Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry A HOT Papers

The latest advancement in developing MOF adsorbents for effective separation and purification of propylene from propane is summarized, with a focus on molecular exclusion based separation mechanism and propane-selective adsorption.

This Perspective highlights past achievements, knowledge gaps and future research directions for M-N-C catalysts for PEMFCs.

This review comprehensively explores the diverse strategies of Li₂S engineering and examines potential avenues for enhancing structural stability and electrochemical performance.

The metal–support interaction effect in the carbon-free PEMFCs cathode catalysts are summarized in this review.

Our analysis of the current literature shows that advances in extractive technologies for U/Li recovery lie at the intersection between molecular simulation, nanotechnology and materials science, electrochemistry, and membrane engineering.

An overview of recent advancements in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and their performance in water electrolysis is provided, and the progress of an electrocatalyst for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is also discussed.

Rhenium (Re)-based materials are regarded as ideal alternative electrocatalysts towards the HER. This review focused on summarizing the advanced HER progress, aiming to establish a theoretical and experimental basis for constructing optimal Re-based electrocatalysts.

Multifunctional small biomolecules enhance the multifunctionality and performance of hydrogel-based strain sensors.

The features of COF and HOF in porosity, light harvesting, and structural multifunctionality enable their application for photocatalysis. Focusing on the existing merits, rational developing way is helpful for constructing more excellent porous photocatalyst.

Solar driven CO₂ reduction is a promising technology for achieving carbon neutrality. The optimized photo-absorber, catalyst and device and their synergistic operation are essential for realizing a highly efficient solar driven CO₂ reduction system.

This review focuses on halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, discussing the structures and properties of perovskite QDs, the mechanism for CO₂ reduction, photocatalyst design, challenges and directions for future research.

Sorbent-assisted AWH and moisture-enabled energy generation are reviewed in parallel to reveal the correlation between these two technologies.

This paper reviews the features and preparation methods of waste-derived carbonized materials (WDCM), the working mechanism of the WDCM-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), and the application and prospects of WDCM-based TENG in various fields.

Metal phosphides combine elemental abundance, structural and bonding diversity, and are promising thermoelectric materials.

Over the past decades, the utilization of Li-ion batteries has provided the benefits of high energy and power density and can be used in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles, large-scale energy storage, and the power grid.

The development of micro- & nano-structure engineering in recent years is reviewed. The synthesis methods and mechanisms of different microstructures are summarized, and the future development direction of microstructure modification is proposed.

The synthetic strategies, application and future development of non-precious metal-based self-supporting electrodes for Zn–air batteries have been systematically summarized according to the recent research progress.

Engineering metallic active sites (nano-scale/low-coordination/isolated metal active sites and active metal oxide/sulfide) into CTFs is an effective strategy for high-performance and large-scale industrial catalysis.

Silica/silicate-based nanocatalysts have shown great potential for catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ to various value-added chemicals. This review presents the recent development of siliceous matter in this important field of heterogeneous catalysis.

The effective charge transfer from Ru to Co₄N allows an optimized water adsorption energy and more electrons to activate H₂O molecules, thus realizing an enhanced activity for hydrogen evolution.

Multicore–shell iron fluoride@carbon microspheres, synthesized using a bottom-up method, have a quality carbon coat and smaller core size. As a conversion cathode of lithium batteries, it exhibits notable stability over 3500 cycles at 1 C.

A multifunctional material design, integrating catalytic and auxiliary magnetic susception and contactless thermal sensing functionalities, unlocks catalyst-specific heating and thermometry for spatially proximate solid catalysts in a single reactor.

Herein, we developed a new sulfurization method to obtain S-rich Sb₂S₃, which passivated the internal deep-level defects of the film. Finally, a record open-circuit voltage of 805 mV was achieved, which is the highest value for Sb₂S₃ solar cells.

One-atom exchange in a flexible MOF changes the 2nd order phase transformation to 1st order, enabling efficient gas storage and separation.

Mesoporous Rh–Te alloy films on carbon paper are synthesized via a micelle-assisted electrodeposition method, exhibiting improved performance for nitrogen reduction to ammonia.

We demonstrated InCl₃ modified SnO₂ as ETL in Sb₂Se₃ solar cells. InCl₃ post-treatment blocked the downward diffusion of Se and improved the quality of the SnO₂/Sb₂Se₃ heterojunction. Thus, a Cd-free Sb₂Se₃ solar cell achieved a PCE of 5.52%.

¹O₂ reacts with RMs but the effect of ¹O₂ on the function of RMs has been ambiguous. In this work we show the effect of RMs functionality from various perspectives and classified them following the reaction of RMs with ¹O₂.

Honeycomb-like N-doped highly graphitized carbon is prepared by self-templated magnesiothermic reduction. Porosity and graphiticity of the prepared carbon support greatly improve the catalytic performance and durability of PtCo alloy in PEMFCs.

The optimal device architecture and its fabrication parameters for vapor-deposited perovskite solar cells are investigated by machine learning, predicting the highest power conversion efficiency of 26.1%.

A three-dimensional carbon-reinforced ionic-electronic composite (CRIEC) boosts the cycling areal capacities of working anode-free all-solid-state lithium batteries.

Benefiting from the highly reversible structural evolution of the pre-lithiated Li-rich Li₂Mn₂O₄ cathode, the corresponding anode-free coin cell delivers a considerable 94.4% capacity retention after 40 cycles.

Carbon contamination on the photocatalysts intereferes the performance analysis of photocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction reaction (CO₂RR).

The strong bonding interactions between V and H lead to the decrease of the energy required for H₂ desorption from MgH₂ to 49.5 kJ mol⁻¹, 10.9 kJ mol⁻¹ lower than that of pristine MgH₂.

Fluoroalkyl phosphonic acids are demonstrated to be an efficient radical scavenger for Nafion™, showing a 58% lower fluoride emission rate than the state of the art, cerium.

BNT-based ceramics with polymorphic PNRs display an ultrahigh W_rec of 7.4 J cm⁻³ and a high η of 89% at 400 kV cm⁻¹, as well as excellent thermal reliability.

The unique atom configuration in high-entropy dielectric ceramics gives rise to high P_max, small P_r. Accordingly, ultrahigh recoverable energy density of 8.8 J cm⁻³ and high η of 92.5%, as well as excellent thermal stability, are achieved.

Here, we show a novel energy conversion design with a dynamic MIM structure. This is realized though grafting CF₃ group which shows high tunnelling current density of up to 7.6 × 10⁶ Am⁻². This can further fulfill the macroscopic energy harvesting.

Solution-processed bathocuproine (BCP) has been widely used in fullerene (FA)-based organic solar cells (OSCs) for decades as an electron transport layer (ETL).

We reconfigure the sodiation/desodiation process of P3-type layered cathodes by a local symmetry tuning strategy to enhance their stability. The cathodes exhibit long-term cycling stability with a higher capacity retention of 74% after 2000 cycles at 1C.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a promising bio-plastic will decompose to small molecule flammable volatiles via chain scission, which thus exhibit poor fire safety and highly restrict its real-world applications.

Under ambient conditions, using low concentration NO (1%), ultrahigh nitrate formation rates in a two-electrode system can be achieved via the eCOR-NOOR. The structure changes of electrode materials under real reaction conditions are revealed.

The electric field dependence in the charge generation process of organic solar cells in planar heterojunction and bulk heterojunction structures is related to the energetics and molecular orientation at the donor/acceptor interfaces.

The bandgap of SnZrSe₃ was successfully engineered by cationic substitution to create novel materials photoactive in the short wavelength infrared region.

Dy(OH)₃ has impressive magnetocaloric performance optimised around 20 K making it suitable for hydrogen liquefaction using magnetic cooling.

Cu(OH)₂/basic copper salt compounds are in situ reduced to Cu⁰ nanoparticles with clear grain boundaries during the electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction process, which endows the derived Cu electrocatalyst with high selectivity towards C₂₊ products.

Cobalt-imidazole-tetracarboxylate metal–organic framework (Co-MOF) and further modified with graphene (G) as heterogeneous electrocatalyst displays a bifunctional electrocatalytic performance towards ORR/OER.

This study demonstrates the photocatalytic performance of two-dimensional Janus BiSY (Y = I, Br, Cl) based on energy bands, vacuum energy levels, absorption spectra, and reaction potential diagrams.

A promising high-energy nano-Al/MnO₂ MIC chip with on-demand heat-release and in situ information recording/encryption was designed, which provides a novel insight for the development of the next generation of smart MIC devices.

Strong elastic deformation resistance and an intrinsic stable energetic state contribute to the mega pressure hysteresis in Ce-rich CaCu₅-type metal hydrides.

We report on the different core structures comprising biphenyl, fluorene, and spirobifluorene-based poly(fluorene) with an alkyl incorporated into the polymer backbone to confirmed the effect of core structures on morphology and ionic conductivity.

Obtained from in situ surface anchoring, the highly active and durable AgO_x cluster@mesoporous TiO₂ exhibits tunable physicochemical property that facilitates superior photocatalytic HER and CO₂RR, and changes selective production from CO/CH₄ to CO.

The 0.2Pb(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–0.1Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–0.7Pb(Zr_0.46Ti_0.54)O₃ + xwt% Li₂CO₃ ceramics were synthesized by the solid–state reaction method.

Full-dimensional trajectory surface hopping dynamics simulations reveal the intricate details of the photorelaxation mechanism in [Fe(bmip)₂]²⁺, the first-discovered Fe–carbene photosensitiser (bmip = 2,6-bis(3-methyl-imidazole-1-ylidine)-pyridine).

A g-C₃N₄ and CH₃NH₃PbI₃ bulk heterojunction pellet can achieve high X-ray sensitivities with a small dark current drift. It also showed long-term current stability under operational conditions, indicating its application in sensitive X-ray imaging.

Visualisation of MOF activation mechanisms, showing gas-like solvent behaviour leading to successful activation (top), and capillary-like solvent behaviour leading to collapse (bottom).

The morphologies of fibers, spheres and bowls were controlled in COF. A novel p–n heterostructure was fabricated by encapsulating photosensitizer in hollow-COF. The hollow structure, staggered band alignment and large contact area greatly improved the hydrogen evolution activity.

A 3D composite collector comprising lithiophilic Cu₂O coated CF was synthesized using a simple, one-step hydrothermal synthesis. A dense and uniform coating layer with an appropriate thickness is essential for achieving smooth lithium deposition.

Fabrication of textile-based wrinkled stretchable TENGs (WS-TENGs) using spring wrinkled nylon 6/6, hierarchically wrinkled PEDOT:PSS, and wrinkled AgNWs-SWCNTs/PET-Lycra.

Three novel MOF phases based on catecholate porphyrin and M(III) cations are isolated. Their properties are elucidated through comprehensive structural and physical analyses, and a high surface area and reversible redox activity are evidenced.

Schematic illustration for the preparation of the MnO–Co@Pt NPC.

Excellent energy storage density and strain performances are achieved in a new PbHfO₃-based antiferroelectric solid solution under low electric fields by a synergistic design strategy.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers a unique approach to fabricating free-standing and complex structured electrodes for high-performance micro-supercapacitors (MSCs).

The as-prepared black TiO₂-based concrete paving eco-block exhibits outstanding photocatalytic NO removal efficiency without harmful by-products and an enhanced binding force between the photocatalyst and concrete matrix.

Vitrimer-like elastomer composites with lignin as a renewable bio-filler, showing effective reinforcement, recyclability and photothermal performance, were prepared.

Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) have recently emerged as promising and high-activity catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a key process in many electrochemical energy conversion devices.

A combined experimental, inelastic neutron scattering, and theoretical study revealed that the metal–organic framework Cu-ATC exhibits greater H₂ adsorption affinity compared to the well-known Cu-BTC.

The crucial role of the s-band center of single-atomic Ag catalysts on their catalytic selectivity for the ORR is theoretically uncovered.

Herein, an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst based on binary metal nitride (Zn₃N₂–Co₂N) nanorod arrays decorated with ultrathin Co₃O₄ nanoparticles is prepared to improve overall water splitting performance.

Currently, extremely high voltage output has been achieved by a direct current triboelectric nanogenerator (DC-TENG) based on semiconductor–semiconductor interfaces.

Anodeless electrode composed of Ag ion complexes and carbon black was fabricated. All-solid-state batteries with anodeless electrodes exhibited improved cyclability, highlighting the usefulness of anodeless electrodes for this emerging technology.