Featured
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| 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
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Article
| Open AccessAn aqueous electrolyte densified by perovskite SrTiO3 enabling high-voltage zinc-ion batteries
Conventional electrolytes of aqueous zinc-ion batteries suffer from serious side reactions. Here, the authors develop a densified electrolyte with perovskite additives to achieve reversible zinc plating/stripping with robust interface and improved performance of full cells at an extended voltage range.
- Rongyu Deng
- , Zhenjiang He
- & Feixiang Wu
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Article
| Open AccessGeospatial mapping of distribution grid with machine learning and publicly-accessible multi-modal data
Granular geospatial information of distribution grids is needed for various power system applications. Here the authors develop a machine-learning-based model which can accurately map distribution grids in both the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Zhecheng Wang
- , Arun Majumdar
- & Ram Rajagopal
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Article
| Open AccessUltra-resilient multi-layer fluorinated diamond like carbon hydrophobic surfaces
Hydrophobic condenser surfaces can improve power plant efficiency, but they suffer from poor durability. Here the authors developed a durable fluorinated diamond-like carbon coating that improved dropwise condensation and maintained hydrophobicity over three years of pure steam condensation on multiple metallic substrates.
- Muhammad Jahidul Hoque
- , Longnan Li
- & Nenad Miljkovic
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Article
| Open AccessStability follows efficiency based on the analysis of a large perovskite solar cells ageing dataset
Stability issues remain a critical challenge for perovskite solar cells towards commercialisation. Here, the authors analyse a large homogeneous dataset of Maximum Power Point Tracking operational ageing data and find a correlation between maximum power conversion efficiency and its relative loss.
- Noor Titan Putri Hartono
- , Hans Köbler
- & Antonio Abate
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Perspective
| Open AccessA reflection on polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries
Polymer electrolytes are attractive candidates for rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Here, the authors give a personal reflection on the structural design of coupled and decoupled polymer electrolytes and possible routes to further enhance their performance in rechargeable batteries.
- Ziyu Song
- , Fangfang Chen
- & Heng Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-performance thermomagnetic generator controlled by a magnetocaloric switch
The utilization of waste heat is an important way of combining energy saving to emission reductions. Here, authors demonstrate a magnetocaloric material as a controlling switch in a thermomagnetic generator for waste heat recovery.
- Xianliang Liu
- , Haodong Chen
- & Hu Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessSelective CO2 reduction to CH3OH over atomic dual-metal sites embedded in a metal-organic framework with high-energy radiation
Most approaches for CH3OH production focus on thermochemical, electrolytic, and photolytic processes. Here the authors report a radiolytic route to produce CH3OH from CO2 and water by atomic Cu-Ni dual sites embedded in a metal-organic framework.
- Changjiang Hu
- , Zhiwen Jiang
- & Jun Ma
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Article
| Open AccessDevelopment of high-voltage and high-energy membrane-free nonaqueous lithium-based organic redox flow batteries
Redox flow batteries are promising energy storage systems but are limited in part due to high cost and low availability of membrane separators. Here, authors develop a membrane-free, nonaqueous 3.5 V all-organic lithium-based battery and demonstrate its operation in both static and flow conditions.
- Rajeev K. Gautam
- , Xiao Wang
- & Jianbing “Jimmy” Jiang
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Article
| Open AccessBioinspired “cage traps” for closed-loop lead management of perovskite solar cells under real-world contamination assessment
Potential lead contamination risk and environmental vulnerability risk impose a significant obstacle for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors create a biomimetic cage traps to mitigate lead leakage and establish a sustainable closed-loop lead management process.
- Huaiqing Luo
- , Pengwei Li
- & Yanlin Song
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-performance alkaline water electrolyzers based on Ru-perturbed Cu nanoplatelets cathode
Achieving high-efficiency alkaline water electrolyzer operating at large current densities remains a critical challenge. Here the authors report Ru nanoparticle-perturbed Cu nanoplatelets as cathode for hydrogen evolution reaction coupled with stainless steel anode in alkaline electrolyzer with high performance, long-term stability and relatively low-capital expenditures.
- Yong Zuo
- , Sebastiano Bellani
- & Liberato Manna
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Article
| Open AccessReaction-passivation mechanism driven materials separation for recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries
Separating active cathode materials from current collectors poses a critical challenge in battery recycling. Here, the authors develop a facile strategy that relies on a reaction-passivation mechanism to effectively separate the aluminum foil and cathode active material in spent lithium-ion batteries.
- Zihe Chen
- , Ruikang Feng
- & Yongming Sun
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Article
| Open AccessNon-flammable solvent-free liquid polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries
Although solid polymer electrolytes show promise as alternatives to organic liquid electrolytes, they are hampered by interface and ionic conduction issues. Here, the authors develop a solvent-free liquid polymer electrolyte to enhance the safety and electrochemical performance of lithium metal batteries.
- Guo-Rui Zhu
- , Qin Zhang
- & Yu-Zhong Wang
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Article
| Open AccessIonomer-free and recyclable porous-transport electrode for high-performing proton-exchange-membrane water electrolysis
The supply of iridium is likely to become a bottleneck for hydrogen production. Here, authors develop ionomer-free porous transport electrodes with low iridium loading designed to improve manufacturability and recyclability of electrodes for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers.
- Jason K. Lee
- , Grace Anderson
- & Xiong Peng
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Article
| Open AccessTemperature-dependent interphase formation and Li+ transport in lithium metal batteries
High-performance lithium metal batteries operating below −20 °C are desired but hindered by slow reaction kinetics. Here, the authors uncover the temperature-dependent Li+ behavior and interphase formation in liquid electrolytes and provide directions to enhance the low temperature performance.
- Suting Weng
- , Xiao Zhang
- & Xuefeng Wang
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Article
| Open AccessContinuous estimation of power system inertia using convolutional neural networks
The increase of intermittent energy sources and renewable energy penetration generally results in reduced overall inertia, making power systems susceptible to disturbances. Here, authors develop an AI-based method to estimate inertia in real-time and test its performance on a heterogeneous power network.
- Daniele Linaro
- , Federico Bizzarri
- & Angelo M. Brambilla
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Article
| Open AccessA recyclable biomass electrolyte towards green zinc-ion batteries
Functional hydrogel electrolytes show promising potential for enhancing the sustainability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Here, the authors introduce a biomass-based hydrogel electrolyte that not only prevents side reactions on the zinc anode but also enables easy retrieval from the zinc batteries.
- Hongyu Lu
- , Jisong Hu
- & Bingang Xu
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Article
| Open AccessCovalent organic frameworks for direct photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide from water, air and sunlight
Solar-driven photosynthesis is a green and sustainable process for hydrogen peroxide production. Here the authors report that optimizing the intramolecular polarity of COFs can greatly boost H2O2 photosynthesis from water, air, and sunlight.
- Fuyang Liu
- , Peng Zhou
- & Jinren Ni
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Article
| Open AccessAluminum foil negative electrodes with multiphase microstructure for all-solid-state Li-ion batteries
Aluminum-based negative electrodes could enable high-energy-density batteries, but their charge storage performance is limited. Here, the authors show that dense aluminum electrodes with controlled microstructure exhibit long-term cycling stability in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
- Yuhgene Liu
- , Congcheng Wang
- & Matthew T. McDowell
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Article
| Open AccessLong-term durability of metastable β-Fe2O3 photoanodes in highly corrosive seawater
Achieving long-term stable photoelectrochemical water decomposition in highly corrosive seawater remains a challenge. Here, the authors report a strategy for enhancing metal-oxygen interaction to achieve high stability of metastable β-Fe2O3 photoelectrochemical seawater splitting.
- Changhao Liu
- , Ningsi Zhang
- & Zhigang Zou
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Article
| Open AccessProduction of gas-releasing electrolyte-replenishing Ah-scale zinc metal pouch cells with aqueous gel electrolyte
The production of large-format aqueous Zn batteries is hindered by electrolyte consumption, hydrogen gas evolution and Zn dendrites growth during cycling. Here, the authors propose a specific pouch cell design capable of releasing hydrogen gas and refilling the electrolyte components.
- Feifei Wang
- , Jipeng Zhang
- & Quan-Hong Yang
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Article
| Open Access3D hierarchical graphene matrices enable stable Zn anodes for aqueous Zn batteries
Uncontrolled dendrite growth and severe side reactions at high capacities and rates impede its practical application for zinc metal anodes. Here, the authors propose a composite zinc anode with 3D hierarchical graphene matrix as a multifunctional host to regulate zinc deposition for aqueous zinc batteries.
- Yongbiao Mu
- , Zheng Li
- & Lin Zeng
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Article
| Open AccessTailoring a local acid-like microenvironment for efficient neutral hydrogen evolution
The development of neutral hydrogen evolution catalysts is challenging due to their sluggish kinetics. Here the authors report HxWO3 support which acts as proton sponge to create a local acid-like microenvironment around Ir sites, realizing acid-like hydrogen evolution rate in neutral media.
- Xiaozhong Zheng
- , Xiaoyun Shi
- & Yong Wang
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Matters Arising
| Open AccessReply to: The impact of thermodynamics when using a catalyst for conventional carbon capture solvent regeneration
- Masood S. Alivand
- , Geoffrey W. Stevens
- & Kathryn A. Mumford
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Matters Arising
| Open AccessThe impact of thermodynamics when using a catalyst for conventional carbon capture solvent regeneration
- Frédérick de Meyer
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Article
| Open Access2D MXenes polar catalysts for multi-renewable energy harvesting applications
MXene materials are regarded as versatile catalysts for multi-energy utilization, however, designing a single system for multiple energy harvesting applications is challenging. Here, the authors theoretically and experimentally validate the utilization of multiple energy sources by MXene materials.
- Xiaoyang Pan
- , Xuhui Yang
- & Zhenfeng Bian
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Article
| Open AccessAll-polymer organic solar cells with nano-to-micron hierarchical morphology and large light receiving angle
A large light-receiving angle in planar solar cells is crucial for flexible installation of distributed photovoltaics. Here, authors report sequential-processed all-polymer solar cells with nano-sized phase separation integrated in micro-sized surface topology and maximum efficiency of over 19%.
- Rui Zeng
- , Lei Zhu
- & Feng Liu
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Article
| Open AccessActive self-assembly of piezoelectric biomolecular films via synergistic nanoconfinement and in-situ poling
Piezoelectric biomaterials are limited by the challenges in domain orientation alignment and a weak piezoelectric effect. Here, Zhang et. al. present an active self-assembly strategy via nanoconfinement and in-situ poling, to obtain large-scale, high performance piezoelectric β-glycine nanocrystalline films.
- Zhuomin Zhang
- , Xuemu Li
- & Zhengbao Yang
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Article
| Open AccessRealizing long-cycling all-solid-state Li-In||TiS2 batteries using Li6+xMxAs1-xS5I (M=Si, Sn) sulfide solid electrolytes
Stable inorganic solid-state electrolytes are crucial for reliable all-solid-state battery development. Here, the authors report a Li-In|Li6.8Si0.8As0.2S5I|Ti2S lab-scale cell with a long cycle life of almost 62500 cycles at 2.44 mA cm−2, 30 °C and 30 MPa.
- Pushun Lu
- , Yu Xia
- & Fan Wu
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Article
| Open AccessWeakly coordinated Li ion in single-ion-conductor-based composite enabling low electrolyte content Li-metal batteries
The reactivity between lithium and a liquid electrolyte leads to degradation of a lithium metal battery, resulting in the depletion of the liquid electrolyte. Here, authors develop a composite layer that can mitigate the reactivity and consequently enable long-cycling lithium metal batteries.
- Hyeokjin Kwon
- , Hyun-Ji Choi
- & Hee-Tak Kim
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Article
| Open AccessDynamic gel as artificial interphase layer for ultrahigh-rate and large-capacity lithium metal anode
Achieving stable lithium metal anodes under large current densities over 10 mA cm−2 and area capacities over 10 mAh cm−2 remains a critical challenge. Here, authors propose a dynamic gel as protect layer for lithium metal anode to facilitate with the Young’s modulus, flexibility and ionic conductivity, thus to stabilize the lithium metal anode.
- Chao Chen
- , Jiaming Zhang
- & Xunhui Xiong
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Article
| Open AccessHow to make climate-neutral aviation fly
Europe’s aviation must reduce more than just flight CO2 emissions to achieve net-zero. Synthetic fuels and carbon capture and storage could help but decreasing air traffic is crucial due to non-CO2 climate impacts and resource constraints.
- Romain Sacchi
- , Viola Becattini
- & Marco Mazzotti
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Article
| Open AccessUltrasensitive mechanical/thermal response of a P(VDF-TrFE) sensor with a tailored network interconnection interface
The piezoelectric and pyroelectric coefficients of ferroelectric materials are critical to improving the sensitivity and detection limit in sensing. Here, the authors report an interface engineering strategy using a PEDOT:PSS penetrating electrode, that realizes high pressure and temperature sensitivity.
- Bo Li
- , Chuanyang Cai
- & Weishu Liu