Featured
-
-
Article
| Open AccessQuasi-solid-state Zn-air batteries with an atomically dispersed cobalt electrocatalyst and organohydrogel electrolyte
Quasi-solid-state Zn-air batteries are limited by sluggish kinetics and low temperature incompatibility. Here, the authors use a single-atom catalyst and an organohydrogel electrolyte to enable a 100 mA cm−2 cycling current density at 25 °C and a −60 to 60 °C operational window.
- Qichen Wang
- , Qingguo Feng
- & Xiang Xiong
-
Article
| Open AccessSelf-sustained electricity generator driven by the compatible integration of ambient moisture adsorption and evaporation
Generating electricity from air opens a promising way for green energy harvesting. Here, authors present a prototype driven by the integration of moisture adsorption with evaporation to generate continuous electricity for a long duration.
- Jin Tan
- , Sunmiao Fang
- & Wanlin Guo
-
Article
| Open AccessBipolar membrane electrolyzers enable high single-pass CO2 electroreduction to multicarbon products
In the carbon dioxide (CO2) to multicarbon electrolysis, the crossover CO2 to the oxygen-rich anodic gas stream add a further energy-intensive chemical separation step. Here, the authors demonstrate a bipolar membrane-based electrolyzer design that eliminates the crossover CO2.
- Ke Xie
- , Rui Kai Miao
- & Edward H. Sargent
-
Article
| Open AccessDecoupled temperature and pressure hydrothermal synthesis of carbon sub-micron spheres from cellulose
Temperature and pressure are typically dependent parameters in hydrothermal processes. Here, authors devise a hydrothermal system that allows independent control of these parameters and realize low-temperature fast synthesis of carbon sub-micron spheres directly from cellulose at higher pressure.
- Shijie Yu
- , Xinyue Dong
- & Hui Zhou
-
Article
| Open AccessAnderson transition in stoichiometric Fe2VAl: high thermoelectric performance from impurity bands
The mathematical conditions for the best thermoelectric is well known but never realised in real materials. Here, the authors propose the Anderson transition in a narrow impurity band as a physical realisation of this seemingly unrealisable scenario.
- Fabian Garmroudi
- , Michael Parzer
- & Ernst Bauer
-
Article
| Open AccessBicyclic-ring base doping induces n-type conduction in carbon nanotubes with outstanding thermal stability in air
The preparation of stable n-type carbon nanotubes is desirable for their potential applications in molecular electronics. Here, the authors report that doping with bicyclic-ring organic superbases enables the synthesis of n-type carbon nanotubes with excellent thermal stability in air.
- Shohei Horike
- , Qingshuo Wei
- & Kenji Ishida
-
Article
| Open AccessSimulated co-optimization of renewable energy and desalination systems in Neom, Saudi Arabia
Co-optimization of renewable power and water desalination systems for Neom, a futuristic seaside city in an arid region, results in more pronounced cost investment savings for a high share of renewable sources.
- Jefferson A. Riera
- , Ricardo M. Lima
- & Omar Knio
-
Matters Arising
| Open AccessMultiple induced seismicity mechanisms at Castor underground gas storage illustrate the need for thorough monitoring
- Víctor Vilarrasa
- , Silvia De Simone
- & Antonio Villaseñor
-
Article
| Open AccessSustainable power generation for at least one month from ambient humidity using unique nanofluidic diode
Energy harvesting of humidity present in air can be used for the development of clean energy sources and self-sustained systems. The authors propose a nanofluid energy conversion system with integrated ionic diode-type hybrid membrane for energy generation in environmental moisture.
- Yong Zhang
- , Tingting Yang
- & Qi-Chang He
-
Article
| Open AccessEffect of the grain arrangements on the thermal stability of polycrystalline nickel-rich lithium-based battery cathodes
Enhancing the stability of positive electrodes at thermally-abused conditions is vital for next-generation lithium-based batteries. Here, the authors report in situ physicochemical characterizations to improve the fundamental understanding of the degradation mechanism in polycrystalline Ni-rich cathodes.
- Dong Hou
- , Zhengrui Xu
- & Feng Lin
-
Article
| Open AccessHydrogenated Cs2AgBiBr6 for significantly improved efficiency of lead-free inorganic double perovskite solar cell
Though inorganic perovskites are an attractive, non-toxic and stable alternative to organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells, realizing efficient devices remains a challenge. Here, the authors report hydrogenated lead-free inorganic perovskite solar cells with enhanced power conversion efficiency.
- Zeyu Zhang
- , Qingde Sun
- & Manling Sui
-
Article
| Open AccessTransition-metal-free synthesis of pyrimidines from lignin β-O-4 segments via a one-pot multi-component reaction
Lignin depolymerization to make heterocyclic aromatic compounds is of great importance to expanding the product portfolio derived from biomass, but it is also particularly challenging. In this work, the authors report pyrimidine synthesis from lignin β-O-4 model compounds via a one-pot multicomponent cascade reaction.
- Bo Zhang
- , Tenglong Guo
- & Changzhi Li
-
Article
| Open AccessNiobium-doped layered cathode material for high-power and low-temperature sodium-ion batteries
The practical application of sodium-ion batteries at subzero temperatures is hindered by the slow Na-ion transfer kinetics. Here, the authors reported the niobium doping of P2-type cathode active material capable of efficient battery cycling at low temperatures such as −40 °C.
- Qinhao Shi
- , Ruijuan Qi
- & Yufeng Zhao
-
Article
| Open AccessExpanding the active charge carriers of polymer electrolytes in lithium-based batteries using an anion-hosting cathode
The energy content of secondary batteries is often limited by the charge carriers available in the system. Here, the authors employed an anion acceptor cathode for simultaneous use of electrolyte anions and cations as effective charge carriers in solid polymer electrolytes for lithium-based batteries.
- Zongjie Sun
- , Kai Xi
- & Shujiang Ding
-
Article
| Open AccessTransforming Ti3C2Tx MXene’s intrinsic hydrophilicity into superhydrophobicity for efficient photothermal membrane desalination
Membrane distillation is susceptible to thermal inefficiency and membrane wetting issues during seawater desalination. Here, authors design a MXene-engineered membrane that imparts efficient localized photothermal effect and strong water repellency, achieving sustainable freshwater production.
- Baoping Zhang
- , Pak Wai Wong
- & Alicia Kyoungjin An
-
Article
| Open AccessDevelopment of efficient aqueous organic redox flow batteries using ion-sieving sulfonated polymer membranes
Aqueous organic redox flow batteries are promising for grid-scale energy storage, although their practical application is still limited. Here, the authors report highly ion-conductive and selective polymer membranes, which boost the battery’s efficiency and stability, offering cost-effective electricity storage.
- Chunchun Ye
- , Anqi Wang
- & Qilei Song
-
Article
| Open AccessMulti-scale turbulence simulation suggesting improvement of electron heated plasma confinement
Understanding the transport of the particles and fuel in the fusion plasma is fundamentally important. Here the authors report a cross-link interaction between electron- and ion-scale turbulences in plasma in terms of trapped electron mode and electron temperature gradient modes and their implication to fusion plasma.
- Shinya Maeyama
- , Tomo-Hiko Watanabe
- & Akihiro Ishizawa
-
Article
| Open AccessUnraveling the mechanism for paired electrocatalysis of organics with water as a feedstock
Production of value-added chemicals by using renewable energy and cheap water attract great interest. Herein, the authors design a paired electrocatalytic system to produce 4-aminobenzyl alcohol at cathode and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid at anode.
- Ganceng Yang
- , Yanqing Jiao
- & Honggang Fu
-
Article
| Open AccessLanthanum nitrate as aqueous electrolyte additive for favourable zinc metal electrodeposition
Zinc metal is a promising anode material for aqueous secondary batteries. However, the unfavourable morphologies formed on the electrode surface during cycling limit its application. Here, the authors report the tailoring of the surface morphology using a lanthanum nitrate aqueous electrolyte additive.
- Ruirui Zhao
- , Haifeng Wang
- & Yunhui Huang
-
Article
| Open AccessBoosting the performance of single-atom catalysts via external electric field polarization
While single-atom catalysts offer high atomic utilization and tunable reaction pathways, there are still challenges in controlling reactivity. Here, authors use oriented external electric fields to induce electrostatic polarization in metal single-atoms and to boost water-splitting performances.
- Yanghang Pan
- , Xinzhu Wang
- & Mengning Ding
-
Article
| Open AccessEliminating the need for anodic gas separation in CO2 electroreduction systems via liquid-to-liquid anodic upgrading
In the electrified conversion of CO2 to multicarbon products, CO2 crossover to the O2-rich anodic stream adds a further, energy-intensive, chemical separation step. Here, the authors demonstrate a strategy that eliminates the separation requirement.
- Ke Xie
- , Adnan Ozden
- & Edward H. Sargent
-
Article
| Open AccessGiant energy-storage density with ultrahigh efficiency in lead-free relaxors via high-entropy design
Dielectric ceramics are widely used in advanced high/pulsed power capacitors. Here, the authors propose a high-entropy strategy to design “local polymorphic distortion” in lead-free ceramics, achieving high energy storage performance.
- Liang Chen
- , Shiqing Deng
- & Jun Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessOne-step removal of alkynes and propadiene from cracking gases using a multi-functional molecular separator
Separating mixtures of hydrocarbons of low molecular weight is desirable but challenging. Here, the authors report a porous material with responsive and self-adaptive properties that enables one-step removal of alkynes and propadiene from cracking gases.
- Qingju Wang
- , Jianbo Hu
- & Huabin Xing
-
Article
| Open AccessIron atom–cluster interactions increase activity and improve durability in Fe–N–C fuel cells
It is challenging to break the activity–stability trade-off in Fe–N–C fuel cell catalysts. Here, the authors show that interactions between iron atoms and clusters accelerate reaction kinetics and suppress demetalation to improve fuel cell stability.
- Xin Wan
- , Qingtao Liu
- & Jianglan Shui
-
Article
| Open AccessPhase-transition tailored nanoporous zinc metal electrodes for rechargeable alkaline zinc-nickel oxide hydroxide and zinc-air batteries
Secondary alkaline Zn-based batteries are limited in terms of cycle life. Here, the authors report a nanoporous Zn electrode that stabilizes the electrochemical transition between Zn and ZnO and improves the cycling performance of rechargeable alkaline zinc-based batteries.
- Liangyu Li
- , Yung Chak Anson Tsang
- & Qing Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessAn electrochemically stable homogeneous glassy electrolyte formed at room temperature for all-solid-state sodium batteries
Single sodium-ion solid electrolyte that meets the requirements of practical applications is difficult to design. Here, the authors show how kinetic stability via the creation of a self-passivating solid electrolyte interphase allows a homogenous glass solid electrolyte to exhibit remarkable electrochemical stability with sodium metal.
- Xiaowei Chi
- , Ye Zhang
- & Yan Yao
-
Article
| Open AccessProduction of a hybrid capacitive storage device via hydrogen gas and carbon electrodes coupling
Conventional electric double-layer capacitors show limited energy content for energy storage applications. Here, the authors report an electrocatalytic hydrogen gas capacitor with improved specific energy, which can operate in pH-universal aqueous electrolyte solutions and a wide temperature range.
- Zhengxin Zhu
- , Zaichun Liu
- & Wei Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessScalable super hygroscopic polymer films for sustainable moisture harvesting in arid environments
Extracting atmospheric water is a sustainable strategy to enable decentralized access to safely managed water but remains impractical due to its limited daily water output at low relative humidity. Here, the authors demonstrate a hygroscopic polymer composed of renewable biomass which allows high water uptake at low relative humidity
- Youhong Guo
- , Weixin Guan
- & Guihua Yu
-
Article
| Open AccessUltrafast orbital tomography of a pentacene film using time-resolved momentum microscopy at a FEL
Ultrafast pulses are useful to investigate the electron dynamics in excited atoms, molecules and other complex systems. Here, the authors measure transient photoelectron momentum maps following the free-electron laser pulse-induced ionization of a bilayer pentacene thin film on Ag (110) by using time-resolved orbital tomography.
- Kiana Baumgärtner
- , Marvin Reuner
- & Markus Scholz
-
Article
| Open AccessAsymmetric electron acceptor enables highly luminescent organic solar cells with certified efficiency over 18%
High-performance organic solar cells call for novel designs of acceptor molecules. Here, He et al. design and synthesize a non-fullerene acceptor with an asymmetric structure for diverse donor:acceptor interfacial conformations and report a certificated power conversion efficiency of 18.2%.
- Chengliang He
- , Zeng Chen
- & Hongzheng Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessPhotovoltage memory effect in a portable Faradaic junction solar rechargeable device
A Faradaic junction solar rechargeable device is one of the promising technologies to address the problem of solar energy storage but the working mechanism remains unclear. Here, the authors report a photovoltage memory effect in a portable Si/CoOx/KBi(aq)/MnOx Faradaic junction device.
- Pin Wang
- , Mengfan Xue
- & Zhigang Zou
-
Article
| Open AccessMoisture adsorption-desorption full cycle power generation
Reducing humanity’s reliance on fossil fuels will require the development of alternative, renewable energy technologies. Here, authors prepare a moisture adsorption-desorption power generator that asymmetrically adsorbs and desorbs moisture at high and low humidity to provide an electric output.
- Haiyan Wang
- , Tiancheng He
- & Liangti Qu
-
Article
| Open AccessRedox-homogeneous, gel electrolyte-embedded high-mass-loading cathodes for high-energy lithium metal batteries
The development of high energy lithium metal batteries is affected by the mass loading of the cathode. Here, the authors report a lithium metal pouch cell with a cathode capacity of 12 mAh cm-2. The positive electrode is prepared by applying UV-curable gel electrolyte as a processing solvent.
- Jung-Hui Kim
- , Ju-Myung Kim
- & Sang-Young Lee
-
Article
| Open AccessFluorinated ether electrolyte with controlled solvation structure for high voltage lithium metal batteries
The development of lithium-metal batteries is limited by the low thermodynamic and/or low voltage stability of conventional electrolytes. Here, the authors combined the high voltage stability of fluorinated ethers with high Li+ solvation ability of ethers in a single molecule and realized highly stable lithium-metal batteries.
- Yan Zhao
- , Tianhong Zhou
- & Ali Coskun
-
Article
| Open AccessSynchronization in electric power networks with inherent heterogeneity up to 100% inverter-based renewable generation
Modern power grids undergo a transition due to the integration of renewable energy generation technologies that bring heterogeneity in the grid. The authors study the synchronization and stability of power grids with heterogeneous inertia and damping factors, and demonstrate power feasibility of operating a system consisting of only renewable generation technologies with enhanced stability.
- Amirhossein Sajadi
- , Rick Wallace Kenyon
- & Bri-Mathias Hodge
-
Article
| Open AccessModulating Pt-O-Pt atomic clusters with isolated cobalt atoms for enhanced hydrogen evolution catalysis
Modulating single-metal sites at the atomic level can boost the intrinsic catalytic activity. Here, the authors describe the design of Pt atomic clusters containing Pt-O-Pt units supported on Co single atoms and N co-doped carbon for enhanced hydrogen evolution catalysis.
- Yufei Zhao
- , Priyank V. Kumar
- & Xunyu Lu
-
Article
| Open AccessA cost-effective alkaline polysulfide-air redox flow battery enabled by a dual-membrane cell architecture
Polysulfide-air redox flow batteries are an appealing energy storage technology but suffer from polysulfide crossover and the use of costly catalysts. Here, the authors report a cell structure that enables battery operation using a cost-effective catalyst while mitigating polysulfide crossover.
- Yuhua Xia
- , Mengzheng Ouyang
- & Nigel P. Brandon
-
Article
| Open AccessCorrosion as the origin of limited lifetime of vanadium oxide-based aqueous zinc ion batteries
Aqueous zinc ion batteries are good systems for large-scale energy storage. Here, the authors report that the corrosion of zinc metal anode is the origin of limited lifetime of vanadium oxide-based aqueous zinc ion batteries, and supressing corrosion improves the calendar and cycle lifetime markedly.
- Yangmoon Kim
- , Youngbin Park
- & Jang Wook Choi
-
Article
| Open AccessVertically optimized phase separation with improved exciton diffusion enables efficient organic solar cells with thick active layers
Exciton diffusion length and graded vertical phase separation of the active layer play a critical role in the realization of high-performance thick-film organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, authors demonstrated OSCs with an efficiency of 17.31%, with an active layer thickness of around 300 nm.
- Yunhao Cai
- , Qian Li
- & Yanming Sun
-
Article
| Open AccessCovalent organic frameworks with high quantum efficiency in sacrificial photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
While organic semiconductors offer a tunable platform for photocatalysis, they often show worse performances. Here, authors examine how a donor-acceptor pair’s incorporation into a covalent organic framework boosts photocatalytic H2 evolution performances with a platinum co-catalyst.
- Chunzhi Li
- , Jiali Liu
- & Qihua Yang
-
Article
| Open AccessUltrasensitive barocaloric material for room-temperature solid-state refrigeration
A small driving pressure is desirable for practical application of barocaloric materials. Here, the authors demonstrate a sensitive barocaloric effect in NH4I due to strong reorientation-vibration coupling.
- Qingyong Ren
- , Ji Qi
- & Bing Li
-
Article
| Open AccessEfficient and stable noble-metal-free catalyst for acidic water oxidation
While acidic water splitting offers a renewable means to obtain renewable hydrogen fuel, the catalysts needed to oxidize water often require expensive noble metals. Here, authors show manganese oxyhalides as acidic oxygen evolution electrocatalysts.
- Sanjiang Pan
- , Hao Li
- & Xiaodan Zhang
-
Article
| Open AccessEnabling high energy lithium metal batteries via single-crystal Ni-rich cathode material co-doping strategy
Li-ion cathode active materials are transitioning from poly- to single-crystal structures. However, the performance of high Ni-content single-crystal cathodes remains below expectations. Here, via Al/Zr co-doping, the authors propose a strategy to mitigate structural degradation in this class of materials.
- Xing Ou
- , Tongchao Liu
- & Jun Lu
-
Article
| Open AccessData-driven capacity estimation of commercial lithium-ion batteries from voltage relaxation
Accurate capacity estimation is crucial for lithium-ion batteries' reliable and safe operation. Here, the authors propose an approach exploiting features from the relaxation voltage curve for battery capacity estimation without requiring other previous cycling information.
- Jiangong Zhu
- , Yixiu Wang
- & Helmut Ehrenberg
-
Article
| Open AccessProduction of fast-charge Zn-based aqueous batteries via interfacial adsorption of ion-oligomer complexes
Aqueous zinc batteries attract interest because of their potential for cost-effective and safe electricity storage. Here, the authors develop an in situ formed ion-oligomer nanometric interphase strategy to enable fast-charge aqueous Zn cells.
- Shuo Jin
- , Jiefu Yin
- & Lynden A. Archer
-
Article
| Open AccessAutomated exploitation of the big configuration space of large adsorbates on transition metals reveals chemistry feasibility
The discovery of heterogeneous catalysts for large molecule conversion has been lagging due to the combinatorial inventory of intermediates. Here, the author presents an automated framework to explore the chemical space of reaction intermediates.
- Geun Ho Gu
- , Miriam Lee
- & Dionisios G. Vlachos
-
Article
| Open AccessSurface restructuring of a perovskite-type air electrode for reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells
One limiting factor to the high-performing reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells is the poor stability and electrocatalytic activity of air electrodes. Here the authors report a water-promoted surface restructuring process to enhance the performance of Ba0.9Co0.7Fe0.2Nb0.1O3-δ air electrode.
- Kai Pei
- , Yucun Zhou
- & Meilin Liu
-
Article
| Open AccessMapping the energy level alignment at donor/acceptor interfaces in non-fullerene organic solar cells
Energy level alignment (ELA) at donor-acceptor heterojunctions is of vital importance yet largely undetermined in organic solar cells. Here, authors determine the heterojunction ELA with (mono) layer-by-layer precision to understand the co-existence of efficient charge.
- Xian’e Li
- , Qilun Zhang
- & Mats Fahlman
-
Article
| Open AccessEngineering a passivating electric double layer for high performance lithium metal batteries
Developing an electrolyte that is compatible with both high-voltage cathodes and Li metal anodes has always been challenging. Here, the authors created a new strategy by engineering a passivating electric double layer to achieve a fast-charging and lowtemperature high voltage lithium metal batteries.
- Weili Zhang
- , Yang Lu
- & Kai Liu