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| Open AccessIn situ observation of thermal-driven degradation and safety concerns of lithiated graphite anode
The role of the lithiated graphite anode in battery thermal runaway failure remains under intense investigation. In this work, with multiple in situ synchrotron X-ray characterizations, the phase evolution, gas release, and lithium leaching of lithiated graphite anode are illustrated in detail.
- Xiang Liu
- , Liang Yin
- & Khalil Amine
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic-scale regulation of anionic and cationic migration in alkali metal batteries
An optimized transport of anions and cations is essential for the development of practical alkali metal batteries. Here, the authors report the use of Ti0.87O2 nanosheets as coating material of polypropylene separators for Li-S, Li-Se and Na-Se cells.
- Pan Xiong
- , Fan Zhang
- & Guoxiu Wang
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Article
| Open AccessSolar energy and regional coordination as a feasible alternative to large hydropower in Southeast Asia
Hydropower dams in the Lower Mekong basin have profound impact on the riverine ecosystems. Here the authors use strategic dam planning and power system modelling to show that there are economically and technically feasible alternatives to these dams with solar energy and power trading.
- Kais Siala
- , Afm Kamal Chowdhury
- & Stefano Galelli
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Article
| Open AccessA membrane-free flow electrolyzer operating at high current density using earth-abundant catalysts for water splitting
Seawater electrolysis is promising for grid-scale H2 production without freshwater reliance, but high energy costs and detrimental Cl chemistry reduce its practical potential. Here, authors developed an energy-saving hybrid seawater electrolyzer for chlorine-free H2 production and N2H4 degradation.
- Xiaoyu Yan
- , Jasper Biemolt
- & Ning Yan
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Article
| Open AccessInterfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution
The construction of Z-scheme heterostructures is of great significance for realizing efficient photocatalytic water splitting. Here, the authors report an interfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-Scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution.
- Xuehua Wang
- , Xianghu Wang
- & Zhenjiang Li
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Article
| Open AccessCharacterising lithium-ion electrolytes via operando Raman microspectroscopy
The full characterisation of lithium-ion electrolytes is of paramount importance for the continued development and innovation of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries. Here, the authors present a new experimental setup to obtain all key electrolyte parameters using operando Raman microspectroscopy
- Jack Fawdon
- , Johannes Ihli
- & Mauro Pasta
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Article
| Open AccessA universal Urbach rule for disordered organic semiconductors
The sub-gap absorption coefficient in organic semiconductors is often characterized by Urbach energies, which quantify both structural and dynamic disorders, yet the fundamental is not well-understood. Here, the authors provide a strategy to determine excitonic disorder energy, and reveal that absorption at energies well below the gap is universally dominated by thermal broadening.
- Christina Kaiser
- , Oskar J. Sandberg
- & Ardalan Armin
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Article
| Open AccessScalable, highly stable Si-based metal-insulator-semiconductor photoanodes for water oxidation fabricated using thin-film reactions and electrodeposition
Authors demonstrate Si-based MIS photoanodes using Al thin-film reactions to create localized conduction paths through the insulator and Ni electrodeposition to form metal catalyst islands. These approaches yielded low onset potential, high saturation current density, and excellent stability.
- Soonil Lee
- , Li Ji
- & Edward T. Yu
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Article
| Open AccessNanoengineering of cathode layers for solid oxide fuel cells to achieve superior power densities
High-performance cathode materials are crucial for the development of solid oxide fuel cells. Here, the authors present a nanoengineering approach to boost cathode performance in conventional anode-supported cells, demonstrating a viable route to attaining higher power output.
- Katherine Develos-Bagarinao
- , Tomohiro Ishiyama
- & Katsuhiko Yamaji
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Article
| Open AccessHigh thermoelectric figure of merit of porous Si nanowires from 300 to 700 K
Performance of Si nanowires as thermoelectrics are evaluated only from cryogenic to ambient temperatures and ZT has remained low. Here, the authors systematically optimized the synthesis method and improved the suspended microdevice platform to achieve high-performance thermoelectrics up to 700 K.
- Lin Yang
- , Daihong Huh
- & Ravi S. Prasher
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Article
| Open AccessMn2+ induced significant improvement and robust stability of radioluminescence in Cs3Cu2I5 for high-performance nuclear battery
Fluorescent-type nuclear batteries are a promising semi-permanent power source, but performance is hindered by scintillator development. Here the authors report a scintillator with high light yield and stability, which leads to improved performance.
- Xiaoming Li
- , Jiaxin Chen
- & Haibo Zeng
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Article
| Open AccessLeveraging bipolar effect to enhance transverse thermoelectricity in semimetal Mg2Pb for cryogenic heat pumping
Heat pumping is in high demand at cryogenic temperature, but whether thermoelectricity can take on cryogenic heat pumping is an open question. Here, the authors answer this question by leveraging bipolar effect to enhance transverse thermoelectricity in semimetal Mg2Pb for cryogenic heat pumping.
- Zhiwei Chen
- , Xinyue Zhang
- & Yanzhong Pei
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Comment
| Open AccessCorrelating advanced microscopies reveals atomic-scale mechanisms limiting lithium-ion battery lifetime
The longevity of a lithium-ion battery is limited by cathode degradation. Combining atom probe tomography and scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals that the degradation results from atomic-scale irreversible structural changes once lithium leaves the cathode during charging, thereby inhibiting lithium intercalation back into the cathode as the battery discharges. This information unveils possible routes for improving the lifetime of lithium-ion batteries.
- Baptiste Gault
- & Jonathan D. Poplawsky
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Article
| Open AccessWittichenite semiconductor of Cu3BiS3 films for efficient hydrogen evolution from solar driven photoelectrochemical water splitting
A highly efficient, stable, low-cost and environmentally friendly photocathode is the goal of practical solar hydrogen evolution applications. Here, authors report a Cu3BiS3-based photocathode and Cu3BiS3-BiVO4 tandem cell for unbiased overall solar water splitting with a STH efficiency over 2%.
- Dingwang Huang
- , Lintao Li
- & Feng Jiang
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Article
| Open AccessTriboelectrification induced self-powered microbial disinfection using nanowire-enhanced localized electric field
Air-transmitted pathogens are a recognized threat to public health. Here, the authors develop a self-powered, rapid disinfection method toward air-transmitted microbes using the localized electric field to damage the outer structures of microbes driven by a triboelectric nanogenerator.
- Zheng-Yang Huo
- , Young-Jun Kim
- & Sang-Woo Kim
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Article
| Open AccessTheoretical demonstration of a capacitive rotor for generation of alternating current from mechanical motion
Energy harvesting devices based on micro-electromechanisms (MEMS) is attractive for sustainable energy applications. Here, the authors report the theoretical working principle of a lightweight, low-voltage AC-current generating MEMS-based capacitive rotor device for Watts-level power generation from everyday walking.
- Ehud Haimov
- , Aidan Chapman
- & Alexei A. Kornyshev
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Article
| Open AccessCu2Se-based thermoelectric cellular architectures for efficient and durable power generation
The geometrical design of thermoelectric legs in modules is key for sustainable power generation but can be hardly achieved by traditional fabrication process. Here, the authors develop an extrusion-based 3D printing process of Cu2Se thermoelectric materials for efficient power generation.
- Seungjun Choo
- , Faizan Ejaz
- & Jae Sung Son
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Article
| Open AccessWhen band convergence is not beneficial for thermoelectrics
Band convergence is a strategy to enhance a material’s thermoelectric performance, as it increases the charge carrier concentration for a given Fermi level. Here, the authors find that the benefit of band convergence can be negated by interband scattering depending on the manner in which bands converge.
- Junsoo Park
- , Maxwell Dylla
- & Anubhav Jain
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Article
| Open AccessFull-frame and high-contrast smart windows from halide-exchanged perovskites
Window glazing plays a crucial role in modulating indoor light and heat transmission, which is beneficial for energy saving. Here, Liu et al. report a full-frame and high-contrast smart windows made of perovskite photovoltaic and ion-gel electrochromic components to realise self-adjusting brightness and temperature regulator.
- You Liu
- , Jungan Wang
- & Tianshi Qin
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Article
| Open AccessAre Shockley-Read-Hall and ABC models valid for lead halide perovskites?
Charge dynamics in perovskite is not well-understood, limited by the knowledge of defect physics and charge recombination mechanism, yet the ABC and SRH models are widely used. Here, the authors introduce advanced PLQY mapping as function of excitation pulse energy and repetition frequency to examine the validity of these models.
- Alexander Kiligaridis
- , Pavel A. Frantsuzov
- & Ivan G. Scheblykin
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| Open AccessMultimodal host–guest complexation for efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaics
It remains a challenge to achieve a balance between performance and stability, as well as addressing the environmental impact of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors propose a multimodal host-guest complexation strategy enabling these shortcomings to be addressed simultaneously.
- Hong Zhang
- , Felix Thomas Eickemeyer
- & Michael Grätzel
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Article
| Open AccessLayered double hydroxide membrane with high hydroxide conductivity and ion selectivity for energy storage device
Membranes with fast and selective ion transport are highly relevant for energy storage devices. Here, the authors report a layered double hydroxide membrane with high ionic selectivity and hydroxide ion conductivity for flow battery applications, and reveal the ions transport mechanism of the membrane.
- Jing Hu
- , Xiaomin Tang
- & Xianfeng Li
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Article
| Open AccessA new high-voltage calcium intercalation host for ultra-stable and high-power calcium rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable calcium batteries are promising multivalent battery systems but the lack of suitable electrodes hampers their development. Here the authors report a cathode derived from polyanion framework that demonstrates uncommonly stable and fast intercalation behaviours of calcium ions.
- Zheng-Long Xu
- , Jooha Park
- & Kisuk Kang
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Article
| Open AccessGiant electrocaloric materials energy efficiency in highly ordered lead scandium tantalate
The intrinsic efficiency of electrocaloric materials has been largely overlooked. Here, the authors use the parameter materials efficiency as the figure of merit to rank caloric materials, reporting on the materials efficiency of highly ordered bulk lead scandium tantalate PST.
- Youri Nouchokgwe
- , Pierre Lheritier
- & Emmanuel Defay
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Article
| Open AccessRevealing composition and structure dependent deep-level defect in antimony trisulfide photovoltaics
Antimony trisulfide emerges as a suitable candidate for light-harvesting due to its good stability and abundance, yet the defect properties are not well-understood. Here, by means of deep-level transient spectroscopy, Lian et al. find that there are three kinds of deep-level defects depending on the chemical composition.
- Weitao Lian
- , Chenhui Jiang
- & Tao Chen
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Article
| Open AccessArtificial dual solid-electrolyte interfaces based on in situ organothiol transformation in lithium sulfur battery
Lithium-sulfur batteries suffer from the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides and interfacial instability of the lithium metal anode. Here, the authors use 1,3,5-benzenetrithiol as an electrolyte additive to protect sulfur cathode and lithium metal anode.
- Wei Guo
- , Wanying Zhang
- & Arumugam Manthiram
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Article
| Open AccessElectrosynthesis of 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphanyl) tetrasulfide via sulfur radical addition as cathode material for rechargeable lithium battery
Organic electrodes are promising energy storage materials owing to their chemical diversity and electrochemical specificity. Here, the authors report synthesis of phosphorous containing organopolysulfide 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)tetrasulfide material showing excellent performance in a rechargeable Li battery.
- Dan-Yang Wang
- , Yubing Si
- & Yongzhu Fu
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Article
| Open AccessEntropy engineering promotes thermoelectric performance in p-type chalcogenides
The synergism of entropy engineering and the typical optimization mechanisms in high-entropy-stabilized chalcogenide is unknown. Here, the authors find high-entropy-stabilized composition works as a promising matrix of applying synergistic effect to realize high thermoelectric performance.
- Binbin Jiang
- , Yong Yu
- & Jiaqing He
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Article
| Open AccessInterfacial piezoelectric polarization locking in printable Ti3C2Tx MXene-fluoropolymer composites
Fluoropolymers are state-of-the-art flexible piezoelectric materials, yet require massive energy inputs to function. Here, the authors show that the electrostatic field around a 2D material leads to polarization orientation and maximized piezoelectric performance, without external energy input.
- Nick A. Shepelin
- , Peter C. Sherrell
- & Amanda V. Ellis
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Article
| Open AccessNovel symmetrical bifacial flexible CZTSSe thin film solar cells for indoor photovoltaic applications
Indoor lighting is weak and multi-directional, thus the requirement for photovoltaic differs from that designed for outdoor. To efficiently harvest the indoor energy, the authors designed CZTSSe bifacial solar cells on flexible Mo substrate using double-sided deposition to ensure consistency and to save cost.
- Hui Deng
- , Quanzhen Sun
- & Shuying Cheng
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Article
| Open AccessNetwork isolators inhibit failure spreading in complex networks
A single damage can lead to a complete collapse of supply networks due to a cascading failure mechanism. Kaiser et al. show that by adding new connections network isolators can be created, that can inhibit failure spreading relevant for power grids and water transmission systems.
- Franz Kaiser
- , Vito Latora
- & Dirk Witthaut
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Article
| Open AccessReversible formation of coordination bonds in Sn-based metal-organic frameworks for high-performance lithium storage
Tin-based alloying materials have been widely developed for lithium storage, but are limited by large volume variation. Herein, the authors created a new strategy of applying coordination chemistry to construct tin-based metal-organic frameworks which exhibited high-performance lithium storage property.
- Jingwei Liu
- , Daixi Xie
- & Peng Cheng
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Article
| Open AccessAmorphization-induced surface electronic states modulation of cobaltous oxide nanosheets for lithium-sulfur batteries
Regulating the adsorption behaviour of the polysulfide species is the key to achieving highly stable Li-S batteries. Here, the authors show that amorphization-induced redistribution of d orbitals enable CoO to be a favourable candidate for polysulfide adsorption and conversion.
- Ruilong Li
- , Dewei Rao
- & Xun Hong
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Article
| Open AccessTwin boundary defect engineering improves lithium-ion diffusion for fast-charging spinel cathode materials
Defect modulation and understanding its impact on electrode materials remain challenging. Here, authors introduce twin boundaries into spinel cathode and demonstrate that their presence enables fast lithium ion diffusion.
- Rui Wang
- , Xin Chen
- & Yinguo Xiao
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Article
| Open AccessRealizing high-power and high-capacity zinc/sodium metal anodes through interfacial chemistry regulation
Zinc metal anodes suffer from severe dendrites’ growth. Herewith authors construct electrically conductive and zincophilic tin coating on separator to suppress dendrites initiation and eliminate the inevitably formed dendrites.
- Zhen Hou
- , Yao Gao
- & Biao Zhang
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| Open AccessSub-micro droplet reactors for green synthesis of Li3VO4 anode materials in lithium ion batteries
The conventional solid-state reaction suffers from the low diffusivity, high energy consumption, and uncontrolled morphology. Here, the authors report a low-temperature solid-state reaction under water vapour for synthesis of various electrodes for lithium ions batteries.
- Ha Tran Huu
- , Ngoc Hung Vu
- & Won Bin Im
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Article
| Open AccessManipulating anion intercalation enables a high-voltage aqueous dual ion battery
The interactions between water molecules, electrode materials and anions are essential yet challenging for aqueous dual ion batteries. Here, the authors demonstrate the voltage manipulation of dual ion batteries through matching intercalation energy and solvation energy of different anions.
- Zhaodong Huang
- , Yue Hou
- & Chunyi Zhi
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Article
| Open AccessModifying redox properties and local bonding of Co3O4 by CeO2 enhances oxygen evolution catalysis in acid
Developing efficient and stable earth-abundant electrocatalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction is challenging. Here, the authors modify the local bonding environment of Co3O4 by CeO2 nanocrystallites to regulate the redox properties, thus enhance the catalytic activity.
- Jinzhen Huang
- , Hongyuan Sheng
- & Song Jin
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Article
| Open AccessAddressing voltage decay in Li-rich cathodes by broadening the gap between metallic and anionic bands
Voltage fade is a critical issue for Li-rich transition metal oxide cathode. Here, the authors modulate the oxygen anionic redox chemistry and enlarges the gap between metallic and anionic states by constructing Li2ZrO3 slabs into Li2MnO3 domain in Li1.21Ni0.28Mn0.51O2 which fundamentally suppresses the voltage decay.
- Jicheng Zhang
- , Qinghua Zhang
- & Xiangfeng Liu
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Article
| Open AccessProbing the Na metal solid electrolyte interphase via cryo-transmission electron microscopy
The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) strongly affects the cycling behaviour of rechargeable alkali metal cells. Here, the authors investigate via cryo-electron microscopy the SEI formed on a Na metal electrode using fluoroethylene carbonate-containing electrolyte.
- Bing Han
- , Yucheng Zou
- & Meng Gu
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Article
| Open AccessCovalency does not suppress O2 formation in 4d and 5d Li-rich O-redox cathodes
In this work, authors show that O-redox in 4d and 5d transition metal oxides involves the formation of molecular oxygen trapped in the particles. These results are in accord with observations in 3d oxides and show that the greater covalency of the 4d and 5d oxides does not stabilise peroxo-like species.
- Robert A. House
- , John-Joseph Marie
- & Peter G. Bruce
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Article
| Open AccessInorganic-organic competitive coating strategy derived uniform hollow gradient-structured ferroferric oxide-carbon nanospheres for ultra-fast and long-term lithium-ion battery
The gradient-structure is ideal nanostructure for conversion-type anodes with drastic volume change. Here, the authors demonstrate an inorganic-organic competitive coating strategy to construct gradient-structured Fe3O4@C nanospheres.
- Yuan Xia
- , Tiancong Zhao
- & Dongyuan Zhao
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Article
| Open AccessSensing of joint and spinal bending or stretching via a retractable and wearable badge reel
Human motions often contain information that is useful for orthopedic/neural disease diagnosis, rehabilitation, and prevention. Here, the authors show a badge-reel-like stretch sensing device with a grating-structured triboelectric nanogenerator for joints/spine bending or stretching sensing.
- Chengyu Li
- , Di Liu
- & Zhong Lin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessLow coordination number copper catalysts for electrochemical CO2 methanation in a membrane electrode assembly
Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to methane can store intermittent renewable electricity in a staple of global energy. Here, the authors develop a moderator strategy to maintain the catalyst in a low coordination state, thereby enabling stable and selective electrochemical methanation.
- Yi Xu
- , Fengwang Li
- & David Sinton
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Article
| Open AccessDemonstration of resonant tunneling effects in metal-double-insulator-metal (MI2M) diodes
Rectenna, which consist of a microscale antenna, combined with a rectifying diode, have great potential in energy harvesting, however, achieving high responsivity and low resistance is extremely difficult. Here, the authors demonstrate a metal-insulator-insulator metal diode which overcomes these limitations.
- Amina Belkadi
- , Ayendra Weerakkody
- & Garret Moddel
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Article
| Open AccessA universal strategy towards high–energy aqueous multivalent–ion batteries
Rechargeable multivalent-ion batteries are promising candidates for future energy storage technologies. Here, the authors develop various aqueous multivalent-ion cells using concentrated aqueous gel electrolytes, sulfur-containing anodes, and high-voltage metal oxide cathodes.
- Xiao Tang
- , Dong Zhou
- & Guoxiu Wang
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Article
| Open AccessEarly turbulence and pulsatile flows enhance diodicity of Tesla’s macrofluidic valve
Nguyen et al. take a fresh look at Tesla’s concept of an asymmetric fluidic conduit. They show that for alternating flow at high frequencies the device can almost be operated as a diode, enabled by a transition to turbulent-like flow at rather low Reynolds numbers.
- Quynh M. Nguyen
- , Joanna Abouezzi
- & Leif Ristroph
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Article
| Open AccessAll-day fresh water harvesting by microstructured hydrogel membranes
Solar steam water purification and fog collection are two independent processes that could enable abundant fresh water generation. Here, the authors develop a hydrogel membrane that contains microstructures and combines both functions and serves as an all-day fresh water harvester.
- Ye Shi
- , Ognjen Ilic
- & Julia R. Greer
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Article
| Open AccessRapid mechanochemical synthesis of polyanionic cathode with improved electrochemical performance for Na-ion batteries
The high production cost and poor electrochemical performance of polyanionic cathode hinders their industrial application. Here, the authors report large-scale fabrication of sodium vanadium fluorophosphates and in situ construction of their carbon nanocomposites via a mechanochemical protocol.
- Xing Shen
- , Quan Zhou
- & Yong-Sheng Hu