Featured
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Article
| Open AccessHighly efficient electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide on a superhydrophobic three-phase interface by natural air diffusion
H2O2 electrosynthesis has garnered great attention as a green alternative to the anthraquinone process. Here the authors propose a cost-effective cathode to greatly improve the O2 diffusion coefficient, resulting in a high H2O2 production without the need for aeration.
- Qizhan Zhang
- , Minghua Zhou
- & Xuedong Du
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Article
| Open AccessQuantifying contact status and the air-breakdown model of charge-excitation triboelectric nanogenerators to maximize charge density
Surface charge density is a key factor for developing high performance triboelectric nanogenerators. Herein, authors establish criteria to quantitatively evaluate the contact efficiency and air breakdown model on charge excitation triboelectric nanogenerators to maximize output charge density.
- Yike Liu
- , Wenlin Liu
- & Chenguo Hu
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Article
| Open AccessRegulating strain in perovskite thin films through charge-transport layers
Remnant tensile strain in the perovskite films induced in the thermal annealing step is a known source of material and device instabilities. Here Xue et al. use a thermal expandable hole transporting layer to compensate the strain and result in most stable wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells so far.
- Ding-Jiang Xue
- , Yi Hou
- & Edward H. Sargent
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Article
| Open AccessReversible structural evolution of sodium-rich rhombohedral Prussian blue for sodium-ion batteries
Here the authors deploy a scalable synthesis route to prepare sodium-rich Na2−xFeFe(CN)6 cathode materials for sodium-ion battery. The highly reversible structural evolution during cycling between rhombohedral, cubic and tetragonal phases is the key to enable the good performance.
- Wanlin Wang
- , Yong Gang
- & Shi-Xue Dou
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Article
| Open AccessSuppressing hydrogen peroxide generation to achieve oxygen-insensitivity of a [NiFe] hydrogenase in redox active films
Oxidative degradation impedes practical applications of highly active but fragile catalysts. Here the authors show that combining a protection matrix for O2 reduction and hydrogen peroxide decomposition stabilizes highly O2-sensitive hydrogenase in the harsh oxidative conditions of operating fuel cells.
- Huaiguang Li
- , Ute Münchberg
- & Nicolas Plumeré
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Article
| Open AccessNanoelectrode design from microminiaturized honeycomb monolith with ultrathin and stiff nanoscaffold for high-energy micro-supercapacitors
Micro-supercapacitors are promising energy storage systems to power the future electronic devices. Here, the authors utilize honeycomb alumina nanoscaffold as a nanostructuring platform to design nanoelectrodes and construct micro-supercapacitors with impressive performance.
- Zhendong Lei
- , Long Liu
- & Yong Lei
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient electrochemical production of glucaric acid and H2 via glucose electrolysis
Renewable biomass conversion may afford high-value products from common materials, but catalysts usually require expensive metals and exhibit poor selectivities. Here, authors employ nickel-iron oxide and nitride electrocatalysts to produce H2 and to convert glucose to glucaric acid selectively.
- Wu-Jun Liu
- , Zhuoran Xu
- & Han-Qing Yu
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Article
| Open AccessNitrogen-rich covalent organic frameworks with multiple carbonyls for high-performance sodium batteries
Covalent organic frameworks are receiving increasing attention as promising cathode materials for rechargeable batteries. Here the authors report a honeycomb-like nitrogen-rich COF design in which the pyrazines and carbonyls enable favorable redox chemistry and remarkable Na-ion storage performance.
- Ruijuan Shi
- , Luojia Liu
- & Jun Chen
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Article
| Open AccessThin-film composite membrane breaking the trade-off between conductivity and selectivity for a flow battery
Low-cost flow batteries with high power density are promising for energy storage, but membranes with simultaneously high ion conductivity and selectivity should be developed. Here the authors report a thin-film composite membrane that breaks the trade-off between ion conductivity and selectivity.
- Qing Dai
- , Zhiqiang Liu
- & Xianfeng Li
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Article
| Open AccessMultistaged discharge constructing heterostructure with enhanced solid-solution behavior for long-life lithium-oxygen batteries
Li–O2 batteries suffer from poor charge transport in the insulating discharge products. Here the authors tackle the issue by pre-depositing a K2CO3 layer and then using this to grow Li2O2 film on top, enabling enhanced electronic conduction properties and improved overall performance.
- Shu-Mao Xu
- , Xiao Liang
- & Jie-Sheng Chen
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Article
| Open AccessAll-small-molecule organic solar cells with over 14% efficiency by optimizing hierarchical morphologies
Small molecule organic solar cells (OSCs) represent an alternative route for OSCs, but their efficiencies are lower than polymer-molecule blend based counterparts. Here Zhou et al. show high performance devices with 14% efficiency and feature hierarchical morphologies.
- Ruimin Zhou
- , Zhaoyan Jiang
- & Zhixiang Wei
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Article
| Open AccessZinc anode-compatible in-situ solid electrolyte interphase via cation solvation modulation
Zinc chemistry is not favourable to the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase as a result of its high redox potential. In a break with the traditional wisdom, the present authors realise ZnF2-rich hybrid SEI on Zn anode via the modulation of cationic speciation in a eutectic electrolyte.
- Huayu Qiu
- , Xiaofan Du
- & Guanglei Cui
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Article
| Open AccessStructural insights into the formation and voltage degradation of lithium- and manganese-rich layered oxides
The authors here look into the phase transitions in Li-/Mn-rich layered cathode materials during synthesis and cycling. It is revealed that the Li-rich layered structure tends to transform to a Li-poor spinel phase via an intermediate Li-containing rock salt phase, with release of lithium/oxygen.
- Weibo Hua
- , Suning Wang
- & Björn Schwarz
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Article
| Open AccessGeneral technoeconomic analysis for electrochemical coproduction coupling carbon dioxide reduction with organic oxidation
Coupling of carbon dioxide reduction and organic oxidation is promising for sustainable chemicals production; however, economics are impacted by variations in product combinations and process design. Here the authors report technoeconomic analysis for a range of technologies and coproduction processes.
- Jonggeol Na
- , Bora Seo
- & Ung Lee
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Article
| Open AccessTuning wettability of molten lithium via a chemical strategy for lithium metal anodes
Molten lithium cannot spread onto the lithiophobic substrate, hindering the production and application of lithium metal anodes. Here, the authors show a general chemical strategy to tune the wettability by forming new chemical bonds through the reactions with various organic coatings or elemental additives.
- Shu-Hua Wang
- , Junpei Yue
- & Yu-Guo Guo
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Article
| Open AccessConductive 2D metal-organic framework for high-performance cathodes in aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries
Aqueous zinc batteries are promising candidates for large scale energy storage systems but development of the cathode material remains a challenge. Here, the authors show a conductive 2D metal-organic framework involving intercalation pseudocapacitance mechanism for enhanced rate capability.
- Kwan Woo Nam
- , Sarah S. Park
- & J. Fraser Stoddart
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Article
| Open AccessThree-dimensional open nano-netcage electrocatalysts for efficient pH-universal overall water splitting
Water electrolysis is considered a key reaction for future sustainable fuel generation. Here, authors report a three-dimensional RuIrOx nano-netcage catalyst that shows high activities and efficiencies for pH-universal overall water splitting.
- Zewen Zhuang
- , Yu Wang
- & Yadong Li
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Article
| Open AccessInterfacial oxygen vacancies yielding long-lived holes in hematite mesocrystal-based photoanodes
The performance of hematite (α-Fe2O3) photoanodes is limited by fast charge recombination. Here, authors develop hematite mesocrystal-based photoanodes with abundant interfacial oxygen vacancies for highly efficient solar water splitting under back illumination.
- Zhujun Zhang
- , Izuru Karimata
- & Takashi Tachikawa
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Article
| Open AccessAnionic redox reaction in layered NaCr2/3Ti1/3S2 through electron holes formation and dimerization of S–S
Anionic redox reactions are gaining interest as a means to optimize capacities of alkaline ion batteries. Here, the authors investigate various charge compensation mechanisms and report S–S dimerization and the formation of electron holes on sulfur in a model sulfide cathode.
- Tian Wang
- , Guo-Xi Ren
- & Zheng-Wen Fu
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Article
| Open AccessFacilitating nitrogen accessibility to boron-rich covalent organic frameworks via electrochemical excitation for efficient nitrogen fixation
Covalent organic frameworks are potential catalysts for nitrogen reduction, but limited nitrogen transport restricts the utilization ratio of active sites. Here, the authors demonstrate that electrochemical excitation of covalent organic frameworks can lead to efficient nitrogen reduction.
- Sisi Liu
- , Mengfan Wang
- & Chenglin Yan
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-performance silk-based hybrid membranes employed for osmotic energy conversion
Membrane-based reverse electrodialysis is promising for salinity gradient power generation, but achieving efficiency and stability is challenging. Here the authors design silk nanofibril-based hybrid membranes to realize high-performance capture of osmotic energy from ambient waters.
- Weiwen Xin
- , Zhen Zhang
- & Liping Wen
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Article
| Open AccessMeasurement of the combined quantum and electrochemical capacitance of a carbon nanotube
Contact between electrons in a nanotube and solvated ions in an electrolyte yield electric fields confined to small dimensions and electrostatics that are affected by quantum density of states. Here the authors measure quantum effects on capacitance in a reduced-dimension system in a liquid electrolyte.
- Jinfeng Li
- & Peter J. Burke
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Article
| Open AccessA safe and non-flammable sodium metal battery based on an ionic liquid electrolyte
Na metal batteries offer compelling merits; however, the safety issue remains to be overcome. Here, the authors report an ionic liquid electrolyte based on NaCl-buffered AlCl3/[EMIm]Cl with two additives including EtAlCl2 and [EMIm]FSI which serve to stabilize SEI for reversible Na plating/stripping.
- Hao Sun
- , Guanzhou Zhu
- & Hongjie Dai
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient and thermally stable organic solar cells based on small molecule donor and polymer acceptor
The organic solar cells are typically based on a binary combination of polymeric donor and molecular acceptor. Here Zhang et al. develop alternative combination based on molecular donor and polymeric acceptor featuring 8% efficiency and high stability up to 7 days at 180 °C.
- Zijian Zhang
- , Junhui Miao
- & Lixiang Wang
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Review Article
| Open AccessFundamentals and applications of photocatalytic CO2 methanation
While natural gas and fossil fuels power human activities, increasing concerns over fuel reserves and environmental impacts require finding alternative, renewable resources. Here, authors review the fundamental science and progress on solar-powered conversion of carbon dioxide to methane.
- Ulrich Ulmer
- , Thomas Dingle
- & Geoffrey A. Ozin
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Article
| Open AccessA metal–organic framework for efficient water-based ultra-low-temperature-driven cooling
Ultra-low-temperature-actuated adsorption-driven chillers that rely on water as the cooling agent are desirable for energy-efficient and environmentally benign cooling devices. Here the authors show that the metal–organic framework of composition [Al(OH)(C6H2O4S)] displays high water uptake capacity, high stability, and driving temperatures as low as 60 °C.
- Dirk Lenzen
- , Jingjing Zhao
- & Norbert Stock
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Article
| Open AccessSolar energy storage at an atomically defined organic-oxide hybrid interface
Molecular photoswitches provide an extremely simple solution for solar energy conversion and storage. Here, the authors report on the assembly of an operational solar energy-storing organic-oxide hybrid interface, which consists of a tailor-made molecular photoswitch and an atomically-defined semiconducting oxide film.
- Christian Schuschke
- , Chantal Hohner
- & Jörg Libuda
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic-scale combination of germanium-zinc nanofibers for structural and electrochemical evolution
Alloy anode materials are receiving renewed interest. Here the authors show the design of Ge-Zn nanofibers for lithium ion batteries. Featured by a homogeneous composition at the atomic level and other favorable structural attributes, the materials allow for impressive electrochemical performance.
- Gyujin Song
- , Jun Young Cheong
- & Soojin Park
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Article
| Open AccessPower generation from the interaction of a liquid droplet and a liquid membrane
Triboelectric nanogenerators harvest energy by contacting two solids or a liquid and a solid. Here the authors use a conductive liquid membrane as a permeable electrode to demonstrate triboelectrification via liquid–liquid contact by passing liquid droplets through a liquid membrane to generate power.
- Jinhui Nie
- , Ziming Wang
- & Zhong Lin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessSingle atom tungsten doped ultrathin α-Ni(OH)2 for enhanced electrocatalytic water oxidation
Electrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen and oxygen generation provides an attractive path to obtain clean energy, but the half reaction of oxygen evolution remains the bottleneck for the progress. Here, the authors show single atom tungsten doped ultrathin α-Ni(OH)2 exhibits enhanced performance in electrocatalytic water oxidation.
- Junqing Yan
- , Lingqiao Kong
- & Tianyi Ma
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Article
| Open AccessGraphite-protected CsPbBr3 perovskite photoanodes functionalised with water oxidation catalyst for oxygen evolution in water
While photoelectrochemical cells may offer access to solar fuels from a single integrated device, halide perovskite photoelectrodes are difficult to use due to their inherent moisture sensitivity. Here, the authors protect perovskite photoanodes with graphite sheets to boost their stability in water.
- Isabella Poli
- , Ulrich Hintermair
- & Petra J. Cameron
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Article
| Open AccessFemtosecond time-resolved two-photon photoemission studies of ultrafast carrier relaxation in Cu2O photoelectrodes
While cuprous oxide is a promising solar-to-fuel conversion material, photoelectrochemical devices substantially underperform. Here, the authors use femtosecond time-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy to correlate photoexcited electron energetics and dynamics with performance losses.
- Mario Borgwardt
- , Stefan T. Omelchenko
- & Dennis Friedrich
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Article
| Open AccessPlasmonic photosynthesis of C1–C3 hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide assisted by an ionic liquid
While light-driven conversion of CO2 and H2O directly into fuels affords an attractive means to store sunlight in chemical bonds, few systems produce high-value hydrocarbons. Here, authors show gold nanoparticles to reduce CO2 to multi-carbon products using visible light, ionic liquids, and H2O.
- Sungju Yu
- & Prashant K. Jain
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Article
| Open AccessSpectra stable blue perovskite light-emitting diodes
Besides device operational stability, the color stability is also an important challenge for the perovskite light-emitting diodes, especially the blue ones. Here Jiang et al. report the most efficient and color stable pure-blue perovskite LEDs so far, with a half-lifetime of 14.5 minutes.
- Yuanzhi Jiang
- , Chaochao Qin
- & Jun Chen
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Article
| Open AccessThe simplest construction of single-site catalysts by the synergism of micropore trapping and nitrogen anchoring
Single-atom catalysts maximize atom usage within supports, but preparations can be complex. Here, authors show a facile impregnation-adsorption method to attach single noble-metal atoms to N-doped porous carbon and demonstrate strong electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performances for Pt catalysts.
- Zhiqi Zhang
- , Yugang Chen
- & Zheng Hu
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Article
| Open AccessDirect conversion of CO and H2O into liquid fuels under mild conditions
Developing new carbon resource transformation protocols leading to the production of liquid fuels with high selectivity under mild conditions remains challenging. Here the authors present a novel and energy-efficient catalytic route to directly transform CO and H2O to liquid fuels at low temperature in aqueous phase.
- Yao Xu
- , Jing Li
- & Ding Ma
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Article
| Open AccessTwo-dimensional molecular brush-functionalized porous bilayer composite separators toward ultrastable high-current density lithium metal anodes
The authors use polyacrylamide grafted graphene oxide as a molecular brush to coat the commercial polypropylene separator. The bilayer design combines lithiophilicity chemistry and high mechanical strength, rendering high performance Li metal anodes and offering a strategy for the design of separators.
- Chuanfa Li
- , Shaohong Liu
- & Dingcai Wu
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Article
| Open AccessOxygen vacancy associated single-electron transfer for photofixation of CO2 to long-chain chemicals
The photofixation and utilization of CO2 is considered to be a clean and green way to produce high-value-added commodity chemicals, but production of long chain chemicals through this process remains a challenge. Here, the authors develop a practical way for the photofixation of CO2 to long-chain chemicals via defect engineering.
- Shichuan Chen
- , Hui Wang
- & Yi Xie
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Article
| Open AccessA versatile functionalized ionic liquid to boost the solution-mediated performances of lithium-oxygen batteries
Li-O2 batteries are promising candidates for the next generation of rechargeable batteries, but the side reactions and poor cycling stability limit their applications. Here, the authors show a versatile ionic liquid with functional groups that can address both issues for cells operated in oxygen and air.
- Jinqiang Zhang
- , Bing Sun
- & Guoxiu Wang
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Article
| Open AccessHidden structural and chemical order controls lithium transport in cation-disordered oxides for rechargeable batteries
The average crystal structure largely governs the Li diffusion kinetics in well-ordered cathode materials. Here the authors show this rule does not hold true for cation-disordered analogues. Cation short-range order is not only ubiquitous but also controls the Li transport behavior.
- Huiwen Ji
- , Alexander Urban
- & Gerbrand Ceder
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Article
| Open AccessExceptionally active iridium evolved from a pseudo-cubic perovskite for oxygen evolution in acid
While water splitting could provide a green means to store energy, there are few materials that can sustain high water oxidation half-reaction rates in acidic electrolytes. Here, authors design a perovskite oxide that generates high performance under-coordinated iridium sites during electrocatalysis.
- Yubo Chen
- , Haiyan Li
- & Zhichuan J. Xu
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Article
| Open AccessCapturing chemical intuition in synthesis of metal-organic frameworks
Synthetic chemists develop a "chemical intuition" over years of experience in the lab. Here the authors combine machine learning of (partially) failed experiments with robotic synthesis to capture this intuition used in searching for the optimal synthesis conditions of metal-organic frameworks.
- Seyed Mohamad Moosavi
- , Arunraj Chidambaram
- & Berend Smit
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Article
| Open AccessSimplified synthetic routes for low cost and high photovoltaic performance n-type organic semiconductor acceptors
Non-fullerene organic molecule acceptors have been the hot research subject to drive the efficiency of the organic solar cells higher, but their synthetic costs are high. Here Li et al. design a simplified synthetic route for the state-of-the-art acceptors and bring down their cost by more than 15%.
- Xiaojun Li
- , Fei Pan
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessTuning and mechanistic insights of metal chalcogenide molecular catalysts for the hydrogen-evolution reaction
While hydrogen offers a potential carbon neutral fuel, its production from water using earth-abundant, heterogeneous materials has proven challenging to understand. Here, authors present a series of molecular electrocatalysts based on molybdenum, sulphur, and oxygen for aqueous hydrogen evolution.
- James McAllister
- , Nuno A. G. Bandeira
- & Haralampos N. Miras
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Article
| Open AccessRoom-temperature electrochemical water–gas shift reaction for high purity hydrogen production
Traditional water–gas shift reaction process is hindered by harsh reaction conditions and extra steps for hydrogen separation and purification. Here, the authors report a room temperature electrochemical water–gas shift process for direct production of high purity hydrogen with a faradaic efficiency of approximately 100%.
- Xiaoju Cui
- , Hai-Yan Su
- & Xinhe Bao
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Article
| Open AccessSelective production of phase-separable product from a mixture of biomass-derived aqueous oxygenates
The efficiency and selectivity of the transformation process for an aqueous solution of mixed oxygenates produced by biomass fermentation remains a challenge. Here, the authors report a simple reaction for the conversion of aqueous biomass fermentation broth to a water-immiscible product efficiently and selectively.
- Yehong Wang
- , Mi Peng
- & Feng Wang
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Article
| Open AccessAqueous thermogalvanic cells with a high Seebeck coefficient for low-grade heat harvest
Achieving high thermopower in liquid-state thermogalvanic cells is vital to realize a low-cost technology solution for thermal-to-electrical energy conversion. Here, the authors present aqueous thermogalvanic cells based on modified electrolyte with enhanced Seebeck coefficient and thermopower.
- Jiangjiang Duan
- , Guang Feng
- & Jun Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient solar-driven electrocatalytic CO2 reduction in a redox-medium-assisted system
Generating high-energy fuels from sunlight, water, and CO2 using synthetic materials requires, among many things, the careful separation of reduced and oxidized products. Here, authors employ a zinc-based redox pair to spatially and temporally separate light-driven water oxidation and CO2 reduction.
- Yuhang Wang
- , Junlang Liu
- & Gengfeng Zheng
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Article
| Open AccessMyths and reality of HPbI3 in halide perovskite solar cells
Hydriodic acid or hydrogen lead iodide is widely used to stabilize all-inorganic perovskite cesium lead iodide to make high performing solar cells. Here Ke et al. reveal the real composition of the perovskites, where dimethylammonium partially take place of cesium cation at the A-site.
- Weijun Ke
- , Ioannis Spanopoulos
- & Mercouri G. Kanatzidis