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| Open AccessBenchmarking organic active materials for aqueous redox flow batteries in terms of lifetime and cost
To guide research and implementation of aqueous organic redox flow batteries it is essential to estimate their potential costs. In this perspective, the authors present an overview of the potential cost of organic active materials for aqueous flow batteries and identify cost reduction routes.
- Dominik Emmel
- , Simon Kunz
- & Daniel Schröder
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Article
| Open AccessControlling Selenization Equilibrium Enables High-Quality Kesterite Absorbers for Efficient Solar Cells
The preparation of high-quality Kesterite absorber is challenging due to the complexity and limited control of selenization reactions. Here, authors report a solid-liquid/solid-gas reaction for direct and rapid Kesterite formation, achieving certified total-area efficiency of 13.44% in solar cells.
- Xiao Xu
- , Jiazheng Zhou
- & Qingbo Meng
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Perspective
| Open AccessIn situ X-ray spectroscopies beyond conventional X-ray absorption spectroscopy on deciphering dynamic configuration of electrocatalysts
X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has become an indispensable tool to investigate dynamic natures of electrocatalysts. In this perspective, advanced X-ray spectroscopies are highlighted in a complementary way, providing a promising research model for solid-liquid interface and (electro)catalysis studies.
- Jiali Wang
- , Chia-Shuo Hsu
- & Hao Ming Chen
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Article
| Open AccessImpacts of climate change, population growth, and power sector decarbonization on urban building energy use
This study quantifies mid-21st century hourly building energy use in 277 urban areas in the USA, revealing spatially and temporally heterogeneous changes influenced by future climate, population dynamics, and electric power sector decarbonization.
- Chenghao Wang
- , Jiyun Song
- & Robert B. Jackson
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Article
| Open AccessThe momentum of the solar energy transition
Nijsse and colleagues find that due to technological trajectories set in motion by past policy, a global irreversible solar tipping point may have passed where solar energy gradually comes to dominate global electricity markets, without any further climate policies. Uncertainties arise, however, over grid stability in a renewables-dominated power system, the availability of sufficient finance in underdeveloped economies, the capacity of supply chains and political resistance from regions that lose employment.
- Femke J. M. M. Nijsse
- , Jean-Francois Mercure
- & Hector Pollitt
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Article
| Open AccessIntercalation-type catalyst for non-aqueous room temperature sodium-sulfur batteries
Sodium-sulfur batteries show potential as attractive alternatives to Li-ion batteries due to their high energy density but practicality is hampered by sodium polysulfide issues. Here, the authors introduce an intercalation-type catalyst MoTe2 to improve the redox kinetics in Na-S batteries.
- Jiarui He
- , Amruth Bhargav
- & Arumugam Manthiram
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Article
| Open AccessAchieving health-oriented air pollution control requires integrating unequal toxicities of industrial particles
Health-oriented emissions reduction in China focusing on the iron and steel industry can reduce costs by 1.56 billion dollars while lowering the population-weighted toxic potency-adjusted exposure risk.
- Di Wu
- , Haotian Zheng
- & Jiming Hao
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Article
| Open AccessHyperbranched polymer functionalized flexible perovskite solar cells with mechanical robustness and reduced lead leakage
The low adhesive fracture energy of electron transport layer/perovskite interface makes it prone to delamination under mechanical stress. Here, authors develop polyamide-amine-based hyperbranched polymer to provide strong adhesion, leading to device efficiency of over 25% for perovskite solar cells.
- Zhihao Li
- , Chunmei Jia
- & Zhen Li
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Article
| Open AccessAmpere-hour-scale soft-package potassium-ion hybrid capacitors enabling 6-minute fast-charging
Fast charging of electrochemical energy storage devices in under 10 minutes is desired but difficult to achieve in Li-ion batteries. Here, authors present an ampere-hour-scale potassium-ion hybrid capacitor, combining the merits of a battery and capacitor, and demonstrate a 6-minute charging time.
- Huanxin Li
- , Yi Gong
- & Shenglian Luo
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Article
| Open AccessIntegrated urban water management by coupling iron salt production and application with biogas upgrading
Effective urban water management requires technological solutions that enable system-wide gains via a holistic approach. Here, authors propose an integrated system where an iron-oxidising electrochemical cell upgrades biogas while producing FeCO3 and subsequently uses the salt in wastewater treatment.
- Zhetai Hu
- , Lanqing Li
- & Zhiguo Yuan
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Article
| Open AccessManipulating Li2S2/Li2S mixed discharge products of all-solid-state lithium sulfur batteries for improved cycle life
All-solid-state lithium sulfur batteries may avoid some of the drawbacks of their liquid electrolyte counterparts. Here, the authors elucidate the composition of discharge products in all-solid-state cells using spectroscopic techniques and propose a strategy to control the discharge product.
- Jung Tae Kim
- , Adwitiya Rao
- & Xueliang Sun
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Article
| Open AccessMeteorological drivers of resource adequacy failures in current and high renewable Western U.S. power systems
Sundar and colleagues characterize large-scale circulation patterns that drive resource adequacy failures in the Western U.S. at increasing wind and solar penetrations by integrating power system and synoptic meteorology methods. They find that at 60% renewable penetration and across analyzed weather years, three high pressure patterns drive nearly all resource adequacy failures.
- Srihari Sundar
- , Michael T. Craig
- & Flavio Lehner
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Article
| Open AccessCarrier multiplication in perovskite solar cells with internal quantum efficiency exceeding 100%
While there has been evidence of strong carrier multiplication effects in halide perovskites, studies in actual solar cells are lacking. Here, the authors demonstrate such effects with a low threshold of 2Eg and a high efficiency of 99.4%, realizing unbiased internal quantum efficiency up to 160%.
- Yue Wang
- , Senyun Ye
- & Tze Chien Sum
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Article
| Open AccessConcretized structural evolution supported assembly-controlled film-forming kinetics in slot-die coated organic photovoltaics
The film-forming kinetics for large-area devices remains unclear for organic solar cells. Here, the authors propose assembly-controlled kinetics with the assembly determined by molecular configuration and tuned via external effects, contributing to the screening of device fabrication conditions.
- Hao Zhang
- , Chenyang Tian
- & Zhixiang Wei
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Article
| Open AccessPhase regulation enabling dense polymer-based composite electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries
Polymer electrolytes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) with residual solvents are appealing for room-temperature battery operations. Here, the authors present a phase regulation approach to achieve a dense electrolyte and enhance ionic conductivity through the incorporation of MoSe2 sheets.
- Qian Wu
- , Mandi Fang
- & Yingying Lu
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Article
| Open AccessElectrostatic force promoted intermolecular stacking of polymer donors toward 19.4% efficiency binary organic solar cells
The low structural order of conjugated polymers limits their photovoltaic properties in organic solar cells. Here, the authors report a conjugated molecule as molecular bridge via electrostatic force for enhancing intermolecular packing, achieving certified efficiency close to 19% in binary devices.
- Zirui Gan
- , Liang Wang
- & Tao Wang
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Article
| Open AccessRebound effects undermine carbon footprint reduction potential of autonomous electric vehicles
Autonomous electric vehicles reduce operational emissions but increase manufacturing emissions due to rebound effects. Recycling helps, but their full life cycle emits 8% more greenhouse gases. Embrace renewable energy, circular economy, cleaner manufacturing, and improved efficiency.
- Nuri C. Onat
- , Jafar Mandouri
- & Abdel Magid Hamouda
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Article
| Open AccessMechanism of the noncatalytic oxidation of soot using in situ transmission electron microscopy
In this work, authors investigate mechanisms of noncatalytic soot oxidation and establish models applicable to different types of soot based on the particles oxidation behaviour using in-situ transmission electron microscopy.
- Ming Gao
- , Yongjun Jang
- & Fuchen Wang
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Article
| Open AccessInhibition of defect-induced α-to-δ phase transition for efficient and stable formamidinium perovskite solar cells
The effect of various defects on α-phase stability of formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite remains unclear. Here, the authors reveal the degradation pathway, introduce water-insoluble compact layer to suppress α-phase collapse, and achieve maximum efficiency over 25% for perovskite solar cells.
- Tian Chen
- , Jiangsheng Xie
- & Pingqi Gao
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Article
| Open AccessRevealing the aging process of solid electrolyte interphase on SiOx anode
Observing the evolution of the solid electrolyte interphase on SiOx-based electrodes in Li-ion batteries is challenging. Here, authors use three-dimensional tomography to visualize the growth of the interphase on single SiOx particles and propose a mechanical confinement strategy to prevent aging.
- Guoyu Qian
- , Yiwei Li
- & Feng Pan
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Article
| Open AccessSolar-driven upgrading of biomass by coupled hydrogenation using in situ (photo)electrochemically generated H2
Green chemical transformations driven by renewable energies are imperative to realize a sustainable energy society. We demonstrate a coupled approach to hydrogenate biomass feedstock into valuable chemicals with high stability using hydrogen generated in situ in a (photo)electrochemical reactor.
- Keisuke Obata
- , Michael Schwarze
- & Fatwa F. Abdi
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Article
| Open AccessRevealing the closed pore formation of waste wood-derived hard carbon for advanced sodium-ion battery
It is essential to investigate the formation mechanism of closed pore, which contributes to low-voltage plateau capacity of hard carbon anode in sodium ion batteries. Herein, the authors explore the impact of wood precursor components and carbonization temperature on closed pore formation in hard carbon for enhanced battery performance.
- Zheng Tang
- , Rui Zhang
- & Minhua Shao
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Article
| Open AccessLow-temperature anode-free potassium metal batteries
Low temperature operation of anode-free batteries is limited by poor reversibility of metal plating/stripping. Here, via electrolyte engineering, authors enable −40 °C operation of an anode-free K metal battery by tailoring a weakly solvating electrolyte with a silicone polymer additive.
- Mengyao Tang
- , Shuai Dong
- & Hua Wang
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Article
| Open AccessCarbon intensity of global crude oil trading and market policy implications
Dixit et al. trace emissions from the extraction and transport of oil. They quantify emissions variability among crude blends and suggest how this variability could be used to further reduce emissions under scenarios for reduced future oil demand.
- Yash Dixit
- , Hassan El-Houjeiri
- & Steven R. H. Barrett
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Article
| Open AccessRealistic fault detection of li-ion battery via dynamical deep learning
Accurate evaluation of Li-ion battery safety conditions can reduce unexpected cell failures. Here, authors present a large-scale electric vehicle charging dataset for benchmarking existing algorithms, and develop a deep learning algorithm for detecting Li-ion battery faults.
- Jingzhao Zhang
- , Yanan Wang
- & Minggao Ouyang
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Article
| Open AccessSynergistic effects of mixing and strain in high entropy spinel oxides for oxygen evolution reaction
Efficient and durable electrocatalysts are essential for boosting oxygen evolution reaction toward hydrogen production. Here, the authors report a combined theoretical and experimental study on high-entropy spinel oxide with element mixing and strains providing superior activity and stability.
- Jihyun Baek
- , Md Delowar Hossain
- & Xiaolin Zheng
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Article
| Open AccessPromoting ordering degree of intermetallic fuel cell catalysts by low-melting-point metal doping
The development of highly ordered intermetallic catalyst for oxygen reduction reactions suffers from large diffusion barrier for atom ordering. Here, the authors use a low melting-point metal doping strategy to synthesize a series of highly ordered metal-doped platinum–cobalt alloy fuel cell catalysts.
- Ru-Yang Shao
- , Xiao-Chu Xu
- & Hai-Wei Liang
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Article
| Open AccessExperimental confirmation of driving pressure boosting and smoothing for hybrid-drive inertial fusion at the 100-kJ laser facility
In laser-driven inertial fusion, finding optimal driving pressure is a major challenge. Here, the authors use a 100 kJ SG laser and a hybrid-drive scheme to demonstrate such driving pressure with the help of the direct-drive laser such that the indirect-drive radiation ablation pressure is turned into a well-smoothed hybrid-drive pressure much greater than the radiation ablation pressure.
- Ji Yan
- , Jiwei Li
- & Shaoping Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessThe impact of methane leakage on the role of natural gas in the European energy transition
Cost-optimal European energy transition with CO2 and methane neutrality objective is studied. While renewables are the key drivers of climate neutrality, the continuous role of natural gas requires high levels of both CO2 and methane abatement.
- Behrang Shirizadeh
- , Manuel Villavicencio
- & Gunhild A. Reigstad
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Article
| Open AccessRegulating electrostatic phenomena by cationic polymer binder for scalable high-areal-capacity Li battery electrodes
Binders employed in battery electrodes are conventionally neutral linear polymers. Here, authors present a cationic semi-interpenetrating polymer network binder to regulate electrostatic phenomena, improving the properties and performance of high-capacity positive electrodes for Li metal batteries.
- Jung-Hui Kim
- , Kyung Min Lee
- & Sang-Young Lee
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Article
| Open AccessBroad-high operating temperature range and enhanced energy storage performances in lead-free ferroelectrics
One of the key challenges in dielectric ceramics for energy storage lies in the comprehensive optimization of their properties. Here, the authors establish an equitable system considering performance and structure evolution in a lead-free ceramic capacitor, achieving a broad-high temperature performance.
- Weichen Zhao
- , Diming Xu
- & Di Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessA CO2 electrolyzer tandem cell system for CO2-CO co-feed valorization in a Ni-N-C/Cu-catalyzed reaction cascade
Tandem concepts for electroreduction of CO2 offer a valuable toolkit to tackle sluggish reaction kinetics and raise the production of e-chemicals. Here, the authors report a cascade system with two coupled electrolyzers using Ni-N-C and Cu-based catalysts for enhanced CO2 to multi-carbon conversion
- Tim Möller
- , Michael Filippi
- & Peter Strasser
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Article
| Open AccessMultistage coupling water-enabled electric generator with customizable energy output
Liquid water or moisture discharge is a significant source of energy waste in current single-stage water-enabled electric generators. Here, authors propose a modular multistage coupling device that integrates internal liquid water flow and subsequently generated moisture to optimize energy harvesting at all stages.
- Puying Li
- , Yajie Hu
- & Liangti Qu
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Article
| Open AccessA twelve-electron conversion iodine cathode enabled by interhalogen chemistry in aqueous solution
Enhancing energy density of batteries is a crucial focus within the field of energy storage. Here, the authors introduce a twelve-electron conversion iodine cathode (iodide/iodate) for high energy density zinc-iodine batteries, achieved through interhalogen chemistry in an acidic aqueous electrolyte.
- Wenjiao Ma
- , Tingting Liu
- & Xiao Liang
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Article
| Open AccessDiscovery of a three-proton insertion mechanism in α-molybdenum trioxide leading to enhanced charge storage capacity
The proton insertion mechanism in α-molybdenum trioxide remains incompletely elucidated. Herein, the authors uncover a three-proton intercalation mechanism within α-molybdenum trioxide using a specially designed electrolyte, which endows α-molybdenum trioxide with an improved specific discharge capacity.
- Yongjiu Lei
- , Wenli Zhao
- & Husam N. Alshareef
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Article
| Open AccessOrganic laser power converter for efficient wireless micro power transfer
Due to the adjustable bandgap, flexibility, absence of heavy metals and high power per weight, organic laser converters have unique advantages in wireless power transfer. Here, authors integrate organic laser power converters exhibiting efficiency over 36% at 660 nm with photon flux of 9.5 mW/cm2.
- Yafei Wang
- , Zhong Zheng
- & Jianhui Hou
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Perspective
| Open AccessA systematic discrepancy between the short circuit current and the integrated quantum efficiency in perovskite solar cells
Defining and revising best practices for accurate measurements and data reliability and quality checks is a continuous effort for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors discuss the systematic discrepancy between the short circuit current and integrated quantum efficiency.
- Michael Saliba
- , Eva Unger
- & T. Jesper Jacobsson
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Article
| Open AccessAdaptive multi-temperature control for transport and storage containers enabled by phase-change materials
Reliable transportation of multiple goods with different temperature requirements can logistically challenging. Here, the authors propose an adaptive multi-temperature control system using liquid-solid phase change materials to achieve effective thermal management using just a pair of heat and cold sources.
- Xinchen Zhou
- , Xiang Xu
- & Jiping Huang
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Article
| Open AccessRegulating interfacial reaction through electrolyte chemistry enables gradient interphase for low-temperature zinc metal batteries
Zinc batteries have received intense attentions but suffer from inferior low-temperature performance. Here, the authors constructed a gradient phosphatized interphase in situ on zinc surface to accelerate zinc-ion desolvation and transport, greatly enhancing the cycling performance at subzero temperatures.
- Wei Wang
- , Shan Chen
- & Huan Wang
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Article
| Open AccessReliable bi-functional nickel-phosphate /TiO2 integration enables stable n-GaAs photoanode for water oxidation under alkaline condition
Photocorrosion limits the efficiency and stability of gallium arsenide photoanodes. Here the authors report crystalline TiO2 passivation with Ni-phosphate hole-sink layer which enables rapid charge transport for enhanced photostability of 110 h.
- Maheswari Arunachalam
- , Rohini Subhash Kanase
- & Soon Hyung Kang
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Article
| Open AccessResonant perovskite solar cells with extended band edge
Further extending the band edge of perovskite approaching the ideal bandgap of single-junction solar cell is essential to improve device efficiency. Here, the authors integrate optical resonances with perovskite solar cells to extend the band edge, achieving EQE-integrated current of 26.0 mA/cm2.
- Jiangang Feng
- , Xi Wang
- & Yi Hou
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient and sustainable water electrolysis achieved by excess electron reservoir enabling charge replenishment to catalysts
Charge replenishment from the supports to catalysts can play a key role in stabilizing active-Ir(III) to realize an efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction. Here, the authors report an excess electron reservoir, greatly enhancing charge donation for improved water-splitting performance.
- Gyu Rac Lee
- , Jun Kim
- & Yeon Sik Jung
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Article
| Open AccessInherent spatiotemporal uncertainty of renewable power in China
Renewable uncertainty analysis is vital for stochastic-aware research. This study generates a benchmark dataset of year-long hourly renewable prediction errors in China, and reveals the law of the spatiotemporal distribution of renewable uncertainty.
- Jianxiao Wang
- , Liudong Chen
- & Guannan He
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Article
| Open AccessTuring structuring with multiple nanotwins to engineer efficient and stable catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Developing new electrocatalysts for hydrogen production is of high interests. Here the authors report PtNiNb with high-density nanotwins and large strain as hydrogen evolution catalysts in anion-exchange-membrane water electrolyser.
- Jialun Gu
- , Lanxi Li
- & Jian Lu
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Article
| Open AccessOperando monitoring of thermal runaway in commercial lithium-ion cells via advanced lab-on-fiber technologies
Operando monitoring of thermal runaway in Li-ion batteries is critical. Here, authors develop an optical fiber sensor capable of insertion into 18650 batteries to monitor internal temperature and pressure during thermal runaway, facilitating battery safety assessment and early warning capability.
- Wenxin Mei
- , Zhi Liu
- & Tuan Guo
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Article
| Open AccessTuning electron delocalization of hydrogen-bonded organic framework cathode for high-performance zinc-organic batteries
The practical use of zinc-organic batteries has been hindered by their low energy density and rapid capacity decay. Here, the authors introduce a super electron-delocalized hydrogen-bonded organic framework by tuning electron delocalization as a cathode material for high-performance zinc-organic batteries.
- Wenda Li
- , Hengyue Xu
- & Shaohua Liu
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Article
| Open AccessDesign principles for NASICON super-ionic conductors
Na Super Ionic Conductor (NASICON) materials are an important class of solid-state electrolytes. Here, authors combine calculations, experimental synthesis and testing, and text-mined historical data on NASICON ionic conductivity to understand how composition influences the Na-ion conductivity.
- Jingyang Wang
- , Tanjin He
- & Gerbrand Ceder
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Article
| Open AccessMultiscale dynamics of charging and plating in graphite electrodes coupling operando microscopy and phase-field modelling
Improved understanding of the spatial dynamics in graphite electrodes is needed to improve fast-charging protocols for Li-ion batteries. Here, authors highlight that lithiation heterogeneity leads to early lithium plating onset and find distinct relaxation behaviors at various states of charge.
- Xuekun Lu
- , Marco Lagnoni
- & Paul R. Shearing
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient and selective capture of thorium ions by a covalent organic framework
Covalent organic frameworks are used in capture of radioactive ions but achieving high separation factors remains challenging. Here, the authors design an ionic COF its neutral non-ionic to better understand the role of different N sites on the selective capture of Th(IV) and report remarkable separation factors ranging from 102 to 105.
- Xiaojuan Liu
- , Feng Gao
- & Guoan Ye