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A phase heterojunction (PHJ) solar cell is formed by interfacing two phases of the perovskite CsPbI₃ — each of which exhibits different opto-electronic properties. Devices based on PHJs reach a maximum power conversion efficiency of 20.17%, surpassing the 15% achieved by devices based on either of the single phases alone.

Real-time tracking of the dynamic chemistry in commercial batteries by infrared fibre spectroscopy provides insight into the parasitic reactions that occur at the electrodes and in the electrolyte. This chemical-sensing method enables identification of chemical species and observation of Na(Li) inventory changes upon cycling, providing essential information for improving battery technology.

Organic solar cells with a bulk-heterojunction architecture suffer from photocurrent loss driven by triplet states. Now, Jiang et al. show that sequentially deposited donor–acceptor planar–mixed heterojunctions suppress triplet formation, enabling efficiencies over 19%.

Lyndsey McMillon-Brown explores how to recognize burnout and actions that can be taken to prevent it in ourselves and our colleagues.

Sustainable battery development requires high-performance components that are made of low-cost Earth-abundant materials. Here the authors report that an iron fluorosulfate—capable of both intercalation and conversion reactions during battery cycling—displays promising capacity and cyclability.

Achieving both high efficiency and stability in organic solar cells is challenging. Now, Liang et al. show that oligomer acceptors improve the molecular packing and morphology of the active layer, affording a 15% efficiency and enhanced stability.

Fabricating perovskite heterojunctions is challenging. Now, Ji et al. form a phase heterojunction with two polymorphs of CsPbI₃, leading to 20.1% efficiency in inorganic perovskite solar cells.

Evidence from a policy experiment shows that public safety bans on electric scooters and electric bikes can generate unintended traffic congestion in city centres. The studied ban is found to increase travel times by 9–11% for daily evening commutes and by 37% following stadium events.

It is challenging to decipher electrochemical processes, especially at the molecular scale, inside a working battery. Here Tarascon and colleagues develop a technique that pairs optical fibre sensors with operando infrared spectroscopy to reveal the dynamic mechanisms of key processes in commercial Li-ion and Na-ion batteries.

Charge generation in organic photovoltaics hinges upon the frontier molecular orbital energies of organic semiconductors, yet their precise determination is not trivial. Now, researchers compare various methods to determine these energies and show the need for an energy level offset to assist charge generation in non-fullerene-based solar cells.

Dr Mohammad Hadi Mohammadi, Council for At-Risk Academics Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, shares with Nature Energy their story about fleeing Afghanistan, settling down in the UK and their hope to return home one day.

High-speed deposition of organic solar cells is crucial to manufacturing, yet it remains a challenge. Now, Sun et al. show that layer-by-layer deposition holds potential for speeding up the fabrication of solar cells while retaining high efficiency.

It is a challenging task to understand the reversibility of lithium-metal anodes in batteries. Here the authors identify the lithium electrode potential as a critical factor that affects the anode reversibility and subsequently propose an electrolyte design to improve the cycling performance.

Micromobility solutions such as e-bikes or e-scooters are rapidly changing urban travel patterns and behaviours. Asensio et al. use travel data from the city of Atlanta, which introduced a No Ride Zone, and uncover trade-offs between public safety policy and traffic congestion.

Electrochemical CO₂ capture could potentially avoid large energy inputs typical of approaches based on temperature and pressure swings, but better sorbents are still needed. New research expands the sorbent library using molecules with redox-tuneable sp² nitrogen centres as effective electrochemical CO₂ capture agents.

Projects are under way for direct-current ultra-high-voltage transmission lines that would allow trading of renewable electricity across world regions. Guo et al. use integrated assessment models to explore different scenarios for the operation of these projects and assess their potential for decarbonization.

Discussions abound regarding the future of African energy systems, yet they typically overlook the different starting points and development objectives of each country. This Perspective highlights these differences and calls for more context-specific attention to define low-carbon energy pathways.

The development of high-energy Li-ion batteries is being geared towards cobalt-free cathodes because of economic and social–environmental concerns. Here the authors analyse the chemistry, thermodynamics and resource potential of these strategic transition metals, and propose that the use of cobalt will likely continue.

Increased use of cooling technologies, such as air conditioning, during hot weather can lead to higher bills for low-income households. Using Southern California Edison data, this study quantifies the relationship between daily temperature, electricity use and utility disconnections for low-income households in California.