Themed collection Recent Open Access Articles

This article investigates the water-conscious production of green methanol in sunny and dry regions, leveraging direct air capture, photovoltaic power, and solid oxide electrolysis.

An Intelligent Battery Management System (IBMS) integrating cloud, IoT, and digital twin technologies, offering scalable, real-time battery management was developed to enhance safety, performance, and lifespan of lithium-ion batteries in EVs.

Production of low-cobalt/cobalt-free cathodes, recycling, continuous manufacturing and fast-charging ability is important. They determine the cell manufacturing cost, supply-chain stability, environmental benignity.

Ultrasound-induced cavitation and dispersed photocatalysts synergistically decompose water into hydrogen, offering higher efficiency. Reasons and future research avenues are explored.

Schematic comparative diagram of the stages involved in moving from compact solid electrode materials to dilute nanofluids and RFB solutions.

The current status and prospects of six routes to electrochemically convert CO₂ into different products are investigated. The study includes for each of these routes an analysis of the costs and of the emissions related to electricity use.

In Spain, biomethane is emerging as one of the great keys, not only for the transformation of the energy mix in the short term, but also to advance towards the decarbonisation of the economy.

Analysis of properties and data – both known and missing – related to materials selection, life cycle assessment, and end-of-life reuse and recycling options for device components to achieve a sustainable design of dye-sensitized solar cells.

Visible-light controlled H₂ production from formate with the combination system of a biocatalytic process with formate dehydrogenase and a photoredox reaction of water-soluble zinc porphyrin, methylviologen and colloidal platinum nanoparticles was developed.

Lithium metal is considered as an ideal anode for high-energy density storage systems with dendrites being a major issue for lifetime and safety. A gadolinium additive is found to be suppressing dendrite growth resulting higher performance retention.

We present an experimental proof-of-concept study of organic semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) for visible-light-driven carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion.

By creating surface vacancy-dopant-mediated solid frustrated Lewis pairs, efficient photochemical conversion of CO₂ to formic acid is achieved on Bi-doped CeO₂ in the presence of strain, which is investigated by using density functional theory.

This study unveils a promising and innovative strategy for electrochemical green H₂ generation utilizing distillery industry wastewater. Investigating simultaneous electrochemical processes, it offers a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and energy production.

A polymer-electrolyte electrochemical cell, equipped with a Ru/ZrO₂ catalyst at 120 °C, converts CO₂ and H₂O into CH₄ and O₂ with a current efficiency of 85%.

Core–shell transition metal oxide nanoparticles as efficent material for water electrolysis.

In situ/operando X-ray diffraction computed tomography experiments have been conducted on commercial cells during non-stop high C-rate cycling. The changes in the negative electrode were mapped by comparing phase transitions and lithiation distribution of electrodes in an aged and a pristine cell.

In this paper, we analyze the cost-optimality of transporting eight liquid or gaseous green energy carriers, including H₂, via pipelines and shipping, over distances from 250 to 3000 km.

The development of microalgal biorefineries, utilizing high-value coproducts, offers a strategy to lower production costs, while the use of saline-tolerant microalgal species contributes to reducing freshwater consumption.

This work introduces a breakthrough metasurface-based design for inverted perovskite solar cells, where TiO₂ nanodiscs embedded in a MoSe₂ electron transport layer enhances light management and charge transport, boosting efficiency from 15% to 19%.

Sustainable biocrude production via the hydrothermal liquefaction of Canadian grown hardwood and softwood for renewable transportation fuels.

ZnS and Ag-comodified particulate-Cu_0.8Ag_0.2GaS₂-based photocathode was active for syngas (H₂ + CO) formation through photoelectrochemical H₂O and CO₂ reduction under simulated sunlight in an aqueous electrolyte.

A new method based on machine learning and DFT calculations for screening oxygen carriers during chemical looping argon purification is proposed in this study.

Synergistic heterostructure engineering of NH₄NiPO₄·H₂O and CdIn₂S₄/Ni₃S₂ for boosting urea oxidation reaction performance.

Pd/Ni₂P–MoS₂ hybrid shows improved electrocatalytic activity for ethanol electrooxidation. The interaction between Pd and the support enhances reaction kinetics and stability in alkaline environments, leading to better overall performance.

A novel design of the gap reactor boosts conversion of photothermal methane reforming by reducing temperature gradients.

Compact and vertically aligned TiO₂ nanotubes functionalized with a molecular Cu(I) acceptor–chromophore–donor yield a photoanode capable of carrying out photoelectrochemical water oxidation with an Ir(III) pre-catalyst at an 84% Faradaic efficiency.

Here, we reveal the consequences of using Li and Na metals as electrodes in batteries. At melting temperatures, these metals can melt, leading to internal short circuits and catastrophic battery failure.

Three novel asymmetric anhydrous quaternary ammonium fluoride salts with varying structural bulkiness were synthesized to reveal how structural variations influence chemical properties such as solubility, ionic conductivity, and stability.

Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanoparticles as hole transport material stabilise perovskite solar cells' performance.

Bi-nozzle spray deposition was used to manufacture graded LFP/PEO composite cathodes which are proven to reduce interface resistance between the electrode and solid electrolyte leading to improved capacity retention and rate performance.

A remarkable 2.6 times improvement in the power factor is achieved in a porous thermoelectric oxide in the presence of a polyelectrolyte.

CH₄ enhances hydrogen recovery but has a higher mixing tendency compared to N₂ and CO₂. H₂ purity and recovery are more sensitive to changes in permeability than porosity. The mixing zone is more sensitive to changes in porosity than permeability.

Anion exchange membrane water electrolyser showing the chemical structure of hydroxyl-conductive 2D hBN-based anion exchange membrane (AEM). The developed AEMs exhibit high hydroxyl conductivity, superior mechanical and electrochemical stability.

Thermogalvanic cells were investigated for exploiting hot air and cold air sources for thermoelectrochemical electricity generation.

A comprehensive study of the dielectric and ferroelectric characteristics of polymer composites of xGnP–MXene hybrids (GMHs) in PVDF/PMMA blend films made via a solution casting method is reported.

3D gas electrodes with ultrafine Pt nanoparticles were fabricated using Joule heating technique. The flexible Pt@GCA electrodes serve as self-supporting cathodes for lithium–carbon dioxide batteries, enabling highly reversible CO₂ conversion.

This study provides insights into optimizing selective CO₂ reduction to HCOOH over hybrid photocatalysts that consist of Ru(II) complex cocatalyst and Ag-loaded polymeric carbon nitride, based on the light-intensity dependent photocatalytic activity.

The selective decarboxylation of short-chain carboxylic acids into fuels and chemical feedstocks can be accomplished via galvanic square-wave pulse electrolysis.

The enhanced H₂ evolution efficiency of the CdS/Ce-UiO-NH₂ heterojunction is attributed to its ability to generate long-lived (ms) charges. In contrast with Zr-UiOs, Ce-UiO-NH₂ acts as the electron donor in this heterojunction.

Electrocatalytic transformation of oxygenated aromatics to cycloalkanes on activated carbon cloth-supported ruthenium and platinum under mild conditions (≤60°, atmospheric pressure) using hydrogen equivalents produced in situ by water splitting.

YFeO₃ films were fabricated on FTO glass via spray pyrolysis for solar fuel (H₂) production through water splitting without any external potential bias. The films demonstrated excellent stability under HER conditions.

Dynamics of 2D-perovskites and stabilization with mixed 2D cations with n-butylammonium iodide (BAI) and n-octylammonium iodide (OAI).

The low-cost and sustainable non-woven carbon fibers produced from petroleum pitch using a melt-blowing process are shown to be an ideal alternative to expensive polyacrylonitrile-based carbon felt electrode material for redox flow batteries.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a green oxidant and potential energy carrier. Using iron oxide nanoparticles in a photo-flow reactor, an improved H₂O₂ production of >14× over batch conditions was obtained, achieving solutions of 0.02 wt% H₂O₂.

Electrically polarized amorphous silica (aSiO₂) is demonstrated to be an efficient and viable metal-free heterogeneous catalyst for the conversion of CO₂ into valuable chemical products.

This study advances the fundamental understanding of the correlation between lignin structure and reactivity during hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL).

Exploring the effects of cyclooctane dilution, deposition temperature, process duration, and precursor amount on a-Si:H film properties deposited from liquid trisilane in an atmospheric pressure CVD system.

CFP oils produced in two different CFP facilities were converted to cycloalkane-rich sustainable aviation fuel via a non-isothermal hydrotreating process.

The absorption and desorption behaviours of NH₃ in bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (TFSA) salts were investigated using the pressure-swing method.

Quantitative sooting tendencies were measured for 10 lactones with a wide range of molecular structures. Lactones have potential as low-soot, sugar-derived alternative fuels.

This work reports the use of lead-free Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ perovskite as a lithium-ion battery anode and explores its charge storage mechanism. It opens the door to explore numerous Bi-based oxides capable of reversibly hosting lithium.

We unveil the reactivity of CO₂ with carbanions through a theoretical model, gaining linear free energy relationships and structural features of the transition state.

Band gap tunable and dual functional P-doped C₃N₄ for simultaneous production of H₂ and benzaldehyde.

Liquid evaporation on the surface of a thermoelectric generator can be applied for lighting up a bulb.

This study explores the enhancement of hydrogen production via dry reforming of methane (DRM) using nickel catalysts supported on metalized silica-alumina.

The combined hydrolysis–deoxygenation method reported here demonstrates the efficiency of hydrogen-free catalytic conversion of lipid-derived multi-fatty acids into renewable drop-in hydrocarbon biofuels.

CuFe₂O₄ nanocrystals, specifically targeting different cation ratios and structural compositions, were prepared for multiple electrochemical reactions, including HER, OER, ORR and CO₂RR.

We introduce a membrane electrolyzer for the generation of hydrogen peroxide via oxygen reduction and catalyst-free oxidation of quinones. The study reports the effect of the applied coulombic forces on ions, which is the origin of crossover.

The fundamental challenge facing the aviation industry is to achieve near-zero environmental impacts while sustaining growth. We propose a near-zero impact aircraft, taking a lifecycle perspective across fuels, aircraft design, and operation.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from forest residues is a promising pathway to reduce aviation's carbon footprint. This study assesses the techno-economic and environmental impacts of producing SAF via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, with soil carbon benefits and greenhouse gas reductions.

The results establish the adsorption capacity, kinetics, interaction strength of pyridine/indole with sorbents and regeneration, highlighting silica gel's potential as an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent for biofuel nitrogen compounds removal.

Numerous photoelectrochemical systems designs are compared on an energy and exergy basis for their capacity to produce hydrogen and heat. Systems include both liquid and vapor-phase reactants, solar concentration, and spectrum splitting optics.

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are highly promising candidates for various applications due to their unique electrical, optical, mechanical, and chemical properties.

Jet fuel range C₁₆ and C₁₁ paraffins were synthesized by the hydroxyalkylation/alkylation of cellulose derivated 5-methylfurfural and its decarbonylation product 2-methylfuran, followed by hydrodeoxygenation (HDO).

Decarbonising heavy-duty transport relies on understanding how chemical structures present in biomass may improve the combustion of otherwise overlooked biofuels.

Transforming conventional biomass pyrolysis through solar-driven pyrolysis with a falling particle receiver and intermediate hybrid solution reduces costs by 21% and 32% and emissions by 27.5 and 22.3 kg_CO2 GJ_oil⁻¹, respectively.

Novel dopant-free dimers comprising methoxydiphenylamine substituted fluorene derivatives as hole transport materials (HTMs) in Sb₂S₃ absorber solar cells.

Lithium production has increased with surges in demand. Iron based redox mediators were developed to extract Li⁺ from brine, showing promise using brines with low amounts of lithium and high concentrations of competing ions.

System perspective of solar themal: effects of solar water heating plants depend on configurations of district heating systems and uses of saved biomass.

Owing to their expeditious kinetics and remarkable catalytic prowess, spinel oxides have attracted significant attention as promising non-precious metal electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction.