Featured
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| Open AccessAssessing the energy transition in China towards carbon neutrality with a probabilistic framework
China’s transition path toward carbon neutrality remains uncertain. Here the authors combine Monte Carlo analysis with an energy-environment-economy model to present a probabilistic view of China’s energy transition across 3,000 cases.
- Shu Zhang
- & Wenying Chen
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Article
| Open AccessCoupling aqueous zinc batteries and perovskite solar cells for simultaneous energy harvest, conversion and storage
Accumulation of intermittent solar energy using secondary batteries is an appealing solution for future power sources. Here, the authors propose a device comprising of perovskite solar cells and aqueous zinc metal batteries connected via the sandwich joint electrode method.
- Peng Chen
- , Tian-Tian Li
- & Xue-Ping Gao
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Article
| Open AccessIdentifying the impact of the covalent-bonded carbon matrix to FeN4 sites for acidic oxygen reduction
Unveiling the effect of carbon matrix adjacent to Fe-N towards oxygen reduction reaction is important yet challenging. Here the authors investigate the carbon environment covalent-connected to FeN4 sites on their catalytic activity using models prepared by pyrolysis-free approach.
- Xueli Li
- & Zhonghua Xiang
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Article
| Open AccessSuppressing electrolyte-lithium metal reactivity via Li+-desolvation in uniform nano-porous separator
Lithium dendrite and parasitic reactions are two major challenges for lithium metal anode. Here, the authors show suppression of lithium-dendrite and elimination of continuous parasitic reactions by tuning the reduction kinetics of lithium-ion through a uniform nano-porous separator.
- Li Sheng
- , Qianqian Wang
- & Xiangming He
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Article
| Open AccessHomo-composition and hetero-structure nanocomposite Pnma Bi2SeS2 - Pnnm Bi2SeS2 with high thermoelectric performance
Most of the thermoelectric nanocomposites have structure character of a hetero-composition and hetero-structure, or hetero-composition and homo-structure between matrix phase and dispersion phase. This work shows a quasi homo-composition and hetero-structure (hoC-heS) nanocomposite consisting of Pnma Bi2SeS2 - Pnnm Bi2SeS2 with high ZT.
- Bushra Jabar
- , Fu Li
- & Weishu Liu
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Article
| Open AccessA Mo5N6 electrocatalyst for efficient Na2S electrodeposition in room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries
Incomplete conversion of sodium polysulfides represents a significant issue in room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries. Here, the authors propose Mo5N6 as an electrocatalyst for efficient Na2S electrodeposition and improved cell cycling performances.
- Chao Ye
- , Huanyu Jin
- & Shi-Zhang Qiao
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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 AccessUnveiling charge dynamics of visible light absorbing oxysulfide for efficient overall water splitting
Deciphering charge dynamics is imperative to realize efficient oxysulfide photocatalysts. Herein, with experiments and modelling, the authors report the dominant mechanisms behind decay, estimate material parameters, and formulate design principles.
- Vikas Nandal
- , Ryota Shoji
- & Kazuhiko Seki
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Article
| Open AccessImproving the alkali metal electrode/inorganic solid electrolyte contact via room-temperature ultrasound solid welding
The practical application of solid-state rechargeable alkali metal batteries is hindered by the poor contact between the metal electrode and the solid electrolyte. Here, the authors report an ultrasound solid welding strategy to favor the contact between these cells components.
- Xinxin Wang
- , Jingjing Chen
- & Zhiyong Mao
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Article
| Open AccessA rechargeable aqueous manganese-ion battery based on intercalation chemistry
Multivalent metal batteries are considered a viable alternative to Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors report a novel aqueous battery system when manganese ions are shuttled between an Mn metal/carbon composite anode and inorganic or organic cathodes.
- Songshan Bi
- , Shuai Wang
- & Zhiqiang Niu
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Article
| Open AccessGrowth of lithium-indium dendrites in all-solid-state lithium-based batteries with sulfide electrolytes
Li-In alloys are widely used as reference materials in the research field of solid-state lithium-based batteries. Here, the authors report and discuss the instability of Li-In electrodes towards sulfide solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries.
- Shuting Luo
- , Zhenyu Wang
- & Xing Zhang
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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 AccessProduction of hydrogen from offshore wind in China and cost-competitive supply to Japan
Hydrogen is regarded as important to Japan’s clean energy transition. Here the authors consider the production of hydrogen by electrolysis fueled by offshore wind power in China, and the potential for delivery to Japan as part of Japan’s transition.
- Shaojie Song
- , Haiyang Lin
- & Michael B. McElroy
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Article
| Open AccessDefect engineering on V2O3 cathode for long-cycling aqueous zinc metal batteries
Aqueous Zn metal batteries are a promising system for high-power electrochemical energy storage. Here, the authors investigate a defective V2O3 cathode via neutron and X-ray techniques and test the material in Zn metal cell configuration for 30k cycles.
- Kefu Zhu
- , Shiqiang Wei
- & Li Song
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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 AccessUnveiling the key factor for the phase reconstruction and exsolved metallic particle distribution in perovskites
The complete phase reconstruction to Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite is greatly desirable to increase the exsolved particle distribution. Here, the authors report a key factor for the complete phase reconstruction in perovskites, leading to good catalytic activity in fuel cell and syngas production.
- Hyunmin Kim
- , Chaesung Lim
- & Guntae Kim
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Article
| Open AccessPhotochemically driven solid electrolyte interphase for extremely fast-charging lithium-ion batteries
Extremely fast charging such as charging 80% of capacity within 15 min is a pressing requirement for current lithium-ion battery technology. Here the authors achieve this by incorporating an artificial solid-electrolyte interphase rich in inorganic components on the graphite electrode.
- Minsung Baek
- , Jinyoung Kim
- & Jang Wook Choi
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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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Article
| Open AccessIncreasing donor-acceptor spacing for reduced voltage loss in organic solar cells
Complex morphology in donor/acceptor organic heterostructures hampers the understanding of device performance. Here, the origin of the high voltage loss in organic solar cells is ascribed to the too small spacing between the donor/acceptor molecules in the active layer, and the voltage loss can be reduced by increasing the donor/acceptor spacing.
- Jing Wang
- , Xudong Jiang
- & Zheng Tang
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Article
| Open AccessA mechanistic investigation of the Li10GeP2S12|LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 interface stability in all-solid-state lithium batteries
Fundamental investigations at the electrode/electrolyte interface are essential for developing high-energy batteries. Here, the authors investigate the degradation mechanisms at the LGPS/NCM622 interface providing a quantitative model to interpret the interfacial resistance growth.
- Tong-Tong Zuo
- , Raffael Rueß
- & Jürgen Janek
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Article
| 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 AccessSelective cobalt and nickel electrodeposition for lithium-ion battery recycling through integrated electrolyte and interface control
Recovery of metals from Li-ion batteries is a key for sustainability. Here the authors demonstrate a Li-ion cell recycling process via selective electrochemical Co and Ni recovery by controlling the electrode interface and the electrolyte.
- Kwiyong Kim
- , Darien Raymond
- & Xiao Su
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Article
| Open AccessTransition metal-doped Ni-rich layered cathode materials for durable Li-ion batteries
Long-term efficient cycling stability is of paramount importance for the development of high-energy Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors investigate the effect of transition metal dopants on the electrochemical, morphological, and structural properties of Ni-rich cathode active materials.
- H. Hohyun Sun
- , Un-Hyuck Kim
- & Yang-Kook Sun
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Comment
| Open AccessUnderstanding Li-based battery materials via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is a key technique for understanding Li-based battery processes. Here, the authors discuss the current state of the art, advantages and challenges of this technique, also giving an outlook for future developments.
- Miran Gaberšček
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Article
| Open AccessHigh dielectric barium titanate porous scaffold for efficient Li metal cycling in anode-free cells
The development of anode-free batteries requires current collectors able to deposit and remove Li metal upon cycling efficiently. Here, the authors report the use of high dielectric porous BaTiO3 to avoid the formation of inhomogeneous Li metal depositions during anode-free cell cycling.
- Chao Wang
- , Ming Liu
- & Marnix Wagemaker
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Article
| Open AccessStructural ceramic batteries using an earth-abundant inorganic waterglass binder
Structural batteries hold particular promise for decarbonizing the aviation industry. Here, the authors demonstrate that waterglass, an earth-abundant water-soluble silicate adhesive, can be used as a binder in structural batteries allowing them to both bear load and store electricity at the same time.
- Alan Ransil
- & Angela M. Belcher
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Article
| Open AccessOperando magnetic resonance imaging for mapping of temperature and redox species in thermo-electrochemical cells
Devices able to harvest heat to generate electricity are intensively studied for sustainable energy production. Here, the authors investigate the mechanism of thermo-electrochemical cells via operando magnetic resonance imaging.
- Isuru E. Gunathilaka
- , Jennifer M. Pringle
- & Luke A. O’Dell
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Article
| Open AccessEvolving contact mechanics and microstructure formation dynamics of the lithium metal-Li7La3Zr2O12 interface
All-solid-state batteries are promising alternatives to Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors investigate the chemo-mechanical changes at the lithium metal/solid electrolyte interface via operando acoustic transmission and magnetic resonance imaging.
- Wesley Chang
- , Richard May
- & Daniel Steingart
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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 AccessA Fe3N/carbon composite electrocatalyst for effective polysulfides regulation in room-temperature Na-S batteries
Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries are promising electrochemical energy storage systems. Here, the authors proposed a Fe3N/carbon composite to regulate the polysulfides chemistry and improve the performances of sodium-sulfur cells.
- Yuruo Qi
- , Qing-Jie Li
- & Maowen Xu
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Comment
| Open AccessThe importance of electrode interfaces and interphases for rechargeable metal batteries
Metal electrode interfaces and interphases are critical for the development of future high-energy metal batteries. Here, Dr Jelena Popovic-Neuber discusses the state of the art, issues and strategies to improve the stability of metal electrodes toward practical battery systems.
- Jelena Popovic
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Article
| Open AccessUncovering the out-of-plane nanomorphology of organic photovoltaic bulk heterojunction by GTSAXS
Morphology of organic thin film, including the in-plane and out-of-plane directions, plays a crucial role in determining the performance of organic solar cells, yet the characterisation is challenging for the out-of-plane direction. Here, the authors use GTSAXS to uncover the nanomorphology in this dimension, and show how it affects exciton dissociation and charge transfer.
- Xinxin Xia
- , Tsz-Ki Lau
- & Xinhui Lu
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Article
| Open AccessDeep learning-based segmentation of lithium-ion battery microstructures enhanced by artificially generated electrodes
Accurate 3D representations of lithium-ion battery electrodes can help in understanding and ultimately improving battery performance. Here, the authors report a methodology for using deep-learning tools to reliably distinguish the different electrode material phases where standard approaches fail.
- Simon Müller
- , Christina Sauter
- & Vanessa Wood
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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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Article
| 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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Article
| Open AccessFast ion transport for synthesis and stabilization of β-Zn4Sb3
β-Zn4Sb3 has promising thermoelectric performance, but its ionic migration properties make it prone to degradation. Here the authors exploit the ion migration in an electric field-assisted synthesis method, fast producing β-Zn4Sb3 with improved phase stability and extended temperature range for the thermoelectric operation.
- Dongwang Yang
- , Xianli Su
- & Xinfeng Tang
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Article
| Open AccessRational design of mechanically robust Ni-rich cathode materials via concentration gradient strategy
Mechanical integrity issues are one of the main causes of limited long-term cycle stability for Ni-rich cathode materials. Here the authors analyse the roles of cobalt and manganese and utilise a concentration gradient design to mitigate these issues.
- Tongchao Liu
- , Lei Yu
- & Khalil Amine
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Article
| Open AccessOn the crystallography and reversibility of lithium electrodeposits at ultrahigh capacity
Lithium metal batteries offer high-capacity electrical energy storage but suffer from poor reversibility of the metal anode. Here, the authors report that at very high capacities, lithium deposits as dense structures with a preferred crystallite orientation, yielding highly reversible lithium anodes.
- Qing Zhao
- , Yue Deng
- & Lynden A. Archer
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Review Article
| Open AccessAdvancements in cathode catalyst and cathode layer design for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
The high platinum loadings at the cathodes of proton exchange membrane fuel cells significantly contribute to the cost of these clean energy conversion devices. Here, the authors critically review and discuss recent developments on low- and non-platinum-based cathode catalysts and catalyst layers.
- Yanyan Sun
- , Shlomi Polani
- & Fabio Dionigi
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Article
| 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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Article
| Open AccessManipulation on active electronic states of metastable phase β-NiMoO4 for large current density hydrogen evolution
Non-noble transition metal oxides are common yet typically poor hydrogen evolution catalysts due to scarce active electronic states. This work provides a route for achieving hydrogen evolution at high current densities by stabilizing a metastable NiMoO4 phase with abundant active electronic states.
- Zengyao Wang
- , Jiyi Chen
- & Mingxin Ye
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Article
| Open AccessQuantification of the Li-ion diffusion over an interface coating in all-solid-state batteries via NMR measurements
Development of all-solid-state batteries requires stable solid electrolyte-electrode interfaces. Here, via exchange-NMR measurements, the authors investigate the positive electrode-solid electrolyte interface, revealing the impact of an inorganic coating on the Li-ion transport properties.
- Ming Liu
- , Chao Wang
- & Marnix Wagemaker
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Article
| 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 AccessHigh resolution global spatiotemporal assessment of rooftop solar photovoltaics potential for renewable electricity generation
Though a global assessment of rooftop solar photovoltaic (RTSPV) technology’s potential and the cost is needed to estimate its impact, existing methods demand extensive data processing. Here, the authors report a machine learning method to realize a high-resolution global assessment of RTSPV potential.
- Siddharth Joshi
- , Shivika Mittal
- & James Glynn
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Article
| Open AccessAchieving stable Na metal cycling via polydopamine/multilayer graphene coating of a polypropylene separator
The development of future Na metal batteries relies on the cycling stability of the metallic anode. Here, the authors propose a polypropylene separator functionalized with polydopamine and multilayer graphene to enable stable and prolonged Na metal cell cycling.
- Jieqiong Qin
- , Haodong Shi
- & Zhong-Shuai Wu
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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