Featured
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| Open AccessCatalytic role of in-situ formed C-N species for enhanced Li2CO3 decomposition
Sluggish kinetics of the CO2 reactions lead to the accumulation of Li2CO3 residuals, which hinders the cycling stability of Li-CO2 batteries. Here, the authors reveal the catalytic role of in-situ formed C-N species in enhancing the reversibility of Li2CO3 and cycle life of Li-CO2 batteries.
- Fangli Zhang
- , Wenchao Zhang
- & Zaiping Guo
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Article
| Open AccessHighly efficient anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers via chromium-doped amorphous electrocatalysts
Modulating the electronic structure of active metal sites is crucial to enhance the activity of anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Here, the authors elaborate Cr-doped amorphous metal oxide catalysts with excellent activity and stability.
- Sicheng Li
- , Tong Liu
- & Tao Yao
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Article
| Open AccessDouble cross-linked 3D layered PBI proton exchange membranes for stable fuel cell performance above 200 °C
Phosphoric acid (PA) doped proton exchange membranes (PEMs) often degrade above 200 °C due to membrane creeping, PA dehydration, and condensation. Here, the authors introduce gel-state polybenzimidazole PEMs with double cross-linked 3D layered structures, enabling efficient and stable fuel cell operation above 200 °C.
- Liang Zhang
- , Mengjiao Liu
- & Lixin Xue
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Article
| Open AccessUnderstanding the charge transfer effects of single atoms for boosting the performance of Na-S batteries
Efficient charge transfer in sulfur electrodes is a crucial challenge for sodium-sulfur batteries. Here, the authors developed a machine-learning-assisted approach to quickly identify effective single-atom catalysts that enhance selectivity for short-chain sodium polysulfides, leading to improved battery performance.
- Yao-Jie Lei
- , Xinxin Lu
- & Guoxiu Wang
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Article
| Open AccessGreen moisture-electric generator based on supramolecular hydrogel with tens of milliamp electricity toward practical applications
The emerging moisture-electric harvester suffers from insufficient power output. Here, the authors report a green, efficient, and scalable moisture-electric generator by introducing polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate hydrogel as active material.
- Su Yang
- , Lei Zhang
- & Xiaoming Tao
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Article
| Open AccessDirect conversion of methane to aromatics and hydrogen via a heterogeneous trimetallic synergistic catalyst
Converting methane to hydrogen and aromatics is a route to upgrading natural gas into high value products. Here the authors report a high-performing synergistic trimetallic thermochemical catalyst, along with mechanistic insights into the process.
- Pengxi Zhu
- , Wenjuan Bian
- & Hanping Ding
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Article
| Open AccessOn the role of asymmetric molecular geometry in high-performance organic solar cells
The correlation between asymmetric molecular geometry of non-fullerene acceptors and their optoelectronic properties was unclear. Here, the authors found asymmetric ones exhibit increased open-circuit voltage compared to their symmetric counterparts due to reduced non-radiative charge recombination.
- Jinfeng Huang
- , Tianyi Chen
- & Lijian Zuo
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Article
| Open AccessHybridizing carbonate and ether at molecular scales for high-energy and high-safety lithium metal batteries
Here, authors report a linear functionalized solvent through molecular hybridization. Complementary ethers and carbonates are integrated into a single molecule, exhibiting properties suited for high-energy and high safety lithium metal batteries.
- Jiawei Chen
- , Daoming Zhang
- & Yongyao Xia
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Article
| Open AccessChlorine bridge bond-enabled binuclear copper complex for electrocatalyzing lithium–sulfur reactions
Here, the authors report a homonuclear cooper dual-atom electrocatalyst with high activity designed for synchronously boosting the sulfur and lithium evolutions.
- Qin Yang
- , Jinyan Cai
- & Yingze Song
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Article
| Open AccessEmbedding biocatalysts in a redox polymer enhances the performance of dye-sensitized photocathodes in bias-free photoelectrochemical water splitting
A robust and efficient dye-sensitized NiO bio-hybrid photocathode based on a redox polymer and [FeFe]- hydrogenase has been developed to couple with a BiVO4 photoanode for water splitting without applied bias.
- Fangwen Cheng
- , Olha Pavliuk
- & Haining Tian
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Article
| Open AccessManipulating the diffusion energy barrier at the lithium metal electrolyte interface for dendrite-free long-life batteries
Constructing an artificial solid electrolyte interphase to protect the lithium metal electrode is promising but challenging. Here, authors report a facile approach to form a layer to simultaneously overcome diffusion and advection-limited ion transport to achieve dendrite-free Li plating/stripping.
- Jyotshna Pokharel
- , Arthur Cresce
- & Yue Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessEnhancements of electric field and afterglow of non-equilibrium plasma by Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 ferroelectric electrode
The physics of how ferroelectric materials enhance plasma properties and discharge is unclear. Here, the authors enhance surface charge, electric field and afterglow of nonequilibrium plasma by ferroelectric barrier discharge with evidence from laser diagnostics.
- Yijie Xu
- , Ning Liu
- & Yiguang Ju
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Article
| Open AccessRadionuclide tracing based in situ corrosion and mass transport monitoring of 316L stainless steel in a molten salt closed loop
In situ corrosion monitoring is essential to unveil corrosion mechanisms and safeguard materials’ health. Here, the authors develop a radionuclide tracing based in situ corrosion monitoring technique that can monitor corrosion attack depth and corrosion product transport in flowing molten salts.
- Yafei Wang
- , Aeli P. Olson
- & Adrien Couet
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Article
| Open AccessTransparent ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene/MXene films with efficient UV-absorption for thermal management
While MXene-based composites have been reported as promising materials for photothermal conversion, their opaque appearance limits applications. Here, authors demonstrate visible-light transparent and UV-absorbing composite films by vacuum pressing solution blends of MXene with polyethylene.
- Xianhu Liu
- , Wenrui Zhang
- & Changyu Shen
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Article
| Open AccessPushing thermal conductivity to its lower limit in crystals with simple structures
The pursuit of materials with low heat conductivity is vital for numerous applications. Here, the authors find AgTlI2 show low heat conductivity of 0.25 W/mK at room temperature, discussing its thermal transport mechanisms.
- Zezhu Zeng
- , Xingchen Shen
- & Yue Chen
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Article
| Open AccessThe impact of low-mode symmetry on inertial fusion energy output in the burning plasma state
Recent improvements in the indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments include the achievement of burning plasma state. Here the authors report the scaling of neutron yield in a burning plasma of Deuterium-Tritium fusion reaction by including the mode-2 asymmetry.
- J. E. Ralph
- , J. S. Ross
- & G. B. Zimmerman
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Article
| Open AccessOvercoming low initial coulombic efficiencies of Si anodes through prelithiation in all-solid-state batteries
All-solid-state batteries with silicon anodes have high capacities but low initial coulombic efficiencies (ICEs) because of first cycle irreversible capacity loss. Here, the authors report a prelithiation strategy to improve ICEs and reversibility.
- So-Yeon Ham
- , Elias Sebti
- & Ying Shirley Meng
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Article
| Open AccessActivating reversible carbonate reactions in Nasicon solid electrolyte-based Na-air battery via in-situ formed catholyte
Metal-air batteries, operated in ambient air, suffer from irreversible redox reactions, limiting their energy density. Herein, the authors present a solid electrolyte-based sodium-air battery with a reversible carbonate reaction, facilitated by the in-situ formed catholyte enabled by moisture.
- Heetaek Park
- , Minseok Kang
- & Byoungwoo Kang
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Article
| Open AccessIsotope engineering achieved by local coordination design in Ti-Pd co-doped ZrCo-based alloys
Hydrogen isotope effect in metal-hydrogen systems disturbs precise Deuterium/Tritium (D/T) ratio control. Here, the authors demonstrate a local coordination strategy that comprises thermodynamic destabilization with vibration enhancement of interstitial isotopes for isotope engineering.
- Jiacheng Qi
- , Xu Huang
- & Lixin Chen
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Article
| Open AccessMonolithically integrated micro-supercapacitors with high areal number density produced by surface adhesive-directed electrolyte assembly
A challenge for densely packed micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) is accurate electrolyte placement. Here authors report a surface adhesive-directed electrolyte assembly strategy for precise isolation of densely packed MSCs at micron scale.
- Sen Wang
- , Shuanghao Zheng
- & Zhong-Shuai Wu
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic reconstruction for realizing stable solar-driven reversible hydrogen storage of magnesium hydride
Researchers demonstrate a single phase Mg2Ni(Cu) alloy via atomic reconstruction to achieve the ideal integration of photothermal and catalytic effects, leading to a 6.1 wt. % H2 reversible capacity with 95 % retention under 3.5 W cm−2.
- Xiaoyue Zhang
- , Shunlong Ju
- & Xuebin Yu
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Article
| Open AccessDynamical evolution of CO2 and H2O on garnet electrolyte elucidated by ambient pressure X-ray spectroscopies
Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZO) is a promising solid electrolyte but suffers from severe surface degradation in air. Here, authors use mapping of resonant Auger spectroscopy and various ambient pressure X-ray spectroscopies to elucidate the dynamical evolution of CO2 and H2O on clean LLZO surfaces.
- Nian Zhang
- , Guoxi Ren
- & Xiaosong Liu
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Article
| Open AccessUltrastable halide perovskite CsPbBr3 photoanodes achieved with electrocatalytic glassy-carbon and boron-doped diamond sheets
Perovskites are desirable for photoelectrochemical applications but are unstable in aqueous electrolytes. Here, the authors report a perovskite photoanode in aqueous electrolyte, preserving 95% photocurrent density after over 100 h of operation.
- Zhonghui Zhu
- , Matyas Daboczi
- & Salvador Eslava
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Article
| Open AccessOptimal blade pitch control for enhanced vertical-axis wind turbine performance
Vertical-axis wind turbines offer untapped opportunities for energy generation but suffer from dynamic stall in strong winds. Here, authors implement individual blade pitch control to benefit from stall vortices instead of suppressing them, tripling the power coefficient and reducing load transients by 70%.
- Sébastien Le Fouest
- & Karen Mulleners
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Article
| Open AccessHarnessing strong aromatic conjugation in low-dimensional perovskite heterojunctions for high-performance photovoltaic devices
The large organic cations in low-dimensional perovskite often introduces carrier mobility anisotropy and impedes charge transport. Here, authors report perovskite heterojunction with strong aromatic conjugated perovskites, realizing certified efficiency of over 25% in stable perovskite solar cells.
- Bo Li
- , Qi Liu
- & Zonglong Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessAn integrated high-throughput robotic platform and active learning approach for accelerated discovery of optimal electrolyte formulations
Solubility determines energy density in redox flow batteries. Here, authors combine automated experiments with machine learning to efficiently identify solvents that significantly enhance solubility, testing less than 10% of over 2000 candidates.
- Juran Noh
- , Hieu A. Doan
- & Yangang Liang
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Article
| Open AccessGrave-to-cradle photothermal upcycling of waste polyesters over spent LiCoO2
The increasing production of lithium-ion batteries and plastics presents significant challenges to resource sustainability and ecosystem integrity. This study highlights the utilization of spent lithium cobalt oxide cathodes as photothermal catalysts to transform various waste polyesters into valuable monomers.
- Xiangxi Lou
- , Penglei Yan
- & Jinxing Chen
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Article
| Open AccessSynergistically optimized electron and phonon transport in high-performance copper sulfides thermoelectric materials via one-pot modulation
It is hard to simultaneously improve electrical and thermal properties of materials due to the strong coupling of carrier and phonon transport. Here, the authors propose a one-pot modulation strategy for simultaneously adjusting carrier and phonon transport in copper sulfids.
- Yi-Xin Zhang
- , Qin-Yuan Huang
- & Zhen-Hua Ge
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Article
| Open AccessPhosphonate-based iron complex for a cost-effective and long cycling aqueous iron redox flow battery
Here, authors report an iron flow battery, using earth-abundant materials like iron, ammonia, and phosphorous acid. This work offers a solution to reduce materials cost and extend cycle life in energy storage applications for grid decarbonization.
- Gabriel S. Nambafu
- , Aaron M. Hollas
- & Guosheng Li
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Article
| Open AccessUltra-fast green hydrogen production from municipal wastewater by an integrated forward osmosis-alkaline water electrolysis system
Green hydrogen production faces increased water risks due to scarce supplies of water. Here, authors develop a modular forward osmosis-water splitting system that utilises wastewater effluent to generate high-purity hydrogen, providing a sustainable solution for water and energy security.
- Gabriela Scheibel Cassol
- , Chii Shang
- & Li Ling
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Article
| Open AccessInduced dipole moments in amorphous ZnCdS catalysts facilitate photocatalytic H2 evolution
The rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers is a key challenge for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Here, the authors report an amorphous ZnCdS to break the symmetry of atom arrangement that induces strong dipole fields, thus providing extra driving forces for charge separation.
- Xin Wang
- , Boyan Liu
- & Songcan Wang
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Article
| Open AccessVacancies tailoring lattice anharmonicity of Zintl-type thermoelectrics
Vacancies are traditionally considered to play a role of phonon-defect scattering. Here, the authors show that vacancies can induce phonon softening, enhance phonon anharmonicity, and cause a dramatic reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity.
- Jinfeng Zhu
- , Qingyong Ren
- & Jie Ma
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Article
| Open AccessSelective sorting of hexane isomers by anion-functionalized metal-organic frameworks with optimal energy regulation
Balancing the separation selectivity and regeneration energy of alkane isomers is a daunting challenge. Here the authors utilize flexible host-guest interactions to maximize the gas-framework interactions while achieving potential energy storage to set new benchmarks for alkane isomer separation.
- Qingju Wang
- , Lifeng Yang
- & Huabin Xing
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Article
| Open AccessMultiscale reconfiguration induced highly saturated poling in lead-free piezoceramics for giant energy conversion
There are difficulty of achieving saturated poling and understanding of multi-scale structures in (K, Na)NbO3 ceramics. Here, the authors find atomic-scale polymorphic distortion and micrometer-scale high-density thin striped domains, which is key for high saturated poling.
- Jinfeng Lin
- , Jin Qian
- & Haijun Wu
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Article
| Open AccessDeciphering the critical role of interstitial volume in glassy sulfide superionic conductors
Glass sulfide electrolytes are promising materials for solid-state Li metal batteries, yet limited understanding hinders their progress. Here, the authors decipher the dissolution process of halogen dopants in glass and introduce a synthetic strategy to increase halogen dopant’s dissolution capacity.
- Han Su
- , Yu Zhong
- & Jiangping Tu
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Article
| Open AccessFlexible temperature-pressure dual sensor based on 3D spiral thermoelectric Bi2Te3 films
A three-dimensional spiral architecture is used to exploit both thermoelectric and piezoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 films to make a combined temperature and pressure sensor in a single material, with applications such as electronic skin.
- Hailong Yu
- , Zhenqing Hu
- & Kaiping Tai
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Article
| Open AccessWell-defined diatomic catalysis for photosynthesis of C2H4 from CO2
Principal interest lies in diatomic catalysts (DACs) for efficient CO2 to C2H4 photoconversion yet optimizing catalytic performance and exploring reaction mechanisms are impeded by heteronuclear atom random distribution. Here, a novel up-bottom ion-cutting architecture is proposed for fabricating well-defined DACs.
- Zhongkai Xie
- , Shengjie Xu
- & Shuyan Song
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Article
| Open AccessAssessing intra- and inter-molecular charge transfer excitations in non-fullerene acceptors using electroabsorption spectroscopy
The performance of Y6-containing donor-acceptor active layers in organic solar cells is highly related to the charge-transfer nature in Y6 aggregates. Here, authors study charge-transfer characteristics of excitations of isolated and aggregated Y6 molecules through electroabsorption spectroscopy.
- Sudhi Mahadevan
- , Taili Liu
- & Sai-Wing Tsang
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Article
| Open AccessHigh figure-of-merit for ZnO nanostructures by interfacing lowly-oxidized graphene quantum dots
It is crucial to design ZnO with uniform nanoscale features to reduce thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical conduction pathways. Authors realize a high figure-of-merit value of 0.486 at 580 K by interfacing graphene quantum dots with three-dimensional nanostructured ZnO.
- Myungwoo Choi
- , Juyoung An
- & Seokwoo Jeon
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Article
| Open AccessCapturing ion trapping and detrapping dynamics in electrochromic thin films
Ion trapping has been found to be responsible for the performance degradation in electrochromic oxide thin films. This paper visualizes ion trapping and detrapping dynamics, and provides a general picture of electrochromism in amorphous WO3.
- Renfu Zhang
- , Qinqi Zhou
- & Rui-Tao Wen
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Article
| Open AccessIntragrain impurity annihilation for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
The detrimental effects of intragrain impurity nanoclusters on the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells remain unexplored. Here, the authors study the intragrain impurity annihilation by in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy and adopt a laser stimulus to heal such impurity.
- Songhua Cai
- , Zhipeng Li
- & Yuanyuan Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessDirect observation of tunable thermal conductance at solid/porous crystalline solid interfaces induced by water adsorbates
Interfacial thermal transfer is critical for heat dissipation of devices with interfaces. Here, the authors propose a strategy to tune the interfacial thermal transport between substrate and metal-organic frameworks to benefit their related cooling applications.
- Guang Wang
- , Hongzhao Fan
- & Yanguang Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessMixed tin-lead perovskites with balanced crystallization and oxidation barrier for all-perovskite tandem solar cells
The disparity in crystallization processes between tin- and lead-based perovskites has been a dominant factor contributing to high defect densities. Here, authors employ a functional molecule to inhibit tin oxidation, realizing monolithic all-perovskite tandems with certified efficiency over 27%.
- Jin Zhou
- , Shiqiang Fu
- & Weijun Ke
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Article
| Open AccessA solid-state lithium-ion battery with micron-sized silicon anode operating free from external pressure
Applying high stack pressure is primarily done to address the mechanical failure issue of solid-state batteries. Here, the authors propose a mechanical optimization strategy involving elastic electrolyte to realize solid-state batteries operating without external pressurizing.
- Hui Pan
- , Lei Wang
- & Haoshen Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessSpeaking without vocal folds using a machine-learning-assisted wearable sensing-actuation system
Addressing challenges in voice disorders, the authors present a self-powered, wearable sensor-actuator system based on magnetoelasticity. This innovation enables assisted speaking by capturing laryngeal movements and translating them into voice signals, bypassing the vocal folds.
- Ziyuan Che
- , Xiao Wan
- & Jun Chen
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Article
| Open AccessThe first demonstration of entirely roll-to-roll fabricated perovskite solar cell modules under ambient room conditions
The translation of perovskite solar cells to large-area devices fabricated by industry-relevant manufacturing methods remains a critical challenge. Here, authors report solar modules with serially-interconnected cells produced entirely by industrial roll-to-roll printing under ambient conditions.
- Hasitha C. Weerasinghe
- , Nasiruddin Macadam
- & Doojin Vak
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Article
| Open AccessStable hydrogen evolution reaction at high current densities via designing the Ni single atoms and Ru nanoparticles linked by carbon bridges
Understanding the sustained stability of alkaline hydrogen evolution at high current densities is crucial. Herein, the authors synthesize Ni single atoms, modified with ultra-small Ru nanoparticles with a defective carbon bridging structure, capable of running steadily for 100 h at 3 A cm−2.
- Rui Yao
- , Kaian Sun
- & Jinping Li
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-performance bifacial perovskite solar cells enabled by single-walled carbon nanotubes
The suboptimal optical transmittance of back electrodes and complex fabrication process hindered development of bifacial perovskite solar cells. Here, authors apply single-walled carbon nanotubes as front and back electrodes, achieving power generation density of 36% and bifaciality factor of 98%.
- Jing Zhang
- , Xian-Gang Hu
- & Wei Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessTuning polymer-backbone coplanarity and conformational order to achieve high-performance printed all-polymer solar cells
All-polymer solar cells comprising both polymeric donors and acceptors offer better morphological and mechanical stability, and a broader processing window for printing. Here, the authors report a polymer acceptor based on bithiazole linker with more coplanar and ordered molecular conformation.
- Yilei Wu
- , Yue Yuan
- & Zhenan Bao