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| Open AccessDischarge domains regulation and dynamic processes of direct-current triboelectric nanogenerator
Arising from contact electrification and electrostatic breakdown, DC triboelectric nanogenerators are a promising solution to the air breakdown bottleneck in conventional TENGs. Here, authors reveal and regulate three discharge domains enhancing the device output power by an order of magnitude.
- Jiayue Zhang
- , Yikui Gao
- & Jie Wang
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Article
| Open AccessCu-based high-entropy two-dimensional oxide as stable and active photothermal catalyst
Synergistically enhancing catalytic stability and activity of Cu-based nanocatalysts is an ongoing challenge. Here the authors report Cu-based high-entropy two-dimensional oxide as stable and active catalyst for photothermal CO2 hydrogenation under ambient sunlight irradiation.
- Yaguang Li
- , Xianhua Bai
- & Jinhua Ye
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-rate and selective conversion of CO2 from aqueous solutions to hydrocarbons
Electrochemical CO2 conversion to methane offers a promising solution for the large-scale storage of renewable electricity, yet the catalytic selectivity at high current density still needs to be refined. Here the authors report to use both dissolved CO2 and in-situ generated CO2 from bicarbonate to sustain high local CO2 concentration around Cu electrode and thus achieve selective CO2 conversion to methane.
- Cornelius A. Obasanjo
- , Guorui Gao
- & Cao-Thang Dinh
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Article
| Open AccessData-driven direct diagnosis of Li-ion batteries connected to photovoltaics
Li-ion batteries are used to store energy harvested from photovoltaics. However, battery use is sporadic and standard diagnostic methods cannot be applied. Here, the authors propose a methodology for diagnosing photovoltaics-connected Li-ion batteries that use trained machine learning algorithms.
- Matthieu Dubarry
- , Nahuel Costa
- & Dax Matthews
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Article
| Open AccessCross-linked polyaniline for production of long lifespan aqueous iron||organic batteries with electrochromic properties
Aqueous iron batteries are safe and cost-effective candidates for large-scale energy storage. However, their long-term cycling stability is inadequate. Here, the authors propose a crosslinked polyaniline-based positive electrode for high-power aqueous iron batteries with electrochromic properties.
- Haiming Lv
- , Zhiquan Wei
- & Hongfei Li
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Article
| Open AccessScalable-produced 3D elastic thermoelectric network for body heat harvesting
Flexible thermoelectric generators can use body heat to power electronic wearables but are often limited by a trade-off between flexibility and output performance. Here, authors demonstrate a scalable, lightweight, elastic, and high-performing network-based Ag2Se thermoelectric generator.
- Yijie Liu
- , Xiaodong Wang
- & Feng Cao
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Article
| Open AccessBioinspired design of Na-ion conduction channels in covalent organic frameworks for quasi-solid-state sodium batteries
Quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes are ideal candidates for practical secondary battery applications. Here, the authors propose a negatively charged (–COO–)-modified covalent organic framework as a Na-ion quasi-solid-state electrolyte with sub-nanometric Na-ion transport zones.
- Yingchun Yan
- , Zheng Liu
- & Zhuangjun Fan
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Article
| Open AccessEnabling selective zinc-ion intercalation by a eutectic electrolyte for practical anodeless zinc batteries
Achieving high-performance aqueous Zn-metal batteries is a challenge. Here, authors report a eutectic electrolyte that concurrently enables selective Zn2+ intercalation at the cathode and highly reversible Zn metal plating/stripping, resulting in a benchmark high-areal capacity Zn anode-free cell.
- Chang Li
- , Ryan Kingsbury
- & Linda F. Nazar
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Article
| Open AccessGeometry design of tethered small-molecule acceptor enables highly stable and efficient polymer solar cells
The variation on molecular topology and aggregation behaviour of tethered small molecule acceptors is critical to device operating performance. Here, the authors designed two isomeric dimers via the thiophene-core engineering and realize device efficiency of 18.1% and long stability in solar cells.
- Yang Bai
- , Ze Zhang
- & Zhi-Guo Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessSurface modification using heptafluorobutyric acid to produce highly stable Li metal anodes
Development of lithium metal anodes is limited due to the dendritic growth and high reactivity of metal lithium. Here authors propose a surface modification strategy using heptafluorobutyric acid to form a lithiophilic interface, which enables uniform Li deposition and improving battery performance.
- Yuxiang Xie
- , Yixin Huang
- & Shigang Sun
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Article
| Open AccessAqueous phase conversion of CO2 into acetic acid over thermally transformed MIL-88B catalyst
Carbon dioxide conversion into chemicals is essential for carbon capture and utilization. Here, the authors present a novel iron-based catalyst, synthesized from the thermal treatment of a parent metal-organic framework (MIL-88B), to produce a dual-active site for carbon dioxide reduction into acetic acid.
- Waqar Ahmad
- , Paramita Koley
- & Akshat Tanksale
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Article
| Open AccessMachine learning-guided discovery of ionic polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries
Ionic polymer electrolytes containing non-flammable ionic liquids and polyelectrolytes have the potential to create safe and high-energy batteries. Here, the authors propose a machine-learning approach to identify ionic liquids suitable for such electrolytes in lithium metal batteries.
- Kai Li
- , Jifeng Wang
- & Ying Wang
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Article
| Open AccessDeep learning to estimate lithium-ion battery state of health without additional degradation experiments
Estimation of Li-ion battery state of health is crucial but requires time- and resource-consuming degradation tests for development. Here, authors propose a deep-learning method that enables accurate estimations without additional tests, ensuring absolute errors of less than 3% for 89.4% of samples.
- Jiahuan Lu
- , Rui Xiong
- & Fengchun Sun
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Article
| Open AccessUpscaled production of an ultramicroporous anion-exchange membrane enables long-term operation in electrochemical energy devices
The design of highly selective yet robust anion exchange membranes remains a challenge. Here, the authors prepare a stable polymer membrane composed of terphenyl isomers, demonstrate roll-to-roll manufacturing, and assess its properties in redox flow batteries, water electrolyzers and fuel cells.
- Wanjie Song
- , Kang Peng
- & Tongwen Xu
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Article
| Open AccessSolvent control of water O−H bonds for highly reversible zinc ion batteries
The electrochemical performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries is limited by water activity. Here, the authors propose a hybrid electrolyte that incorporate strongly polar molecules to strengthen the water O–H bonds, thus reduce water activity and improve the electrochemical performance of the batteries.
- Yanyan Wang
- , Zhijie Wang
- & Zaiping Guo
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Article
| Open AccessMastering morphology of non-fullerene acceptors towards long-term stable organic solar cells
Energetic traps accumulation aroused by thermal stress is a critical issue in organic solar cells. Here, authors integrate a wide bandgap polymer and two non-fullerene acceptors with different thermal and morphological properties, realizing a promising efficiency of 18.26% and long device stability.
- Kang An
- , Wenkai Zhong
- & Lei Ying
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Article
| Open AccessOrigin of dendrite-free lithium deposition in concentrated electrolytes
The origin of dendrite growth and lithium deposition behavior remains not well understood. Here, authors use a single-salt and single-solvent model electrolyte system to study the correlations between the electrolyte solvation structure, interphase structure and lithium deposition morphology.
- Yawei Chen
- , Menghao Li
- & Ruiguo Cao
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Article
| Open AccessHierarchical triphase diffusion photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical gas/liquid flow conversion
Addressing mass and electron transfer challenges hinders practical application of photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices. Here, authors report a simulation-guided development of hierarchical triphase diffusion photoelectrodes, achieving an improved mass transfer and ensuring electron transfer for PEC gas/liquid flow conversion.
- Xiangyu Meng
- , Chuntong Zhu
- & Yujie Xiong
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Article
| Open AccessGlobal green hydrogen-based steel opportunities surrounding high quality renewable energy and iron ore deposits
Facility-level analysis of green H2- based steel production demonstrates co-location of high-quality renewables and iron ore resources is imperative for cost minimisation.
- Alexandra Devlin
- , Jannik Kossen
- & Aidong Yang
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| Open AccessA semiconductor-electrocatalyst nano interface constructed for successive photoelectrochemical water oxidation
The limited photocurrents and large overpotentials impede practical application of photoelectrochemical water splitting. Here, the authors construct a CdS-CdSe/MoS2/NiFe layered double hydroxides photoanode, delivering a low potential and large photocurrent gains due to the formation of highly oxidized Ni species under illumination
- Zilong Wu
- , Xiangyu Liu
- & Zhuo Chen
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Article
| Open AccessDesigning reliable and accurate isotope-tracer experiments for CO2 photoreduction
Current verification of CO2 photoreduction products using isotope-tracer methods is insufficient and can provide false-positive results. Here, rigorous protocols and case studies are presented to avoid pitfalls in isotope-tracer experiments.
- Shengyao Wang
- , Bo Jiang
- & Jinhua Ye
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Article
| Open AccessSurface plasmon-enhanced photo-driven CO2 hydrogenation by hydroxy-terminated nickel nitride nanosheets
Plasmonic catalysts are often limited to Au, Ag, Cu, Al, etc. Now, hydroxy-terminated nickel nitride nanosheets are reported to be an alternative material for CO2 hydrogenation to CO using solar energy without co-catalysts or sacrificial agents.
- Saideep Singh
- , Rishi Verma
- & Vivek Polshettiwar
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Article
| Open AccessPhotothermal-enabled single-atom catalysts for high-efficiency hydrogen peroxide photosynthesis from natural seawater
Photoproduction of solar fuels and important chemicals is of significant interest. Here, the authors construct a cobalt single atom-based photothermal-photocatalytic heterostructure that realizes efficient hydrogen peroxide photosynthesis from earth-abundant seawater.
- Wei Wang
- , Qun Song
- & Ning Wang
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Article
| Open AccessDeconvoluting Cr states in Cr-doped UO2 nuclear fuels via bulk and single crystal spectroscopic studies
Additive based UO2 nuclear fuels, which incorporate small amounts of metal oxides such as chromia (Cr2O3), are an important class of accident tolerant fuels. Here authors determine the structural-redox mechanism for Cr lattice incorporation into UO2 nuclear fuels.
- Gabriel L. Murphy
- , Robert Gericke
- & Nina Huittinen
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Article
| Open AccessGrid integration feasibility and investment planning of offshore wind power under carbon-neutral transition in China
Offshore wind power may play a key role in decarbonising energy supplies. Here the authors evaluates current grid integration capabilities for wind power in China and find that investment levels should be doubled for 2030, and that long-term storage and transmissions are key to accelerated developments of offshore wind in 2050.
- Xinyang Guo
- , Xinyu Chen
- & Michael McElroy
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Article
| Open AccessCompositing effects for high thermoelectric performance of Cu2Se-based materials
Here, the authors devise a synthesis strategy to optimize the stability and thermoelectric performance of Cu2Se-based materials. They obtain a maximum ZT value of ~2.82 at 1000 K on Cu2Se-BiCuSeO-graphene composites.
- Zhifang Zhou
- , Yi Huang
- & Yuan-Hua Lin
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Article
| Open AccessDesigning tailored combinations of structural units in polymer dielectrics for high-temperature capacitive energy storage
Polymer dielectrics face huge challenges in the harsh environments of emergent applications. Now, increased energy storage of polymer dielectrics at temperatures up to 250 °C by designing tailored combinations of structural units is reported.
- Rui Wang
- , Yujie Zhu
- & Qi Li
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| Open AccessSelf-recovering passive cooling utilizing endothermic reaction of NH4NO3/H2O driven by water sorption for photovoltaic cell
The power efficiency of a photovoltaic cell is significantly affected by cell temperature. Here, the authors develop a passive cooling unit with water-saturated zeolite 13X and ammonium nitrate coated on the back of the cell for chain reaction cooling to reduce the average temperature by 15.1 °C.
- Seonggon Kim
- , Jong Ha Park
- & Yong Tae Kang
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Article
| Open AccessThe effect of sustainable mobility transition policies on cumulative urban transport emissions and energy demand
A rapid and large-scale reduction in car use, within a well-designed policy mix, is necessary to achieve short-term emission targets and reduce energy demand. Here, the authors introduce the Urban Transport Policy Model and demonstrate, using London as a case study, that current policies will not meet climate targets.
- Lisa Winkler
- , Drew Pearce
- & Oytun Babacan
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Article
| Open AccessUnravelling rechargeable zinc-copper batteries by a chloride shuttle in a biphasic electrolyte
The zinc-copper (Zn-Cu) Daniell cell is regarded as primary battery due to the crossover of the copper species. Here, the authors report a rechargeable Zn-Cu battery with the combination of chloride shuttle chemistry in a ZnCl2 aqueous/organic biphasic electrolyte, delivering a high energy density with stable cycling performance
- Chen Xu
- , Chengjun Lei
- & Xiao Liang
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Article
| Open AccessImproved photovoltaic performance and robustness of all-polymer solar cells enabled by a polyfullerene guest acceptor
Fullerene acceptors typically suffer from undesirable segregation and dimerization. Here, the authors report a poly(fullerene-alt-xylene) acceptor as guest component to facilitate charge transfer and suppress charge recombination, achieving efficiency of 18% for ternary all-polymer solar cells.
- Han Yu
- , Yan Wang
- & Shangshang Chen
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Article
| Open AccessRapid determination of solid-state diffusion coefficients in Li-based batteries via intermittent current interruption method
The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) is the state-of-the-art method for determining the Li+ diffusion coefficients in battery materials. Here, authors propose the intermittent current interruption method as a reliable, accurate and faster alternative to GITT-based methods.
- Yu-Chuan Chien
- , Haidong Liu
- & Matthew J. Lacey
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Article
| Open AccessBuilding electrode skins for ultra-stable potassium metal batteries
Metal potassium anodes show great potential in high energy density batteries. However, their practical application is hindered by the unstable nature of the highly active metal surface. Here, authors propose a “metal skin” approach that stabilizes the surface of the metal, resulting in improved cycle life of potassium metal anode-based batteries.
- Hongbo Ding
- , Jue Wang
- & Bingan Lu
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Article
| Open AccessPolyfluorinated crosslinker-based solid polymer electrolytes for long-cycling 4.5 V lithium metal batteries
Solid polymer electrolytes are commonly used in lithium-metal batteries, but their capacity and energy density cannot be easily increased beyond a charging cut-off voltage of 4.5 V due to the presence of easily oxidized oxygen-bearing polar groups. Here, authors apply a polyfluorinated crosslinker to enhance the oxidation resistance to solve this issue
- Lingfei Tang
- , Bowen Chen
- & Liwei Chen
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Article
| Open AccessExploiting nonaqueous self-stratified electrolyte systems toward large-scale energy storage
The use of energy-dense materials is inherently limited in biphasic self-stratified batteries due to the aqueous electrolyte environment. Here, the authors extended the concept of biphasic self-stratified batteries to non-aqueous systems, resulting in increased energy density and output voltage.
- Zhenkang Wang
- , Haoqing Ji
- & Chenglin Yan
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Article
| Open AccessA non-Newtonian fluid quasi-solid electrolyte designed for long life and high safety Li-O2 batteries
Lithium dendrite growth and liquid electrolyte volatilization limit the further development of lithium-oxygen batteries. Here, authors report a non-Newtonian fluid quasi-solid electrolyte to address those issues, which improve the life duration of the lithium-oxygen batteries.
- Guangli Zheng
- , Tong Yan
- & Huiyu Song
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Article
| Open AccessA low-carbon electricity sector in Europe risks sustaining regional inequalities in benefits and vulnerabilities
The low-carbon electricity sector in Europe can bring overall benefits of new investment, employment, and decreased emissions, but could sustain regional inequalities between Northern and Southern Europe.
- Jan-Philipp Sasse
- & Evelina Trutnevyte
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Article
| Open AccessMultifunctional solvent molecule design enables high-voltage Li-ion batteries
The parasitic reactions at the electrolyte/electrode interfaces inhibit the increase of the charging cut-off voltage and the improvement of energy density. Herein, the authors design multifunctional solvent molecules and propose a practical design principle to stabilize the electrolyte/electrode interfaces for high-voltage Li ion batteries.
- Junbo Zhang
- , Haikuo Zhang
- & Xiulin Fan
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Article
| Open AccessLong-chain anionic surfactants enabling stable perovskite/silicon tandems with greatly suppressed stress corrosion
Stress-induced instability of perovskite layers is a critical hurdle for commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors introduce a long-alkyl-chain anionic surfactant additive to chemically ameliorate crystallization kinetics and demonstrate devices with long operational stability.
- Xinlong Wang
- , Zhiqin Ying
- & Jichun Ye
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Article
| Open AccessThree dimensional architected thermoelectric devices with high toughness and power conversion efficiency
The potential of thermoelectric devices is typically hindered by heat stagnation and poor mechanical strength, which degrade their performance. Here, the authors demonstrate larger temperature gradients and higher mechanical strength by developing 3D core-shell architected thermoelectric devices.
- Vaithinathan Karthikeyan
- , James Utama Surjadi
- & Vellaisamy A. L. Roy
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Article
| Open AccessTrade-off between critical metal requirement and transportation decarbonization in automotive electrification
This study analyzes the trade-off between the decarbonization potential of the road transportation sector and its critical metal requirements in 48 countries. Our results show that transportation electrification may result in an upsurge in critical metal demand, and decarbonizing fuel production is critical for adequately mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from road transportation.
- Chunbo Zhang
- , Xiang Zhao
- & Fengqi You
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Article
| Open AccessOxynitrides enabled photoelectrochemical water splitting with over 3,000 hrs stable operation in practical two-electrode configuration
Solar photoelectrochemical reactions are one of the most promising paths for sustainable energy production, but systems with high efficiency and long-term stability have remained elusive. Here, the authors show a photoelectrode strategy that enables high efficiency and long-term stability.
- Yixin Xiao
- , Xianghua Kong
- & Zetian Mi
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Article
| Open AccessActive and durable R2MnRuO7 pyrochlores with low Ru content for acidic oxygen evolution
Ru-pyrochlores find their way as alternative anodes of PEM water electrolyzers, and their high performance is owing to Ru sites embedded in RuMnOx surface layers. Here, a water electrolyser with Y2MnRuO7 and only 0.2 mgRu cm−2 has been tested with significant durability.
- Dmitry Galyamin
- , Jorge Torrero
- & Sergio Rojas
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Article
| Open AccessRealizing high-capacity all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries using a low-density inorganic solid-state electrolyte
Sulfur utilization in high-mass-loading positive electrodes is crucial for developing practical all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries. Here, authors propose a low-density inorganic solid-state electrolyte to improve the sulfur utilization in lab-scale Li-In||S all-solid-state cells.
- Daiwei Wang
- , Li-Ji Jhang
- & Donghai Wang
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Article
| Open AccessDevelopment of rechargeable high-energy hybrid zinc-iodine aqueous batteries exploiting reversible chlorine-based redox reaction
Cl-redox reactions cannot be fully exploited in batteries because of the Cl2 gas evolution. Here, reversible high-energy interhalogen reactions are demonstrated by using a iodine-based cathode in combination with a Zn anode and a Cl-containing aqueous electrolyte solution.
- Guojin Liang
- , Bochun Liang
- & Chunyi Zhi
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Article
| Open AccessLarge piezoelectric response in a Jahn-Teller distorted molecular metal halide
Here, the authors utilise a combination of quasi-spherical theory and Jahn-Teller distortion to enhance the piezoelectric response of molecular metal halides, and the resulting piezoelectric energy harvesters exhibit superior power densities to the best-reported molecular hybrid energy harvesters.
- Sasa Wang
- , Asif Abdullah Khan
- & Edward H. Sargent
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Article
| Open AccessSulfolane-containing aqueous electrolyte solutions for producing efficient ampere-hour-level zinc metal battery pouch cells
The negative electrode reversibility limits the lifespan of Zn metal batteries. Here, authors report an aqueous electrolyte with a reverse micelle structure that improves the reversibility of the Zn metal anode enabling the production of an ampere-hour-level pouch cell with five months lifetime.
- Yu Wang
- , Tairan Wang
- & Chunyi Zhi
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Article
| Open AccessBioelectrocatalysis with a palladium membrane reactor
Enzymatic catalysis requires cofactors such as NAD(P)H, whose regeneration is currently accomplished via secondary enzymes or electrolytic cell. Here, the authors report an electrochemical method of cofactors regeneration without supporting enzymes or mediators, nor formation of NAD2 dimers.
- Aiko Kurimoto
- , Seyed A. Nasseri
- & Curtis P. Berlinguette
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Article
| Open Access19.31% binary organic solar cell and low non-radiative recombination enabled by non-monotonic intermediate state transition
Non-radiative recombination loss suppression is critical for boosting performance of organic solar cells. Here, the authors regulate self-organization of bulk-heterojunction in a non-monotonic manner, and achieve device efficiency over 19% with low non-radiative recombination loss down to 0.168 eV.
- Jiehao Fu
- , Patrick W. K. Fong
- & Gang Li