Materials for energy and catalysis articles from across Nature Portfolio

Monolayer gold could exhibit properties of benefit to various applications, but has been challenging to synthesize. Now, the exfoliation of two-dimensional single-atom-thick gold layers — termed goldene — is achieved through wet-chemically etching away Ti₃C₂ from Ti₃AuC₂, a nanolaminated MAX-phase. Goldene shows lattice contraction and an increase in the gold 4f binding energy compared with the bulk.

Selection principles for precursors are decoded from phase diagrams and applied to the synthesis of inorganic oxide materials.

One of the major challenges in realizing lithium (Li)-metal batteries is the instability of Li metal in the electrolyte. Now, a study unveils the significant role of lithium oxide in protecting Li metal, thereby contributing to stable battery operation.

Authors introduce triple treatments to advance flexible single-walled carbon nanotube films, achieving a power factor of 20.29 µW cm⁻¹ K⁻². High structural stability and flexibility enable the fabrication of a high-power-density flexible device.

Modulating the electronic structure of active metal sites is crucial to enhance the activity of anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Here, the authors elaborate Cr-doped amorphous metal oxide catalysts with excellent activity and stability.

Converting CO₂ to valuable chemicals is of high interest. Here the authors address the challenge of low CO2 solubility in water by incorporating a metal-organic framework layer to enhance CO₂ pre-concentration and activation before its electroreduction by the underlying solid electrocatalyst.

Monolayer gold could exhibit properties of benefit to various applications, but has been challenging to synthesize. Now, the exfoliation of two-dimensional single-atom-thick gold layers — termed goldene — is achieved through wet-chemically etching away Ti₃C₂ from Ti₃AuC₂, a nanolaminated MAX-phase. Goldene shows lattice contraction and an increase in the gold 4f binding energy compared with the bulk.

Selection principles for precursors are decoded from phase diagrams and applied to the synthesis of inorganic oxide materials.

Light-emitting perovskite solar cells are emerging optoelectronic devices that integrate light-emitting and electricity-generating functions in one device. This type of device unlocks new possibilities for applications as outdoor light sources, in multifunctional architecture, smart automobiles, self-powered displays and portable power floodlights.

One of the major challenges in realizing lithium (Li)-metal batteries is the instability of Li metal in the electrolyte. Now, a study unveils the significant role of lithium oxide in protecting Li metal, thereby contributing to stable battery operation.

Wide band gap perovskite solar cells suffer from halide segregation, which hampers their use in tandem solar cells. Now, researchers develop an additive with redox and defect passivating capabilities to suppress halide migration, enabling perovskite–organic tandems with over 25% efficiency.