vanadium in NiFe layered double hydroxides for oxygen evolution reaction

V can exist as three vanadium-based species, i.e., doped VIII in LDHs laminates, intercalated VO3 between LDHs interlayers, and free VO3 as an additive in KOH electrolyte. The study shows their role in altering the OER performance of NiFe-LDHs.

Graphical abstract: Location effects of vanadium in NiFe layered double hydroxides for oxygen evolution reaction
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Open Access Paper

Dissolution of the Ti porous transport layer in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers

Online monitoring of titanium dissolution during operation to understand the degradation pathway of the porous transport layer in water electrolyzers.

Graphical abstract: Dissolution of the Ti porous transport layer in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers
Paper

Electro-oxidation of alcohols over electrochemically activated nickel alloys for energy-saving hydrogen production

High-valence metal species generated via in situ electrochemical activation effectively enhance the adsorption of small organic molecules on the alloy surface.

Graphical abstract: Electro-oxidation of alcohols over electrochemically activated nickel alloys for energy-saving hydrogen production
Paper

Stainless steel-derived nano-porous oxide: a cost-efficient, stable, and corrosion-resistant hydrogen evolution catalyst

The nanoporous metal oxide structure derived from stainless steel (SS) exhibits exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction activity and remarkable operational resilience, enduring 50 hours of continuous electrolysis.

Graphical abstract: Stainless steel-derived nano-porous oxide: a cost-efficient, stable, and corrosion-resistant hydrogen evolution catalyst
Paper

Interface engineering and oxygen vacancies derived from plasma-treated Cu2O synergistically enhancing electrocatalytic CO2-to-C2+ conversion

A facile, scalable, standardized and controllable synthesis method for highly active catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction is demonstrated with well-controlled magnetron sputtering and plasma treatment under different atmospheres.

Graphical abstract: Interface engineering and oxygen vacancies derived from plasma-treated Cu2O synergistically enhancing electrocatalytic CO2-to-C2+ conversion
Paper

Interface-engineered hybrid electrocatalysts of Ti@holey-TiN/layered-double-hydroxides for efficient seawater electrolysis

The introduction of a holey TiN buffer layer on Ti foam enables the catalytic activity of a hybridized layered double hydroxide to be optimized for seawater electrolysis.

Graphical abstract: Interface-engineered hybrid electrocatalysts of Ti@holey-TiN/layered-double-hydroxides for efficient seawater electrolysis
Paper

Zinc-induced polycrystalline transformation of high-entropy fluorides and derived regulatory mechanisms for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis

Zinc-induced polymorphic transition of high-entropy fluorides to enhance efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis.

Graphical abstract: Zinc-induced polycrystalline transformation of high-entropy fluorides and derived regulatory mechanisms for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis
Paper

Regulating the selectivity through ionomer–catalyst interactions for high-efficiency electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

The surface morphology and microenvironment of GDEs could be altered through the addition of ionomers to electrodes. It was crucial to consider the potential interactions between the ionomer and the catalyst for better performance.

Graphical abstract: Regulating the selectivity through ionomer–catalyst interactions for high-efficiency electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

Deciphering the role of aromatic cations in electrochemical CO2 reduction: interfacial ion assembly governs reaction pathways

Imidazolium cations facilitate electrochemical CO2 reduction by (1) stabilizing CO2˙ with delocalized positive charge (π+) and (2) tuning the transport of proton donors to the electrochemical interface.

Graphical abstract: Deciphering the role of aromatic cations in electrochemical CO2 reduction: interfacial ion assembly governs reaction pathways
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

Curvature-switched activity of carbon nanotube-supported single atom catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is an essential process for hydrogen production through water splitting.

Graphical abstract: Curvature-switched activity of carbon nanotube-supported single atom catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Paper

K+ selectivity modulation in non-aqueous CO2 electroreduction on lead catalysts: from oxalic to tartaric acid production

Modulating potassium ions and the proton concentration in the catholyte regulates the faradaic efficiency and selectivity of a Pb plate electrode in non-aqueous media, forming a C4 product from CO2 reduction.

Graphical abstract: K+ selectivity modulation in non-aqueous CO2 electroreduction on lead catalysts: from oxalic to tartaric acid production
Open Access Paper

From scrap metal to highly efficient electrodes: harnessing the nanotextured surface of swarf for effective utilisation of Pt and Co for hydrogen production

Atomically deposited Pt and Co on nano-grooves result in active and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions.

Graphical abstract: From scrap metal to highly efficient electrodes: harnessing the nanotextured surface of swarf for effective utilisation of Pt and Co for hydrogen production
Paper

Cr-dopant induced crystal orientation and shape modulation in Ni2P nanocrystals for improving electrosynthesis of methanol to formate coupled with hydrogen production

Cr-doped Ni2P nanorods enable a two-electrode overall methanol splitting (OMeS) system, achieving a lowest voltage of 1.16 V to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2, compared to the cell voltage of 1.65 V for overall water splitting.

Graphical abstract: Cr-dopant induced crystal orientation and shape modulation in Ni2P nanocrystals for improving electrosynthesis of methanol to formate coupled with hydrogen production
Paper

NiFeCo–OH/NiTe nanoarrays with amorphous/crystalline interfaces for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction

One-dimensional heterostructured NiFeCo–OH/NiTe nanorod arrays with amorphous/crystalline interfaces have been rationally synthesized, exhibiting an excellent OER electrocatalytic performance.

Graphical abstract: NiFeCo–OH/NiTe nanoarrays with amorphous/crystalline interfaces for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

Atomically dispersed Ru sites on MOF-derived NC-ZnO for efficient oxygen evolution reaction in acid media

Developing acid-stable oxygen evolution/reduction reaction (OER/ORR) electrocatalysts is essential for high-performance water splitting.

Graphical abstract: Atomically dispersed Ru sites on MOF-derived NC-ZnO for efficient oxygen evolution reaction in acid media
Paper

S-doped TiN supported N, P, S-tridoped TiO2 with hetero-phase junctions for fuel cell startup/shutdown durability

A platinum group metal-free S-doped TiN-supported N, P, S-tridoped TiO2 catalyst with anatase/rutile TiO2 hetero-phase junctions is revealed to display a high durability against fuel cell startup/shutdown cycles not to lose its anion dopants.

Graphical abstract: S-doped TiN supported N, P, S-tridoped TiO2 with hetero-phase junctions for fuel cell startup/shutdown durability
Paper

A (μ-oxo) dicopper complex anchoring graphitized mesoporous carbon surface prepared by an in situ electrochemical method for bioinspired electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite to ammonia and sensing

The design and development of functional biomimetic systems that resemble natural enzymes is highly challenging.

Graphical abstract: A (μ-oxo) dicopper complex anchoring graphitized mesoporous carbon surface prepared by an in situ electrochemical method for bioinspired electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite to ammonia and sensing
Paper

Synergistic electronic structure modulation of Pt using V2O3 and V8C7 for enhanced deuterium evolution performance

Synergistic electronic metal–support interaction between V2O3/V8C7 and Pt realizes the development of a high-performance deuterium evolution catalyst.

Graphical abstract: Synergistic electronic structure modulation of Pt using V2O3 and V8C7 for enhanced deuterium evolution performance
From the themed collection: Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers
Paper

Microwave-pulse synthesis of tunable 2D porous nickel-enriched LaMnxNi1−xO3 solid solution for efficient electrocatalytic urea oxidation

This work proposes a microwave-pulse method for rapidly synthesizing highly tunable 2D porous nickel-enriched LaMnxNi1−xO3 for a comprehensive understanding of UOR activity mechanisms.

Graphical abstract: Microwave-pulse synthesis of tunable 2D porous nickel-enriched LaMnxNi1−xO3 solid solution for efficient electrocatalytic urea oxidation
33 items

About this collection

This Journal of Materials Chemistry A themed collection is Guest Edited by Huang Yizhong (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore), Anders Hagfeldt (Uppsala University, Sweden), Kelsey Stoerzinger (University of Minnesota, USA) and Ahsan Ul Haq Qurashi (Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates). We hope that this collection will give readers an overview of some of the most recent work concerning the materials chemistry of electrocatalysis for clean energy and will help to promote exciting research in the field.

In this themed collection, the major focus is on materials interplay in the electrochemical microenvironment, long term stability of earth abundant electrocatalysts, frontiers in theoretical understanding of nano-interfaces, role of Operando techniques, Benchmarking C2 products from CO2 reduction and outperforming electrocatalytic materials for other electrochemical reactions.

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