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| 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
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Article
| Open AccessA synergistic exploitation to produce high-voltage quasi-solid-state lithium metal batteries
The energy content increase is of paramount importance for the development of future Li-based batteries. Here, the authors propose a gel polymer electrolyte in combination with a positive electrode comprising of a Li-rich oxide active material and graphite to produce a high-energy Li metal cell.
- Junru Wu
- , Xianshu Wang
- & Guoxiu Wang
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Article
| 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