Themed collection Recent Review Articles
![](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/Ajax-GA-Loader.gif)
Initiation and future prospects of colloidal metal halide double-perovskite nanocrystals: Cs2AgBiX6 (X = Cl, Br, I)
Reviewing the present and future of “Green” metal halide double perovskite nanocrystals as potential optoelectronic materials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018,6, 21666-21675
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TA06126B
Polymeric coatings for applications in electrocatalytic and photoelectrosynthetic fuel production
Polymeric coatings provide opportunities to control matter and energy in complex environments, including applications in artificial photosynthesis and solar fuels.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018,6, 21654-21665
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TA05805A
Polyoxometalate encapsulation into metal–organic frameworks: the way towards functional nanomaterials for water splitting
A new strategy has been reported for loading of polyoxometalates into metal–organic frameworks. It grants access to bifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018,6, 17849-17853
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TA06213G
CO2 electoreduction reaction on heteroatom-doped carbon cathode materials
This highlight summarizes the recent developments of heteroatom-doped carbon cathode catalysts for CERR.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017,5, 21596-21603
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA06674K
Understanding inks for porous-electrode formation
Scalable manufacturing of high-aspect-ratio multi-material electrodes are important for advanced energy storage and conversion systems. There is a need to understand how one goes from a colloidal state through processing to a functional porous electrode. Such knowledge enables ink-engineering for electrode performance and durability optimization.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017,5, 20527-20533
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA07255D
One-electron intermediates of water oxidation & the role of solvation in their stability
The recent observations of one-electron intermediates of the water oxidation reaction, which localize charge to the surface, suggest that their stability is guided by solvation; in turn, this calls for an expansion of current theoretical calculations of their charge trapping capacity to include explicit solvent.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017,5, 11410-11417
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA02240A
Roadmap and roadblocks for the band gap tunability of metal halide perovskites
Solar cells based on metal-halide perovskite semiconductors inspire high hopes for efficient low-cost solar energy conversion technology. We here reflect on recent progress and potential limitations of the band gap tunability of these compound semiconductors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017,5, 11401-11409
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA00404D
Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): fruit fly or outlier in organic solar cell research?
Regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is used as a model polymer for research in organic solar cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017,5, 11396-11400
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6TA08317J
Recent advances and energy-related applications of high quality/chemically doped graphenes obtained by electrochemical exfoliation methods
An overview of recently developed strategies to access high quality and chemically doped graphenes by electrochemical exfoliation methods and their energy applications is provided.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017,5, 7228-7242
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA01711A
Recent advances in nanostructured carbon for sodium-ion batteries
The review elaborates on diversified nanostructured carbon materials and their modifications from two different perspectives of dimensions and graphitization degree.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 1604-1630
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA09984K
Carbon–metal compound composite electrodes for capacitive deionization: synthesis, development and applications
This review comprehensively discusses the application of carbon–metal compound composites as CDI electrodes paying special attention to their synthesis–structure–desalination performance relationships.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 26693-26743
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08663C
Toward a new generation of low cost, efficient, and durable metal–air flow batteries
Metal–air flow batteries are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems because of their high performance and scale flexibility. Further development should be conducted from material to structure design and operation management.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 26744-26768
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA10658H
Perovskite solar cell-hybrid devices: thermoelectrically, electrochemically, and piezoelectrically connected power packs
Perovskite solar cells connected with other power devices have the potential to drive consumer electronics in the smartest possible way. Here we review the means of integration, materials for integration, and performance of hybrid devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 26661-26692
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08070H
Recent progress in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells employing metal chalcogenides
Metal chalcogenides play a vital role in the development of QDSCs. Here, we review recent progress on metal chalcogenide-based QDSCs in practical applications based on QD sensitizers, counter electrodes, and interface modification layers.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 26205-26226
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA10557C
Janus electrochemical exfoliation of two-dimensional materials
This review focuses on the smart and effective production of atomically thin 2D materials by Janus electrochemical exfoliation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 25691-25711
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA10487A
Two-dimensional group-VA nanomaterials beyond black phosphorus: synthetic methods, properties, functional nanostructures and applications
This review summarizes recent advances on synthesis, properties, functional nanostructures and applications of two-dimensional group-VA nanomaterials beyond black phosphorus.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 25712-25771
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA09582A
Freestanding ultrathin bismuth-based materials for diversified photocatalytic applications
Freestanding ultrathin bismuth-based materials with suitable energy band structure have been demonstrated as outstanding photocatalysts for different applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 25203-25226
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA10144F
Emerging two-dimensional noncarbon nanomaterials for flexible lithium-ion batteries: opportunities and challenges
Emerging 2D noncarbon nanomaterials with excellent lithium storage properties and superior flexibility show great application potential for flexible LIBs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 25227-25246
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA09377J
Emerging nanostructured carbon-based non-precious metal electrocatalysts for selective electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO
An overview of different synthetic methods of Nano-CNMs and the relationships between their structure/composition–performance for CO production via ECR is presented.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 25191-25202
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA09681G
Metallic ruthenium-based nanomaterials for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
This review summarizes the recent progress on metallic Ru-based catalysts, including the preparation strategies, performance of electrocatalytic and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 24691-24714
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06178A
Mixed-matrix membranes for CO2 separation: role of the third component
Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) have exhibited excellent performances for CO2 separation, but it is still an ongoing challenge to enhance the separation performance through optimization of their structures.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 24738-24759
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA09012F
Silicon: toward eco-friendly reduction techniques for lithium-ion battery applications
This review summarizes the progress on four eco-friendly reduction techniques, including the detailed mechanism, reaction conditions, product morphology and electrochemical performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 24715-24737
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08554H
Monocrystalline perovskite wafers/thin films for photovoltaic and transistor applications
This review summarizes the edge-cutting area of the “monocrystalline perovskite wafer/thin film” and their intimate applications in photovoltaics and transistors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 24661-24690
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08823G
Emerging alkali metal ion (Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+) doped perovskite films for efficient solar cells: recent advances and prospects
Research progress in alkali metal ion (Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+) doped perovskite solar cells is summarized and evaluated.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 24150-24163
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08130E
Unique chemistries of metal-nitrate precursors to form metal-oxide thin films from solution: materials for electronic and energy applications
Unique chemistries of metal-nitrate precursors that enable the preparation of high-quality, high-performance metal-oxide thin films by solution deposition are reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 24124-24149
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA07727H
Coordination polymer-based conductive materials: ionic conductivity vs. electronic conductivity
This review summarizes recent developments of coordination polymers and their derivatives for ionic and electrical conductivity with the discussion about synthetic strategies and possible mechanisms to identify the key structural factors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 24059-24091
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08253K
Advances in solar evaporator materials for freshwater generation
To alleviate the scarcity of clean water, solar steam generation, which utilizes the green and abundant resources of Earth, has attracted considerable attention and been recognized as a sustainable technology to purify seawater and wastewater.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 24092-24123
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06034K
Colloidal nanoparticle inks for printing functional devices: emerging trends and future prospects
Emerging trends and future prospects for nanoparticle synthesis and colloidal ink formulation, additive printing processes, and functional devices are highlighted.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23301-23336
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA07552F
The effects of mechanical constriction on the operation of sulfide based solid-state batteries
This review explores the effects of mechanical constriction on the phase stability of ceramic-sulfide solid-electrolytes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23604-23627
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA05248H
Review on anionic redox in sodium-ion batteries
In this review, systematic overlook of recent research on anionic redox in SIBs is given, along with discussion of relative theories that explain the mechanism of activating and stabilizing anionic redox activity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23662-23678
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06389G
Real-time monitoring of stress development during electrochemical cycling of electrode materials for Li-ion batteries: overview and perspectives
Monitoring stress development in electrodes in-situ provides a host of real-time information on electro-chemo-mechanical aspects as functions of SOC and electrochemical potential.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23679-23726
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06474E
Probing and quantifying cathode charge heterogeneity in Li ion batteries
Understanding charge heterogeneity can inform designing high performance Li ion battery cathodes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23628-23661
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06977A
Two-dimensional lead-free halide perovskite materials and devices
The progresses, challenges, and perspectives on emerging 2D lead-free halide perovskite materials and relevant light-emitting diodes/solar cells have been elaborately summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23563-23576
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06455A
2D molecular crystal lattices: advances in their synthesis, characterization, and application
2D molecular crystal lattices form a compelling class of 2D materials with synthetically-tunable properties and the potential to spawn a new generation of devices for optoelectronics and energy sustainability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23537-23562
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06534B
Block copolymer-based porous carbons for supercapacitors
This short review highlights the recent development of block copolymer-based porous carbons as supercapacitor electrodes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23476-23488
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA07770G
Multiple roles of a heterointerface in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures: insights into energy-related applications
This review summarizes the recent advancements in constructing two dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures for applications in water splitting, Li+/Na+ ion batteries, and supercapacitors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23577-23603
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06395A
Olefin/paraffin separation through membranes: from mechanisms to critical materials
The separation of olefin and paraffin is one of the most challenging and energy-intensive processes. In this review, we summarize the separation mechanisms and materials developed for membrane separation of olefin and paraffin.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23489-23511
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06329C
Hydrogen-bonded diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives for energy-related applications
The impact of H-bonding on the optoelectronic properties and device morphology of diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives is reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23451-23475
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA05236D
Recent advances in exfoliation techniques of layered and non-layered materials for energy conversion and storage
Recent advances in exfoliation techniques of layered and non-layered materials for energy conversion and storage are summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23512-23536
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06461C
Interfacial effects in supported catalysts for electrocatalysis
Significant efforts have been devoted to design and develop supported catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems since they have enhanced electrocatalytic activity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23432-23450
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA04888J
Scalable nanomanufacturing of inkjet-printed wearable energy storage devices
The nanomaterial-based wearable energy storage devices will usher in exciting opportunities in emerging technologies such as consumer electronics, pervasive computing, human–machine interface, robotics, and the Internet of Things.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23280-23300
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA05239A
From fullerene acceptors to non-fullerene acceptors: prospects and challenges in the stability of organic solar cells
This review highlights the opportunities and challenges in stability of organic solar cells arising from the emergence of non-fullerene acceptors.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23361-23377
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA05235F
Ambient dinitrogen electrocatalytic reduction for ammonia synthesis
Recent advances in the fabrication of novel electrocatalysts for dinitrogen reduction to ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions are comprehensively reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23416-23431
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA05505C
Organic quinones towards advanced electrochemical energy storage: recent advances and challenges
This review provides an up-to-date summary of the progress of organic quinones as electroactive materials for advanced electrochemical energy storage devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23378-23415
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA05252F
Viologen-inspired functional materials: synthetic strategies and applications
Viologen-inspired aromatic molecules, polymers, and functional materials and their versatile applications will be introduced in this review.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 23337-23360
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA01724K
Emergence of rechargeable seawater batteries
New concepts or chemistry is an urgent requirement for rechargeable batteries to achieve a low-cost, user-friendly nature with adequate energy densities and high levels of safety.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22803-22825
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08321A
Green-solvent-processable strategies for achieving large-scale manufacture of organic photovoltaics
This review introduces three green-solvent-processable strategies for realizing large-scale manufacture of organic photovoltaics.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22826-22847
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA09277C
Silica aerogel composites with embedded fibres: a review on their preparation, properties and applications
Silica aerogels are among the lightest solid materials but they are also very fragile. Fibres embedment is the most versatile and effective method to preserve a monolithic shape during drying, even at large scale, thus widening their applications.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22768-22802
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA04811A
MXene-engineered lithium–sulfur batteries
The applications of MXene-based materials in cathodes, anodes and separators of lithium–sulfur batteries have been summarized, and their superiority for suppressing polysulfide shuttling and improving sulfur utilization has been demonstrated.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22730-22743
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08600E
Covalent triazine frameworks for carbon dioxide capture
Covalent triazine frameworks, as a newly emerging class of porous materials, have great potential in the area of CO2 capture.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22848-22870
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06847C
Photoluminescent metal–organic frameworks and their application for sensing biomolecules
This review focuses on the recent development of luminescent MOFs with synthetic approaches and their application in sensing biomolecules.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22744-22767
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA07022B
Impact of end groups on the performance of non-fullerene acceptors for organic solar cell applications
Non-fullerene organic solar cells employing small molecule acceptors have recently crossed the PCE of 17% through the design and synthesis of efficient acceptor materials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22701-22729
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA08620J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Review of high entropy ceramics: design, synthesis, structure and properties
Design models, synthesis methods, atomic scale structure characterization, properties and applications of high entropy ceramics are reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22148-22162
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA05698J
Phase change materials for electron-triggered energy conversion and storage: a review
This review presents the latest advances in energy conversion phase change materials and their electron-triggered mechanism of energy conversion.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22218-22228
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06678K
Si-based materials derived from biomass: synthesis and applications in electrochemical energy storage
The attractive theoretical specific capacity of silicon (Si) makes it a strong candidate for use in electrochemical energy storage materials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22123-22147
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06934H
Ti-based electrode materials for electrochemical sodium ion storage and removal
The key factors of designing the architectural concepts, synthesis methods, and microstructural and compositional control of Ti-based electrodes are described for applications in electrochemical sodium ion storage and removal.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22163-22188
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06713B
Recent advances in graphene-based platinum and palladium electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction
Graphene-based electrocatalysts have recently attracted considerable research interest because of the abundant choices they present, with tunable and diverse optical, electronic and chemical properties.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 22189-22217
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06088J
On the potential for nanoscale metal–organic frameworks for energy applications
Nanoscale metal organic frameworks offer unique advantages for the development of materials for solar energy conversion systems, supercapacitors, batteries and fuel cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 21545-21576
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA09896H
Surfactant-based promotion to gas hydrate formation for energy storage
Surfactant-promoted methane hydrate formation during the past 2–3 decades has been reviewed, aiming toward achieving a comprehensive evaluation on the current research status and effective guidance on the research prospects.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 21634-21661
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA07071K
Nano-engineering and micromolecular science of polysilsesquioxane materials and their emerging applications
Polysilsesquioxanes (RSiO1.5)n are organic–inorganic hybrid materials that have an array of properties and synergistic features and are considered to be robust materials in the family of siliceous compounds.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 21577-21604
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA04575A
Design strategies toward catalytic materials and cathode structures for emerging Li–CO2 batteries
The state-of-the-art design strategies toward highly active catalytic materials and cathode structures for Li–CO2 batteries are reviewed and discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 21605-21633
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06506G
Inorganic perovskite solar cells: an emerging member of the photovoltaic community
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted tremendous interest because of their rapid improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) from the initial PCE of 3.8% for the first prototype to the certified PCE of 25.2% in 2019.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 21036-21068
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06674H
The synthetic strategies of metal–organic framework membranes, films and 2D MOFs and their applications in devices
Here we review the synthetic methods and applications of 2D-MOF architectures, especially some novel synthetic strategies and applications. In addition, the outlook of 2D-MOF architectures are also proposed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 21004-21035
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA05383B
Rational design of tailored porous carbon-based materials for CO2 capture
This review summarizes the up-to-date advances in porous carbons with tailored pore texture and surface chemistry toward efficient CO2 capture.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 20985-21003
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA07297G
Pathways toward high-performance inorganic perovskite solar cells: challenges and strategies
High-efficiency and low-cost perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are desirable candidates for addressing the scalability challenge of renewable solar energy.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 20494-20518
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA04114A
Inorganic sulfide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries
This review provides essential features of sulfide solid electrolytes and an in-depth explanation of the interface issues in all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 20540-20557
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA04555D
Rechargeable aqueous electrolyte batteries: from univalent to multivalent cation chemistry
Featuring the most recent advances and challenges in aqueous electrolyte metal-ion battery systems and understanding the cell chemistries and different behaviours in aqueous and non-aqueous media.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 20519-20539
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA04735B
Advanced engineering of core/shell nanostructures for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction
This review summarizes the advanced engineering of core/shell structures as a promising candidate for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 20478-20493
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA07016H
Progress in MgO sorbents for cyclic CO2 capture: a comprehensive review
A comprehensive review of the recent advances in MgO-based sorbents for CO2 capture is provided.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 20103-20120
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA06930E
Nanocellulose-based materials as components of polymer electrolyte fuel cells
The present review article ventures into the question “Do the nanoscale forms of cellulose have potential in fuel cell systems?”
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 20045-20074
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA07466J
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.