Featured
-
-
Review Article
| Open Access
Advances in 3D silicon-based lithium-ion microbatteries
Three-dimensional silicon-based lithium-ion microbatteries have potential use in miniaturized electronics that require independent energy storage. Here, their developments are discussed in terms of their material compatibility, cell designs, fabrication methods, and performance in various applications.
- Andam Deatama Refino
- , Calvin Eldona
- & Hutomo Suryo Wasisto
-
Review Article
| Open Access
Morphology controlled performance of ternary layered oxide cathodes
The effect of morphology-focused modifications is often overlooked despite their impact on battery applications. Here, the morphological relationship of ternary layered oxide cathodes to their electrochemical performance is Reviewed, with guidance suggested for their design and commercialization.
- Zifei Meng
- , Xiaotu Ma
- & Yan Wang
-
Article
| Open Access
Enhanced thermoelectric performance via quantum confinement in a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor for thermal management
Cooling computer chips remains a key requirement for improving their performance. Here, a CMOS-compatible MOSFET is used to electrically, rather than physically, induce quantum confinement in a thermoelectric device, improving its thermoelectric performance and making it a viable microchip thermal management solution.
- Samuel W. Oxandale
- , Charles Reinke
- & Ihab El-Kady
-
Article
| Open Access
MXene-reduced graphene oxide sponge-based solar evaporators with integrated water-thermal management by anisotropic design
Water-thermal management is difficult to coordinate in solar evaporators, limiting their performance. Here, hierarchical MXene-reduced graphene oxide sponges with anisotropic thermal conductivity and axial-directional channels integrate water-thermal management for rapid and continuous evaporation.
- Zonglin Liu
- , Renjie Ding
- & Xiaodong He
-
Article
| Open Access
Impact of exposing lithium metal to monocrystalline vertical silicon nanowires for lithium-ion microbatteries
Lithiation and de-lithiation of lithium-ion microbatteries pose a challenge for adoption due to their extreme volume change and active lithium loss. Here, the surface morphologies of a monocrystalline vertical silicon nanowire-based lithium microbattery were investigated against performance.
- Andam Deatama Refino
- , Egy Adhitama
- & Hutomo Suryo Wasisto
-
Article
| Open Access
Isoelectronic aluminum-doped gallium nitride alpha-voltaic cell with efficiency exceeding 4.5%
Alpha-voltaic cells are used as an independent long-lifetime energy source, but their power conversion efficiencies are much lower than the theoretical limit. Here, an aluminium-doped gallium nitride alpha-voltaic cell was found to result in a high-power conversion efficiency of 4.51%.
- Runlong Gao
- , Linyue Liu
- & Xiaoping Ouyang
-
Article
| Open Access
High proton conduction in Ba2LuAlO5 with highly oxygen-deficient layers
Proton conductors are used in diverse applications that require high ionic conductivity at low temperatures and high chemical stability. Here, we report that Ba2LuAlO5 shows high proton conductivities, high diffusivity, and high chemical stability without chemical doping.
- Riho Morikawa
- , Taito Murakami
- & Masatomo Yashima
-
Article
| Open Access
Impact of solid-electrolyte interphase reformation on capacity loss in silicon-based lithium-ion batteries
The solid electrolyte interface reformation process and material evolution in silicon composite anodes is not well understood. Here, the authors develop a correlated workflow to study the structural and chemical progression of silicon and solid electrolyte interface reformation upon cycling.
- T. Vorauer
- , J. Schöggl
- & R. Brunner
-
Article
| Open Access
Hydrogen-induced degradation dynamics in silicon heterojunction solar cells via machine learning
Silicon heterojunction solar cells are highly efficient, but their degradation hinders market acceptance. Here, experimental measurements combined with machine learning methods show that mobile hydrogen develops a gradient, forcing it to drift from the interface and leaving behind defects.
- Andrew Diggs
- , Zitong Zhao
- & Gergely T. Zimányi
-
Perspective
| Open Access
Functional two-dimensional high-entropy materials
High-entropy materials have been realized in a wide number of alloys and ceramics, usually in bulk form. This Perspective discusses the emerging field of two-dimensional high-entropy materials, focusing on their formation, structure and applications.
- Srinivasa Kartik Nemani
- , Mohammad Torkamanzadeh
- & Babak Anasori
-
Article
| Open Access
Momentum-resolved electronic structure of LaTiO2N photocatalysts by resonant Soft-X-ray ARPES
LaTiO2N is a promising photocatalyst for light-driven water splitting. Here, ARPES is used to study the momentum-resolved electronic structure of the sub-surface region of LaTiO2N and monitor its evolution during the oxygen evolution reaction.
- Craig Lawley
- , Arian Arab
- & Vladimir N. Strocov
-
Perspective
| Open Access
Important factors for the reliable and reproducible preparation of non-aqueous electrolyte solutions for lithium batteries
Electrolytes are a key component of a battery and therefore receive extensive research interest. This Perspective discusses how to ensure that reports of non-aqueous electrolyte solutions for lithium batteries are reliable and can be reproduced by others.
- Xia Cao
-
Article
| Open Access
Manipulating O3/P2 phase ratio in bi-phasic sodium layered oxides via ionic radius control
Bi-phasic O3/P2 sodium layered oxides are leading candidates for next-generation batteries but rational control of the O3/P2 ratio remains challenging. Here, the O3/P2 ratio is tuned by using the average ionic radius of the transition metal layer, leading to materials with different characteristics.
- P. A. Maughan
- , A. B. Naden
- & A. R. Armstrong
-
Review Article
| Open Access
Next-generation applications for integrated perovskite solar cells
Integrating perovskite photovoltaics with other systems can substantially improve their performance. This Review discusses various integrated perovskite devices for applications including tandem solar cells, buildings, space applications, energy storage, and cell-driven catalysis.
- Abdulaziz S. R. Bati
- , Yu Lin Zhong
- & Munkhbayar Batmunkh
-
Article
| Open Access
Developing sustainable FeTi alloys for hydrogen storage by recycling
FeTi alloys are efficient hydrogen storage mediums but their synthesis using high-purity metals poses considerable environmental sustainability concerns. Here, industrial scraps of iron and titanium are used to synthesise FeTi with high hydrogen storage capacities and tunable thermodynamic properties.
- Yuanyuan Shang
- , Shaofei Liu
- & Claudio Pistidda
-
Article
| Open Access
Liquid-solid contact electrification when water droplets hit living plant leaves
Contact electrification can generate useable charge on a variety of surfaces. Here, surface charge creation when a single water droplet hits various plant leaves is investigated, including the effect of droplet characteristics and whether the plant leaf is hydrophilic or hydrophobic.
- Serena Armiento
- , Carlo Filippeschi
- & Barbara Mazzolai
-
Article
| Open Access
Spherical hydroxyapatite nanoparticle scaffolds for reduced lead release from damaged perovskite solar cells
The contamination of water with lead from damaged perovskite solar cells is a key concern. Here, a spherical hydroxyapatite nanoparticle scaffold absorbs lead from a damaged device, keeping lead concentration in water below safe drinking limits.
- Muhamad Z. Mokhtar
- , Amal Altujjar
- & Brian R. Saunders
-
Perspective
| Open Access
Best practices in lithium battery cell preparation and evaluation
Coin and pouch cells are typically fabricated to assess the performance of new materials and components for lithium batteries. Here, parameters related to cell fabrication that influence the reliability of these measurements are discussed, including guidelines for reliable cell preparation.
- Fang Dai
- & Mei Cai
-
Perspective
| Open Access
Probing process kinetics in batteries with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is a powerful and increasingly accessible approach for studying kinetic processes in batteries. Here, key factors for using impedance to obtain accurate and reproducible data from batteries are discussed, providing guidance for researchers.
- Deyang Qu
- , Weixiao Ji
- & Huainan Qu
-
Article
| Open Access
Flexible thermoelectric generator with high Seebeck coefficients made from polymer composites and heat-sink fabrics
Light and flexible thermoelectric generators operating at room temperature are highly desirable for wearable microelectronics. Here, flexible thermoelectric composites comprising semiconducting Bi2Te3 particles and conductive polymers exhibit a high output power within a small temperature window around room temperature.
- Shuping Lin
- , Lisha Zhang
- & Xiaoming Tao
-
Article
| Open Access
Predicting the formation of fractionally doped perovskite oxides by a function-confined machine learning method
Fractionally doped perovskites oxides are interesting for their energy production and storage applications. Here, the authors develop an easy-to-use machine learning model for materials discovery from limited data, identifying and synthesizing 7 new compositions relevant for solar thermochemical hydrogen production.
- Ximei Zhai
- , Fei Ding
- & Jianhua Tong
-
Article
| Open Access
Tracking the evolution of materials and interfaces in perovskite solar cells under an electric field
Stable performance is a key requirement for solar cell devices. Here, spectroscopy combined with depth profiling reveals I2 and PbI2 are distributed evenly in a perovskite solar cell under an electric field, while the electric field itself promotes chemical heterogeneity and device degradation.
- Juntao Hu
- , Peng Chen
- & Zheng-Hong Lu
-
Matters Arising
| Open Access
Reply to: Concerns about global phosphorus demand for lithium-iron-phosphate batteries in the light electric vehicle sector
- Chengjian Xu
- , Qiang Dai
- & Bernhard Steubing
-
Article
| Open Access
High-throughput exploration of halide perovskite compositionally-graded films and degradation mechanisms
High-throughput materials discovery can reduce the time taken to identify high-performing materials. Here, compositionally-graded films are fabricated in a binary halide perovskite system, of interest for solar cells, and their stability investigated during artificial aging.
- Shahram Moradi
- , Soumya Kundu
- & Makhsud I. Saidaminov
-
Review Article
| Open Access
Plasmon-induced hot-hole generation and extraction at nano-heterointerfaces for photocatalysis
Plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis allows for enhanced reaction kinetics and selectivity. Here, the importance of hot holes in plasmonic catalysis is discussed, with a focus on their efficient extraction via different nano-heterointerfaces.
- Monika Ahlawat
- , Diksha Mittal
- & Vishal Govind Rao
-
Article
| Open Access
Lithium-ion-conductive sulfide polymer electrolyte with disulfide bond-linked PS4 tetrahedra for all-solid-state batteries
Solid polymer electrolytes that are resistant to volume changes during charge-discharge cycling are important for all-solid-state batteries. Here, a sulfide polymer electrolyte is fabricated by reacting PS43− anions with iodine, obtaining cells with low resistance and high capacity retention.
- Atsutaka Kato
- , Mari Yamamoto
- & Masanari Takahashi
-
Article
| Open Access
Structural complexity and the metal-to-semiconductor transition in lead telluride
Lead telluride is an important thermoelectric material but its metal-to-semiconductor transition above 230 °C is not fully understood. Here, atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy provides structural insights into this transition, explaining the metallic behavior by a dislocation network within the rock salt structure.
- Iryna Zelenina
- , Paul Simon
- & Yuri Grin
-
Article
| Open Access
Blocking lithium dendrite growth in solid-state batteries with an ultrathin amorphous Li-La-Zr-O solid electrolyte
The formation and growth of dendrites in solid-state lithium metal batteries is a common cause of failure. Here, thin-film amorphous Li-La-Zr-O shows high resistance to lithium penetration, making it promising for thin-film solid-state batteries and as a coating for bulk ceramic electrolyte.
- Jordi Sastre
- , Moritz H. Futscher
- & Yaroslav E. Romanyuk
-
Article
| Open Access
Manipulation of parity and polarization through structural distortion in light-emitting halide double perovskites
Halide perovskites recently attracted wide attention for light emitting applications. Here, octahedral distortion in halide double perovskites Cs2AgMCl6, induced by the mixture of trivalent M-cations Bi3+, In3+, and Sb3+, gives rise to enhanced white light emissivity and longer photoluminescence lifetimes.
- Tamilselvan Appadurai
- , Ravi Kashikar
- & Aravind Kumar Chandiran
-
Article
| Open Access
The moment of initial crystallization captured on functionalized nanoparticles
Understanding the mechanism of supercooling suppression by crystallization seeds is important for designing semiclathrate hydrates for latent heat storage materials. Here, we show that 10-30 nm cluster formation around silver nanoparticles promotes crystallization of supercooled aqueous solutions.
- Hironobu Machida
- , Takeshi Sugahara
- & Izumi Hirasawa
-
Article
| Open Access
Origin and control of ionic hydration patterns in nanopores
The redistribution of water molecules when an ion passes through a nanopore is known to create complex patterns. Here, an analytical model accurately predicts the patterns when an ion passes through a graphene nanopore, and reveals the physical origins of the patterns.
- Miraslau L. Barabash
- , William A. T. Gibby
- & Peter V. E. McClintock
-
Review Article
| Open Access
Intrinsic differences and realistic perspectives of lithium-sulfur and magnesium-sulfur batteries
Magnesium-sulfur batteries offer several advantages compared to lithium-sulfur batteries, including a more stable anode and lower material costs. Here, the challenges and prospects for both classes of batteries are discussed, including their outlook for practical energy and cost levels.
- Georg Bieker
- , Verena Küpers
- & Martin Winter
-
Article
| Open Access
Enhanced flexible optoelectronic devices by controlling the wettability of an organic bifacial interlayer
A challenge for optoelectronic devices is the differing wettability of the organic active layer and transparent electrodes. Here, an organic interlayer which is hydrophilic or hydrophobic on each side enhances the performance of organic photovoltaic devices, and organic light emitting diodes.
- Soyeon Kim
- , Adi Prasetio
- & Dong Chan Lim
-
Article
| Open Access
Stretchable micro-scale concentrator photovoltaic module with 15.4% efficiency for three-dimensional curved surfaces
The use of photovoltaic devices for energy harvesting in real-world applications requires that they are conformable to non-flat surfaces. Here, a micro-scale concentrator module shows 15.4% outdoor conversion efficiency and can stretch over curved 3D surfaces.
- Daisuke Sato
- , Taizo Masuda
- & Noboru Yamada
-
Article
| Open Access
Microstructural degradation during the storage of biomass pellets
Biomass pellets are a promising renewable source of fuel, and are increasingly transported around the globe. Here, it is found that the combined effect of heat and humidity during pellet storage causes inclusion, pore and crack growth, degrading the microstructure.
- Luis Cutz
- , Urša Tiringer
- & Wiebren de Jong
-
Article
| Open Access
Moisture resistance in perovskite solar cells attributed to a water-splitting layer
The poor environmental stability of lead halide perovskites limits their performance in solar cells. Here, a CuSCN nanoplateletes/p-type semiconducting polymer composite layer enables the stable performance of a solar cell for 28 days in high-moisture conditions, attributed to water splitting.
- Min Kim
- , Antonio Alfano
- & Francesco Lamberti
-
Article
| Open Access
Future material demand for automotive lithium-based batteries
Lithium-ion-based batteries are a key enabler for the global shift towards electric vehicles. Here, considering developments in battery chemistry and number of electric vehicles, analysis reveals the increasing amounts of lithium, cobalt and nickel that could be needed.
- Chengjian Xu
- , Qiang Dai
- & Bernhard Steubing
-
Article
| Open Access
Enhanced dielectric constant and energy density in a BaTiO3/polymer-matrix composite sponge
Polymer-matrix composites have a number of attractive properties for use as dielectrics in electrostatic energy storage devices. Here, a BaTiO3 sponge filled with epoxy achieves a high dielectric constant and energy density, attributed to large local electrical displacements.
- Gang Jian
- , Yong Jiao
- & Ching-Ping Wong
-
Article
| Open Access
Two-photon photocurrent in InGaN/GaN nanowire intermediate band solar cells
Intermediate band solar cells have the ability to reach efficiencies similar to multijunction cells using a single semiconductor junction. Here, enhanced two-photon carrier generation is demonstrated on a silicon substrate in an InGaN/GaN quantum dot-in-nanowire heterostructure intermediate band solar cell.
- Ross Cheriton
- , Sharif M. Sadaf
- & Karin Hinzer
-
Article
| Open Access
Single-sulfur atom discrimination of polysulfides with a protein nanopore for improved batteries
The design of advanced batteries relies on careful control of molecular interactions. Here, a protein nanopore, inserted into a lipid membrane, is shown to discern supramolecular polysulfide/cyclodextrin complexes differing by a single sulfur atom, a concept that might be used to design membrane separators in batteries.
- Fanny Bétermier
- , Benjamin Cressiot
- & Jean-Marie Tarascon
-
Article
| Open Access
High cycle life all-solid-state fluoride ion battery with La2NiO4+d high voltage cathode
Fluoride ion batteries receive substantial interest, but are limited by their cyclic performance. Here, an La2NiO4.13 cathode in an all-solid-state fluoride ion battery achieves up to 220 cycles for a 30 mAh/g cut-off capacity.
- Mohammad Ali Nowroozi
- , Kerstin Wissel
- & Oliver Clemens
-
Review Article
| Open Access
Spintronic devices for energy-efficient data storage and energy harvesting
The current surge in data generation necessitates devices that can store and analyze data in an energy efficient way. This Review summarizes and discusses developments on the use of spintronic devices for energy-efficient data storage and logic applications, and energy harvesting based on spin.
- Jorge Puebla
- , Junyeon Kim
- & Yoshichika Otani
-
Article
| Open Access
Design principles for efficient photoelectrodes in solar rechargeable redox flow cell applications
Rational design of photoelectrodes is a key requirement to boost conversion efficiency of photoelectrochemical redox flow cells. Here, band alignment design and surface coverage control are used to design single-photon photoelectrodes that achieve 9.4% solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency.
- Dowon Bae
- , Gerasimos Kanellos
- & Wilson A. Smith
Standardized cycle life assessment of batteries using extremely lean electrolytic testing conditions