Article
|
Open Access
Featured
-
-
Article
| Open AccessGreen electrosynthesis of 3,3’-diamino-4,4’-azofurazan energetic materials coupled with energy-efficient hydrogen production over Pt-based catalysts
The hybrid water electrolysis system enables a potential for high-efficiency H2 production. Here, the authors propose an electrosynthesis of azo-energetic material coupled with water electrolysis, realizing energy-saving H2 production and obtaining azo-energetic materials via a green pathway.
- Jiachen Li
- , Yuqiang Ma
- & Jieshan Qiu
-
Article
| Open AccessElectrical performance of a fully reconfigurable series-parallel photovoltaic module
Reconfigurable modules have the potential to increase the energy yield of partially shaded photovoltaic systems. Here, the authors present outdoor test results of a full-scale prototype that can produce over 10% more energy than a module with fixed interconnections and six bypass diodes.
- Andres Calcabrini
- , Mirco Muttillo
- & Olindo Isabella
-
Article
| Open AccessStabilizing ruthenium dioxide with cation-anchored sulfate for durable oxygen evolution in proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers
Designing stable Ru-based catalysts for acidic oxygen evolution remains a challenge. Here, the authors propose an oxyanion protection strategy to prevent the formation of oxygen vacancies on the RuO2 surface by creating coordination-saturated lattice oxygen, thereby greatly enhancing the stability.
- Yanrong Xue
- , Jiwu Zhao
- & Xu Lu
-
Article
| Open AccessEngineering artificial photosynthesis based on rhodopsin for CO2 fixation
Microbial rhodopsins are major contributors to global light harvesting on Earth, but their role in carbon fixation is unclear. Here, the authors construct an artificial photosynthesis system by combining rhodopsin with an extracellular electron uptake mechanism for photoelectrosynthetic CO2 fixation in Ralstonia eutropha.
- Weiming Tu
- , Jiabao Xu
- & Wei E. Huang
-
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
-
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
-
Article
| 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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Article
| Open AccessHyperbranched polymer functionalized flexible perovskite solar cells with mechanical robustness and reduced lead leakage
The low adhesive fracture energy of electron transport layer/perovskite interface makes it prone to delamination under mechanical stress. Here, authors develop polyamide-amine-based hyperbranched polymer to provide strong adhesion, leading to device efficiency of over 25% for perovskite solar cells.
- Zhihao Li
- , Chunmei Jia
- & Zhen Li
-
Article
| Open AccessConcretized structural evolution supported assembly-controlled film-forming kinetics in slot-die coated organic photovoltaics
The film-forming kinetics for large-area devices remains unclear for organic solar cells. Here, the authors propose assembly-controlled kinetics with the assembly determined by molecular configuration and tuned via external effects, contributing to the screening of device fabrication conditions.
- Hao Zhang
- , Chenyang Tian
- & Zhixiang Wei
-
Article
| Open AccessCarrier multiplication in perovskite solar cells with internal quantum efficiency exceeding 100%
While there has been evidence of strong carrier multiplication effects in halide perovskites, studies in actual solar cells are lacking. Here, the authors demonstrate such effects with a low threshold of 2Eg and a high efficiency of 99.4%, realizing unbiased internal quantum efficiency up to 160%.
- Yue Wang
- , Senyun Ye
- & Tze Chien Sum
-
Article
| Open AccessInhibition of defect-induced α-to-δ phase transition for efficient and stable formamidinium perovskite solar cells
The effect of various defects on α-phase stability of formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite remains unclear. Here, the authors reveal the degradation pathway, introduce water-insoluble compact layer to suppress α-phase collapse, and achieve maximum efficiency over 25% for perovskite solar cells.
- Tian Chen
- , Jiangsheng Xie
- & Pingqi Gao
-
Article
| Open AccessSolar-driven upgrading of biomass by coupled hydrogenation using in situ (photo)electrochemically generated H2
Green chemical transformations driven by renewable energies are imperative to realize a sustainable energy society. We demonstrate a coupled approach to hydrogenate biomass feedstock into valuable chemicals with high stability using hydrogen generated in situ in a (photo)electrochemical reactor.
- Keisuke Obata
- , Michael Schwarze
- & Fatwa F. Abdi
-
Article
| Open AccessSynergistic effects of mixing and strain in high entropy spinel oxides for oxygen evolution reaction
Efficient and durable electrocatalysts are essential for boosting oxygen evolution reaction toward hydrogen production. Here, the authors report a combined theoretical and experimental study on high-entropy spinel oxide with element mixing and strains providing superior activity and stability.
- Jihyun Baek
- , Md Delowar Hossain
- & Xiaolin Zheng
-
Article
| Open AccessScalable electrosynthesis of commodity chemicals from biomass by suppressing non-Faradaic transformations
Electrooxidation of biomass provides a sustainable route to produce valuable chemicals, but suffers from non-Faradaic degradation in alkaline electrolysis at high reactant concentration. Here, the authors develop a single-pass continuous flow reactor to tackle this challenge, achieving kilogram-scale and continuous electrooxidation of glucose to formate and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with high selectivity and high concentration.
- Hua Zhou
- , Yue Ren
- & Haohong Duan
-
Article
| Open AccessOrganic laser power converter for efficient wireless micro power transfer
Due to the adjustable bandgap, flexibility, absence of heavy metals and high power per weight, organic laser converters have unique advantages in wireless power transfer. Here, authors integrate organic laser power converters exhibiting efficiency over 36% at 660 nm with photon flux of 9.5 mW/cm2.
- Yafei Wang
- , Zhong Zheng
- & Jianhui Hou
-
Article
| Open AccessReliable bi-functional nickel-phosphate /TiO2 integration enables stable n-GaAs photoanode for water oxidation under alkaline condition
Photocorrosion limits the efficiency and stability of gallium arsenide photoanodes. Here the authors report crystalline TiO2 passivation with Ni-phosphate hole-sink layer which enables rapid charge transport for enhanced photostability of 110 h.
- Maheswari Arunachalam
- , Rohini Subhash Kanase
- & Soon Hyung Kang
-
Article
| Open AccessResonant perovskite solar cells with extended band edge
Further extending the band edge of perovskite approaching the ideal bandgap of single-junction solar cell is essential to improve device efficiency. Here, the authors integrate optical resonances with perovskite solar cells to extend the band edge, achieving EQE-integrated current of 26.0 mA/cm2.
- Jiangang Feng
- , Xi Wang
- & Yi Hou
-
Article
| Open AccessEfficient and sustainable water electrolysis achieved by excess electron reservoir enabling charge replenishment to catalysts
Charge replenishment from the supports to catalysts can play a key role in stabilizing active-Ir(III) to realize an efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction. Here, the authors report an excess electron reservoir, greatly enhancing charge donation for improved water-splitting performance.
- Gyu Rac Lee
- , Jun Kim
- & Yeon Sik Jung
-
Article
| Open AccessTuring structuring with multiple nanotwins to engineer efficient and stable catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Developing new electrocatalysts for hydrogen production is of high interests. Here the authors report PtNiNb with high-density nanotwins and large strain as hydrogen evolution catalysts in anion-exchange-membrane water electrolyser.
- Jialun Gu
- , Lanxi Li
- & Jian Lu
-
Article
| Open AccessStability follows efficiency based on the analysis of a large perovskite solar cells ageing dataset
Stability issues remain a critical challenge for perovskite solar cells towards commercialisation. Here, the authors analyse a large homogeneous dataset of Maximum Power Point Tracking operational ageing data and find a correlation between maximum power conversion efficiency and its relative loss.
- Noor Titan Putri Hartono
- , Hans Köbler
- & Antonio Abate
-
Article
| Open AccessBioinspired “cage traps” for closed-loop lead management of perovskite solar cells under real-world contamination assessment
Potential lead contamination risk and environmental vulnerability risk impose a significant obstacle for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors create a biomimetic cage traps to mitigate lead leakage and establish a sustainable closed-loop lead management process.
- Huaiqing Luo
- , Pengwei Li
- & Yanlin Song
-
Article
| Open AccessModulating adsorbed hydrogen drives electrochemical CO2-to-C2 products
A dual-site catalyst consisting of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) and atomic Cu sites is designed. The atomic Cu boosts H2O dissociation for modulating the *H coverage on Cu NPs, improving the efficiency of CO2 electroreduction to multi-carbon products.
- Jiaqi Feng
- , Libing Zhang
- & Buxing Han
-
Article
| Open AccessIonomer-free and recyclable porous-transport electrode for high-performing proton-exchange-membrane water electrolysis
The supply of iridium is likely to become a bottleneck for hydrogen production. Here, authors develop ionomer-free porous transport electrodes with low iridium loading designed to improve manufacturability and recyclability of electrodes for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers.
- Jason K. Lee
- , Grace Anderson
- & Xiong Peng
-
Article
| Open AccessContinuous estimation of power system inertia using convolutional neural networks
The increase of intermittent energy sources and renewable energy penetration generally results in reduced overall inertia, making power systems susceptible to disturbances. Here, authors develop an AI-based method to estimate inertia in real-time and test its performance on a heterogeneous power network.
- Daniele Linaro
- , Federico Bizzarri
- & Angelo M. Brambilla
-
Article
| Open AccessCovalent organic frameworks for direct photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide from water, air and sunlight
Solar-driven photosynthesis is a green and sustainable process for hydrogen peroxide production. Here the authors report that optimizing the intramolecular polarity of COFs can greatly boost H2O2 photosynthesis from water, air, and sunlight.
- Fuyang Liu
- , Peng Zhou
- & Jinren Ni
-
Article
| Open AccessLong-term durability of metastable β-Fe2O3 photoanodes in highly corrosive seawater
Achieving long-term stable photoelectrochemical water decomposition in highly corrosive seawater remains a challenge. Here, the authors report a strategy for enhancing metal-oxygen interaction to achieve high stability of metastable β-Fe2O3 photoelectrochemical seawater splitting.
- Changhao Liu
- , Ningsi Zhang
- & Zhigang Zou
-
Article
| Open AccessTailoring a local acid-like microenvironment for efficient neutral hydrogen evolution
The development of neutral hydrogen evolution catalysts is challenging due to their sluggish kinetics. Here the authors report HxWO3 support which acts as proton sponge to create a local acid-like microenvironment around Ir sites, realizing acid-like hydrogen evolution rate in neutral media.
- Xiaozhong Zheng
- , Xiaoyun Shi
- & Yong Wang
-
Article
| Open Access2D MXenes polar catalysts for multi-renewable energy harvesting applications
MXene materials are regarded as versatile catalysts for multi-energy utilization, however, designing a single system for multiple energy harvesting applications is challenging. Here, the authors theoretically and experimentally validate the utilization of multiple energy sources by MXene materials.
- Xiaoyang Pan
- , Xuhui Yang
- & Zhenfeng Bian
-
Article
| Open AccessAll-polymer organic solar cells with nano-to-micron hierarchical morphology and large light receiving angle
A large light-receiving angle in planar solar cells is crucial for flexible installation of distributed photovoltaics. Here, authors report sequential-processed all-polymer solar cells with nano-sized phase separation integrated in micro-sized surface topology and maximum efficiency of over 19%.
- Rui Zeng
- , Lei Zhu
- & Feng Liu
-
Article
| Open AccessA sodium-ion-conducted asymmetric electrolyzer to lower the operation voltage for direct seawater electrolysis
Hydrogen produced directly from neutral seawater is promising but challenging due to seawater’s complex composition. Here, the authors report a Na+-conducted pH-asymmetric electrolyzer that can directly split seawater into hydrogen with low electricity cost and nearly zero chloride interference.
- Hao Shi
- , Tanyuan Wang
- & Qing Li
-
Article
| Open AccessIntegrated halide perovskite photoelectrochemical cells with solar-driven water-splitting efficiency of 20.8%
High-efficiency photoelectrodes, which integrate light absorption with catalysis, have been limited to costly materials. Here, the authors develop an anticorrosion barrier that enables low-cost semiconductors for integrated solar fuel devices with 20.8% solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency.
- Austin M. K. Fehr
- , Ayush Agrawal
- & Aditya D. Mohite
-
Article
| Open AccessCarbon neutral hydrogen storage and release cycles based on dual-functional roles of formamides
The search for new carbon-based hydrogen storage materials attracts scientists from various disciplines. Now, carbon-neutral hydrogen storage-release is reported based on dual-functional roles of formamides and uses non-noble, Fe-based catalyst.
- Duo Wei
- , Xinzhe Shi
- & Matthias Beller
-
Article
| Open AccessElectric double layer-mediated polarization field for optimizing photogenerated carrier dynamics and thermodynamics
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency is limited due to unfavorable carrier dynamics and thermodynamic performance. Here, the authors report an electric double-layer-mediated polarization field to improve carrier dynamics and optimize the thermodynamics by regulating the coordination of surface atoms.
- Chengxin Zhou
- , Jian Gao
- & Chuan Xia
-
Article
| Open AccessPhenanthroline-carbolong interface suppress chemical interactions with active layer enabling long-time stable organic solar cells
Interfacial engineering is an effective strategy to improve efficiency of organic solar cells. Here, the authors report two alcohol-soluble cathode interfacial materials based on carbolong and achieve device efficiency of 21.7% and long thermal stability in perovskite/organic tandem solar cells.
- Xue Lai,
- , Shiyan Chen,
- & Feng He
-
Article
| Open AccessAccelerating the solar-thermal energy storage via inner-light supplying with optical waveguide
Phase change material for solar-thermal energy storage is widely studied to counter the mismatch between supply and demand in solar energy utilization. Here, authors introduce optical waveguide to regulate the solar-thermal conversion interface to enable the fast energy harvesting in solar-thermal energy storage system.
- Yafang Zhang
- , Jiebin Tang
- & Guobin Xue
-
Article
| Open AccessSolution-processable polymers of intrinsic microporosity for gas-phase carbon dioxide photoreduction
This works presents a series of solution processable, conjugated polymers of intrinsic microporosity, which are used as photocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction to carbon monoxide in the presence of hydrogen.
- Floriana Moruzzi
- , Weimin Zhang
- & Iain McCulloch
-
Article
| Open AccessHigh-efficiency bio-inspired hybrid multi-generation photovoltaic leaf
Most sunlight received by photovoltaic panels is converted to and lost as heat, increasing their temperature and deteriorating their performance. Here, the authors propose a multi-energy generation photovoltaic leaf concept with biomimetic transpiration and demonstrate much improved performance.
- Gan Huang
- , Jingyuan Xu
- & Christos N. Markides
-
Article
| Open AccessMonolithically-grained perovskite solar cell with Mortise-Tenon structure for charge extraction balance
Disorder crystallization of perovskite and unbalanced charge extraction limit the performance of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors develop self-polymerizing additive to form monolithic perovskite grains with mortise-tenon structure, achieving efficiency over 24% and long device stability.
- Fangfang Wang
- , Mubai Li
- & Tianshi Qin