Themed collection Spotlight on Women in Energy
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Harnessing the power of biorefining: paving the way for sustainable fuels and chemicals
George W. Huber, Muxina Konarova, Jason Y. C. Lim and Karen Wilson introduce the Sustainable Energy & Fuels themed collection on biorefining.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023,7, 3738-3740
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE90047A
Current advances and future outlook of heterogeneous catalytic transesterification towards biodiesel production from waste cooking oil
The demonstration of disposal and utilisation of waste cooking oil as potential feedstock towards biodiesel synthesis by catalytic heterogeneous transesterification.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2024,8, 1105-1152
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE01564E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Recent progress in monolithic two-terminal perovskite-based triple-junction solar cells
Monolithic perovskite-based triple junction solar cells have the potential to surpass the power conversion efficiency (PCE) limits of single and dual-junction solar cells.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 1781-1818
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE02822D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A review on the advancements of graphitic carbon nitride-based photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting
This review offers a comprehensive depiction of g-C3N4-based materials for PEC water splitting. The fundamentals of PEC water splitting, along with the applications of g-C3N4-based materials as photoanodic and photocathodic materials are discussed.
Energy Adv., 2024,3, 30-59
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3YA00506B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Recent progress in understanding the catalyst layer in anion exchange membrane electrolyzers – durability, utilization, and integration
This review discusses recent insights in catalyst layer design strategies for anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers, including electrode design, catalyst/ionomer integration, operational variables, in situ diagnostics, and cell durability.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 109-137
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00193H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Recent ReaxFF MD studies on pyrolysis and combustion mechanisms of aviation/aerospace fuels and energetic additives
Development of aviation and aerospace fuels requires deep insight into the pyrolysis and combustion mechanisms.
Energy Adv., 2023,2, 54-72
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2YA00285J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Comparing the net-energy balance of standalone photovoltaic-coupled electrolysis and photoelectrochemical hydrogen production
Photovoltaic-coupled electrolysis and photoelectrochemical water splitting are two options for storing solar energy as hydrogen. For each technology, the energy inputs and hydrogen output need to be considered to compare the overall energy balance.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 1677-1694
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE02814C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Electrochemically decoupled reduction of CO2 to formate over a dispersed heterogeneous bismuth catalyst enabled via redox mediators
Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a topic of major interest in contemporary research as an approach to use renewably-derived electricity to synthesise useful hydrocarbons from waste CO2.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 379-388
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00271C
Hybrid thermo-electrochemical conversion of plastic wastes commingled with marine biomass to value-added products using renewable energy
Surface plastics and microplastics commingled with biomass are emerging pollutants in the marine environment.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 5805-5821
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE02461J
A nuclei-rich strategy for highly reversible dendrite-free zinc metal anodes
Aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage owing to their low cost and high safety.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 6026-6034
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE03246A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A comparison of the impact of cation chemistry in ionic liquid-based lithium battery electrolytes
Two high-salt-content ionic liquid electrolytes with distinct cationic chemistries were compared. The one with a phosphonium cation showed superior characteristics, particularly in terms of its enhanced capacity when used in lithium metal batteries.
Energy Adv., 2023,2, 1859-1871
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3YA00336A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Ion irradiation to control size, composition and dispersion of metal nanoparticle exsolution
In this research, we highlight ion beam irradiation as an effective external stimulus for precisely tuning the size, density, composition, and spatial distribution of exsolved nanoparticles within a wide range of oxide materials.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 5464-5478
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE02448B
Unlocking the performance of ternary metal (hydro)oxide amorphous catalysts via data-driven active-site engineering
A machine-learning methodology was applied to unveil the structure–property relationships of the fabricated ternary Ni, Fe, and Co amorphous oxygen evolution catalyst, showcasing remarkable performance and stability via corrosion engineering.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 5065-5075
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE01981K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Under pressure: offering fundamental insight into structural changes on ball milling battery materials
The dynamic impacts from the ball mill process inducing a pressure phase change.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 5196-5209
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE00249G
Comparative techno-economic analysis of different PV-assisted direct solar hydrogen generation systems
This work provides a robust technoeconomic analysis of a range of direct solar hydrogen generation (DSHG) systems to understand the opportunities and challenges of deploying DSHG to reduce the cost of renewable hydrogen production.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 4486-4501
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE01697H
Oxidative instability of ionomers in hydroxide-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers
Ionomer oxidation is the dominant degradation pathway for electrolyte-free HEM electrolyzers and may be mitigated by new catalyst layer design strategies.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 4373-4387
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE01293J
The impact of electrode conductivity on electrolyte interfacial structuring and its implications on the Na0/+ electrochemical performance
Is solid-electrolyte interphase formation affected by electrode conductivity?
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 3919-3931
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE00864A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Surfactant stabilization of vanadium iron oxide derived from Prussian blue analog for lithium-ion battery electrodes
Derivatisation of iron vanadate from a Prussian blue analogue is reported, and the role of water-based surfactants in its electrochemical stability is studied. The environmental impact of the material is reduced by altering the synthesis, heat treatment and electrode preparation methods.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023,7, 4514-4524
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE00854A
Spirobifluorene with an asymmetric fluorenylcarbazolamine electron-donor as the hole transport material increases thermostability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells
A structurally simple hole transport material, with an extremely high glass transition temperature, achieves an average initial efficiency of 24.5% and remarkable 85 °C durability in perovskite solar cells.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 3534-3542
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE01284K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Ruthenium–rhenium and ruthenium–palladium supramolecular photocatalysts for photoelectrocatalytic CO2 and H+ reduction
Photoelectrocatalysis offers the opportunity to close the carbon loop and convert captured CO2 back into useful fuels and feedstocks, mitigating against anthropogenic climate change.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023,7, 3284-3293
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE00442B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Optimising the synthesis of LiNiO2: coprecipitation versus solid-state, and the effect of molybdenum doping
A detailed study on the optimisation of the synthesis of LiNiO2 is reported, with further preliminary results showing improved performance on Mo doping.
Energy Adv., 2023,2, 864-876
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3YA00046J
Multiple and nonlocal cation redox in Ca–Ce–Ti–Mn oxide perovskites for solar thermochemical applications
Ca2/3Ce1/3Ti1/3Mn2/3O3 demonstrates promising two-step thermochemical H2 production potential. Quantum-based modeling highlights A-site Ce4+ reduction as the key factor in its redox activity, providing insights for further performance optimization.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 2550-2560
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE00234A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Biomass-derived carbon sponges for use as sodium-ion capacitor electrodes
A high performance Na-ion capacitor has been assembled by using S-doped carbon sponges and highly porous carbon sponges produced from biomass-derived products by using sustainable salt-templating approaches.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023,7, 2378-2389
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE00273J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Phase shuttling-enhanced electrochemical ozone production
Phase shuttling of Pb3O4 leads to the reconstructed β-PbO2 phase and significantly enhances the electrochemical ozone production (EOP) through water oxidation.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 301-311
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00015J
Sector coupling leading to low-carbon production of power and chemicals in China
A pathway to a carbon-neutral electricity-chemical nexus in China by 2060 is attainable. Sector coupling reduces fossil power generation by 10%, drives renewable curtailment rates to below 5%, and expands energy transmission capacity by at most 18%.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023,7, 2130-2145
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SE01749K
WOx/ZrOx functionalised periodic mesoporous organosilicas as water-tolerant catalysts for carboxylic acid esterification
Kicking out water: optimising the interaction between support hydrophobicity and surface acid sites in WOx/ZrOx/PMO catalysts unlocks an efficient route for the upgrading of low-quality waste bio-oil feedstocks to biodiesel.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023,7, 1677-1686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SE01724E
Identification of potential solid-state Li-ion conductors with semi-supervised learning
A semi-supervised machine learning pipeline is reported for the discovery of new Li-ion solid-state electrolytes. The approach is experimentally validated with the synthesis and characterization of a new superionic conductor predicted by the model.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 1264-1276
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE03499A
Efficient monolithic perovskite–Si tandem solar cells enabled by an ultra-thin indium tin oxide interlayer
An ultra-thin indium tin oxide interlayer design was developed for interfacing perovskite solar cells with Si solar cells thereby minimising shunting effects for large area monolithic tandem devices.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 1223-1233
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE04007G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Pentafluorosulfanyl-functionalised BODIPY push–pull dyes for p-type dye-sensitized solar cells
We report a push–pull BODIPY-based dye functionalised with an electronegative SF5 group at the meso position for applications in photocathodes in tandem dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023,7, 1494-1501
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SE00977C
Non-nucleophilic electrolyte with non-fluorinated hybrid solvents for long-life magnesium metal batteries
Non-nucleophilic and non-fluorinated compounds are the most important class of solvents to enable sustainable rechargeable magnesium batteries but suffer from poor stability due to the formation of an unstable solid–electrolyte-interphase.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 265-274
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EE03235J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Direct carbonate electrolysis into pure syngas
In a direct carbonate electrolysis system, a CO2 diffusion layer enabled the production of CO-rich syngas.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 54-61
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EY00046F
About this collection
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, we are delighted to highlight some of the excellent work from women at the forefront of energy research. This collection showcases a selection of the impactful work from women scientists published in the RSC’s Energy journals: Energy & Environmental Science, EES Catalysis, Sustainable Energy & Fuels, and Energy Advances over the last year. Encompassing work from early career researchers to established senior scientists, this collection highlights the vital role that women are playing in shaping the energy landscape and developing innovative energy solutions.
We welcome any women corresponding or first authors who have published recent work in our energy journals to get in touch and have their work featured in the collection. Thank you to all contributors and we hope that you enjoy reading the collection.