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| Open AccessA solution-to-solid conversion chemistry enables ultrafast-charging and long-lived molten salt aluminium batteries
Conventional solid-to-solid conversion cathodes in rechargeable aluminium batteries suffer from sluggish reaction kinetics and cumulative structural degradation. Here the authors disclose a solution-to-solid conversion chemistry using molten salt electrolytes to achieve fast-charging capability and good cycling stability.
- Jiashen Meng
- , Xuhui Yao
- & Quanquan Pang
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Article
| Open AccessLean-water hydrogel electrolyte for zinc ion batteries
Excess water in hydrogel-based zinc ion batteries causes side reactions, but reduced water content results in low conductivities. Here, authors develop a lean-water hydrogel based on molecular lubrication mechanism for fast ion transportation, extended stability, and reversible Zinc plating/stripping.
- Yanbo Wang
- , Qing Li
- & Chunyi Zhi
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Article
| Open AccessFundamental investigations on the ionic transport and thermodynamic properties of non-aqueous potassium-ion electrolytes
K-ion batteries may have rate advantages over Li-ion batteries due to the larger size of the cation. Here, the authors characterize the ionic transport and thermodynamic properties of non-aqueous K-ion electrolyte solutions demonstrating higher K-ion mobility than the Li-ion counterpart.
- Shobhan Dhir
- , Ben Jagger
- & Mauro Pasta
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Article
| Open AccessIntegrated halide perovskite photoelectrochemical cells with solar-driven water-splitting efficiency of 20.8%
High-efficiency photoelectrodes, which integrate light absorption with catalysis, have been limited to costly materials. Here, the authors develop an anticorrosion barrier that enables low-cost semiconductors for integrated solar fuel devices with 20.8% solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency.
- Austin M. K. Fehr
- , Ayush Agrawal
- & Aditya D. Mohite
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Article
| Open AccessAsymmetric dinitrogen-coordinated nickel single-atomic sites for efficient CO2 electroreduction
Rational design of electrocatalysts for selective CO2 conversion is of great interests. Here the authors show that Ni single atom with asymmetric pyrrolic and pyridinic nitrogen for efficient CO2 electroconversion to CO.
- Yuzhu Zhou
- , Quan Zhou
- & Li Song
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Article
| Open AccessEmbedding oxophilic rare-earth single atom in platinum nanoclusters for efficient hydrogen electro-oxidation
Exploring enhanced catalysts for alkaline hydrogen oxidation with high catalytic activity and CO tolerance is highly desired yet challenging. Here, the authors report single-atom lanthanide embedded Pt nanoclusters with high activities and durability.
- Xiaoning Wang
- , Yanfu Tong
- & Wei Xing
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Article
| Open AccessA family of oxychloride amorphous solid electrolytes for long-cycling all-solid-state lithium batteries
Developing amorphous solid electrolytes for solid state lithium batteries is challenging due to limited understanding of disordered structures. Here, the authors report a family of oxychloride amorphous solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivities and promising electrochemical characteristics.
- Shumin Zhang
- , Feipeng Zhao
- & Xueliang Sun
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Article
| Open AccessEndogenous learning for green hydrogen in a sector-coupled energy model for Europe
This study highlights the importance of including learning-by-doing for hydrogen production in energy models. It reveals that scaling up renewable capacities and electrolysis faster than the EU’s REPowerEU Plan can be cost-effective under strict climate targets, reducing hydrogen production costs and shifting from grey to green hydrogen.
- Elisabeth Zeyen
- , Marta Victoria
- & Tom Brown
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Article
| Open AccessBridging multiscale interfaces for developing ionically conductive high-voltage iron sulfate-containing sodium-based battery positive electrodes
Sluggish kinetics is a major challenge for iron-based sulfate electrode materials. Here, the authors report multiscale interface engineering to build continuous Na-ion transfer channels at all length scales by designing ionic conductors inside bulk and low-electron-density exposed crystal surfaces.
- Jiyu Zhang
- , Yongliang Yan
- & Weihua Chen
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Article
| Open AccessCarbon neutral hydrogen storage and release cycles based on dual-functional roles of formamides
The search for new carbon-based hydrogen storage materials attracts scientists from various disciplines. Now, carbon-neutral hydrogen storage-release is reported based on dual-functional roles of formamides and uses non-noble, Fe-based catalyst.
- Duo Wei
- , Xinzhe Shi
- & Matthias Beller
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Article
| Open AccessDirect observation of hot-electron-enhanced thermoelectric effects in silicon nanodevices
Thermoelectric property of silicon itself is important for the thermal management of post-Moore nanoelectronics. Here, Xue et al directly observe unconventional thermoelectric cooling/heating effects enhanced by hot electrons in silicon nanodevices.
- Huanyi Xue
- , Ruijie Qian
- & Wei Lu
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Article
| Open AccessA fluorinated cation introduces new interphasial chemistries to enable high-voltage lithium metal batteries
Fluorides have been identified as a key ingredient in interphases supporting aggressive battery chemistries. Here, the authors show a positive charged organic cation carrying fluorine populates at the inner Helmholtz layer of the electrode and contributes to the interphasial chemistry.
- Qian Liu
- , Wei Jiang
- & Zhengcheng Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessProduction of high-energy 6-Ah-level Li | |LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 multi-layer pouch cells via negative electrode protective layer coating strategy
Stable lithium metal electrodes are needed to produce high-energy batteries. Here, authors reported poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate-co-sodium benzenesulfonate) as a lithium metal protective layer and the production of a 490 Wh/kg class Li | |LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 pouch cell.
- Yangyang Feng
- , Yong Li
- & Yaobing Wang
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Article
| Open AccessFe/Cu diatomic catalysts for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia
Nitrate electroreduction to ammonia can decrease pollutants and produce high-value ammonia. Here, the authors design a Fe/Cu diatomic catalyst on nitrogen-doped graphene, which exhibits high catalytic activities of and selectivity for ammonia.
- Shuo Zhang
- , Jianghua Wu
- & Jun Lu
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Article
| Open AccessUnderstanding capacity fade in organic redox-flow batteries by combining spectroscopy with statistical inference techniques
Organic redox-flow batteries have the potential to cheaply store renewable electricity at grid scale but require further development. Here, the authors show that combining spectroscopic measurements with statistical inference techniques can shed light on why these batteries lose capacity over time.
- Sanat Vibhas Modak
- , Wanggang Shen
- & David G. Kwabi
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Article
| Open AccessPrediction of sub-pyramid texturing as the next step towards high efficiency silicon heterojunction solar cells
The unexpected crystalline silicon epitaxial growth and interfacial nanotwins formation remain a challenging issue for silicon heterojunction technology. Here, the authors design a hybrid interface by tuning pyramid apex-angle to improve c-Si/a-Si:H interfacial morphology in silicon solar cells.
- Feihong Chu
- , Xianlin Qu
- & Yongzhe Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessEnabling long-cycling aqueous sodium-ion batteries via Mn dissolution inhibition using sodium ferrocyanide electrolyte additive
Mn-based Prussian blue is an ideal positive electrode material for aqueous sodium-ion batteries but still suffers from Mn dissolution. Here, the authors introduce an Mn-ion trapping agent as an electrolyte additive to produce a 94 Wh kg−1 Na-ion aqueous battery with a long lifespan.
- Zhaoheng Liang
- , Fei Tian
- & Chengxin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessElectric double layer-mediated polarization field for optimizing photogenerated carrier dynamics and thermodynamics
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency is limited due to unfavorable carrier dynamics and thermodynamic performance. Here, the authors report an electric double-layer-mediated polarization field to improve carrier dynamics and optimize the thermodynamics by regulating the coordination of surface atoms.
- Chengxin Zhou
- , Jian Gao
- & Chuan Xia
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Article
| Open AccessPhenanthroline-carbolong interface suppress chemical interactions with active layer enabling long-time stable organic solar cells
Interfacial engineering is an effective strategy to improve efficiency of organic solar cells. Here, the authors report two alcohol-soluble cathode interfacial materials based on carbolong and achieve device efficiency of 21.7% and long thermal stability in perovskite/organic tandem solar cells.
- Xue Lai,
- , Shiyan Chen,
- & Feng He
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Article
| Open AccessResolving nanostructure and chemistry of solid-electrolyte interphase on lithium anodes by depth-sensitive plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
The solid-electrolyte interphase is crucial for most batteries, but its characterization is challenging. Here, authors develop a depth-sensitive plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy method to enable in-situ and nondestructive resolving of its structure and chemistry as well as formation mechanisms.
- Yu Gu
- , En-Ming You
- & Bing-Wei Mao
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Article
| Open AccessCoordination modulation of hydrated zinc ions to enhance redox reversibility of zinc batteries
Zinc-based batteries suffer from the dendrite growth and surface passivation of zinc derived from the unfavourable deposition and side reactions. Here, the authors modulate the coordination chemistry of hydrated zinc ions via electrolyte-design and gain insights into the reversible cycling of long-lived zinc electrode.
- Song Chen
- , Deluo Ji
- & Jintao Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessLow-spin state of Fe in Fe-doped NiOOH electrocatalysts
Although Fe doping boosts the electrocatalytic performance of NiOOH materials for the oxygen evolution reaction, the underlying mechanism has been not well understood. Here, the authors reveal Fe low-spin state configuration as a main driver of this electrochemical phenomenon.
- Zheng-Da He
- , Rebekka Tesch
- & Piotr M. Kowalski
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Article
| Open AccessAccelerating the solar-thermal energy storage via inner-light supplying with optical waveguide
Phase change material for solar-thermal energy storage is widely studied to counter the mismatch between supply and demand in solar energy utilization. Here, authors introduce optical waveguide to regulate the solar-thermal conversion interface to enable the fast energy harvesting in solar-thermal energy storage system.
- Yafang Zhang
- , Jiebin Tang
- & Guobin Xue
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-efficiency bio-inspired hybrid multi-generation photovoltaic leaf
Most sunlight received by photovoltaic panels is converted to and lost as heat, increasing their temperature and deteriorating their performance. Here, the authors propose a multi-energy generation photovoltaic leaf concept with biomimetic transpiration and demonstrate much improved performance.
- Gan Huang
- , Jingyuan Xu
- & Christos N. Markides
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Article
| Open AccessSingle-site decorated copper enables energy- and carbon-efficient CO2 methanation in acidic conditions
Conventional alkaline and neutral CO2-to-CH4 systems suffer carbon loss, and recovering the lost carbon requires input energy exceeding the heating value of CH4. Here, the authors report a chelating strategy to obtain Cu-N/O single sites decorated Cu clusters, which enables energy- and carbon-efficient CH4 electroproduction in an acidic system.
- Mengyang Fan
- , Rui Kai Miao
- & David Sinton
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Article
| Open AccessEye tracking and eye expression decoding based on transparent, flexible and ultra-persistent electrostatic interface
Eye tracking systems are crucial for eye health-monitoring and human-machine engineering. Here, Shi et. al. report a transparent and flexible active eye tracking system based on an electrostatic induction effect, enabling visual preference analysis and eye-controlled human-computer interaction.
- Yuxiang Shi
- , Peng Yang
- & Xiangyu Chen
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Article
| Open AccessHalf-Heusler alloys as emerging high power density thermoelectric cooling materials
Here, the authors increase the grain size of Nb0.55Ta0.4Ti0.05FeSb by three orders of magnitude by Sb-pressure controlled annealing, resulting in enhanced mobility and cooling power density compared to Bi2Te3-based devices.
- Hangtian Zhu
- , Wenjie Li
- & Bed Poudel
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Article
| Open AccessAssessment of the technological viability of photoelectrochemical devices for oxygen and fuel production on Moon and Mars
Long-term space missions to the Moon and Mars rely on sunlight as an energy source. Here, authors assess the performance of monolithic photoelectrochemical devices for light-assisted O2 and fuel production on the Moon and Mars as potential complementary technologies to existing life support systems.
- Byron Ross
- , Sophia Haussener
- & Katharina Brinkert
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Article
| Open AccessExtreme fast charging of commercial Li-ion batteries via combined thermal switching and self-heating approaches
A significant barrier to the mass adoption of electric vehicles is the long charge time (>30 min) of high-energy Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors propose a practical solution to enable fast charging of commercial Li-ion batteries by combining thermal switching and self-heating.
- Yuqiang Zeng
- , Buyi Zhang
- & Ravi S. Prasher
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Article
| Open AccessMonolithically-grained perovskite solar cell with Mortise-Tenon structure for charge extraction balance
Disorder crystallization of perovskite and unbalanced charge extraction limit the performance of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors develop self-polymerizing additive to form monolithic perovskite grains with mortise-tenon structure, achieving efficiency over 24% and long device stability.
- Fangfang Wang
- , Mubai Li
- & Tianshi Qin
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Article
| 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