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| Open AccessOverall photosynthesis of H2O2 by an inorganic semiconductor
An inorganic and robust photocatalytic system based on Mo-doped faceted BiVO4 particles exhibits a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 0.29% for H2O2 generation, a new record among inorganic systems.
- Tian Liu
- , Zhenhua Pan
- & Kazunari Domen
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Article
| Open AccessHighly efficient and salt rejecting solar evaporation via a wick-free confined water layer
Solar evaporation is promising for sustainable freshwater production but typically limited by salt accumulation. Here, by manipulating natural convection, authors develop a wick-free confined water layer that enables highly efficient and salt rejecting solar evaporation.
- Lenan Zhang
- , Xiangyu Li
- & Evelyn N. Wang
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Article
| Open AccessGeneral heterostructure strategy of photothermal materials for scalable solar-heating hydrogen production without the consumption of artificial energy
The 1 sun-heating temperatures of photothermal materials can be generally elevated from ~90 °C to ~300 °C by hybridizing with infrared insulating materials, capable of driving methanol reforming to 310 mmol g−1 h−1 over CuOx/ZnO/Al2O3 nanosheets.
- Yaguang Li
- , Xianhua Bai
- & Guangsheng Fu
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Article
| Open AccessInterface engineering of Ta3N5 thin film photoanode for highly efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Solar-to-fuel energy conversion requires well-designed materials properties to ensure favorable charge carrier movement. Here, authors employ interface engineering of Ta3N5 thin film to enhance bulk carrier separation and interface carrier injection to improve the water-splitting efficiency.
- Jie Fu
- , Zeyu Fan
- & Yanbo Li
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Article
| Open AccessMachine learning-informed and synthetic biology-enabled semi-continuous algal cultivation to unleash renewable fuel productivity
Growth limitation caused by mutual shading and the high harvest cost hamper algal biofuel production. Here, the authors overcome these two problems by designing a semi-continuous algal cultivation system and an aggregation-based sedimentation strategy to achieve high levels production of biomass and limonene.
- Bin Long
- , Bart Fischer
- & Joshua S. Yuan
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| Open AccessUnraveling of cocatalysts photodeposited selectively on facets of BiVO4 to boost solar water splitting
Artificial photosynthesis offers an integrated means to convert light to fuel, but efficiencies are often low. Here, authors report a Z-scheme system utilizing Ir and FeCoOx co-catalysts to enhance charge separation on BiVO4 facets that achieves high quantum efficiencies for overall water splitting.
- Yu Qi
- , Jiangwei Zhang
- & Fuxiang Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessSelective ligand removal to improve accessibility of active sites in hierarchical MOFs for heterogeneous photocatalysis
While metal organic frameworks offer highly tunable materials for photocatalytic applications, catalytic site accessibility is a crucial parameter. Here, authors demonstrate selective ligand removal to introduce new active sites and mesopores and to enhance photocatalytic H2 evolution.
- Shaghayegh Naghdi
- , Alexey Cherevan
- & Dominik Eder
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| Open AccessUltralow-temperature-driven water-based sorption refrigeration enabled by low-cost zeolite-like porous aluminophosphate
Thermally-driven water-sorption refrigeration is a promising environmentally friendly technology, but finding suitable porous materials is challenging. The authors report a very high coefficient of performance using a low-cost zeolite-like aluminophosphate as a water sorbent, suitable for use with low-grade thermal energy.
- Zhangli Liu
- , Jiaxing Xu
- & Xiulan Huai
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Article
| Open AccessSingle-atom Cu anchored catalysts for photocatalytic renewable H2 production with a quantum efficiency of 56%
In this work, the highly dispersed and large loading amount (>1 wt%) of copper single-atoms were achieved on TiO2, resulting into an apparent quantum efficiency of 56% at 365 nm, in addition to an excellent thermal stability as proved after storing 380 days.
- Yumin Zhang
- , Jianhong Zhao
- & Qingju Liu
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-specific-power flexible transition metal dichalcogenide solar cells
Ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) hold promise for next-generation lightweight photovoltaics. Here, the authors demonstrate the first flexible high power-per-weight TMD solar cells with notably improved power conversion efficiency.
- Koosha Nassiri Nazif
- , Alwin Daus
- & Krishna C. Saraswat
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Article
| Open AccessPhase segregation in mixed-halide perovskites affects charge-carrier dynamics while preserving mobility
Phase segregation in mixed halide perovskite is known to alter the optoelectronic properties, but how it affects charge carriers is not clear. Here, the authors use THz spectroscopy to reveal that high carrier mobilities are well preserved, while recombination dynamics is affected by charge funnelling upon segregation.
- Silvia G. Motti
- , Jay B. Patel
- & Laura M. Herz
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Article
| Open AccessDihydroxyacetone valorization with high atom efficiency via controlling radical oxidation pathways over natural mineral-inspired catalyst
Radicals-mediated Fenton chemistry has the potential for biomass valorization. Here, inspired from the natural goethite mineral, the authors develop a MnO2/goethite catalyst showing excellent yields of glycolic acid and formic acid from dihydroxyacetone, an important biomass-based platform molecule.
- Jinling Wang
- , Xingchao Dai
- & Xuejing Yang
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Article
| Open AccessA general strategy for preparing pyrrolic-N4 type single-atom catalysts via pre-located isolated atoms
Synthesizing single-atom catalysts through a general method presents a great challenge. Here the authors report that Fe, Co and Ni single-atom catalysts can be obtained using pre-located isolated Pt atoms as the catalyst and identify the role of Pt single atoms in the synthesis process.
- Junjie Li
- , Ya-fei Jiang
- & Xueliang Sun
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Article
| Open AccessA durable and pH-universal self-standing MoC–Mo2C heterojunction electrode for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Scalable fabrication of Low-cost hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts that can operate at industry-relevant conditions is highly needed for efficient water electrolyzers. Here the authors show a scalable synthesis of a MoC-Mo2C heterojunction electrode with efficient HER activity and high stability at industrial conditions.
- Wei Liu
- , Xiting Wang
- & Dihua Wang
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| Open AccessUnassisted selective solar hydrogen peroxide production by an oxidised buckypaper-integrated perovskite photocathode
It is of high demand yet challenging to boost the efficiency of solar driven hydrogen peroxide synthesis. Herein, the authors intergrade perovskite-based photocathode and oxidised buckypaper for unassisted solar H2O2 production with a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of ~1.463 %.
- Rashmi Mehrotra
- , Dongrak Oh
- & Ji-Wook Jang
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Article
| Open AccessFaradaic junction and isoenergetic charge transfer mechanism on semiconductor/semiconductor interfaces
Energy band alignment theory is used to understand interface charge transfer in semiconductor/semiconductor junctions but many abnormal results cannot be well explained. Here, the authors demonstrate a Faradaic junction theory with isoenergetic charge transfer at semiconductor/semiconductor interfaces to explain these abnormal results.
- Mingzhi Chen
- , Hongzheng Dong
- & Zhigang Zou
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Article
| Open AccessTuning structural isomers of phenylenediammonium to afford efficient and stable perovskite solar cells and modules
Salt passivation of perovskite often results in formation of 2D perovskite layers, which impaired charge transport behaviour. Here, the authors study the energy barrier of 2D perovskite formation upon passivation by different iodide salt, and provide insight how to manipulate this to maximise device performance.
- Cheng Liu
- , Yi Yang
- & Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
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Article
| Open AccessDesigning the bioproduction of Martian rocket propellant via a biotechnology-enabled in situ resource utilization strategy
Returning from Mars to Earth requires propellant. The authors propose a biotechnology-enabled in situ resource utilization (bioISRU) process to produce a Mars specific rocket propellant, 2,3-butanediol, using cyanobacteria and engineered E. coli, with lower payload mass and energy usage compared to chemical ISRU strategies.
- Nicholas S. Kruyer
- , Matthew J. Realff
- & Pamela Peralta-Yahya
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| Open AccessGeophysical constraints on the reliability of solar and wind power worldwide
Solar and wind resources are dependent on geophysical constraints. Here the authors find that solar and wind power resources can satisfy countries’ electricity demand of between 72–91% of hours, but hundreds of hours of unmet demand may occur annually.
- Dan Tong
- , David J. Farnham
- & Steven J. Davis
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Article
| Open AccessBoride-derived oxygen-evolution catalysts
Metal borides/borates are promising candidates to become high-performance alkaline oxygen evolution reaction catalysts. This study reports an in-situ phase composition modulation approach to fabricate boride/borate-based catalysts.
- Ning Wang
- , Aoni Xu
- & Hongyan Liang
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| Open AccessA self-healing catalyst for electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution in highly alkaline conditions
While self-healing catalysts may survive the harsh environments used for oxygen evolution, understanding how to develop such electrocatalysts remains a challenge. Here, authors find cobalt to promote the self-healing of leached iron centers in borate-intercalated nickel-iron-cobalt oxyhydroxides.
- Chao Feng
- , Faze Wang
- & Yanbo Li
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| Open AccessRecycling lead and transparent conductors from perovskite solar modules
Perovskite photovoltaics has become more competitive against silicon counterpart in reducing cost of solar energy, yet the management of toxic lead hampers it application. Here, the authors propose a cost-effective environmental-friendly approach to recycle lead and transparent conductors.
- Bo Chen
- , Chengbin Fei
- & Jinsong Huang
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient CO2 electroreduction on facet-selective copper films with high conversion rate
Regulation of Cu facets to promote electrocatalytic CO2 reduction is interesting and challenging. Here the authors describe a deposition-etch-bombardment synthetic approach to prepare Cu(100)-rich thin film electrodes for CO2 electroreduction with over 50% ethylene Faradaic efficiency at a total current of 12 A.
- Gong Zhang
- , Zhi-Jian Zhao
- & Jinlong Gong
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Article
| Open AccessIdentification of lead vacancy defects in lead halide perovskites
Point defects compromise the electronic performance of hybrid perovskites, yet no experimental identifications have been reported. Here, the authors, for the first time, identify lead monovacancy defect in MAPbI3 using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy with the aid of density functional theory.
- David J. Keeble
- , Julia Wiktor
- & Werner Egger
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic-scale imaging of CH3NH3PbI3 structure and its decomposition pathway
The knowledge of atomic structure and structural instability of hybrid perovskites is crucial to understand their photoelectric properties and failure mechanism. Here, the authors utilise low-dose TEM imaging technique to investigate the atomic structure and decomposition pathway of MAPbI3 at the atomic scale.
- Shulin Chen
- , Changwei Wu
- & Peng Gao
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| Open AccessNon-fullerene acceptor organic photovoltaics with intrinsic operational lifetimes over 30 years
Through development of non-fullerene acceptors, OPVs have reached efficiencies of 18%, yet the inadequate operational lifetime still poses a challenge for the commercialisation. Here, the authors investigate the origin of instability of NFA solar cells, and propose some strategies to mitigate this issue.
- Yongxi Li
- , Xiaheng Huang
- & Stephen R. Forrest
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Article
| Open AccessPolymerized small molecular acceptor based all-polymer solar cells with an efficiency of 16.16% via tuning polymer blend morphology by molecular design
Through development of non-fullerene acceptors, OPVs have reached efficiencies of 18%, yet the inadequate operational lifetime still poses a challenge for the commercialisation. Here, the authors investigate the origin of instability of NFA solar cells, and propose some strategies to mitigate this issue.
- Jiaqi Du
- , Ke Hu
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessWS2 moiré superlattices derived from mechanical flexibility for hydrogen evolution reaction
Expanding the available materials with moiré superlattices is interesting but also challenging. Here the authors use a one-step hydrothermal approach to synthesis WS2 moiré superlattices with high catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction
- Lingbin Xie
- , Longlu Wang
- & Qiang Zhao
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Article
| Open AccessElectrocatalytic upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate to commodity chemicals and H2 fuel
Plastic upcycling to value-added products is of great interests. Here the authors investigate a nickel-cobalt phosphide electrocatalyst for electroreforming of polyethylene terephthalate plastic toward valuable potassium diformate, terephthalic acid, and H2 fuel.
- Hua Zhou
- , Yue Ren
- & Haohong Duan
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Article
| Open AccessGraded bulk-heterojunction enables 17% binary organic solar cells via nonhalogenated open air coating
Graded bulk-heterojunction organic solar cell with well-defined vertical phase separation has the potential to surpass the classical counterpart, thus the optimisation of this structure is crucial. Here, the authors reveal solvent selection strategies for optimising morphology of the structure, enabling efficient, eco-friendly, and scalable solar cells.
- Ying Zhang
- , Kuan Liu
- & Gang Li
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Article
| Open AccessVacancy-defect modulated pathway of photoreduction of CO2 on single atomically thin AgInP2S6 sheets into olefiant gas
CO2 conversion driven by light is a promising strategy to synchronously overcome global warming and energy-supply issues. Here the authors show that the sulfur defect engineering on a quaternary AgInP2S6 atomic layer can excitingly change the CO2 photoreduction reaction pathway to the generation of ethene.
- Wa Gao
- , Shi Li
- & Zhigang Zou
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Article
| Open AccessUnveiling structure-performance relationships from multi-scales in non-fullerene organic photovoltaics
Understanding correlations between molecular structures and macroscopic properties is critical in realising highly efficient organic photovoltaics. Here, the authors conduct a comprehensive study based on four non-fullerene acceptors revealing how the extended conjugation, asymmetric terminals and alkyl chain length can affect device performance.
- Shuixing Li
- , Lingling Zhan
- & Hongzheng Chen
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Article
| Open AccessSemiconductor thermionics for next generation solar cells: photon enhanced or pure thermionic?
A semiconductor thermionic device, which utilises thermally excited electrons, is considered as an alternative in solar conversion technology, yet its working mechanism is not clear. Here, the authors reveal that whether such a device operates in the photon enhanced or purely thermionic mode, greatly depends on the material properties and device physics.
- Ehsanur Rahman
- & Alireza Nojeh
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Article
| Open AccessHighly efficient and robust noble-metal free bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst achieved via complementary charge transfer
While water electrolysis offers a renewable means to obtain H2, it is necessary to understand the roles adopted by catalytic components. Here, authors explore a heterostructured MoSe2/perovskite oxide catalyst that shows multidirectional charge transfer to boost electrocatalytic water splitting.
- Nam Khen Oh
- , Jihyung Seo
- & Hyesung Park
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Article
| Open AccessSynergy of ferroelectric polarization and oxygen vacancy to promote CO2 photoreduction
Solar-driven CO2 reduction into value-added chemicals and fuels is attracting worldwide attention. Here, substantially enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity is achieved via the synergy of surface oxygen vacancies and ferroelectric polarization over Bi3TiNbO9 photocatalyst.
- Hongjian Yu
- , Fang Chen
- & Yihe Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessNiFeOx decorated Ge-hematite/perovskite for an efficient water splitting system
Germanium (Ge) has potential as a dopant suitable for the hematite-based photoelectrochemical water splitting system. Here, the authors report the fabrication of Ge doped porous hematite and demonstrate an efficient tandem system of Ge doped porous hematite and the perovskite solar cell.
- Ki-Yong Yoon
- , Juhyung Park
- & Ji-Hyun Jang
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Article
| Open AccessHighly active and selective oxygen reduction to H2O2 on boron-doped carbon for high production rates
Oxygen reduction reaction provides an environmentally-benign route for hydrogen peroxide production but lacks efficient catalysts to achieve high selectivity and activity simultaneously. Here, the authors report a boron-doped carbon catalyst which shows great promise with outstanding performance.
- Yang Xia
- , Xunhua Zhao
- & Haotian Wang
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Article
| Open AccessSolar energy and regional coordination as a feasible alternative to large hydropower in Southeast Asia
Hydropower dams in the Lower Mekong basin have profound impact on the riverine ecosystems. Here the authors use strategic dam planning and power system modelling to show that there are economically and technically feasible alternatives to these dams with solar energy and power trading.
- Kais Siala
- , Afm Kamal Chowdhury
- & Stefano Galelli
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Article
| Open AccessA membrane-free flow electrolyzer operating at high current density using earth-abundant catalysts for water splitting
Seawater electrolysis is promising for grid-scale H2 production without freshwater reliance, but high energy costs and detrimental Cl chemistry reduce its practical potential. Here, authors developed an energy-saving hybrid seawater electrolyzer for chlorine-free H2 production and N2H4 degradation.
- Xiaoyu Yan
- , Jasper Biemolt
- & Ning Yan
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Article
| Open AccessInterfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution
The construction of Z-scheme heterostructures is of great significance for realizing efficient photocatalytic water splitting. Here, the authors report an interfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-Scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution.
- Xuehua Wang
- , Xianghu Wang
- & Zhenjiang Li
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Article
| Open AccessA universal Urbach rule for disordered organic semiconductors
The sub-gap absorption coefficient in organic semiconductors is often characterized by Urbach energies, which quantify both structural and dynamic disorders, yet the fundamental is not well-understood. Here, the authors provide a strategy to determine excitonic disorder energy, and reveal that absorption at energies well below the gap is universally dominated by thermal broadening.
- Christina Kaiser
- , Oskar J. Sandberg
- & Ardalan Armin
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Article
| Open AccessWittichenite semiconductor of Cu3BiS3 films for efficient hydrogen evolution from solar driven photoelectrochemical water splitting
A highly efficient, stable, low-cost and environmentally friendly photocathode is the goal of practical solar hydrogen evolution applications. Here, authors report a Cu3BiS3-based photocathode and Cu3BiS3-BiVO4 tandem cell for unbiased overall solar water splitting with a STH efficiency over 2%.
- Dingwang Huang
- , Lintao Li
- & Feng Jiang
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Article
| Open AccessFull-frame and high-contrast smart windows from halide-exchanged perovskites
Window glazing plays a crucial role in modulating indoor light and heat transmission, which is beneficial for energy saving. Here, Liu et al. report a full-frame and high-contrast smart windows made of perovskite photovoltaic and ion-gel electrochromic components to realise self-adjusting brightness and temperature regulator.
- You Liu
- , Jungan Wang
- & Tianshi Qin
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Article
| Open AccessAre Shockley-Read-Hall and ABC models valid for lead halide perovskites?
Charge dynamics in perovskite is not well-understood, limited by the knowledge of defect physics and charge recombination mechanism, yet the ABC and SRH models are widely used. Here, the authors introduce advanced PLQY mapping as function of excitation pulse energy and repetition frequency to examine the validity of these models.
- Alexander Kiligaridis
- , Pavel A. Frantsuzov
- & Ivan G. Scheblykin
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Article
| Open AccessRevealing composition and structure dependent deep-level defect in antimony trisulfide photovoltaics
Antimony trisulfide emerges as a suitable candidate for light-harvesting due to its good stability and abundance, yet the defect properties are not well-understood. Here, by means of deep-level transient spectroscopy, Lian et al. find that there are three kinds of deep-level defects depending on the chemical composition.
- Weitao Lian
- , Chenhui Jiang
- & Tao Chen
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Article
| Open AccessNovel symmetrical bifacial flexible CZTSSe thin film solar cells for indoor photovoltaic applications
Indoor lighting is weak and multi-directional, thus the requirement for photovoltaic differs from that designed for outdoor. To efficiently harvest the indoor energy, the authors designed CZTSSe bifacial solar cells on flexible Mo substrate using double-sided deposition to ensure consistency and to save cost.
- Hui Deng
- , Quanzhen Sun
- & Shuying Cheng
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Article
| Open AccessModifying redox properties and local bonding of Co3O4 by CeO2 enhances oxygen evolution catalysis in acid
Developing efficient and stable earth-abundant electrocatalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction is challenging. Here, the authors modify the local bonding environment of Co3O4 by CeO2 nanocrystallites to regulate the redox properties, thus enhance the catalytic activity.
- Jinzhen Huang
- , Hongyuan Sheng
- & Song Jin
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Article
| Open AccessLow coordination number copper catalysts for electrochemical CO2 methanation in a membrane electrode assembly
Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to methane can store intermittent renewable electricity in a staple of global energy. Here, the authors develop a moderator strategy to maintain the catalyst in a low coordination state, thereby enabling stable and selective electrochemical methanation.
- Yi Xu
- , Fengwang Li
- & David Sinton
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Article
| Open AccessOn the limitations in assessing stability of oxygen evolution catalysts using aqueous model electrochemical cells
Dissolution of Ir catalysts varies widely between PEM water electrolysers and aqueous electrolytes. Here, we systematically investigate this finding and propose that stabilization of the catalysts over time and overestimated ionomer acidity are the main contributors to the dissolution discrepancy.
- Julius Knöppel
- , Maximilian Möckl
- & Serhiy Cherevko