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Article
| Open AccessBenchmark single-step ethylene purification from ternary mixtures by a customized fluorinated anion-embedded MOF
Ethylene (C2H4) purification from multi-component mixtures by physical adsorption is a great challenge in the chemical industry. Here authors present a GeF62- anion embedded MOF ZNU-6 with customized pore structure and pore chemistry for benchmark one-step C2H4 recovery from C2H2 and CO2 with record C2H4 productivity.
- Yunjia Jiang,
- , Yongqi Hu,
- & Yuanbin Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessIsolation of pseudocapacitive surface processes at monolayer MXene flakes reveals delocalized charging mechanism
MXenes are two-dimensional nanomaterials that can be used as supercapacitors to store electrical energy. Here, the authors isolated chemical response from a single MXene flake and provide a new understanding of the surface chemistry of MXenes.
- Marc Brunet Cabré
- , Dahnan Spurling
- & Kim McKelvey
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Article
| Open AccessElectrochemical direct air capture of CO2 using neutral red as reversible redox-active material
Electrochemical direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 requires air-stable redox-active materials. Here, the authors present an electrochemical DAC using air-stable redox couple of neutral red with a minimum energy requirement of 65 kJe/molCO2.
- Hyowon Seo
- & T. Alan Hatton
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Article
| Open AccessReversible bipolar thermopower of ionic thermoelectric polymer composite for cyclic energy generation
Generating continuous power by ionic thermoelectric material modules remains challenging. Here, the authors find the ionic thermoelectric material exhibiting bipolar thermopower property by manipulating the interactions between ions and electrodes.
- Cheng Chi
- , Gongze Liu
- & Xing Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessIntegrated interfacial design of covalent organic framework photocatalysts to promote hydrogen evolution from water
Attempts to develop hydrogen evolution photocatalysts usually result in low efficiency. Here the authors report a photocatalyst system by integrated interfacial design of stable covalent organic frameworks for high performance hydrogen evolution.
- Ting He
- , Wenlong Zhen
- & Donglin Jiang
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Article
| Open AccessIsolated Fe-Co heteronuclear diatomic sites as efficient bifunctional catalysts for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries
The slow redox kinetics of polysulfides and the difficulties in decomposition of Li2S are two serious obstacles to lithium-sulfur batteries. Here, the authors report an isolated Fe-Co heteronuclear diatomic catalyst to achieve high efficiency bifunctional catalysis for lithium-sulfur batteries.
- Xun Sun
- , Yue Qiu
- & Naiqing Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessElectrolyte engineering via ether solvent fluorination for developing stable non-aqueous lithium metal batteries
Fluorination of solvents, useful for non-aqueous lithium-based batteries, improves the electrochemical stability but decreases the ionic conductivity. Here, the authors report a targeted functionalization of an ether solvent to balance the electrolyte ionic conductivity and oxidative stability.
- Yan Zhao
- , Tianhong Zhou
- & Ali Coskun
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Article
| Open AccessElectric vehicle batteries alone could satisfy short-term grid storage demand by as early as 2030
Renewable energy and electric vehicles will be required for the energy transition, but the global electric vehicle battery capacity available for grid storage is not constrained. Here the authors find that electric vehicle batteries alone could satisfy short-term grid storage demand by as early as 2030.
- Chengjian Xu
- , Paul Behrens
- & Bernhard Steubing
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Article
| Open AccessUnderstanding the failure process of sulfide-based all-solid-state lithium batteries via operando nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
All-solid-state lithium batteries performance is affected by the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and electrically disconnected (“dead”) Li metal. Here, via operando NMR measurements, the authors quantify the Li metal in the SEI and “dead” regions using various inorganic solid-state electrolytes.
- Ziteng Liang
- , Yuxuan Xiang
- & Yong Yang
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Article
| Open AccessSuppressing non-radiative recombination in metal halide perovskite solar cells by synergistic effect of ferroelasticity
The origin of low non-radiative recombination in perovskites was not well-understood. Here, authors apply electric field to manipulate ferroelastic lattice deformation to study non-radiative recombination and strain in twinning tetragonal phase, achieving an increased open-circuit voltage to 1.26 V.
- Wei Qin
- , Wajid Ali
- & Can Li
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Article
| Open AccessLarge-area waterproof and durable perovskite luminescent textiles
Instability of perovskites under light, moisture and temperature stress hinders their potential in real applications. Here Tian et al. demonstrate the high-throughput fabrication of large-area, flexible, color-tunable, waterproof and durable wearable luminescent textiles suitable for marine rescue.
- Tian Tian
- , Meifang Yang
- & Wu-Qiang Wu
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Article
| Open AccessNear-infrared-featured broadband CO2 reduction with water to hydrocarbons by surface plasmon
Changes in Polycomb repression during interphase transition modulate the ability of pluripotent cells to enter cell differentiation.
- Canyu Hu
- , Xing Chen
- & Yujie Xiong
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Article
| Open AccessGas induced formation of inactive Li in rechargeable lithium metal batteries
The formation of electrochemically inactive, or “dead”, lithium limits the reversibility of lithium metal batteries. Here the authors elucidate the (electro)chemical roles of ethylene gas produced from electrolyte decomposition on the formation of inactive lithium.
- Yuxuan Xiang
- , Mingming Tao
- & Yong Yang
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Article
| Open AccessSiO-induced thermal instability and interplay between graphite and SiO in graphite/SiO composite anode
SiO is an adequate anode material for next generation lithium-ion batteries, but little is known about its aging mechanism. Here, the authors report thermal instability of the graphite/SiO composite anode induced by the accelerated loss of lithium from SiO and have elucidated the interplay between graphite and SiO.
- Ban Seok Lee
- , Sang-Hwan Oh
- & Seung-Ho Yu
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Article
| Open AccessA gradient oxy-thiophosphate-coated Ni-rich layered oxide cathode for stable all-solid-state Li-ion batteries
Layered oxide cathode active materials suffer from interfacial structural instability when coupled with sulfide solid-state electrolytes. Here, the authors propose a gradient coating with a lithium oxythiophosphate layer that can stabilize the cathode|solid-state electrolyte interface.
- Jianwen Liang
- , Yuanmin Zhu
- & Xueliang Sun
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Article
| Open AccessPlatinum nanosheets synthesized via topotactic reduction of single-layer platinum oxide nanosheets for electrocatalysis
2D metals are promising electrocatalysts due to their potentially large surface area. Here we report double-layer Pt nanosheets derived from exfoliated PtOx nanosheets with higher electrochemically active surface area, oxygen reduction reaction activity, and stability compared to Pt nanoparticles.
- Daisuke Takimoto
- , Shino Toma
- & Wataru Sugimoto
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Article
| Open AccessConstructing robust heterostructured interface for anode-free zinc batteries with ultrahigh capacities
The development of dendrite-free, Zn-free anodes is challenging. Here, the authors design a two-dimensional antimony/antimony-zinc alloy heterostructured interface to achieve dendrite-free Zn deposition with areal capacity of 200 mAh cm−2, and energy density of around 270 Wh kg−1 for anode-free zinc-bromine battery.
- Xinhua Zheng
- , Zaichun Liu
- & Wei Chen
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-strength and machinable load-bearing integrated electrochemical capacitors based on polymeric solid electrolyte
High-strength composite materials for electrochemical energy storage is attractive for mobile systems. Here the authors demonstrate high-performance load-bearing integrated electrochemical capacitors, which show high strength, large capacitance, and good machinability.
- Jinmeng Zhang
- , Jianlong Yan
- & Hua Bai
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Article
| Open AccessSurface-redox sodium-ion storage in anatase titanium oxide
Sodium ion storage remains relatively unexplored in comparison with well-understood lithium ion storage mechanisms. Here, the authors systematically investigate the surface-redox sodium ion storage properties of anatase titanium dioxide, which delivers excellent rate capability, cycling stability and low overpotentials.
- Qiulong Wei
- , Xiaoqing Chang
- & Bruce Dunn
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Article
| Open AccessOriented intergrowth of the catalyst layer in membrane electrode assembly for alkaline water electrolysis
While membrane electrode assembly water electrolyzers are a promising renewable energy technology, further optimizations are needed before wide-spread implementation can occur. Here, authors examine a device with a porous membrane that enables oriented catalyst intergrowth to improve performances.
- Lei Wan
- , Maobin Pang
- & Baoguo Wang
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Article
| Open AccessDual fluorination of polymer electrolyte and conversion-type cathode for high-capacity all-solid-state lithium metal batteries
The practical use of all-solid-state batteries is hindered by inadequate cycling performance. Here, the authors propose a fluorination strategy for the positive electrode and polymeric electrolyte to develop all-solid-state Li||FeF3 pouch cells with high discharge capacity and long cycle life.
- Jiulin Hu
- , Chuanzhong Lai
- & Chilin Li
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Article
| Open AccessThree-dimensional Zn-based alloys for dendrite-free aqueous Zn battery in dual-cation electrolytes
The dual-cations electrochemical system was considered to be a promising strategy to facilitate sluggish diffusion kinetics. Here the authors prepare zinc-based alloy anode with three-dimensional interface, thus to improve the interfacial stability, achieve high-performing battery system in the aqueous electrolytes containing dual cations.
- Huajun Tian
- , Guangxia Feng
- & Yang Yang
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Article
| Open AccessSlight compositional variation-induced structural disorder-to-order transition enables fast Na+ storage in layered transition metal oxides
In layered transition metal oxides as cathode active materials for Na-ion batteries, Na+ diffusion kinetics are impacted by Na+/vacancy ordering. Here, the authors suggest that the P2-type Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 with large zigzag ordering exhibits high Na+ mobility and thus superior rate capability.
- Yuansheng Shi
- , Pengfeng Jiang
- & Xia Lu
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Article
| Open AccessUnderstanding variability in petroleum jet fuel life cycle greenhouse gas emissions to inform aviation decarbonization
This study presents a global well-to-wake assessment of jet fuel greenhouse gas emissions with a range of 81.1-94.8 gCO2e MJ−1. Understanding this variability can improve decision-making amid the transition to decarbonizing aviation.
- Liang Jing
- , Hassan M. El-Houjeiri
- & Joule A. Bergerson
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Article
| Open Access20%-efficient polycrystalline Cd(Se,Te) thin-film solar cells with compositional gradient near the front junction
Bandgap gradient is a promising approach to improve the open-circuit voltage in thin film solar cells. Here, authors incorporate a Cd(O,S,Se,Te) region to realize the bandgap gradient at front interface and demonstrate Cd(Se,Te) solar cells with reduced recombination and a champion efficiency of 20.03%.
- Deng-Bing Li
- , Sandip S. Bista
- & Yanfa Yan
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Article
| Open AccessLithiated Prussian blue analogues as positive electrode active materials for stable non-aqueous lithium-ion batteries
Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are appealing materials for aqueous Na- and K- ion batteries but are limited for non-aqueous Li-ion storage. Here, the authors report the synthesis of various lithiated PBAs and discuss critical factors for improving the non-aqueous electrochemical storage of Li ions.
- Ziheng Zhang
- , Maxim Avdeev
- & Guang He
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Article
| Open AccessA general interfacial-energetics-tuning strategy for enhanced artificial photosynthesis
While renewable H2O2 is promising industrially relevant regent, it remains a challenge to modulate materials’ photocatalytic and electronic properties for effect light-harvesting. Here, authors examine core-shell Ag/Pd co-catalysts on BiVO4 for photocatalytic H2O2 synthesis.
- Tian Liu
- , Zhenhua Pan
- & Chiheng Chu
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Article
| Open AccessObservation of a robust and active catalyst for hydrogen evolution under high current densities
The development of robust catalysts that could work under industrial-scale current densities is a challenge for hydrogen production. Here, the authors report an in-situ activation method to produce ferromagnetic Ru clusters that can catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction at high current densities.
- Yudi Zhang
- , Kathryn E. Arpino
- & Guowei Li
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Article
| Open AccessDecoupling light absorption and carrier transport via heterogeneous doping in Ta3N5 thin film photoanode
While photoelectrochemical water splitting offers a promising means to obtain renewable H2, it is challenging to balance light absorption and carrier transport in semiconductor thin films. Here, authors combine surface doping and bulk gradient doping to decouple these factors to boost performances.
- Yequan Xiao
- , Zeyu Fan
- & Yanbo Li
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Article
| Open AccessThermal-inert and ohmic-contact interface for high performance half-Heusler based thermoelectric generator
Unsatisfied electrode bonding in half-Heusler devices limits their practical service at high temperatures. Here, the authors develop a direct bonding interface to ideal ohmic contact and thermally inert and ohmic contact, leading to high deficiency.
- Ruiheng Liu
- , Yunfei Xing
- & Shengqiang Bai
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Article
| Open AccessRisk of the hydrogen economy for atmospheric methane
H2 has the potential to become the green, low-carbon fuel of the future. However, hydrogen emissions impact atmospheric methane (CH4). Bertagni et al. investigate the fate of atmospheric CH4 in scenarios of H2 economy.
- Matteo B. Bertagni
- , Stephen W. Pacala
- & Amilcare Porporato
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Article
| Open AccessFinger-palm synergistic soft gripper for dynamic capture via energy harvesting and dissipation
Soft materials are promising candidates for robotics with outstanding performance and functionality. Zhang et al. present an energy harvesting and dissipation mechanism and describe the development of a soft gripper designed for capturing objects with high kinetic energy.
- Yin Zhang
- , Wang Zhang
- & Wei Pu
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Article
| Open AccessBig data driven perovskite solar cell stability analysis
A direct comparison of stability data of perovskite solar cells is challenging due to widely different measurement conditions and reporting standards. Here, the authors propose a single indicator to assess the stability under different environmental stress and analyse the data of over 7000 devices.
- Zhuang Zhang
- , Huanhuan Wang
- & Jingshan Luo
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Article
| Open AccessColossal Nernst power factor in topological semimetal NbSb2
Today solid-state cooling technologies below 77 K are greatly limited. Here, the authors report the colossal Nernst power factor in NbSb2 single crystal, providing a high performance thermomagnetic material for solid-state cooling at low temperature.
- Peng Li
- , Pengfei Qiu
- & Xun Shi
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Article
| Open AccessToward economical application of carbon capture and utilization technology with near-zero carbon emission
Carbon capture, utilization and storage technology is limited by the need for a separate CO2 capture step. Here, the authors propose a strategy and economic analysis for simultaneous dilute CO2 capture from flue gas and direct electrochemical reduction to synthesis gas via reaction swing absorption.
- Kezia Megagita Gerby Langie
- , Kyungjae Tak
- & Ung Lee
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Article
| Open AccessDual communities in spatial networks
Here the authors introduce dual communities, characterized by strong connections at their boundaries, and show that they are formed as a trade-off between efficiency and resilience in supply networks.
- Franz Kaiser
- , Philipp C. Böttcher
- & Dirk Witthaut
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Article
| Open AccessA universal all-solid synthesis for high throughput production of halide perovskite
Conventional wet chemistry method represents an inefficient way for bulk crystal synthesis. Here, the authors report a universal approach using electrical and mechanical field-assisted sintering technique to generate halide perovskites from solid precursors into large bulk crystal within minutes.
- Luyao Zheng
- , Amin Nozariasbmarz
- & Kai Wang
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Article
| Open AccessFast light-switchable polymeric carbon nitride membranes for tunable gas separation
Simuli-responsive separation membranes often suffer from slow response times or require high energy input for switching to occur. Here authors demonstrate light-switchable gas separation membranes based on polymeric carbon nitride with fast switching times for the efficient separation of gases with higher polarizabilities.
- Timur Ashirov
- , Julya Stein Siena
- & Ali Coskun
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Article
| Open AccessUnexpectedly efficient ion desorption of graphene-based materials
Desorption of ions from sorbents generally involves high acid or base concentrations and long desorption times, especially for multivalent ions. Here the authors report a rapid and efficient desorption of Co2+, Mn2+, and Sr2+ adsorbed on magnetite-graphene oxide that occurs by adding low amounts of Al3+, which is shown to interact with graphene more strongly than divalent ions.
- Xinming Xia
- , Feng Zhou
- & Haiping Fang
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Article
| Open AccessGrowth of ocean thermal energy conversion resources under greenhouse warming regulated by oceanic eddies
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) resources provide a renewable solution to fuel our future. Here the authors show a significant increase of OTEC resources under greenhouse warming with the increasing rate regulated by oceanic eddies.
- Tianshi Du
- , Zhao Jing
- & Haiyuan Yang
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Article
| Open AccessDiscovery of LaAlO3 as an efficient catalyst for two-electron water electrolysis towards hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide production from water electrochemical oxidation is a challenging process. Here the authors report discovery of LaAlO3 after screening a series of perovskites as active, stable, and selective catalyst for electrochemical H2O2 production from water oxidation.
- Jihyun Baek
- , Qiu Jin
- & Xiaolin Zheng
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Article
| Open AccessEffect of current density on the solid electrolyte interphase formation at the lithium∣Li6PS5Cl interface
The interface between the Li metal electrode and inorganic solid electrolyte is crucial for developing reliable all-solid-state Li batteries. Here, the authors show that the Li plating current density distinctly affects the chemistry and morphology of interphase components formed at the interface.
- Sudarshan Narayanan
- , Ulderico Ulissi
- & Mauro Pasta
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Article
| Open AccessElectricity consumption variation versus economic structure during COVID-19 on metropolitan statistical areas in the US
In this paper the authors construct estimates of electricity consumption changes at the metropolitan level across the continental U.S., during the initial two months of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating variations in electricity consumption patterns based on several factors.
- Jinning Wang
- , Fangxing Li
- & Trey Mingee
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Article
| Open AccessOnboard early detection and mitigation of lithium plating in fast-charging batteries
Fast-charging is highly desired for lithium-ion batteries but is hindered by potential hazardous lithium plating and the associated parasitic reactions. Here, the authors report a nondestructive differential pressure sensing method for early detection and mitigation of lithium plating in fast-charging batteries.
- Wenxiao Huang
- , Yusheng Ye
- & Yi Cui
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Article
| Open AccessConstructing molecular bridge for high-efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells based on P3HT
The poor contact at poly(3-hexylthiophene)/perovskite interface has led to unsatisfactory performance in solar cells. To resolve this issue, the authors introduce a molecular bridge to form a charge transport channel, realizing devices with maximum efficiency value of 22.87% and long-term stability.
- Dongdong Xu
- , Zhiming Gong
- & Jinwei Gao
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Article
| Open AccessReleasing chemical energy in spatially programmed ferroelectrics
Chemical energy ferroelectrics show limited control of the energy release rate. Here, the authors design spatially programmed energetic ferroelectrics with controlled energy release rates from machine learning-directed additive manufacturing and ice-templating assembly.
- Yong Hu
- , Jennifer L. Gottfried
- & Shenqiang Ren
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Article
| Open AccessLithium hexamethyldisilazide as electrolyte additive for efficient cycling of high-voltage non-aqueous lithium metal batteries
High-voltage non-aqueous lithium metal batteries suffer from poor cycling stability due to the presence of impurities in the electrolyte solution. Here, the authors report lithium hexamethyldisilazide to scavenge HF and H2O, prevent the Ni dissolution and suppress side reactions during cycling.
- Danfeng Zhang
- , Ming Liu
- & Yan-Bing He
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Article
| Open Access4D printing of MXene hydrogels for high-efficiency pseudocapacitive energy storage
2D MXene hydrogels are promising for diverse applications. Here, the authors report a universal 4D printing technology to manufacture MXene hydrogels with customizable geometry, high conductivity, and efficient pseudocapacitive energy storage ability.
- Ke Li
- , Juan Zhao
- & Valeria Nicolosi
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Comment
| Open AccessError, reproducibility and uncertainty in experiments for electrochemical energy technologies
The authors provide a metrology-led perspective on best practice for the electrochemical characterisation of materials for electrochemical energy technologies. Such electrochemical experiments are highly sensitive, and their results are, in practice, often of uncertain quality and challenging to reproduce quantitatively.
- Graham Smith
- & Edmund J. F. Dickinson