Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers

Stabilizing ultrafine intermetallics on carbon supports: from structural design to catalytic applications
Ultrafine intermetallics (<5 nm) offer unique catalytic properties but face sintering challenges. We highlight carbon-supported synthesis strategies for precise control, focusing on electrocatalytic applications and future directions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 26186-26201
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04405G
Unveiling the significance of working electrode substrates in electrocatalytic water splitting for sustainable hydrogen energy production
This perspective highlights how electrode substrate choice critically affects electrocatalyst performance in water splitting, guiding researchers to design better catalysts by leveraging each substrate’s unique properties.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 19252-19281
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA02980E
From lab to market: the future of zinc–air batteries powered by MOF/MXene hybrids
Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) stand at the forefront of energy storage technologies. However, challenges like slow kinetics and low rechargeability persist. MOF–MXene hybrids enhance performance, enabling sustainable ZAB technology.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 12855-12890
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01344E
Humidity Stability of Halide Solid-State Electrolytes
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA06216K
Lithium alloy anodes for all-solid-state lithium batteries: from failure mechanism to performance-oriented design
This review addresses the challenges faced by all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs), analyzes the properties of lithium alloys, summarizes the recent applications of lithium alloy anodes in ASSLMBs, and presents outlooks.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04976H
From activity to stability: dissolution-mediated surface reconstruction and redeposition in transition metal-based electrocatalysts
A comprehensive review on the structural reconstruction and associated dissolution/redeposition equilibria of the electrocatalysts during reactions is proposed, which is pivotal for addressing the delicate balance between activity and stability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05671C
Structural engineering of carbon-based cathodes for advanced aqueous Zn–CO2 batteries: from macroscopic architectures to atomic-level manipulation
This review introduces the latest progress of Zn–CO2 batteries from the aspects of battery systems, electrolytes, electrodes, while the structural engineering of carbon cathodes at both the macroscopic level and the atomic level is summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05385D
Bridging lab-to-fab gaps: recent advances in the reproducibility of organic solar cells
This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in OSC reproducibility of organic solar cells from material synthesis, film preparation, and interfacial & electrode, which would provide significant insights into large-scale fabrication.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05788D
Unlocking the potential of strontium iridate for the oxygen evolution reaction: from fundamental insights to advanced electrocatalyst design
This review explores the properties of strontium iridate (SrIrO3) and its potential as a high-performance catalyst for water splitting in both acidic and alkaline environments, providing key insights for the advancement of electrolysis technologies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 27758-27771
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04873G
Covalent organic framework-derived functional interphase for improving Zn chemistry in aqueous zinc-ion batteries
This review systematically summarizes the cutting-edge development of covalent organic framework-derived functional interphases for improving Zn chemistry in aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 26847-26866
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04055H
Triple-junction all-perovskite solar cells: a review
This paper reviews the working principles and key parameters of TJPSCs and presents recent research progress, focuses on how component optimization, interface engineering, and charge transport layer improvements influence efficiency.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 26867-26879
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03389F
2D covalent organic frameworks: organic electrode materials for aqueous batteries
A review about 2D covalent organic frameworks as organic electrode materials for aqueous batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 25174-25194
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03752B
Recent status, key strategies and challenging perspectives of smart batteries for next-generation batteries
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current development of smart batteries, which can be divided into three parts: smart materials, smart manufacturing and smart sensing.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 21116-21171
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01989C
Helmholtz plane engineering for stable zinc anodes: from interfacial dynamics to long-cycle battery design
By adjusting the composition of the inner Helmholtz plane and the outer Helmholtz plane, it is expected to improve the desolvation structure of zinc ions, inhibit the side reaction of zinc anode and enhance the long-cycle performance of the battery.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 21172-21180
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03553H
Recent advances in electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia: current challenges, resolving strategies, and future perspectives
This review clearly elucidates the lineage of the development of NO3−RR from the theoretical mechanism to practical reactions and deepens the understanding of NO3−RR, pointing out the direction for the advanced design of NO3−RR electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 21181-21232
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA02848E
Iron-based polyanionic cathodes for sustainable sodium-ion batteries
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a compelling alternative to lithium-ion batteries, driven by the abundance of raw materials and lower costs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 16274-16289
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01112D
Recent advances in Ni-based catalysts for hybrid CO2 electrolysis
The utilization of nickel-based catalysts in hybrid CO2 electrolysis systems enhances the efficiency of CO2 reduction by coupling low-energy alternative oxidation reactions, thereby offering an innovative route towards a sustainable carbon economy.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 14491-14509
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01358E
Toward enhanced pyro-catalysis performance: mechanisms, strategies and challenges
Overview of the applications and performance improvement strategies of pyro-catalysis.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 14465-14490
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA00772K
Recent progress in atomic-level manufacturing of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides beyond exfoliation and restacking
Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2DTMDCs) are promising in quantum computing, flexible electronics, spintronics, sustainable energy systems, and advanced healthcare.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 13585-13601
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01124H
Recent progress of selectivity regulation and reaction mechanism of atomically dispersed metal catalysts for oxygen reduction electrocatalysis
This review summarizes the recent progress of atomically dispersed metal catalysts for oxygen reduction electrocatalysis, including advanced theories and descriptors, active site structure, and advanced characterization techniques.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 13602-13631
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01183C
Two-dimensional covalent triazine frameworks for advanced electrochemical energy storage applications
The utilization of 2D CTFs in advanced electrochemical energy storage systems not only demonstrates the enhancement of the energy and power densities of these devices, but also promotes their cycling stability and rate performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 10337-10357
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA00860C
Recent advances in dual functional calcium looping for integrated CO2 capture and conversion: a review
We explored the cutting-edge dual-functional CaL-ICCC process, addressing current limitations and proposing future strategies to minimize energy penalties through integrated multiscale approaches spanning materials, reactors, and systems.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 8913-8938
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA08265F
Recent progress on metal–organic framework-based separators for lithium–sulfur batteries
We review the progress on MOF-based separators for LSBs, with a particular focus on the relationship between the MOF structures and their functional roles in polysulfide capture, catalytic conversion, and uniform Li+ ion flux regulation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 6124-6151
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA08756A
Advances in gas sensors using screen printing
This review highlights that screen-printed gas sensors are cost-effective and scalable, ideal for environmental, industrial, and healthcare applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 5447-5497
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA06632D
Functional carbon-based covalent bridging bonds unlocking superior sodium-ion storage
This review focuses on the transformative role of the carbon-based covalent bridging bonds in the field of sodium-ion batteries, providing valuable insights for advancing the next-generation high-performance sodium-ion batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 3958-3972
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA07030E
Recent progress in multilayer solid electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries
The construction of multilayer electrolytes can improve the electrode interface and enhance the performance of solid-state batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 2378-2402
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA07181F
Tailoring functionalities: pore engineering strategies in porous organic cages for diverse applications
This review focuses on pore engineering (intrinsic pore size, extrinsic porosity, and pore environment) in porous organic cages and summarizes the roles of pore engineering in various fields.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 1641-1658
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA07124G
Iridium-based electrocatalysts for the hydrogen oxidation reaction toward alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells
This review highlights recent advances in Ir-based electrocatalysts based on different design strategies. This review will guide future research in the development of high-performance Ir-based HOR electrocatalysts for AEMFCs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 1659-1668
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA07777F
Ferroelectric materials as photoelectrocatalysts: photoelectrode design rationale and strategies
The utilization of ferroelectrics offers an additional lever to surpass the performance limits of traditional photoelectrodes. In this review, design strategies for ferroelectric photoelectrodes from materials to PEC system design are assessed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 1612-1640
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA07812H
Artificial intelligence assisted nanogenerator applications
This review examines the integration of artificial intelligence with nanogenerators to develop self-powered, adaptive systems for applications in robotics, wearables, and environmental monitoring.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 832-854
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA07127A
Structural insights into mononuclear Cu1 motifs for efficient CO electroreduction
σ–π synergy and spatial confinement in Cu1–C2N motifs optimize the reactivity–stability balance for CO electrocatalysis over conventional Cu–Nx sites.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 27947-27951
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04412J
Binary organic solar cells with efficiency over 20% enabled by solid additives with side-chain halogenation
An effective side-chain halogenation strategy realizes high-performance OSCs with efficiency over 20%.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 27082-27092
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04894J
Enhanced multifunctional performance of flash graphene-polymer composites via nitrogen doping
Nitrogen doping in flash graphene modulates interfacial interactions to enable polymer composites with enhanced properties.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 24443-24454
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03343H
Reconstructing a Gd3+-enriched inner Helmholtz plane with a dynamic electrostatic shielding effect for highly reversible Zn–bromine flow batteries
This work shows that reconstructing a Gd3+-enriched Helmholtz plane enhances interfacial stability, improves Zn anode reversibility, and boosts capacity and cycling stability in zinc–bromine flow batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 24455-24465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04320D
Symmetry-reduction enhanced one-dimensional polarization-sensitive photodetectors for multi-functional applications
A polarization-sensitive photodetector based on 1D vdW Nb2Pd1−xSe5 is reported. Image convolutional processing and proof-of-concept multiplexing optical communications and polarization imaging are demonstrated based on the devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 24435-24442
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03983E
Photocatalytic upcycling of marble waste into acetic acid by copper sulfide nanoparticles
Disk-like CuS nanoparticles facilitate the photocatalytic conversion of carbonate-rich waste marble-dust to acetic acid under monochromatic green light, offering a green route for carbon upcycling and waste utilization.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 19287-19291
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01449B
Nickel-mediated dynamic interfaces with dual spillover pathways in Mo2C/Ni/Fe3O4 for water splitting
Nickel-mediated interfacial design in Mo2C/Ni/Fe3O4 ternary heterostructures establishes decoupled hydrogen/oxygen-containing intermediate spillover pathways via interfacial Ni–C–Mo and Ni–O–Fe interactions and moderation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 17284-17293
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03125G
A multifunctional strategy to improve the efficiency and stability of organic solar cells via a 2PACz/MA composite hole transport layer
A novel 2PACz/MA composite HTL strategy improves the efficiency and stability of OSCs by optimizing interface quality.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 15574-15584
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03153B
Design and synthesis of a weakly solvated electrolyte for high-performance fluoride-ion batteries
A weakly solvated electrolyte strategy for high-performance fluoride-ion batteries at room temperature.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 12891-12899
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA08690B
Regulation of nitrogen reduction reaction catalytic performance by varying the sp/sp2 hybrid carbon ratio in graphyne/graphene heterojunction catalysts
This work systematically investigates the influence of the sp/sp2 hybrid carbon ratio on the NRR catalytic performance of Ti@GY/Gr heterojunctions and explores the underlying mechanisms and relevant descriptor relationships.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 9643-9650
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01226K
Structured droplets dominated by interfacial self-assembly of topology-tunable Janus particles towards macroscopic materials
Structured macro-droplets, stabilized by self-assembled and jammed hemispherical Janus particles at water–oil interfaces, enable scalable fabrication of multi-functional granular materials, e.g., magnetic/fluorescent capsules.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 7073-7080
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA00494B

Fabrication of graphene oxide/silk protein core-sheath aerogel fibers for thermal management
An encapsulated graphene oxide/silk protein aerogel fiber made by coaxial spinning is reported to exhibit ultra-high mechanical properties. The aerogel fiber showed efficient performance in thermal management applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 7081-7090
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA00580A
Effective sensing mechanisms of O2 and CO on SnO2 (110) surface: a DFT study
DFT reveals oxygen vacancies on SnO2 stabilize polarons, driving efficient O2 activation and CO oxidation. These findings enable advanced SnO2-based sensor design, leveraging defect engineering to boost catalytic and sensing performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 918-927
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA07615J
A Nitrogen-Rich Fully Conjugated Covalent Organic Framework as High-Performance Anode Materials for Hybrid Lithium-Ion Capacitors
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA06437F
Separation and purification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by metal‒organic frameworks
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05030H
Regulating blend miscibility by adding multifluorinated polymer acceptors enables the development of 18% efficiency all-polymer solar cells
Three multifluorinated polymer acceptors were designed as the third component for ternary PM6:PY-IT blends. The PM6:PY-IT:PY4F-C20 device exhibited favorable phase separation (∼20 nm) and crystallinity, achieving a device efficiency of 18.0%.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03999A
Dual-functional engineering of Sn-doping and polyaniline coating for Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite: boosting its photocatalytic activity and photostability in selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Dual-functional engineering of Sn-doping and conductive PANI coating to Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite for the selective conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04958J
Nanoarchitectured in situ pre-lithiated carbon anodes for high-power and long-life Li-ion capacitors
In situ prelithiation occurs due to the chemical potential difference between the lithium metal foil and the carbon. This process leads to the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which improves cycle performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05543A

Covalent grafting of redox-active sites onto MXenes with spinel ACo2O4 (A = Zn, Cu) integration for tailored interfacial charge storage in high-performance supercapacitors
Sulphonate-functionalised MXene anchored with spinel ACo2O4 nanostructures enables synergistic charge transfer, enhanced capacitance, and long-term stability, advancing MXene-based supercapacitors for efficient next-generation energy storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05685C
Unveiling the Synergistic Mechanism of Transition Metal-Boron Coordination in B4C12 Nanosheets for Electro-and Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA06541K

Elucidating Ti Dopant Effects in Hematite Photoanodes via High-Throughput Combinatorial Screening
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04174K
Integrated capture and electrochemical conversion of CO2 from flue gas mediated by carbonate/bicarbonate cycle
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA06577A
Fabrication of reduced graphene oxide electromagnetic shielding films with excellent comprehensive performance using a two-step reduction strategy
Graphene materials hold significant potential for electromagnetic wave shielding applications due to their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and versatility.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04606H
In situ formed nano-interlayer enables robust interface bonding in efficient Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric modules
Scalable magnetron-sputtered thermoelectric modules exhibit robust interfacial bonding and ultralow contact resistivity through spontaneously formed nano-interlayers.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA06391D
Construction of a photothermal self-healing epoxy coating with anti-fouling and anti-corrosion functions inspired by the hierarchical surface morphology of starfish
Marine corrosion and biofouling pose significant challenges to the durability of marine equipment.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04488J
Heterogeneous Charge Membranes with Sub-10-nanometer Polyamide / Zn-TCPP Dual-layer for Lithium Extraction
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05031F
Stepwise Optimization Strategy of Ferroelectric-Paraelectric Laminated Ceramics
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA06357D
Chemisorption Contribution of Support Materials on CO2 Capture of Amine-Impregnated Adsorbents
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04905A
Lanthanide ion-sensitized hydrogen-bonded organic framework as a fluorescent sensing platform for ultra-low concentration breath ammonia detection
Tb@HOF-16 exhibits strong fluorescence response to trace amounts of ammonia and can accurately quantify the ammonia levels in the exhaled air of patients.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05264E
All-organic superhydrophobic cellular coatings with durability, robustness, flexibility, and liquid impalement resistance
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05303J

In-situ generation of the spinel structural FeCr2O4 catalyst for CO2-assisted ethane oxidative dehydrogenation
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05111H
Stepwise crosslinking–activation to create a closed pore structure of hard carbon for boosted sodium energy
A stepwise crosslinking-activation method is proposed to prepare coal-based hard carbons with enhanced capacity and high initial coulombic efficiency.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04228C
Achieving excellent charge balance and transport in low-donor bulk heterojunctions for high-performance semitransparent organic photovoltaics
Incorporating Me-4PACz into low-donor-content blends enables self-assembled hole transport pathways and reduced trap states, simultaneously achieving AVT (37.53%) and PCE (10.70%) in semi-transparent organic photovoltaics with an LUE of 4.01%.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 30084-30094
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA03918E
Synergistically enhanced energy storage performance of Bi0.47Na0.47Ba0.06TiO3-based relaxor ferroelectrics via dual engineering of dynamic nanodomains and defect regulation
A design strategy to achieve high energy storage performance via dual engineering of dynamic nanodomains and defect regulation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 30053-30064
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04848F
Fe-induced transformation of OMS-2 to MnO with tailored oxygen vacancies for enhanced CO-SCR performance
This study found that the addition of Fe could promote the formation of MnO, and this change significantly enhanced the redox ability of the catalyst.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 30029-30043
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05184C
Synergistic solvation-surface engineering for high-performance aqueous zinc metal batteries
Cost-effective L-threonine additive in zinc metal batteries enables dendrite-free Zn deposition by modifying Zn2+ solvation structure, breaking hydrogen-bond networks, and forming protective adsorption layers, thereby improving cycling stability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 29994-30005
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05047B
High-performance underwater weak-light photoelectrochemical photodetection based on ZnIn-LDH nanosheet arrays
The excellent weak ultraviolet light detection capability of PEC UV PDs based on ZnIn-LDH NSAs was demonstrated for the first time, including a high responsivity of 182.41 mA W−1 under weak 254 nm light and an ultrahigh rejection ratio of 7027.03.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 29965-29973
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04949K
Hydroxyl-functionalized ultrathin NiOx interlayer for minimized energy loss and enhanced interface stability in perovskite photovoltaics
Ultrathin, hydroxyl-functionalized NiOx interlayers prepared via low-temperature, watermediated atomic layer deposition significantly enhance self-assemble monolayer adsorption, and enable efficient perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 29983-29993
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05079K
Interfacial synergy between Cu nanoclusters and oxygen vacancies on CeO2 for enhanced selective photoreduction of CO2 to C2H4
The oxygen vacancies in Cu@CeO2-OVs significantly increase the interfacial electron density, promote electron transfer and intermediate stability, thereby reducing the C–C coupling energy barrier and achieving highly selective C2H4 generation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 30095-30107
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA05362E
Optimizing water content for high-performance fabric solar steam generation
A hydrophilic fabric was prepared via electrospinning for interface solar steam generation, with increased water content achieved by optimizing its thickness, ultimately resulting in an evaporation rate of 4.13 kg m−2 h−1.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025,13, 29956-29964
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA04884B
About this collection
This on-going web collection features all the articles published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A in 2025 marked as HOT, as recommended by referees.
Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured!