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Establishing pH differences in aqueous flow batteries widens their voltage window, but acid–base mixing shortens their lifespan. In this study, the authors introduced a pH recovery system to address crossover issues, ensuring long-lasting, high-voltage pH-decoupled flow batteries.
Keller et al. use high-concentration silver alloying and steep gallium grading close to the back contact to minimize bandgap fluctuations and thus voltage losses, achieving 23.6% certified efficiency in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells.
Electrolytes with non-flammable solvents are important for the safe operation of sodium-metal batteries. Here the authors report an electrolyte engineering approach, employing salts as a diluent, to enhance interfacial stability and overall safety.
Geologic formations could be used for hydrogen storage and conversion to methane, yet technical feasibility is unclear as field-scale data are lacking. Here the authors perform field tests demonstrating that hydrogen can be stored and microbially converted to methane in a depleted underground hydrocarbon reservoir.
Achieving high selectivity towards the formation of a single type of multi-carbon product from CO2 electroreduction is difficult. Here Wu and colleagues show that the valence state of Cu can be tuned by functionalization of the catalyst surface with organic salts, boosting selectivity towards ethylene.
The efficiency of perovskite quantum dot solar cells based on organic cations is relatively low. Aqoma et al. develop an alkyl ammonium iodide-based ligand exchange strategy for the replacement of the long-chain oleyl ligands and phase stabilization that enables 18.1%-efficiency solar cells.
Oxidation of halides and subsequent segregation limit the stability of perovskite solar cells. Wu et al. synthesize anthraquinone derivatives to suppress oxidation while also passivating defects, achieving 25.2%-efficiency organic/perovskite tandem solar cells.
Gasoline prices have increasingly become a focus of attention for climate policy. This study uses survey and retail gasoline price data to explore associations between gasoline prices and public acceptability of different climate policies, finding in part that support for phasing out fossil fuel-powered cars decreases when prices rise.
Ideal photoelectrochemical systems for hydrogen production should be highly efficient, stable and scalable. Here the authors report that a perovskite-based system with promising efficiency and stability can be scaled to cells of several square centimetres in area as well as formed into mini-modules with overall area >100 cm2.
Retaining high performance of perovskite solar cells over large areas is a challenge. Yang et al. use a thermotropic liquid crystal with high diffusivity that does not co-crystallize with the perovskite, suppressing defect formation and enabling large-area solar modules with improved stability and efficiency.
In Australia, remote settlements and Indigenous settlements are respectively 18% and 15% more likely to be underserved across five categories of electricity retail legal protections. These settlements are therefore likely to enter the energy transition on an uneven footing.
Enhanced geothermal systems create artificial geothermal reservoirs in the subsurface and could expand the role of geothermal power in decarbonizing the grid. Here Ricks et al. explore the potential of flexibly operated enhanced geothermal power systems in supporting a decarbonized grid in the western United States.
Ion-solvating membranes (ISMs) are non-porous polymer films that can uptake KOH and, therefore, conduct ions and be used as separators in electrolysers. Here the authors report an ISM for alkaline water electrolysis with exceptionable stability and broad operability.
Batteries with solid polymer electrolytes face challenges in electrochemical stability and compatibility with high-voltage cathodes. Chunsheng Wang and colleagues have developed a polymer blend with a high Li salt concentration that enhances the stability of solid polymer electrolytes and achieves promising electrochemical performance in full-cell applications.
Tin oxidation limits the efficiency of low bandgap perovskite solar cells. Yu et al. synthesize electron-withdrawing chloromethyl phosphonic acid ligand that suppresses tin oxidation, enabling 27%-efficiency perovskite tandem solar cells.
Chemical reactions at the interface between the perovskite and hole transport layer limit the performance of inverted solar cells. Li et al. insert a p-type antimony-doped tin oxide layer that suppresses the reactions, enabling 24.8% efficiency and 500-h operational stability.
Layered oxide cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries often experience irreversible phase transitions and structural instability. Now researchers have developed a P2-type oxide containing earth-abundant elements, featuring an intergrowth phase structure that enables long-cycle, high-energy sodium-ion batteries.
Wang et al. show that a small amount of donor in the acceptor layer or vice versa induces structural order owing to dipole–dipole interaction between the donor and the acceptor, enabling a certified efficiency of 19.1% in pseudo-bilayer organic solar cells.
Cost-efficient electrolytes are important for the development of multivalent metal batteries, but expensive precursors and complex synthesis hinder progress. The authors present a cation replacement method for low-cost, high-reversibility magnesium and calcium electrolytes, advancing high-energy-density multivalent metal batteries.
There is debate about when electrolytic hydrogen produced from grid-connected renewables should qualify as ‘low carbon’. Here the authors explore how additionality and the degree of time matching between electrolysers’ electricity consumption and contracted renewable energy generation impacts emissions and costs.