Featured
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| Open AccessReversible electrochemical oxidation of sulfur in ionic liquid for high-voltage Al−S batteries
The sulfur cathode in metal-sulfur batteries normally undergoes electrochemical reduction to form metal sulfides. Here, the authors demonstrate the electrochemical oxidation of sulfur in ionic liquid for high-voltage aluminium-sulfur batteries.
- Huan Li
- , Rongwei Meng
- & Shi-Zhang Qiao
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Article
| Open AccessChemically driven energetic molecular ferroelectrics
An interest arises if energetic molecules and molecular ferroelectrics can be integrated together to obtain a chemically driven electricity conversion. Here, the authors explore energetic molecular ferroelectrics consisting of imidazolium cations and perchlorate anions with a high-power density.
- Yong Hu
- , Zhiyu Liu
- & Shenqiang Ren
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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 AccessElement selection for crystalline inorganic solid discovery guided by unsupervised machine learning of experimentally explored chemistry
Machine learning has the potential to significantly speed-up the discovery of new materials in synthetic materials chemistry. Here the authors combine unsupervised machine learning and crystal structure prediction to predict a novel quaternary lithium solid electrolyte that is then synthesized.
- Andrij Vasylenko
- , Jacinthe Gamon
- & Matthew J. Rosseinsky
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Article
| Open AccessAn electron-deficient carbon current collector for anode-free Li-metal batteries
The development of anode-free batteries requires fundamental investigations at the current collector/electrolyte interface. Here, the authors report an atomically defective carbon current collector to improve the electrochemical behaviour of an anode-free Li-based cell.
- Hyeokjin Kwon
- , Ju-Hyuk Lee
- & Hee-Tak Kim
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Article
| Open AccessNanofluidic voidless electrode for electrochemical capacitance enhancement in gel electrolyte
Enhancing electrode capacitance without compromising one other metrics for solid-state supercapacitors is of high interest yet difficult to achieve. Here the authors demonstrate a strategy of using nanofluidic electrode with very low porosity to increase the electrochemical capacitance of gel-based solid state supercapacitor.
- Kefeng Xiao
- , Taimin Yang
- & Da-Wei Wang
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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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Article
| Open AccessActivation of anionic redox in d0 transition metal chalcogenides by anion doping
Activation of anionic redox in battery materials promises great benefits for battery materials, but remains an elusive phenomenon. Here, the authors present anion-doping as a novel strategy to unlock electrochemical activity in the cobalt/nickel free cathode material, Li2TiS3-xSex.
- Bernhard T. Leube
- , Clara Robert
- & Jean-Marie Tarascon
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Article
| Open AccessAerodynamics-assisted, efficient and scalable kirigami fog collectors
Water shortage not only occurs in arid regions, but also in humid area with little precipitation, despite abundant fog. Authors develop robust and scalable 3D centimetric kirigami structures to control wind flow and regulate the trajectories of incoming fog, yielding high fog collection efficiency.
- Jing Li
- , Ranjiangshang Ran
- & Shu Yang
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Review Article
| Open AccessProduction of high-energy Li-ion batteries comprising silicon-containing anodes and insertion-type cathodes
Large-scale manufacturing of high-energy Li-ion cells is of paramount importance for developing efficient rechargeable battery systems. Here, the authors report in-depth discussions and evaluations on the use of silicon-containing anodes together with insertion-based cathodes.
- Gebrekidan Gebresilassie Eshetu
- , Heng Zhang
- & Egbert Figgemeier
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Article
| Open AccessAchieving ultrahigh instantaneous power density of 10 MW/m2 by leveraging the opposite-charge-enhanced transistor-like triboelectric nanogenerator (OCT-TENG)
TENG suffers from two fundamental limitations: high output impedance and low charge transfer. Herein, these limitations are circumvented by leveraging the opposite-charge-enhancement effect and transistor-like device design, thereby achieving the instantaneous power density over 10 MW/m2 at the low frequency of ~ 1 Hz.
- Hao Wu
- , Steven Wang
- & Yunlong Zi
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Article
| 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 AccessA saccharide-based binder for efficient polysulfide regulations in Li-S batteries
The long-term cycling of Li-S batteries depends on the polysulfides shuttling regulation. Here, the authors present a saccharide-based binder system to control the polysulfides migration and improve the cycle life of a Li-S pouch cell.
- Yingyi Huang
- , Mahdokht Shaibani
- & Mainak Majumder
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Article
| Open AccessReaction inhomogeneity coupling with metal rearrangement triggers electrochemical degradation in lithium-rich layered cathode
Electrochemical degradation is the most critical challenge for Li-rich materials. Here, the authors reveal that manganese related phase reaction inhomogeneity coupling with transition metal rearrangement triggers electrochemical degradation in lithium-rich layered cathode.
- Liguang Wang
- , Tongchao Liu
- & Jun Lu
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Article
| Open AccessIn situ inorganic conductive network formation in high-voltage single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes
Single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes suffer from side reactions with the electrolyte and slow Li-ion transport during high-voltage cycling. Herein, a Li1.4Y0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 coating is applied to facilitate the Li-ion transport and improve the cycling life of the cell.
- Xinming Fan
- , Xing Ou
- & Yong Yang
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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 AccessBoron-doped sodium layered oxide for reversible oxygen redox reaction in Na-ion battery cathodes
The irreversible oxygen redox reaction during charging to the high-voltage region causes cathode structural degradation and Na-ion cell capacity fading. Here, the authors report a B-doped cathode active material to mitigate the irreversible oxygen oxidation and increase the cell capacity.
- Yu-Jie Guo
- , Peng-Fei Wang
- & Yu-Guo Guo
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Article
| Open AccessColossal thermo-hydro-electrochemical voltage generation for self-sustainable operation of electronics
Thermoelectrics are suited to converting dissipated heat into electricity for operating electronics but limited by the small voltage from the Seebeck effect. Here, the authors report a thermo-hydro-electrochemical hybrid device with −87 mV K−1.
- Yufan Zhang
- , Ahrum Sohn
- & Choongho Yu
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Article
| Open AccessMoisture-induced autonomous surface potential oscillations for energy harvesting
Moisture-induced energy generation is a potential green energy power source. Here, the authors report a moisture-induced autonomous surface potential oscillation phenomenon and apply it to the demonstration of energy harvesters with long persistence time and good energy density
- Yu Long
- , Peisheng He
- & Liwei Lin
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Article
| Open AccessSingle-atom catalyst for high-performance methanol oxidation
It is still challenging to engineer single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation. Here, the authors design Pt single atom supported on RuO2 for highly active methanol oxidation in contrast to the inert Pt single atom supported on carbon.
- Zhiqi Zhang
- , Jiapeng Liu
- & Francesco Ciucci
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Article
| Open AccessLi-ion storage properties of two-dimensional titanium-carbide synthesized via fast one-pot method in air atmosphere
A facile and cost-effective synthesis of MXenes is not yet available. Here, the authors propose a one-pot molten salt-based method of MXenes synthesis from elemental precursors in an air atmosphere. Li-ion storage properties of the MXenes are also reported and discussed.
- Guoliang Ma
- , Hui Shao
- & Zifeng Lin
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Article
| Open AccessCompletely non-fused electron acceptor with 3D-interpenetrated crystalline structure enables efficient and stable organic solar cell
Non-fullerene acceptors based on non-fused conjugated structures have potential for realizing low-cost organic photovoltaic cells, owing to its synthetic simplicity. Here, the authors develop a non-fused molecule with a three-dimensional interpenetrating network and compact π-π stacking, which is highly suitable for PV applications.
- Lijiao Ma
- , Shaoqing Zhang
- & Jianhui Hou
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Article
| Open AccessChlorine activated stacking fault removal mechanism in thin film CdTe solar cells: the missing piece
Stacking fault removal and improvement in CdTe solar efficiency is known to be correlated, yet the nature of the relationship is not well-established. Here, the authors explain the passivation process responsible for this improvement, and also elucidate the associated stacking fault removal mechanism.
- Peter Hatton
- , Michael J. Watts
- & Pooja Goddard
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Article
| Open AccessNano-biosupercapacitors enable autarkic sensor operation in blood
The miniaturization of biocompatible microsystems that enable self-sufficiency and autarkic operations is ever increasing. Here, the authors demonstrate a robust integratable nano-biosupercapacitor with enhanced performance in complex biological fluids, thus enabling autarkic sensor operation in blood.
- Yeji Lee
- , Vineeth Kumar Bandari
- & Oliver G. Schmidt
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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 AccessKinetic photovoltage along semiconductor-water interfaces
Common photovoltaic effect is across the interface of heterojunctions. Here, the authors find that scanning a light beam can induce a persistent in-plane photoelectric voltage along silicon-water interfaces, due to the following movement of a charge packet in the vicinity of the silicon surface.
- Jidong Li
- , Yuyang Long
- & Jun Yin
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Article
| Open AccessThe role of oxygen-permeable ionomer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Polymer electrolyte fuel cells are promising but suffer from low performance. Here, the authors use a combination of electrochemical measurements and molecular dynamics simulations to reveal the role of the highly oxygen permeable ionomer in polymer electrolyte fuel cells that enhances the oxygen transport and catalytic activity.
- Ryosuke Jinnouchi
- , Kenji Kudo
- & Akihiro Shinohara
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Article
| Open AccessMacroscopic weavable fibers of carbon nanotubes with giant thermoelectric power factor
Preserving the large power factor of carbon nanotubes is challenging, due to poor sample morphology and a lack of proper Fermi energy tuning. Here, the authors achieve a value of power factor of 14 ± 5 mW m−1 K−2 originating from the preserved conductivity and the ability to tune Fermi energy.
- Natsumi Komatsu
- , Yota Ichinose
- & Junichiro Kono
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Article
| Open AccessSpin-state reconfiguration induced by alternating magnetic field for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
The oxygen evolution reaction in magnetic catalysts is related with their spin configuration. Here, the authors propose a magnetic-stimulation method to rearrange spin electron occupation in thermal-differentiated superlattices.
- Gang Zhou
- , Peifang Wang
- & Lizhe Liu
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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 AccessLong-life lithium-sulfur batteries with high areal capacity based on coaxial CNTs@TiN-TiO2 sponge
It is challenging to optimize catalytic heterostructures for lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Here, authors prepare nanometer-scale TiN-TiO2 heterostructures via atomic layer deposition on carbon nanotube sponge to realize stable Li-S batteries with high areal capacity and improved rate capability.
- Hui Zhang
- , Luis K. Ono
- & Yabing Qi
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Article
| Open AccessHigh performance temperature difference triboelectric nanogenerator
High temperature usually decreases the output of triboelectric nanogenerator because of the increased dissipation of triboelectric charges. Here, the authors design and fabricate a temperature difference triboelectric nanogenerator to enhance the electrical output in high temperature environment.
- Bolang Cheng
- , Qi Xu
- & Yong Qin
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Article
| Open AccessClosing the methane gap in US oil and natural gas production emissions inventories
Methane emissions from oil and gas systems are underestimated in official inventories. Here the authors synthesize thousands of field measurements and develop an inventory-based model for a better understanding of why this underestimation exists and how it can be fixed.
- Jeffrey S. Rutherford
- , Evan D. Sherwin
- & Adam R. Brandt
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Article
| Open AccessSelection rules of triboelectric materials for direct-current triboelectric nanogenerator
Appropriate triboelectric material selection is vital to for high performance direct current triboelectric nanogenerator (DC-TENG). The authors here provide effective selection rules as guideline to select triboelectric materials for DC-TENG to reduce the trial-and-error cost for DC-TENG’s research.
- Zhihao Zhao
- , Linglin Zhou
- & Zhong Lin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessHigh performance floating self-excited sliding triboelectric nanogenerator for micro mechanical energy harvesting
High reliability is a huge challenge for sliding mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Here the authors develop a floating self-excited sliding TENG achieving both high durability and output for sustainable micro mechanical energy harvesting.
- Li Long
- , Wenlin Liu
- & Chenguo Hu
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Article
| Open AccessMixed alkali-ion transport and storage in atomic-disordered honeycomb layered NaKNi2TeO6
Honeycomb layered oxides are an emerging class of materials with peculiar physicochemical properties. Here, the authors report the synthesis and electrochemical energy storage characterisations of a mixed-alkali honeycomb layered oxide material capable of storing Na and K ions simultaneously.
- Titus Masese
- , Yoshinobu Miyazaki
- & Tomohiro Saito
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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 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 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 AccessSurface enrichment and diffusion enabling gradient-doping and coating of Ni-rich cathode toward Li-ion batteries
The commercialisation of promising Ni-rich cathodes is limited by capacity fading and thermal runaway. Here, the authors design a gradient Al-doped and LiAlO2-coated LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 cathode, which addresses the crystal degradation and interfacial instability and thus improves the cycle and thermal stabilities.
- Haifeng Yu
- , Yueqiang Cao
- & Hao Jiang
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Article
| Open AccessThickness-independent scalable high-performance Li-S batteries with high areal sulfur loading via electron-enriched carbon framework
Improving the energy density of lithium-sulfur batteries is necessary for their practical application. Here, the authors report free-standing and low-tortuosity carbon frameworks as host for sulfur and lithium, enabling scalable thickness independent electrochemical performance.
- Nana Wang
- , Xiao Zhang
- & Guihua Yu
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Article
| Open AccessA cost-effective and humidity-tolerant chloride solid electrolyte for lithium batteries
Stable inorganic solid electrolytes are instrumental in developing high-voltage Li metal batteries. Here, the authors present the synthesis and electrochemical energy storage properties of a cost-effective and humidity-tolerant chloride solid electrolyte.
- Kai Wang
- , Qingyong Ren
- & Cheng Ma
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Article
| Open AccessSelf-rechargeable cardiac pacemaker system with triboelectric nanogenerators
Self-powered implantable devices have the potential to extend device operation, though current energy harvesters are both insufficient and inconvenient. Here the authors report on a commercial coin battery-sized high-performance inertia-driven triboelectric nanogenerator based on body motion and gravity that can be used to charge a lithium-ion battery and integrated into a cardiac pacemaker.
- Hanjun Ryu
- , Hyun-moon Park
- & Sang-Woo Kim
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Article
| Open AccessBoosting photoelectrochemical efficiency by near-infrared-active lattice-matched morphological heterojunctions
The solar conversion efficiencies of photoelectrochemical catalysis are hindered by the light harvesting range. Here, the authors use near-infrared-active photoanodes that feature lattice-matched morphological hetero-nanostructures to realize efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen production.
- Guo-Qiang Liu
- , Yuan Yang
- & Edward H. Sargent
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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 AccessA multi-responsive healable supercapacitor
Self-healing property is important for supercapacitors when powering the electronics, but designing devices that possess a universal healing mechanism remains challenging. Here, the authors achieve an optically, electrically, and magnetically-responsive self-healing device with integrated configuration.
- Haili Qin
- , Ping Liu
- & Shu-Hong Yu
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Article
| Open AccessHigh crystallinity design of Ir-based catalysts drives catalytic reversibility for water electrolysis and fuel cells
Reversible multifunctionality in electrocatalysts can allow voltage reversal during device operation. Here, authors design a crystalline Ir-based electrocatalyst with a thin reversible metallic-Ir/IrOx layer that shows activity for O2 evolution, H2 evolution, and H2 oxidation.
- Woong Hee Lee
- , Young-Jin Ko
- & Hyung-Suk Oh