Themed collection Recent Open Access Articles
Unifying electrolyte formulation and electrode nanoconfinement design to enable new ion–solvent cointercalation chemistries
Cointercalation reactions, of particular interest for emerging battery cell chemistries, are more effectively controlled when matching electrolyte formulation with nanoconfinement properties within the interlayer space of host materials.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 2100-2116
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE04350A
Vapor phase deposition of perovskite photovoltaics: short track to commercialization?
While perovskite-based photovoltaics is progressing toward commercialization, it remains an open question which fabrication technology – solution-based, vapor-based, or combinations – will pave the way to faster economic breakthrough.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 1645-1663
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE03273F
Carbon accounting without life cycle analysis
Carbon accounting without life cycle analysis (LCA) is possible by requiring one ton of sequestration for each extracted ton of carbon. A carbon takeback obligation eliminates the need to track carbon through the supply chain.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 4968-4982
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE01138K
Making the connections: physical and electric interactions in biohybrid photosynthetic systems
Biohybrid systems of synthetic materials and microorganisms can be obtained using a range of assembly strategies based on their interactions. This influences charge transfer between the components and their efficiency for solar fuels generation.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 4305-4319
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE01265D
A roadmap for achieving scalable, safe, and low-cost direct air carbon capture and storage
A roadmap that delineates the major hurdles and essential RD&D actions to enable large-scale DACCS deployment.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 4280-4304
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE01008B
Circular economy for perovskite solar cells – drivers, progress and challenges
We examine drivers and benefits of adopting circular economy practices for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a promising low-cost PV technology, identifying key challenges and reviewing research progress towards achieving a circular economy for PSCs.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 3711-3733
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE00841J
A perspective on the role of anions in highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes
Highly concentrated (water-in-salt) electrolytes possess peculiar ionic interactions, solvation structure, ion transport, capability to form an SEI, etc. This perspective discusses the role of the salt anion on such properties.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 1480-1501
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE03682G
Essential data for industrially relevant development of bifunctional cathodes and biopolymer electrolytes in solid-state zinc–air secondary batteries
The development of bio-based gel polymer electrolytes and bifunctional cathodes with no/less CRM-based catalysts is urgently required for ZABs to push sustainability for full cell design and validation by adopting correct protocols and metrics.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 5039-5058
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE02421G
Determining overpotentials for the oxidation of alcohols by molecular electrocatalysts in non-aqueous solvents
Overpotentials are assessed for electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols using molecular complexes in organic solvents. This work enables meaningful comparison of electrocatalysts across solvents and conditions to establish essential design criteria.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 4015-4024
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE01458K
Perspective on the hydrogen economy as a pathway to reach net-zero CO2 emissions in Europe
The envisioned role of hydrogen in the energy transition – or the concept of a hydrogen economy – has varied through the years.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 1034-1077
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE02118D
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction: role of the cross-talk at nano-carbon interfaces
CO2RR is enhanced by the unique role of carbon nanostructures cooperating with metal and metal-oxide active phases to leverage charge transfer, reagent diffusion and structural stability, regulating a successful asset of interfacial interactions.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 5816-5833
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00228G
Addressing energy storage needs at lower cost via on-site thermal energy storage in buildings
Energy storage needs to support commercial and residential buildings in the U.S. in 2050 for various 100% renewable energy scenarios.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 5315-5329
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01992A
Strategies towards enabling lithium metal in batteries: interphases and electrodes
Perspective on recent improvements in experiment and theory towards realizing lithium metal electrodes with liquid electrolytes.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 5289-5314
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00767J
Towards circular carbo-chemicals – the metamorphosis of petrochemicals
The petrochemical industry must transition into a circular carbo-chemical industry to respond to three main challenges: shifting hydrocarbon stock, climate change and circular economy.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 4358-4376
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00532D
Durability of anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers
Understanding the durability-limiting factors of anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers operating under pure water-, KOH- and K2CO3-fed conditions.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 3393-3419
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE04086J
Enabling large-scale hydrogen storage in porous media – the scientific challenges
This article identifies and discusses the scientific challenges of hydrogen storage in porous media for safe and efficient large-scale energy storage to enable a global hydrogen economy.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 853-864
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03536J
Durability challenges of anion exchange membrane fuel cells
This perspective provides information on durability challenges and future actions of anion exchange membrane fuel cells.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2805-2838
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01133A
Challenges and opportunities for an efficiency boost of next generation Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells: prospects for a paradigm shift
A perspective on some strategies to trigger new developments for the next generation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells is presented.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2047-2055
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00834F
The relative insignificance of advanced materials in enhancing the energy efficiency of desalination technologies
We reveal the insignificance of advanced materials in further enhancing the energy efficiency of desalination and suggest more impactful approaches.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1694-1710
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00341G
Chemical looping beyond combustion – a perspective
Facilitated by redox catalysts capable of catalytic reactions and reactive separation, chemical looping offers exciting opportunities for intensified chemical production.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 772-804
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE03793D
Utilizing three-terminal, interdigitated back contact Si solar cells as a platform to study the durability of photoelectrodes for solar fuel production
Demonstration of a new three-terminal semiconductor photoabsorber architecture for photoelectrochemical fuel production that enables protection of the semiconductor in the dark.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3329-3337
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00349G
Reactivation of chromia poisoned oxygen exchange kinetics in mixed conducting solid oxide fuel cell electrodes by serial infiltration of lithia
The ability to recover the oxygen reduction reaction of poisoned metal oxide surfaces, central to many energy related applications, is demonstrated by controlling relative surface acidity.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 4038-4047
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03975J
Unraveling the varied nature and roles of defects in hybrid halide perovskites with time-resolved photoemission electron microscopy
Hybrid halide perovskites are found to contain multiple types of nanoscale defects that play varied roles in charge trapping – from highly detrimental to relatively benign.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 6320-6328
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE02055B
A new material discovery platform of stable layered oxide cathodes for K-ion batteries
A new materials discovery platform based on combined machine learning (ML) and density functional theory (DFT) for screening and experimental validation is proposed for designing a stable KxMnO2 cathode in K-ion batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 5864-5874
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01136G
Efficiency gains for thermally coupled solar hydrogen production in extreme cold
We analyse the potential of solar hydrogen production in remote and cold world regions such as Antarctica and quantify the efficiency benefits of thermal coupling.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 4410-4417
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00650A
Ligand-bridged charge extraction and enhanced quantum efficiency enable efficient n–i–p perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells
27%-efficient perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are achieved in n–i–p configuration by developing novel electron and hole selective contacts, which combine high broadband transparency with efficient charge extraction.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 4377-4390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE01206A
22.8%-Efficient single-crystal mixed-cation inverted perovskite solar cells with a near-optimal bandgap
A mixed-cation single-crystal lead-halide perovskite absorber layer was utilized to construct 22.8%-efficient solar cells with an expanded near infrared response that approaches the ideal bandgap range (1.1–1.4 eV) for single-junction solar cells.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 2263-2268
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03839C
Solar-driven ionic power generation via a film of nanocellulose @ conductive metal–organic framework
The new technology of “solar-driven ionic power generation” based on ionic thermophoresis and electrokinetic effects could convert solar energy into electricity by using a film of nanocellulose @ conductive metal–organic framework.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2021,14, 900-905
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02730H
Low energy intensity production of fuel-grade bio-butanol enabled by membrane-based extraction
Innovative membrane-based extraction system tailoring affinity-driven separation enables continuous biodiesel production with high productivity and low energy consumption.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4862-4871
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02927K
Expression of interfacial Seebeck coefficient through grain boundary engineering with multi-layer graphene nanoplatelets
Expression of energy filtering to boost thermoelectric performance through grain boundary engineering utilising graphene.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4114-4121
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02490B
High carbonate ion conductance of a robust PiperION membrane allows industrial current density and conversion in a zero-gap carbon dioxide electrolyzer cell
A new anion exchange membrane (PiperION) in conjunction with a tailored zero-gap electrolyzer cell allows unprecedented partial current densities.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 4098-4105
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02589E
Understanding the nature of the passivation layer enabling reversible calcium plating
As for other multivalent systems, the interface between the calcium (Ca) metal anode and the electrolyte is of paramount importance for reversible plating/stripping.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 3423-3431
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE02347G
Promoted oxygen reduction kinetics on nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbon by engineering proton-feeding centers
We demonstrate the important role of the water dissociation process in proton-feeding and enhancing ORR kinetics under an alkaline environment.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2849-2855
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01613F
Exceptionally low charge trapping enables highly efficient organic bulk heterojunction solar cells
In this study, we investigate the underlying origin of the high performance of PM6:Y6 organic solar cells.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2422-2430
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01338B
Photo-rechargeable zinc-ion batteries
This paper presents a zinc-ion battery that can be recharged directly by light without the need for a solar cell, which offers a new approach to balancing the unpredictable energy surpluses and deficits associated with solar energy.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 2414-2421
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01392G
Efficient direct seawater electrolysers using selective alkaline NiFe-LDH as OER catalyst in asymmetric electrolyte feeds
Increasing the performance of seawater electrolyser and enabling direct natural seawater feed by asymmetric electrolyte flow scheme.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1725-1729
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE01125H
Mg3(Bi,Sb)2 single crystals towards high thermoelectric performance
Ternary Mg3(Bi,Sb)2 single crystals showing high thermoelectric performance are for the first time grown by the Mg flux method.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 1717-1724
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE00838A
Ultrahigh-efficiency desalination via a thermally-localized multistage solar still
Passive vapor generation systems combining interfacial solar heating and vaporization enthalpy recycling enable high-efficient low-cost desalination.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2020,13, 830-839
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EE04122B
An efficient alkoxy-substituted polymer acceptor for efficient all-polymer solar cells with low voltage loss and versatile photovoltaic applications
All-polymer solar cells with low voltage loss for efficient outdoor and indoor photovoltaics.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 5191-5199
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE01804D
Porous carbon composites as clean energy materials with extraordinary methane storage capacity
Activated carbon composites containing alumina have high porosity (up to ∼2800 m2 g−1 and 1.5 cm3 g−1) and packing density (∼1 g cm−3), which translates to extraordinary methane volumetric uptake of up to 474 cm3 (STP) cm−3 at 25 °C and 100 bar.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 5024-5038
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00749B
Assessing the realism of clean energy projections
Integrated assessment models (IAMs) need to be improved by considering materials availability and higher technological resolution to reflect real-world complexities and provide more realistic advice to policymakers.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 5241-5259
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00747F
Activating lattice oxygen by a defect-engineered Fe2O3–CeO2 nano-heterojunction for efficient electrochemical water oxidation
Self-supporting Fe2O3–CeO2 nano-heterojunction electrodes with rich oxygen vacancies present high catalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction, where defect-engineering promotes the interfacial interaction and activates the lattice oxygens.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 5260-5272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE01588F
The origins of critical deformations in cylindrical silicon based Li-ion batteries
Correlative neutron and X-ray imaging unravels the causes of localized defects in Li-ion batteries containing a silicon-graphite based anode.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 5048-5059
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00590B
Tuning sorbent properties to reduce the cost of direct air capture
A direct air capture (DAC) economic model that accounts for sorbent degradation is developed. Experimentally-measured parameters are then integrated to identify sorbent and process features that minimize both the DAC carbon footprint and cost.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4544-4559
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00616J
Managing intermittency of renewable power in sustainable production of methanol, coupled with direct air capture
This study leverages worldwide wind data, process modelling, and life cycle assessment to reveal the potential of dynamic methanol production for atmospheric CO2 drawdown, while handling power intermittency and minimising reliance on reserve storage.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4594-4621
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00933A
Developing kilometers-long gravity heat pipe for geothermal energy exploitation
The world-longest SLGHP (4149 m long) and the world's first SLGHP output vapor-driven power generator are developed for the exploitation of geothermal energy.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4508-4518
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE01235F
High-performance thermoelectric composites via scalable and low-cost ink processing
This work demonstrates a remarkable room-temperature figure of merit zT of 1.3 for BiSbTe-based composites with excellent reproducibility using a scalable, low-cost ink processing technique.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4560-4568
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00866A
A solar desalination charger for water treatment and value-added chemical production
This study presents a photoelectrocatalytic desalination charger for the remediation of aquatic pollutants and the production of value-added chemicals.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4488-4497
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00782D
Closing the loop: recycling of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells
Closed-loop recycling of MAPbI3 solar cells: maintaining performance while enhancing economic and environmental benefits.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4248-4262
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE01071J
Insights into lithium inventory quantification of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4–graphite full cells
A systematic methodology for the quantification of lithium inventory is developed and the degradation mechanisms of high-voltage lithium batteries are revealed.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4263-4272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00842A
Optimization of a combined power plant CO2 capture and direct air capture concept for flexible power plant operation
Optimization of a natural gas power plant with integrated calcium looping, membrane and cryogenic CO2 separation, and DAC for negative emissions.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4157-4174
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00309H
Robust battery interphases from dilute fluorinated cations
This approach utilizes electrostatic attraction of very low fractions (~0.1 wt%) of readily reducible fluorinated cations in electrolyte to form a robust fluorine-rich SEI and enable stable Li-metal batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4137-4146
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00296B
Thermodynamically controlled chemical regeneration of spent battery cathodes using recyclable electron donors under ambient conditions
We establish thermodynamically controlled Li-coupled electron transfer from recyclable electron donors to cathodes as a viable route for directly regenerating spent cathodes under ambient conditions.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4064-4077
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE04528E
Alleviating nanostructural phase impurities enhances the optoelectronic properties, device performance and stability of cesium-formamidinium metal–halide perovskites
The impact of the composition of the A-site cations on the intra-domain defect density in cesium-formamidinium perovskite formulations is modulated via alloying.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3832-3847
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00901K
Nearly all-active-material cathodes free of nickel and cobalt for Li-ion batteries
Mitigating electro-chemo-mechanical failures enables nearly all-active-material Ni- and Co-free disordered rock-salt cathodes for Li-ion batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3753-3764
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00551A
Self-tandem catalysis of fast Mg2+ desolvation and sulfur conversions for ultrahigh-performance Mg–S batteries via serially-assembled atomic reactors
Serially-assembled train-like atomic reactors employed in long-conductive nanocarbons were initially designed to achieve fast interfacial Mg2+ desolvation kinetics for improving subsequent sulfur redox conversion kinetics.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3765-3775
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE04028C
Reconfiguring European industry for net-zero: a qualitative review of hydrogen and carbon capture utilization and storage benefits and implementation challenges
This paper explores the benefits, barriers, and justice impacts of industrial decarbonization via hydrogen and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) via European industrial firms located in UK clusters.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3523-3569
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE03270A
Global production potential of green methanol based on variable renewable electricity
The production cost of green methanol from renewable electricity-based hydrogen and atmospheric carbon dioxide could reach market prices by 2040, making it a potential solution for defossilisation of the global chemical industry and marine transport.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3503-3522
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE02951D
Tailoring cobalt spinel oxide with site-specific single atom incorporation for high-performance electrocatalysis
Ta5+ dopants tend to stabilize on the surface of Co3O4, significantly increasing the surface Co2+ species. This dopant-rich shell and the high density of surface Co2+ provide active and protective layers, resulting in high-performance in acidic OER.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3618-3628
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00058G
Integrated carbon capture and CO production from bicarbonates through bipolar membrane electrolysis
Bicarbonate electrolysis with integrated carbon capture (BE-ICC) enables direct conversion of a carbon capture solution.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3570-3579
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00048J
Ultra-high surface area ionic-liquid-derived carbons that meet both gravimetric and volumetric methane storage targets
Activation of N-rich and O-poor carbonised matter from ionic liquids yields ultraporous carbon (4000 m2 g−1 and 3.3 cm3 g−1) with high packing density that translates to methane uptake of up to 0.53 g g−1 and 289 cm3 (STP) cm−3 at 25 °C and 100 bar.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3060-3076
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE03957A
An effective descriptor for the screening of electrolyte additives toward the stabilization of Zn metal anodes
In this work, the authors proposed desolvation activation energy as a critical descriptor for the screening of electrolyte additives, establishing a correlation between polarization and desolvation activation energy.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3157-3167
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00199K
Reversible solid bromine complexation into Ti3C2Tx MXene carriers: a highly active electrode for bromine-based flow batteries with ultralow self-discharge
The robust and reversible solid bromine complexation effect was incorporated into electrodes, endowing bromine-based flow batteries with ultralow self-discharge.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3136-3145
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00580E
Multi-site catalysis of high-entropy hydroxides for sustainable electrooxidation of glucose to glucaric acid
Multi-site catalysis of high-entropy hydroxides for co-production of glucaric acid and ammonia.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3042-3051
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00221K
Environmental process optimisation of an adsorption-based direct air carbon capture and storage system
Since the goal of DACCS is CO2 removal, DACCS processes should be optimised using meaningful climate-benefit metrics such as carbon removal efficiency. We optimise a dynamic DACCS process model to fully exploit its carbon removal potential.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3004-3020
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE02970K
Regulating electrode/electrolyte interfacial chemistry enables 4.6 V ultra-stable fast charging of commercial LiCoO2
A schematic diagram of the mechanism of our fluorinated “cocktail electrolyte” stabilizing electrode/electrolyte interfaces in 4.6 V LCO batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3021-3031
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00676C
Three-dimensional electrode characteristics and size/shape flexibility of coaxial-fibers bundled batteries
Coaxial-fibers bundled batteries in which the negative electrode made of carbon fibers, separator and positive electrode are formed in this order from the inside are proposed to be used as a framework and power source for the future applications.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 2864-2878
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00283K
Towards standardized grid emission factors: methodological insights and best practices
Grid emission factors from official sources vary. Nine relevant aspects were identified and their influence quantified. The recommended set of aspects best represents emissions from grid electricity consumption.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 2776-2786
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE04394K
Strain and collapse during lithiation of layered transition metal oxides: a unified picture
Developing long-life, high-energy density materials such as the Ni-rich LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMCxyz) is needed to manufacture advanced Li-ion batteries.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 2753-2764
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE04115H
Ultrathin dense LiF coverage coupled with a near-surface gradient fluorination lattice enables fast-charging long-life 4.6 V LiCoO2
Schematic diagram of the fluorination interfacial reconstruction process and mechanism for stabilizing the cathode/electrolyte interface.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 2765-2775
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE03464J
About this collection
Please see below for recent Open Access papers published in Energy & Environmental Science.