Themed collection Nanomaterials for a sustainable future: From materials to devices and systems
Boosting the efficiency of electrocatalytic water splitting via in situ grown transition metal sulfides: a review
This review provides an in-depth analysis of the key aspects related to in situ grown TMS electrodes, including the selection of TMS active materials, various substrates, and materials engineering.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 28595-28617
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA06197G
Biocompatible triboelectric energy generators (BT-TENGs) for energy harvesting and healthcare applications
Bio-implantable triboelectric nanogenerators for future medical applications.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 18251-18273
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01987C
Engineered diatomic catalyst empowered electro-Fenton processes for advanced water purification
This work introduces the selection and preparation of DACs for the 2 + 1e− ORR EF process and concludes with a discussion on challenges and future directions for the intelligent design of electrodes and reactors in EF purification technologies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 26439-26456
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04567J
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, 2024,12, 22346-22371
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03192J
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, 2024,12, 20542-20577
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02446J
Frustrated van der Waals heterostructures
Geometrical frustration results from the packing of constituents in a lattice, where the constituents have conflicting forces.
Nanoscale, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03416C
Repurposing an antimicrobial peptide for the development of a dual ion channel/molecular receptor-like platform for metal ion detection
A system is proposed for inorganic Hg2+ sensing, based on modified alamethicin tethered with a thymine-rich peptide nucleic acid moiety, capable of generating ion channel oligomers whose activity is thymine–Hg2+–thymine complexation dependent.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 15984-15994
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02433H
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity and Stability for Symmetrical Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Praseodymium-Doped SrCo0.2Fe0.8O3-δ Electrodes
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA06084A
Construction of Co/Co2P/VN Heterointerfaces Enhances Trifunctional Hydrogen and Oxygen Catalytic Reactions
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA06778A
Balancing Ge de-intercalation and Si re-insertion rates stabilizes hydrolytically labile germanosilicate zeolites
Balanced deintercalation and reinsertion of framework atoms was used to stabilize water-sensitive germanosilicate zeolites. They become resistant to structural degradation and thus available for modification and use.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA05539J
Crystal structure, magnetotransport properties, and electronic band structure of V1−xTixSe2 single crystals
The electrical properties of V1−xTixSe2 are highly tunable, suggesting a promising application in future electronic devices. This work reports the weak localization in VSe2 and TiSe2 single crystals, which can be modulated by the defect density.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 28892-28898
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03663H
Perylene diimide functionalized nano-silica: green emissive material for selective probing and remediation of 4-nitrocatechol, Ru3+, and Cu2+ with biosensing applications
A novel nano-silica functionalized material developed for dual functions of sensing and remediation of specific analytes, offering benefits of sensitive detection, high adsorption capacity with recyclability & biosensing capability.
Mater. Adv., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00862F
Exploring reaction mechanisms for CO2 reduction on carbides
The electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable fuels offers immense promise in pursuing sustainable energy solutions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA05592F
An advanced passive radiative cooling emitter with ultrahigh sub-ambient cooling performance
This study develops a state-of-the-art passive radiative cooling emitter with 95.5% reflectance and 97.9% emissivity, achieving an average temperature reduction of 20.1 °C and a cooling power of 121.0 W m−2 under intense sunlight.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA05869K
One-pot spatial engineering of multi-enzymes in metal–organic frameworks for enhanced cascade activity
A one-pot strategy was developed for the first time to achieve the precise spatial arrangement of multiple enzymes in MOFs, improving multi-enzyme cascade efficiency.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA06211F
Unlocking the Zn storage performance of ammonium vanadate nanoflowers as high-capacity cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries via potassium ion and ethylene glycol co-intercalation engineering
K+ and ethylene glycol are co-inserted into the intermediate layer of NH4V4O10 to regulate the interplanar spacing, oxygen deficiency, redox activity and micromorphology, boosting the zinc storage activity of the material.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 28119-28129
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04112G
Preparation of supercapacitor electrode materials from e-waste: eco-friendly Cu recovery from printed circuit board waste using reduced graphene oxide and upcycling to Cu/CuO@C
Copper (Cu) was recovered from e-waste using reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and the recovered material was further upcycled into Cu/CuO@C. This upcycled material was then evaluated for its potential as an electrode material in supercapacitors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 28107-28118
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04107K
Regulating NO2 adsorption at ambient temperature by manipulating copper species as binding sites in copper-modified SSZ-13 zeolites
A Cu-modified SSZ-13 zeolite for enhanced NO2 adsorption at ambient temperature.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04399E
Tailoring a hierarchical porous carbon electrode from carbon black via 3D diatomite morphology control for enhanced electrochemical performance
Carbon black, a nano-porous material usually derived from the pyrolysis of waste tyres possesses varied particle sizes and morphology making it a viable material for several engineering applications.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00680A
Strategic cation exchange induced 2D nickel sulphide nanoplates with enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance
A cation exchange method enables the synthesis of highly crystalline 2D NixS nanoplates with fine-tuned morphology. These nanoplates exhibit excellent OER performance, achieving a 329 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 and a 52 mV dec−1 Tafel slope.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 27364-27372
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA05191B
A regenerative dual-functional platform combining dendritic silica and anthraquinone amide: advancing seawater lithium detection and recovery with biosensing capabilities
A novel material with a dendritic silica substrate and anthraquinone amide ligand enables simultaneous lithium detection and adsorption in water, offering green-emissive sensing, high adsorption capacity, fast kinetics, and biosensing.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 27340-27354
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA05025H
A 2D layered semiconducting (LCu3I3)n coordination polymer for energy storage through dual ion intercalation
Semiconducting polymer, [(Cu3I3L)n], having a layered structure, shows efficient supercapattery performance with excellent stability. The performance is attributed to the Cu/Cu2+ redox couple accompanying dual ion (de)intercalation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 27355-27363
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04301D
Condensation heat transfer enhancement through durable, self-propelling fluorine-free silane-treated anodized surfaces
When two or more adjacent droplets coalesce, excess surface energy is generated, which can be converted into the kinetic energy of the merged droplet through a suitable nanostructure and the superhydrophobicity of the surface.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 27327-27339
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03444A
Active site engineering of intermetallic nanoparticles by the vapour–solid synthesis: carbon black supported nickel tellurides for hydrogen evolution
The intermetallic phases Ni3Te2, NiTe, NiTe2−x & NiTe2 were synthesized as carbon-black supported nanoparticles using the vapour–solid synthesis approach and were characterized for their performance in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Nanoscale, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03397C
An eco-friendly polycaprolactone/graphite composite as a robust freestanding electrode platform for supercapacitive energy storage
A novel eco-friendly composite electrode/current collector made from polycaprolactone and graphite filler offers bulk conductivity, is freestanding, cost-effective, and shows supercapacitive energy storage potential with electrodeposited polyaniline.
Nanoscale, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03113J
Bifunctional interface stabilizer for promoting preferential crystal face adsorption and inducing planar Zn growth
A unique kind of organic small molecules with two zincophilic sites is demonstrated as the bifunctional interface stabilizer (BIS) for promoting uniform Zn deposition and suppressing dendrite formation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 26536-26543
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04973J
Ultrafast degradation of organic pollutants enabled by nanofluidic ZIF-67/GO membranes via efficient nanoconfined peroxymonosulfate activation
Nanofluidic catalytic membranes composed of two-dimensional graphene oxide nanosheets and ZIF-67 crystals swiftly eliminate organic pollutants from wastewater.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 26627-26635
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02401J
High-load Mg2Ni nanoparticle-carbon nanofiber composites for hydrogen storage
ATEM image of nanoparticles of as-prepared Mg2Ni for hydrogen storage.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 17908-17925
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01725K
Mitigating the volume expansion and enhancing the cycling stability of ferrous fluorosilicate-modified silicon-based composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries
This study introduces an FeSiF6 additive synthesized via the reaction of HF with Si–Fe alloys. It prevents crystalline Li15Si4 formation and promotes stable SEI film, significantly enhancing the cycling stability of silicon-based anodes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 25747-25760
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02532F
Metal-free bi-functional cooperative catalysis: amine and quaternary amine-functionalized dendritic fibrous nanosilica as heterogeneous catalysts for the Henry reaction and CO2 conversion
This study explores amine-functionalized dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) as a highly efficient, base-free heterogeneous catalyst for nitro-aldol (Henry) condensation and additive-free CO2 utilization, outperforming existing catalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 25022-25034
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03980G
Unveiling Magnetic Transition-Driven Thermal Conductivity Switching in Semiconducting Monolayer VS2
Nanoscale, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02375G
Enzyme-mimicking redox-active vitamin B12 functionalized MWCNT catalyst for nearly 100% faradaic efficiency in electrochemical CO2 reduction
Development of highly functional and green electrocatalyst which mimics the natural enzymes for 100% efficiency, selectivity and low-over potential based facile operation is the ultimate aim for the success of the future electrochemical CO2 reduction based carbon net-zero technologies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04145C
α-Graphyne with ultra-low diffusion barriers as a promising sodium-ion battery anode and a computational scheme for accurate estimation of theoretical specific capacity
We propose α-graphyne, with a low diffusion barrier and excellent thermodynamical stability, as a promising anode host for Na-ion batteries. We developed a new computational scheme to accurately calculate theoretical specific capacity (TSC).
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 16900-16912
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02797C
Yttrium doping stabilizes the structure of Ni3(NO3)2(OH)4 cathodes for application in advanced Ni–Zn batteries
The Y-Ni3(NO3)2(OH)4 material is used for zinc-based alkaline batteries. The constructed Zn-Ni batteries offer a high energy density (379 Wh kg−1) with a power density of 1749 W kg−1.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 16933-16941
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02011A
Converting the covalent organic framework linkage from hydrazone to thiadiazole toward blue light-powered selective conversion of organic sulfides
TDA-COF, a triazine-based COF with an irreversible thiadiazole linkage, swiftly carries out the blue light-powered selective conversion of thioanisoles with O2.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 24144-24155
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04548C
A dynamically stable self-assembled CoFe (oxy)hydroxide-based nanocatalyst with boosted electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen-evolution reaction
A self-assembled CoFe (oxy)hydroxide nanocatalyst exhibits high mass activity and dynamic stability and overcomes the inherent defects of CoFe LDH for OER catalysis.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 24308-24317
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01848F
2D metal–organic framework derived ultra-thin nitrogen-doped oxygen rich porous carbon nanosheets for zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors
2D MOF derived ultra-thin carbon nanosheets with high reactivity, super-hydrophilicity and hierarchical porosity are prepared. The corresponding Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitor delivers exceptional energy storage capability with long cycling stability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 24296-24307
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03899A
Alkali-promoted indium oxide as a highly active and selective catalyst for photo-thermal CO2 hydrogenation
Cs-promoted In2O3 has demonstrated excellent catalytic activity and selectivity in photo-thermal CO2 hydrogenation. Mechanistic studies suggest that non-thermal effects prevail, particularly at low reaction temperatures and high light intensities.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 23541-23550
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA04387A
Understanding the evolution of ternary alloyed nanoparticles during reversible exsolution from double perovskite oxides
This work unveils the mechanism of FeCoNi alloy reversible exsolution from double perovskites via in situ synchrotron-based NAP-XPS and time-resolved XRD.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 22609-22626
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03146F
Nickel-doped Li2MoO4 as a high-performance anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
A nickel doping strategy has been developed to prepare Li2NixMo1−xO4 as an anode for LIBs. The as-prepared Ni-doped Li2Ni0.05Mo0.95O4 shows a stable lithium storage capacity of 686.6 mA h g−1, much higher than 365 mA h g−1 for a Li2MoO4 anode.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21895-21904
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03739A
Constructing sodiophilic interconnected ion-transport channels towards a stable Na-metal anode
Tuning the electrochemical behaviors of Na metal anodes via building Na+-conducting channels through a facile rolling and folding method.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20137-20148
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03489A
Tuning the surface charge and pore size of IPNs arrests covalent organic nanostructures through in situ exchangeable bonds for the removal of persistent contaminants
Novel SH-COF and exchangeable bonds enabled recyclable IPN membrane for effective molecular sieving and water remediation via pore size reduction and surface charge enhancement.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19094-19108
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03171G
Biomass-derived B/N/P co-doped porous carbons as bifunctional materials for supercapacitors and sodium-ion batteries
B/N/P co-doped biomass carbons with optimized pore structure and electrical conductivity exhibited supervisor electrochemical performance in supercapacitors and sodium-ion batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18324-18337
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02115K
Surface chemistry altering electronic behaviour of liquid metal-derived tin oxide nanosheets
Interactions between solvents with surface Sn atoms are unravelled experimentally and theoretically for impacting the electronic properties of 2D SnO2 nanosheets.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13551-13561
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01841A
Facile and scalable fabrication of flexible micro-supercapacitor with high volumetric performance based on ultrathin Co(OH)2 nanosheets
Flexible and in-plane micro-supercapacitor with high volumetric capacitance based on ultrathin Co(OH)2 nanosheets.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 17350-17359
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02916J
Unlocking enhanced electrochemical performance through oxygen–nitrogen dual functionalization of iron–nickel–sulfide for efficient energy storage systems
This study showcases a supercapacitor device with oxygen–nitrogen dual functionalized and sulfurized iron–nickel hydroxysulfide, demonstrating high performance and stability for energy storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 17369-17381
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02690J
Disparity among cyclic alkyl carbonates associated with the cathode–electrolyte interphase at high voltage
The schematic of CEI evolution.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 17360-17368
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01759E
Fully solution-processed red tandem quantum dot light-emitting diodes with an EQE exceeding 35%
By balancing carrier injection and improving charge generation efficiency, the EQE of red tandem QLEDs obtained by all-solution processing exceeds 35%.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2024,12, 10053-10060
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TC01175A
A single-atom iron catalyst on hierarchical N-doped carbon for highly efficient oxygen reduction in Zn–air batteries
Single-atom iron electrocatalysts have emerged as up-and-coming alternatives to platinum-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 16528-16536
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03039G
Rational electrolyte design for Li-metal batteries operated under extreme conditions: a combined DFT, COSMO-RS, and machine learning study
We developed a computational protocol combining DFT, COSMO-RS, and machine learning to investigate the thermodynamic properties of 190 binary solvent mixtures. This approach demonstrates high potential for guiding electrolyte design.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15792-15802
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03026E
Ruthenium supported on zirconia–carbon nanocomposites derived by using UiO-66 for efficient photothermal catalytic CO2 reduction
Ru–ZrO2/C with effective light-to-heat conversion and low-valence Ru achieves 504.1 mmol g−1 h−1 of rate and 98.9% selectivity for photothermal CO2 methanation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15803-15813
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01821D
Blue ZnSeTe quantum dot light-emitting diodes with low efficiency roll-off enabled by an in situ hybridization of ZnMgO nanoparticles and amino alcohol molecules
In situ amino alcohol hybrid ZMO NPs have been developed, which not only reduces exciton quenching at the QDs/ETL interface, but also enhances electron injection. In the end, a peak EQE of 8.6% and an extremely low efficiency roll-off were achieved.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 10441-10447
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01515K
Surface passivation with an electron-donating sulfonate group for high-performance and stable perovskite solar cells
A new passivator, 4-aminophenyl sulfone (APS), containing a Lewis base group (SO), could interact with the uncoordinated Pb2+ on perovskite surface, which not only reduces trap state density but also induces a more p-type surface of perovskite film.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 12545-12551
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01039F
About this collection
As modern society’s demand for energy continues to grow, the development of nanomaterials for reducing energy consumption and generating and storing energy is becoming increasingly important. With advances in synthesis methods and theoretical simulations of nanomaterials, attention has turned to how nanomaterials can be rationally designed and synthesized, transformed into energy devices, and ultimately, how devices (such as solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors etc.) can be integrated into systems to tackle real global challenges.
Guest edited by Professor Guohua Jia (Curtin University, Australia), Professor Hongxia Wang (Queensland University of Technology, Australia), Professor Xuyong Yang (Shanghai University, China), Professor Lina Quan (Virginia Tech, USA) and Professor Yun Liu (Australian National University, Australia), this Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal of Materials Chemistry C and Nanoscale collection will capture the cutting-edge innovations in nanomaterials synthesis, simulation, device fabrication, and system integration that are driving this field forward.