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| Open AccessSingle-crystal ZrCo nanoparticle for advanced hydrogen and H-isotope storage
ZrCo, a promising hydrogen isotope storage material, has poor cyclic storage capacity. Here author reveal a defect-derived disproportionation mechanism and report a nano-single-crystal strategy to comprehensively improve performances.
- Zhenyang Li
- , Shiyuan Liu
- & Jianglan Shui
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Article
| Open AccessContinuous and efficient elastocaloric air cooling by coil-bending
In this work, authors demonstrate a low-force and energy-efficient elastocaloric air cooling approach based on coil-bending of NiTi ribbons/wires. The device achieves continuous cold outlet airflow with a temperature drop of 10.6 K and a specific cooling power of 2.5 W g−1 at a low specific driving force of 26 N g−1.
- Xueshi Li
- , Peng Hua
- & Qingping Sun
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Article
| Open AccessPotential window alignment regulating ion transfer in faradaic junctions for efficient photoelectrocatalysis
Band alignment theory has been widely used to design semiconductor heterojunctions for photo(electro)catalysis, but it cannot describe coupled electron and ion transfer process. Here, the authors propose potential window alignment theory to remarkably improve the performance of heterojunctions.
- Hongzheng Dong
- , Xiangyu Pan
- & Zhigang Zou
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Article
| Open AccessOperando analysis of a solid oxide fuel cell by environmental transmission electron microscopy
By contacting a solid oxide fuel cell to a microelectromechanical system inside an environmental electron microscope, the authors establish links between environmental conditions (gas atmosphere, temperature), cell voltage and atomic-scale structure.
- Q. Jeangros
- , M. Bugnet
- & M. Duchamp
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Article
| Open AccessPrecise synthesis and photovoltaic properties of giant molecule acceptors
The synthesis of giant molecule acceptors with more than two subunits was challenging. Here, the authors present a stepwise precise synthetic method for acceptors of this type, explore and compare their photovoltaic performance to those of polymerized small molecule acceptor for organic solar cells.
- Hongmei Zhuo
- , Xiaojun Li
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessNonredox trivalent nickel catalyzing nucleophilic electrooxidation of organics
A good understanding of the mechanism behind organic electrooxidation is crucial for the development of efficient energy conversion technology. Here, the authors find that trivalent nickel is capable of oxidizing organics through a nucleophilic attack and electron transfer via a non-redox process.
- Yuandong Yan
- , Ruyi Wang
- & Zhigang Zou
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Comment
| Open AccessAccelerating CO2 electrochemical conversion towards industrial implementation
Despite significant progress in CO2 conversion field, there remains a significant gap between fundamental research and the industrial demands. This Comment discusses key performance parameters for industrial applications and outlines current limitations in the field.
- Doris Segets
- , Corina Andronescu
- & Ulf-Peter Apfel
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Article
| Open AccessLithium carbonate-promoted mixed rare earth oxides as a generalized strategy for oxidative coupling of methane with exceptional yields
Lithium carbonate-promoted mixed rare earth oxides can be used as redox catalysts for OCM at 700 °C and achieve a single-pass C2+ yield up to 30.6%. The high activity is assigned to the peroxide and OH radicals induced by Pr4+ in the redox catalyst.
- Kun Zhao
- , Yunfei Gao
- & Fanxing Li
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Article
| Open AccessConfined Cu-OH single sites in SSZ-13 zeolite for the direct oxidation of methane to methanol
High yields of methanol are difficult to achieve with direct oxidation of methane to methanol. Here the authors report a high methanol space-time yield which is attributed to the confinement effect of 6-membered ring voids and the isolated Cu-OH single sites in SSZ−13 zeolite.
- Hailong Zhang
- , Peijie Han
- & Yong Wang
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Article
| Open AccessSelf-activated superhydrophilic green ZnIn2S4 realizing solar-driven overall water splitting: close-to-unity stability for a full daytime
A superhydrophilic green hollow ZnIn2S4 was fabricated to realize unassisted photocatalytic overall water splitting. This work could provide an innovative aperture for efficient solar-driven green hydrogen production to achieve carbon neutrality.
- Wei-Kean Chong
- , Boon-Junn Ng
- & Siang-Piao Chai
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Article
| Open AccessCorrosion-resistant cobalt phosphide electrocatalysts for salinity tolerance hydrogen evolution
Seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production is limited by the poor salinity tolerance of catalysts. CoP was found to repel chlorine while attracting H2O molecules to form a thin layer on the catalyst surface, thus constructing a corrosion-resistant CoP/rGO@Ti catalyst for seawater splitting.
- Xinwu Xu
- , Yang Lu
- & Yibo He
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Article
| Open AccessSteam recovery from flue gas by organosilica membranes for simultaneous harvesting of water and energy
Flue gas is a rich source of water and energy. Here, authors provide a state-of-the-art system anchored in organosilica membrane technology, attaining impressive steam recovery, delivering up to 70% energy recovery, and offering a promising remedy for global water shortages.
- Norihiro Moriyama
- , Akihiro Takeyama
- & Toshinori Tsuru
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Article
| Open AccessStabilizing lattice oxygen redox in layered sodium transition metal oxide through spin singlet state
Oxygen redox in transition metal oxides enhances the energy content of Na-ion batteries but is typically plagued by poor reversibility. Here, the authors achieve non-hysteresis through the formation of a spin singlet state to stabilize the active oxygen redox reaction in P3-type Na2/3Cu1/3Mn2/3O2.
- Xuelong Wang
- , Liang Yin
- & Jue Liu
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Article
| Open AccessA scalable membrane electrode assembly architecture for efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formic acid
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formic acid is a promising and sustainable pathway for valuable chemical generation. However, direct production of formic acid rather than formate is challenging. Herein the authors report a zero-gap membrane electrode assembly architecture with perforated cation exchange membrane for the direct electrochemical synthesis of formic acid from CO2.
- Leiming Hu
- , Jacob A. Wrubel
- & K. C. Neyerlin
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Article
| Open AccessBalancing elementary steps enables coke-free dry reforming of methane
High-temperature hydrocarbon conversions often face issues like coke buildup and catalyst deactivation. Here, the authors show a general approach: balancing key reaction steps to achieve coke-free processes, exemplified in a 1000-hour coke-free dry reforming of methane process by optimizing C-H activation and C removal steps.
- Jiaqi Yu
- , Tien Le
- & Wenyu Huang
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Article
| Open AccessDirect methane protonic ceramic fuel cells with self-assembled Ni-Rh bimetallic catalyst
Direct methane protonic ceramic fuel cells are promising electrochemical energy conversion devices. However, their performance and stability remain challenging. Here, the authors develop a self-assembled Ni-Rh bimetallic catalyst which shows great enhancements in power output and long-term operational sustainability.
- Kyungpyo Hong
- , Mingi Choi
- & Jongsup Hong
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Article
| Open AccessHigh proton conductivity within the ‘Norby gap’ by stabilizing a perovskite with disordered intrinsic oxygen vacancies
Proton conductors are promising materials used in various applications such as fuel cells. Here, authors report high proton conductivity due to the reduction of proton trapping of donor Mo6+ doped BaScO2.5 with disordered intrinsic oxygen vacancies.
- Kei Saito
- & Masatomo Yashima
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic-scale probing of short-range order and its impact on electrochemical properties in cation-disordered oxide cathodes
Derivation of atomic arrangements of short-range-order from diffused intensity pattern in reciprocal space for Li-excess cation-disordered rocksalt cathode remains as a challenge. Here, the authors reveal the short-range-order is a convolution of three basic types: tetrahedron, octahedron, and cube.
- Linze Li
- , Bin Ouyang
- & Chongmin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessHydrogenated borophene enabled synthesis of multielement intermetallic catalysts
Supported metal catalysts suffer from rapid degradation under harsh conditions. Here, the authors report a hydrogenated borophene-triggered synthesis method to prepare carbon supported Pt and multielement Pt based intermetallic catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity and durability for oxygen reduction reaction.
- Xiaoxiao Zeng
- , Yudan Jing
- & Shengchun Yang
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Article
| Open AccessA cost comparison of various hourly-reliable and net-zero hydrogen production pathways in the United States
Considering equivalent emissions and reliability attributes for fossil- and electricity-based hydrogen production solutions, results suggest grid-tied electricity-based options can be lowest cost by the next decade if natural gas leakage is high for the USA.
- Justin M. Bracci
- , Evan D. Sherwin
- & Adam R. Brandt
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Article
| Open AccessDetangling electrolyte chemical dynamics in lithium sulfur batteries by operando monitoring with optical resonance combs
The shuttle effect of polysulfides in lithium sulfur batteries leads to performance degradation. Here, authors use fiber-based sensors to track and quantify the dissolved polysulfide concentration in the electrolyte during cell charge and discharge, revealing insights on stability and performance.
- Fu Liu
- , Wenqing Lu
- & Jean-Marie Tarascon
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Article
| Open AccessUnraveling the optoelectronic properties of CoSbx intrinsic selective solar absorber towards high-temperature surfaces
The efficiency of CoSbx (where 2 < x < 3) as a selective solar absorber is investigated. Here, authors demonstrate that CoSbx endows broadband solar absorption (0.96) and simultaneous low emissivity (0.18), making it a promising material for use in solar energy systems.
- Anastasiia Taranova
- , Kamran Akbar
- & Alberto Vomiero
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Article
| Open AccessTailoring chemical composition of solid electrolyte interphase by selective dissolution for long-life micron-sized silicon anode
The severe volume expansion during the lithiation of micron-sized Si in Li-ion batteries requires a solid electrolyte interphase with reinforced mechanical stability. Here, the authors propose a solvent-induced selective dissolution strategy to regulate the mechanical properties of the interphase.
- Yi-Fan Tian
- , Shuang-Jie Tan
- & Yu-Guo Guo
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Article
| Open AccessImproving the photovoltage of Cu2O photocathodes with dual buffer layers
Increasing the photovoltage of the Cu2O photocathode plays an important role in photocatalytic water splitting. Here the authors construct a dual buffer layer to optimize the band alignment between the n-type layer and the protective layer, which improves the onset potential of the Cu2O photocathode by 0.16 V.
- Jinshui Cheng
- , Linxiao Wu
- & Jingshan Luo
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Article
| Open AccessDeveloping a class of dual atom materials for multifunctional catalytic reactions
This work developed a class of dual atom materials that can act as efficient and stable catalysts for multifunctional catalytic reactions in an uninterrupted water splitting system.
- Xingkun Wang
- , Liangliang Xu
- & Minghua Huang
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Article
| Open AccessImprovement of oxygen reduction activity and stability on a perovskite oxide surface by electrochemical potential
Solid oxide fuel and electrolysis cells suffer from surface instability which challenges their performance and durability. Here, the authors report that cathodic polarization improves the electrochemical activity by formation of Ruddlesden-Popper phase, exsolution of Co, and suppression of Sr segregation.
- Sanaz Koohfar
- , Masoud Ghasemi
- & Bilge Yildiz
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Article
| Open AccessHeterojunction formed via 3D-to-2D perovskite conversion for photostable wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells
The conventional solution post-treatment is suboptimal for methylammonium-free and cesium/bromide-enriched wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors develop a 3D-to-2D perovskite conversion approach for a preferential growth, achieving stabilized efficiency of 28.1% for tandem cells.
- Jin Wen
- , Yicheng Zhao
- & Hairen Tan
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Article
| Open AccessTailoring grain boundary stability of zinc-titanium alloy for long-lasting aqueous zinc batteries
The electrochemical performance of metal electrodes is significantly influenced by their grain boundary stability. Here, the authors propose a zinc-titanium two-phase alloy via grain boundary engineering to inhibit intergranular corrosion and tailor deposition behavior for stable aqueous zinc batteries.
- Yunxiang Zhao
- , Shan Guo
- & Jiang Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessMg-incorporated sorbent for efficient removal of trace CO from H2 gas
The challenge of trace CO removal from H2 remains at the forefront of the hydrogen economy. Here, the authors demonstrated exceptional CO removal using a highly stable, hierarchically structured sorbent bead, Mg13CuCeOx. Mechanistic analysis showed the pivotal role of Mg in enhancing CO sorption.
- Gina Bang
- , Seongmin Jin
- & Chang-Ha Lee
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Article
| Open AccessDirect prediction of gas adsorption via spatial atom interaction learning
Accurate end-to-end deep learning models for adsorption prediction in porous materials would help its discovery. Here, the authors present DeepSorption, a spatial atom interaction learning network to predict structure-adsorption from atomic coordinates and chemical element types.
- Jiyu Cui
- , Fang Wu
- & Huabin Xing
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Article
| Open AccessAccelerated deprotonation with a hydroxy-silicon alkali solid for rechargeable zinc-air batteries
Surface reconstruction caused by adsorbate evolution mechanism leads to poor oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. Here, the authors introduce a hydroxy-silicon proton acceptor as OER catalyst which greatly accelerates the deprotonation process in OER and prolong the cycle life of zinc-ion batteries.
- Yaobin Wang
- , Xinlei Ge
- & Yunfei Bu
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Article
| Open AccessAuxiliary sequential deposition enables 19%-efficiency organic solar cells processed from halogen-free solvents
The optimization of morphology of active layers for halogen-free solvent processing is essential to enhance performance of organic solar cells. Here, the authors report auxiliary sequential deposition method together with branched-chain-engineered acceptor, realizing device efficiency of over 19%.
- Siwei Luo
- , Chao Li
- & He Yan
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Article
| Open AccessGate-controlled suppression of light-driven proton transport through graphene electrodes
Recent experiments have shown that proton transport through graphene electrodes can be promoted by light, but the understanding of this phenomenon remains unclear. Here, the authors report the electrical tunability of this photo-effect, showing a connection between graphene electronic and proton transport properties.
- S. Huang
- , E. Griffin
- & M. Lozada-Hidalgo
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Article
| Open AccessExploring decarbonization pathways for USA passenger and freight mobility
Rapid adoption of zero-emission vehicles with a concurrent transition to clean electricity is essential to achieve U.S. transportation decarbonization goals. Managing travel demand can ease this transition by reducing the need for clean electricity supply. @cghoehne, @nrel, #NRELMobility
- Christopher Hoehne
- , Matteo Muratori
- & Ookie Ma
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| Open AccessEnabling giant thermopower by heterostructure engineering of hydrated vanadium pentoxide for zinc ion thermal charging cells
The application of zinc ion thermal charging cells has been limited by their low kinetics and rapid energy decay. Here, the authors develop a promising material by heterostructure engineering of hydrated vanadium pentoxide for high-performance harvesting and conversion of low-grade heat.
- Zhiwei Li
- , Yinghong Xu
- & Xiaogang Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessBoosting lithium ion conductivity of antiperovskite solid electrolyte by potassium ions substitution for cation clusters
All-solid-state electrolytes for lithium batteries generally suffer from low ionic conductivity. Here, authors manipulate the lattice of antiperovskite-type Li2OHCl by potassium ion substitution, which alters the lattice structure and improves the lithium ion transport properties.
- Lei Gao
- , Xinyu Zhang
- & Ruqiang Zou
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Article
| Open AccessArtificial photosynthetic cells with biotic–abiotic hybrid energy modules for customized CO2 conversion
The design of programmable artificial photosynthetic cells is hindered by the requirement for cofactor generation for the biocatalytic module. Here, the authors report on the design of artificial photosynthetic cells using biotic–abiotic thylakoid–CdTe as hybrid energy modules, which enhance the regeneration of NADPH, NADH and ATP cofactors without external supplements by promoting proton-coupled electron transfer.
- Feng Gao
- , Guangyu Liu
- & Yujie Xiong
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Article
| Open AccessProlonged hydrogen production by engineered green algae photovoltaic power stations
Cost, scalability, and durability are critical factors determining the application of artificial photosynthesis systems. Here, the authors address these problems by inserting a carbon nanofiber into the chloroplast of green algae to transfer of electrons for photosynthesis and demonstrate H2 production up to 50 days.
- Hyo Jin Gwon
- , Geonwoo Park
- & Hyun S. Ahn
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Article
| Open AccessManipulating coordination environment for a high-voltage aqueous copper-chlorine battery
Aqueous copper-based batteries suffer from low voltage due to the high copper negative electrode potential. Here, utilizing the coordination of chloride with copper ions, authors lower copper’s redox potential by 0.3 V, resulting in a high-voltage aqueous copper-chlorine battery.
- Xiangyong Zhang
- , Hua Wei
- & Zhuoxin Liu
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Article
| Open AccessPhotoelectric responsive ionic channel for sustainable energy harvesting
Artificial ion channels with multiple functions provide exciting opportunities to emulate natural processes and enhance energy conversion. Here, the authors introduce a family of photoelectrically responsive ionic covalent organic frameworks membranes for solar energy and salinity gradient energy conversion.
- Qing Guo
- , Zhuozhi Lai
- & Qi Sun
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Article
| Open AccessBioinspired trimesic acid anchored electrocatalysts with unique static and dynamic compatibility for enhanced water oxidation
Layered double hydroxides are promising candidates for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction yet their catalytic stability needs to be further improved. Here, the authors use trimesic acid anchoring to stabilize nickel-iron layered hydroxides for water oxidation with enhanced stability.
- Xiaojing Lin
- , Zhaojie Wang
- & Xiaoqing Lu
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Article
| Open AccessAtmospheric-moisture-induced polyacrylate hydrogels for hybrid passive cooling
Gan et al. have developed sodium polyacrylate-based films for passive radiative cooling that can be fabricated using atmospheric moisture alone, offering radiative and evaporative cooling, reducing temperatures by up to 5 °C under partly cloudy skies.
- Roisul Hasan Galib
- , Yanpei Tian
- & Qiaoqiang Gan
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Perspective
| Open AccessBenchmarking organic active materials for aqueous redox flow batteries in terms of lifetime and cost
To guide research and implementation of aqueous organic redox flow batteries it is essential to estimate their potential costs. In this perspective, the authors present an overview of the potential cost of organic active materials for aqueous flow batteries and identify cost reduction routes.
- Dominik Emmel
- , Simon Kunz
- & Daniel Schröder
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Article
| Open AccessControlling Selenization Equilibrium Enables High-Quality Kesterite Absorbers for Efficient Solar Cells
The preparation of high-quality Kesterite absorber is challenging due to the complexity and limited control of selenization reactions. Here, authors report a solid-liquid/solid-gas reaction for direct and rapid Kesterite formation, achieving certified total-area efficiency of 13.44% in solar cells.
- Xiao Xu
- , Jiazheng Zhou
- & Qingbo Meng
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Perspective
| Open AccessIn situ X-ray spectroscopies beyond conventional X-ray absorption spectroscopy on deciphering dynamic configuration of electrocatalysts
X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has become an indispensable tool to investigate dynamic natures of electrocatalysts. In this perspective, advanced X-ray spectroscopies are highlighted in a complementary way, providing a promising research model for solid-liquid interface and (electro)catalysis studies.
- Jiali Wang
- , Chia-Shuo Hsu
- & Hao Ming Chen
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Article
| Open AccessImpacts of climate change, population growth, and power sector decarbonization on urban building energy use
This study quantifies mid-21st century hourly building energy use in 277 urban areas in the USA, revealing spatially and temporally heterogeneous changes influenced by future climate, population dynamics, and electric power sector decarbonization.
- Chenghao Wang
- , Jiyun Song
- & Robert B. Jackson
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Article
| Open AccessThe momentum of the solar energy transition
Nijsse and colleagues find that due to technological trajectories set in motion by past policy, a global irreversible solar tipping point may have passed where solar energy gradually comes to dominate global electricity markets, without any further climate policies. Uncertainties arise, however, over grid stability in a renewables-dominated power system, the availability of sufficient finance in underdeveloped economies, the capacity of supply chains and political resistance from regions that lose employment.
- Femke J. M. M. Nijsse
- , Jean-Francois Mercure
- & Hector Pollitt
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Article
| Open AccessIntercalation-type catalyst for non-aqueous room temperature sodium-sulfur batteries
Sodium-sulfur batteries show potential as attractive alternatives to Li-ion batteries due to their high energy density but practicality is hampered by sodium polysulfide issues. Here, the authors introduce an intercalation-type catalyst MoTe2 to improve the redox kinetics in Na-S batteries.
- Jiarui He
- , Amruth Bhargav
- & Arumugam Manthiram
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Article
| Open AccessAchieving health-oriented air pollution control requires integrating unequal toxicities of industrial particles
Health-oriented emissions reduction in China focusing on the iron and steel industry can reduce costs by 1.56 billion dollars while lowering the population-weighted toxic potency-adjusted exposure risk.
- Di Wu
- , Haotian Zheng
- & Jiming Hao