Themed collection Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

This review focuses on developments at the complex cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) for garnet Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO)-based all solid state batteries.

Semiconductor heterojunctions are pivotal in determining the overall photocatalytic efficiency. This review explores recent advances in diverse heterojunction types, charge transfer mechanisms and materials.

The n-type properties of carbon nanotubes are stabilized in the ambient atmosphere by hydrated water on a cationic molecular adsorption layer supplemented with Li⁺, which slows the diffusion of thermally active oxygen molecules.

Surface photovoltage spectroscopy measures the contribution of solution-processed hole transport layers to the photovoltage of GaP solar cells.

Mg deposition study of state-of-the-art Mg[B(hfip)₄]₂ and Mg(HMDS)₂–2AlCl₃ electrolytes regarding dendrite formation for beyond-lithium magnesium batteries.

New sulfide solid electrolyte materials, Na_3−xZn_1−xAl_1+xS₄ (x ≤ 0.2) were prepared via a self flux synthesis route. Na_2.9Zn_0.9Al_1.1S₄ exhibited the highest ionic conductivity of 4.5 × 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ at 25 °C.

Electrochemical water splitting clutches abundant capacity as it produces molecular hydrogen as an efficient energy carrier.

An eco-friendly triboelectric nanogenerator constructed with molecular ferroelectric fiber mats offers a scalable and cost-effective solution for wearable electronics.

The performances of PMMA luminescent solar concentrators fabricated from virgin and recycled monomers were compared to highlight their similar efficiencies and account for the effect of the purity of the latter on the longevity of the device.

A novel hybrid nanocomposite based on CdS and carbon nanoparticles used as a buffer layer in Sb₂S₃ solar cells improved the charge transfer and interfacial quality junction, which enhances the photovoltaic performance.

Luminescence-based detection of economically critical rare earth elements is enhanced by immobilizing a metal–organic framework sensitization material onto an optical fiber, facilitating sensor regeneration and solvent removal for better signal.

When combined with salts to form polymer electrolytes, self-healing UPy-functionalized polymers lose their mechanical stability due to interactions between the ions and the UPy functionalities.

We use insulating polystyrene colloid particles to selectively cover the electron transport layer of n-i-p perovskite solar cells and investigate the effects of the coverage and lateral blocking distance on device performance.

The PF₆⁻ groups interact with Ni atoms to tightly attach to the NiO_x layer, resulting in enhanced carrier extraction of NiO_x.

Large area inverted type organic solar cells based upon a dye modified tin oxide electron transport layer are reported.

Cobalt–benzimidazole substituted metal–organic phthalocyanine combined with reduced graphene oxide was synthesized and utilized as an electrocatalyst, which exhibited improved current density and lower overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction.

The close interfacial contact facilitates the light-induced electron separation and transfer from ZIS to CoP, which synergistically yields an efficient hydrogen production performance.

A Fe₃O₄ QDs@C/RGO composite anode with superior rate capabilities is rationally engineered from a metal–organic framework (MOF) domain on surface modulated RGO precursor.

Processable E-PANI polymer blend SPES membrane for enhancement of vanadium redox flow battery performance.

Mica nanosheets and electrospinning synergistically improved the electroactive β-phase content and dielectric properties of PVDF. Consequently, the piezoelectric and triboelectric performance of mica-dispersed electrospun PVDF was enhanced.

PANI/MWCNT electrode inks were developed with chitosan as an eco-friendly binder in water. Fabricated symmetric supercapacitors with PANI/MWCNT exhibited high specific capacitance and energy density suitable for sustainable energy storage applications.

Seawater is a huge store of uranium, and the related uranium retraction technology has become a critical step in the sustainable development of nuclear power.