Themed collection Sustainable Energy & Fuels Recent HOT Articles, 2025

Simulated annealing, spin-coating, and poling: in silico fabrication of ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride polymers on graphene as a model of a low-energy-consumption switching device
Amorphous-to-β-phase crystallization of PVDF by annealing, spin-coating and poling mimicked in silico by non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3225-3236
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01009D
Integrated adsorption–catalysis design enabling high-performance sodium–sulfur batteries
This review details the working mechanism of adsorption–catalysis synergy in RT Na–S batteries and systematically discusses the latest progress and strategies in enhancing adsorption–catalysis synergistic effects in RT Na–S batteries.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3754-3779
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00531K
Evolutionary mechanisms of pore-fracture network development in oil shale during pyrolysis: current research progress and perspectives
This review examines lab techniques for pore/fracture evolution in oil shale pyrolysis, covering thermal mechanisms, rock properties, heating impacts, key parameters, and future directions.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3495-3522
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00396B
Recent progress in curved materials for oxygen electrocatalysis
The preparation and utilization of hydrogen (H2) energy rely on the water splitting and fuel cell technology, specifically involving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), respectively.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3152-3181
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00407A
Electrocatalytic aldehyde oxidation: an emerging anodic reaction for efficient electrolytic systems
Electrocatalytic aldehyde oxidation, which has low oxidation potentials, has emerged as a promising anodic reaction to be coupled with a diversity of electroreduction reactions.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 904-920
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01515K
Non-precious macrocycle embedded hybrid nanocomposites for efficient water oxidation
The development of efficient electrocatalysts for OER remains a challenge owing to issues such as unfavourable mass transport, reaction thermodynamics, and kinetics.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3646-3658
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00434A
The effect of the formation of key components on the laminar combustion rate of ammonia/methanol mixture combustion under medium-pressure gas turbine related working conditions
With the development of industry, environmental pollution is becoming more and more serious, and greenhouse gas emissions lead to the continuous rise of global temperature; thus, energy conservation and emission reduction are imminent.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3607-3623
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00308C
Enhanced SnO2 electron transport layers by Eu3+ doping for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Europium chloride hexahydrate was added into the chemical bath deposition process of SnO2, in which Eu3+ successfully doped into SnO2 lattice, enhancing its electrical properties, increasing the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3271-3277
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00128E
In situ composite solid electrolyte interphases enabling dendrite-free sodium metal batteries
Artificial SEI with NaF/Na2S ensures high ionic conductivity, while organic amide groups regulate Na+ flux via polar adsorption, enhancing sodium metal anode stability.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3263-3270
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00307E
Establishing redox flow batteries with polyoxometalate-based redox couples for enhanced hydrogen sulfide splitting
We developed an innovative redox flow battery with polyoxometalate-based redox couples. This system successfully improved the efficient conversion of H2S into hydrogen and elemental sulfur.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3278-3282
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00449G
Ultra-low loading porphyrin-incorporated conjugated polymer dots as photocatalysts for aerobic oxidation of sulfides in water
Porphyrin-incorporated conjugated polymer dots serve as ultra-low loading photocatalysts for the aerobic oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides in aqueous environments. The photocatalytic process can be scaled to yield gram quantities of the product.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 3237-3247
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00146C

Immobilisation of a molecular iridium complex on periodic mesoporous organosilica for heterogeneous water oxidation catalysis
Heterogenised half-sandwich IrIII molecular catalysts as efficient heterogeneous water oxidation catalysts for artificial photosynthesis.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2961-2972
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00371G

Strong impacts of inter-π-chain charge transfer accelerating CO2 reduction photocatalysis of carbazole–diimine-based linear conjugated polymer/Ru complex hybrids
Manipulation of photoexcited charge transportation via modulation of polymer structures significantly improved the photocatalytic performance of metal complex/conjugated polymer hybrids for CO2 reduction.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2941-2950
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00142K
A robust and conductive 3D Fe(II) MOF as a durable cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
A highly robust, conductive 3D triazolate Fe-MOF serves as a standalone cathode for AZIBs, offering promising specific capacity with 60% retention over 2100 cycles. This study showcases the potential of 3D MOF in energy storage through AZIBs.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2698-2706
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00273G
Photovoltaic performance and scanning tunneling microscopy analysis of PM6:Y7 based organic solar cells
OSCs, all fabricated and tested under regular atmosphere. Interchain and intermolecular distance of PM6, Y7 and PM6:Y7 blend by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2678-2688
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00278H
Band engineering of a PTAA hole transporting layer in the n–i–p architecture of MAPbI3-based perovskite solar cells
This work reports the synthesis of poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA) with different chemical skeletal structures, resulting in varied highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) positions.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2689-2697
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00203F
Crystalline sulfur-doped poly(heptazine imide) for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible-light irradiation
A highly crystalline sulfur-doped PHI (S-PHI) is synthesized from the compound 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol. S-PHI exhibits enhanced light utilization, enlarged surface area and promoted charge-carrier transfer efficiency as compared to PHI.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2327-2332
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01777C
Photo-promoted one-pot coupling isomerization–codimerization of norbornadiene for the efficient synthesis of liquid fuel with a density higher than 1 g mL−1
exo–exo-Hexacyclo[9.2.1.02,10.03,7.04,9.06,8]tetradec-12-ene (exo–exo) is one of the few liquid fuels with a density higher than 1 g mL−1.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2316-2326
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00007F

Light-driven electron transfer in a lipid bilayer with mixed valence molecular wires
Light-driven electron transfer in a lipid bilayer is mediated by oligoaromatic bis(triarylamines), which are capable of long range electron delocalization (mixed valence).
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2302-2315
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01752H

Metal-free graphitic carbon nitride/carbon-dots composites: unveiling mechanochemical synthesis opportunities
Mechanochemically synthesized materials show competitive performance in selective photooxidation. The study includes comprehensive characterization, light–matter interaction modeling, and quantum efficiency calculations.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2031-2044
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00220F
A polyfluorene-based electrolyte membrane for hydrogen/oxygen gas separation under humidified conditions
Hydrogen/oxygen separation under wet conditions has recently become important in the production of hydrogen.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2022-2030
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01692K
Efficient homogeneous electrochemical water oxidation catalysed by macrocyclic nickel complexes with redox non-innocent pyridine coordination structures
Two Ni complexes are used as water oxidation catalyst. Complex 1 with pyridine-amine ligand is found to be a molecular catalyst, while complex 2 with amine ligand is a pre-catalyst, revealing that the pyridine ring benefits their stability.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 2014-2021
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01776E

Chemically pre-lithiated/sodiated reduced graphene oxide–antimony oxide composites for high-rate capability and long-term cycling stability in lithium and sodium-ion batteries
This study presents a graphene–antimony dual-function anode material synthesized through a simple chemical pre-lithiation/sodiation process, achieving near-theoretical capacities and outstanding cycling stability.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1998-2013
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00172B

A comparative cost and qualitative analysis for the transportation of green energy carriers
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.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1773-1785
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE00959B
Printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells with performance tuning via trifluoroacetamide
Trifluoroacetamide was used as a passivator to fabricate printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 18.67%.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1765-1772
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01801J
Microbubble synthesis of hybridised bacterial cellulose–gelatin separators for multifunctional supercapacitors
This study introduces durable hybridised bacterial cellulose–gelatin separators synthesised via a facile microbubble process, offering enhanced electrochemical performance for innovative energy storage applications.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1745-1754
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01684J
Electronically modulated cobalt–nitrogen/carbon catalyst via ligand displacement of metal–organic frameworks toward efficient oxygen reduction
Ligand displacement in a metal–organic framework to introduce nitrogen and sulphur elements could tailor the electronic environment and oxygen binding force of the resulting cobalt–nitrogen/carbon catalyst to improve its oxygen reduction activity.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1755-1764
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01348D
Numerical study of methanol steam reactor based on field synergy principle and analysis of different operating conditions
The geometry of the tube dictates the gas separation point, shaping shell-side flow and temperature distributions. Circular tubes create an expanded gas wake that optimizes temperature–velocity synergy and enhances heat transfer efficiency.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1729-1744
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01718H
Nitrogen-deficient porous g-C3N4 derived from an HMTA-regulated supramolecular precursor for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution
N-defect-rich porous g-C3N4 is derived from an HMTA-regulated supramolecular precursor for enhanced photocatalytic H2-production performance.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1498-1504
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01835D

Enhancing the stability of inverted perovskite solar cells through Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles hole transporting material
Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles as hole transport material stabilise perovskite solar cells' performance.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1486-1497
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01309C

Li-doped 2D aza-fused covalent organic framework: a promising avenue for hydrogen storage
In this article, we used DFT calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, to study two-dimensional (2D) aza-fused covalent organic framework (aza-COF) doped with Li, which is shown to be a promising material for hydrogen storage applications.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1207-1216
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01808G
CeO2-enhanced surface reconstruction of Ni3S2 nanosheets for improved urea-assisted water splitting performance
Ni3S2–CeO2/NF enhances urea-assisted water splitting by promoting surface reconstruction and urea adsorption, and optimizing HER kinetics through synergistic interactions.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1183-1195
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01713G

Hydroxyl-conductive 2D hexagonal boron nitrides for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis and sustainable hydrogen production
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.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1196-1206
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01671H
Elucidating the role of cobalt nanoparticles and Mn-phosphate in etched ZIF-67/phthalimide-NC and phthalimene oxide for supercapacitor and electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction applications
Elucidating the effect of CoNPs and Mn-phosphate as found in K-phthalimide-derived N-doped carbon sheet in capacitive charge-storage while forming a composite with ZIF-67 and oxidized K-Ph-Oxide similar to graphene oxide.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1173-1182
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE00979G
Activating hexagonal boron nitride monolayers for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction by strong interfacial interactions with 2D M2X electrides
Anchoring h-BN monolayer on metal-based electride substrates can enhance its electrical conductivity and regulate its catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reactions.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 991-1001
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01604A
Crystalline/amorphous Co3(PO4)2–MoO3−x/NF heterojunction synergistically improves overall water-splitting kinetics
Designing and constructing highly efficient, cost-effective, and durable non-precious metal bifunctional catalysts remains a challenge.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 971-980
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01652A
Enhancing the performance and safety of quasi-solid-state zinc ion batteries through advanced electrolyte and material design
Schematic diagram of ion transport.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 962-970
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01499E
Rapid laser synthesis of medium-entropy alloy nanostructures for neutral seawater electrolysis
We report the direct laser-induced synthesis of medium-entropy alloy FeNiCoRu nanoparticles for neutral seawater electrolysis with excellent long-duration.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1011-1019
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01572J
Cathode-supported solid polymer electrolyte with solvate ionic liquid and polysulfide modification for rechargeable lithium metal batteries
A cathode-supported solid polymer electrolyte was fabricated for rechargeable lithium metal batteries, modified synergistically with a solvate ionic liquid (SIL) as a plasticizer and a soluble polysulfide (Li2S6) as a functional additive.
Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2025,9, 1002-1010
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE01381F