Themed collection 2021 Journal of Materials Chemistry A most popular articles
![](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.150/content/NewImages/Ajax-GA-Loader.gif)
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.150/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
The impact of ligands on the synthesis and application of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals
The surface ligation of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NC) influences the size/dimensionality, optoelectronic properties, chemical stability, and use of the NCs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 23419-23443
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA05242J
The role of electrode wettability in electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide
This review provides an in-depth analysis of essential role of electrode wettability in improving CO2 electrochemical reduction.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 19369-19409
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA03636J
Textile triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powered biomonitoring
Textile-based TENGs integrate wearable biomonitoring into commonly worn textiles, offering an inexpensive and convenient alternative with high breathability, wearing comfort, and scalability for personalized healthcare.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 19149-19178
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA02518J
A review on the recent advances in hybrid supercapacitors
Faradaic and non-faradaic energy storage mechanisms, impact of the nano-structuring of electrode materials and state-of-art applications in robotics, etc. of hybrid supercapacitors, and their coupling with batteries and solar cells are elucidated.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 15880-15918
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA02505H
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) beyond crystallinity: amorphous MOFs, MOF liquids and MOF glasses
The field of MOFs has been incorrectly believed to be purely crystalline. Herein, non-crystalline MOFs (amorphous MOFs, MOF liquids, and MOF glasses) are reviewed. Future research directions are also discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 10562-10611
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA01043C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.150/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Advanced research trends in dye-sensitized solar cells
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an efficient photovoltaic technology for powering electronic applications such as wireless sensors with indoor light.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 10527-10545
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA00690H
Recent advances in transition-metal-sulfide-based bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
This review summarizes recent advances relating to transition metal sulfide (TMS)-based bifunctional electrocatalysts, providing guidelines for the design and fabrication of TMS-based catalysts for practical application in water electrolysis.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 5320-5363
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA12152E
A vast exploration of improvising synthetic strategies for enhancing the OER kinetics of LDH structures: a review
The nature of LDH-based nanostructures and their role in the OER are explored, along with synthetic methods to formulate different structures via pioneering modification approaches are discussed for the first time.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 1314-1352
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09788H
Recent progress of high-entropy materials for energy storage and conversion
This review covers the recent developments in catalysis, water splitting, fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen storage enabled by high entropy materials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 782-823
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09578H
C-, N-Vacancy defect engineered polymeric carbon nitride towards photocatalysis: viewpoints and challenges
As an alluring metal-free polymeric semiconductor material, graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4; abbreviated as GCN) has triggered a new impetus in the field of photocatalysis, mainly favoured from its fascinating physicochemical and photoelectronic structural features.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 111-153
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08384D
Trimetallic PtNiCo branched nanocages as efficient and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts towards oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation reactions
A trimetallic PtNiCo branched nanocage was fabricated via an etching process. The optimized electronic structure with Co and Ni accelerate the sluggish kinetic process in ORR and MOR with significantly catalytic enhancement and high durability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 23444-23450
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07488A
Alkylthiol surface engineering: an effective strategy toward enhanced electrocatalytic N2-to-NH3 fixation by a CoP nanoarray
Building a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer of octadecanethiol on a CoP nanoarray on a titanium mesh (C18@CoP/TM) greatly enhances the N2 reduction activity with an NH3 yield of 1.44 × 10−10 mol s−1 cm−2 and a FE of 14.03% in 0.1 M Na2SO4.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 13861-13866
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA02424H
Semitransparent organic solar cells exhibiting 13.02% efficiency and 20.2% average visible transmittance
The PCEs of OSCs and AVTs of corresponding blend films can be continuously optimized by adjusting D18-Cl:Y6-1O ratios and introducing Y6 as the third component. 13.02% PCE and 20.2% AVT are achieved in the semitransparent ternary OSCs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 6797-6804
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA01135A
Electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production in acidic media enabled by NiS2 nanosheets
NiS2 acts as an active and selective electrocatalyst for the two-electron O2 reduction reaction in acids, achieving a selectivity of up to 99% and a H2O2 yield rate of 109 ppm h−1. The catalytic mechanism is further investigated by theoretical calculations.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 6117-6122
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA12008A
A magnetron sputtered Mo3Si thin film: an efficient electrocatalyst for N2 reduction under ambient conditions
Mo3Si is a superior catalyst for electrochemical N2 reduction in 0.1 M Na2SO4, offering a large NH3 yield of 2 × 10−10 mol s−1 cm−2 and a high Faraday efficiency of 6.69% at −0.4 V and −0.3 V vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 884-888
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA11231C
Stabilizing oxygen intermediates on redox-flexible active sites in multimetallic Ni–Fe–Al–Co layered double hydroxide anodes for excellent alkaline and seawater electrolysis
Quaternary multimetallic LDHs have been developed through a facile metal–organic-framework derived electrochemical activation process. Ni–Fe–Al–Co quaternary LDHs show one of the best OER performances in alkaline and seawater electrolytes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 27332-27346
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07126B
Surface recrystallized stable 2D–3D graded perovskite solar cells for efficiency beyond 21%
An ambient stable surface recrystallized 2D–3D graded perovskite solar cell reveals excellent efficiencies of 21.18% (0.12 cm2) and 18.81% (2 cm2).
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 26069-26076
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06901B
Phase-junction engineering boosts the performance of CoSe2 for efficient sodium/potassium storage
The phase-junction engineering of CoSe2 on SiC NWs boosts its performance for efficient sodium/potassium storage.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25954-25963
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08072E
Energy harvesting textiles: using wearable luminescent solar concentrators to improve the efficiency of fiber solar cells
The integration of fiber solar cells (FSCs) and wearable luminescent solar concentrators leads to an enhancement of power conversion efficiency of FSCs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25974-25981
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA04984D
Spin unlocking oxygen evolution reaction on antiperovskite nitrides
The spin state change of Fe3+ ions induced the paramagnetic Fe0.5Ni0.5OOH shell on the ferromagnetic Cu0.5NFe3Ni0.5 core via superexchange interaction, facilitating charge transfer and oxygen species ad(de)sorption for boosted OER performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25435-25444
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07561F
Ultrathin microporous metal–organic network membranes for molecular separation
Microporous metal–organic networks (mMONs) were synthesized via alcoholysis reaction between organic units with catechol groups and metal linkers. Furthermore, an interfacial process was developed to fabricate ultrathin mMON membranes for molecular separation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25531-25538
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07883F
Covalent organic framework hydrogels for synergistic seawater desalination and uranium extraction
CPP with capillary microporous channels for rapid diffusion of uranyl ions and adequate water transport, and good photothermal effect can realize synergistic freshwater collection and uranium extraction.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25611-25620
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06732J
Engineering structural defects into a covalent organic framework for enhanced photocatalytic activity
Defect engineering of a β-ketoenamine-linked COF enhances its photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance by enhancing charge separation efficiency and improving transport of electrons.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25474-25479
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07634E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.150/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Influence of the cobalt content in cobalt iron oxides on the electrocatalytic OER activity
The OER activity of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles depends on the degree of Co redox activity and its change in coordination.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25381-25390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06568H
A scaffold membrane of solid polymer electrolytes for realizing high-stability and dendrite-free lithium-metal batteries
A PVdF-based scaffold reinforces a solid polymer electrolyte and regulates Li+ transport for uniform Li plating, enabling all-solid-state lithium batteries to exhibit high capacities with stable cycling for 1100 cycles at room temperature.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25408-25417
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06838E
Nitride MXenes as sulfur hosts for thermodynamic and kinetic suppression of polysulfide shuttling: a computational study
The modulation effect of surface terminating groups of nitride MXenes on the thermodynamic and kinetic suppression of polysulfide shuttling is studied by theoretical calculations.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25391-25398
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06759A
Bio-based, robust, shape memory, self-healing and recyclable elastomers based on a semi-interpenetrating dynamic network
By using sustainable Eucommia ulmoides gum as a raw material, a robust, shape memory, self-healing and recyclable elastomer was fabricated based on a new strategy – a semi-interpenetrating dynamic network.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 25399-25407
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06299A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.150/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Bridging the interfacial gap in mixed-matrix membranes by nature-inspired design: precise molecular sieving with polymer-grafted metal–organic frameworks
Porous nanoparticles with interfacial adhesiveness boost the selectivity of separation membranes to achieve size-selective nanofiltration.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 23793-23801
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06205K
Well-defined Fe–Cu diatomic sites for efficient catalysis of CO2 electroreduction
A facile and scalable synthesis of N4Fe–CuN3 diatomic sites on N-doped carbon frameworks. The CO Faraday efficiency is >95% at −0.4 to −1.1 V with an overpotential of 50 mV.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 23817-23827
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA02833B
Operando video microscopy of Li plating and re-intercalation on graphite anodes during fast charging
Operando video microscopy on calendared graphite electrodes presents the dynamic evolution of Li plating and re-intercalation during fast charging.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 23522-23536
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06023F
A very mechanically strong and stretchable liquid-free double-network ionic conductor
In this paper, we first report very mechanically strong and stretchable liquid-free double-network ionic conductors (LFDNICs), which solve the trade-off between high mechanical strength and stretchability in a liquid-free ionic conductor.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 23714-23721
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06724A
Suppressing Ge-vacancies to achieve high single-leg efficiency in GeTe with an ultra-high room temperature power factor
Adding Cu2Te, In, and Bi into GeTe results in an ultra-high power factor and average zT. A power conversion efficiency of 11.8% can be achieved in lead-free, single-leg GeTe between 323 and 745 K.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 23335-23344
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA05866E
Tuning the molar mass of P3HT via direct arylation polycondensation yields optimal interaction and high efficiency in nonfullerene organic solar cells
The application and the molar mass dependence of P3HT via direct arylation polycondensation are explored in fullerene-free solar cells. The medium molar mass batch delivered a top efficiency of ∼10%.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 19874-19885
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA02253A
Engineering defects in 2D g-C3N4 for wideband, efficient electromagnetic absorption at elevated temperature
Development of a porous dual-atoms doped g-C3N4 with wideband electromagnetic absorption performance and high thermal stability.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 19710-19718
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA02785A
Improved stability and efficiency of perovskite/organic tandem solar cells with an all-inorganic perovskite layer
This work presents high-performance and stable all-inorganic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells with a champion efficiency of 18.06% and excellent stability under light and thermal conditions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 19778-19787
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA12286F
Highly tough, freezing-tolerant, healable and thermoplastic starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) organohydrogels for flexible electronic devices
Herein, the preparation of a highly tough, freezing-tolerant, healable and thermoplastic starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) organohydrogel for flexible electronic devices is presented.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 18406-18420
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA04336F
Unraveling the structural and morphological stability of oxygen vacancy engineered leaf-templated CaTiO3 towards photocatalytic H2 evolution and N2 fixation reactions
The leaf-templated and oxygen vacancy engineered CaTiO3 showed excellent structural stability but with loss in morphology for the studied binary phase photocatalytic reactions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 17006-17018
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA04180K
Unravelling the origin of bifunctional OER/ORR activity for single-atom catalysts supported on C2N by DFT and machine learning
A group of bifunctional oxygen evolution/reduction reaction single-atom catalysts supported on C2N, is proposed. The origin of their high catalytic activity is elucidated by density functional theory calculations and machine learning modelling.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 16860-16867
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA04256D
High-entropy oxynitride as a low-bandgap and stable photocatalyst for hydrogen production
High-entropy oxynitride photocatalysts have the advantages of high-etropy alloys (high stability) and of oxynitrides (narrow bandgap).
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 15076-15086
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA03861C
A novel Bi2S3/KTa0.75Nb0.25O3 nanocomposite with high efficiency for photocatalytic and piezocatalytic N2 fixation
A Bi2S3/KTa0.75Nb0.25O3 (KTN) nanocomposite was synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method and first applied in piezo-/photocatalytic N2 fixation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 13344-13354
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA02270A
NiCo2O4 nanosheets as a novel oxygen-evolution-reaction cocatalyst in situ bonded on the g-C3N4 photocatalyst for excellent overall water splitting
NiCo2O4 is in situ assembled on g-C3N4 and works as a novel oxygen-evolution-reaction cocatalyst to promote photocatalytic O2-evolution reaction, then Pt–NiCo2O4 dual cocatalyst loaded g-C3N4 achieves photocatalytic overall water splitting.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 12299-12306
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA00241D
Rationally designed hierarchical N-doped carbon nanotubes wrapping waxberry-like Ni@C microspheres for efficient microwave absorption
The enhanced microwave absorption performance of composites benefits from simultaneous rational microstructure design and chemical composition modulation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 5086-5096
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA10942H
Inverse desert beetle-like ZIF-8/PAN composite nanofibrous membrane for highly efficient separation of oil-in-water emulsions
An inverse desert beetle-like ZIF-8/PAN membrane with the ability of “oil capture in water” can achieve oil-in-water emulsion separation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 4167-4175
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08469G
Synthesis of core–shell Co@S-doped carbon@ mesoporous N-doped carbon nanosheets with a hierarchically porous structure for strong electromagnetic wave absorption
Electromagnetic wave absorbents with hierarchically porous and core–shell structures have significantly positive influence on the electromagnetic wave absorption because of the enhanced interfacial polarization.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 3567-3575
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09393A
Electrostatically self-assembled two-dimensional magnetized MXene/hollow Fe3O4 nanoparticle hybrids with high electromagnetic absorption performance and improved impendence matching
Two-dimensional magnetized MXene-based hybrids, obtained by electrostatic self-assembly of Ti3C2Tx with hollow Fe3O4 nanoparticles, achieved high electromagnetic absorption performance.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 3500-3510
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA10551A
Gd-induced electronic structure engineering of a NiFe-layered double hydroxide for efficient oxygen evolution
A novel rare earth hybrid electrocatalyst, consisting of a gadolinium-doped hierarchal NiFe-layered double hydroxide, is developed for improving the OER activity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 2999-3006
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA10740A
Boron “gluing” nitrogen heteroatoms in a prepolymerized ionic liquid-based carbon scaffold for durable supercapacitive activity
Doped boron atoms are bridged to glue more electroactive nitrogen sites on the carbon surface, and the high binding energy of the consequent B–C bonds further consolidates the porous carbon scaffold for durable ion/electron transfer.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 2714-2724
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA09985F
Artemisinin-passivated mixed-cation perovskite films for durable flexible perovskite solar cells with over 21% efficiency
The strong coordination between artemisinin molecules and exposed Pb2+ ions reduces the perovskite crystal's defects and alleviates Pb clusters, resulting in high-performance flexible perovskite solar cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 1574-1582
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA10717D
High-performance gas sensor array for indoor air quality monitoring: the role of Au nanoparticles on WO3, SnO2, and NiO-based gas sensors
The 3 × 3 gas sensor array with different metal oxides and morphologies is fabricated to compare the sensitization effects of Au nanoparticles on various metal oxides and gases.The 3 × 3 gas sensor array with different metal oxides and morphologies is fabricated to compare the sensitization effects of Au nanoparticles on various metal oxides and gases.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 1159-1167
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08743B
Mo2B2 MBene-supported single-atom catalysts as bifunctional HER/OER and OER/ORR electrocatalysts
Ni@Mo2B2 can be used as a HER/OER bifunctional electrocatalyst while Cu@Mo2B2 can be used as an OER/ORR bifunctional electrocatalyst.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 433-441
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08630D
About this collection
This web collection features the top 50 most popular articles published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A in 2021.
Congratulations to all of the authors whose articles have been featured!