Themed collection Materials and Devices for the Energy Transition in Latin America
Lithium in Chile: present status and future outlook
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of lithium in Chile, with a forward-looking assessment in the context of the ongoing national lithium strategy.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 7850-7861
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00625A
Eco-friendly, sustainable, and safe energy storage: a nature-inspired materials paradigm shift
This work demonstrates how nature-inspired and derived approaches can significantly impact energy storage. Also, it provides a workflow to accelerate the development of these technologies, helping these batteries move closer to market readiness.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 7534-7547
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00363B
Strategies for the synthesis of complex oxides for application as light-responsive electrodes in photoelectrochemical cells – a review
The choice of an adequate synthesis method is a fundamental step to obtain complex oxides photoelectrodes for efficient photoelectrochemical production of solar fuels.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 4541-4562
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA01013A
Theoretical predictions of alkali hexazirconate (A2Zr6O13, A = Li, Na, And K) as candidates for alkali ion batteries
Potential of alkali hexazirconates as electrode materials for alkali ion batteries.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 9330-9339
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00254G
Modification of ZnO gas-diffusion-electrodes for enhanced electrochemical CO2 reduction: optimization of operational conditions and mechanism investigation
Amino-functionalized ZnO exhibits enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity and selectivity for electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 9231-9242
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00750F
Low-energy and solventless manufacturing of epoxy/expanded graphite bipolar plates
Bipolar plates (B.P.s) based on a polymer matrix and carbon materials have lately been considered potential alternatives in fabricating polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) components.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 7028-7034
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00327F
Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting using nanostructured films: p-CuO sensitized with polyhedral n-Cu2O particles and CuS as photocathode
The p–n type II heterojunction formed between p-CuO and n-Cu2O led to better separation and less charge carrier recombination, and the presence of CuS accelerates electron transfer at the photocathode/electrolyte interface.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 6596-6604
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00343H
Unveiling the influence of alkaline modifiers in CuO synthesis on its photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction
Leveraging alkaline modifiers in CuO synthesis, particularly the novel MEA/KOH combination, optimizes CO2 photoreduction, marking a significant advance in green technology.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 6479-6488
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00337C
Phase transitions in CsPbBr3: evaluating perovskite behavior over different time scales
Tracking the soft dynamic nature of halide perovskites is challenging. Theoretical calculations and experiment comparisons are complex. We discuss how different strategies for calculating averages in AIMD can be tuned to specific measurements.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 5794-5801
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00216D
Boosting photocurrent of anodized Nb2O5 by synergetic post-synthesis electrochemical treatment
Niobium anodization, with subsequent heat and cathodic treatments, forms a self-doped Nb2O5 with excellent photoelectrochemical properties and stability over days.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 5903-5911
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00316K
Mechanochemical effect on the electrochemical properties of a Na3(VO)2(PO4)2F positive electrode for sodium-ion batteries
We employed a solvent-free mechanochemical post-treatment on a fluorophosphate electrode for sodium-ion batteries. Electrochemical analysis showed enhanced kinetic properties and improved ionic mobility while maintaining crystal structure.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 5070-5079
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00106K
Exploring the effects of synthesis parameters on the properties and photoactivity of WO3–graphene oxide synthesized via a microwave route
Tungsten oxide (WO3) is a promising material for photocatalysis.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 4889-4901
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00972F
Unveiling BiVO4 photoelectrocatalytic potential for CO2 reduction at ambient temperature
An optimistic system for CO2 reduction! This study employs BiVO4 as a cathode catalyst by a photoelectrochemical method. Different tests were performed by altering the excitation source and photo- and electrochemical methods were compared.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 4857-4864
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00232F
Augmenting the performance of thermally deoxygenated graphite oxide supercapacitor electrodes using 6 M KOH electrolyte with K3Fe(CN)6 redox additive
This study focuses on enhancing the performance of thermally deoxygenated graphite oxide (TDGO) supercapacitor electrodes by incorporating a redox additive viz., 0.03 M K3Fe(CN)6 in 6 M KOH.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 3367-3378
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA01188G
Methane conversion and hydrogen production over TiO2/WO3/Pt heterojunction photocatalysts
Boosting ethane and hydrogen generation combining photocatalytic methane conversion and water splitting employing TiO2/WO3/Pt-based photocatalysts.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 608-615
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00844D
About this collection
Guest Edited by Ana Flávia Nogueira, Gustavo Doubek, and Hudson Zanin from UNICAMP (Brazil), this themed collection features the latest developments in materials and devices for the energy transition in Latin America and is aimed at a broad audience, including academics, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals interested in the energy transition and sustainable development in Latin America.The collections covers materials for energy storage, generation and conversion, wind energy generation, bioenergy generation as well as green hydrogen.