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Despite its role in electrocatalysis and hydrogen generation, a complete understanding of the hydrogen evolution reaction on platinum remains elusive. Here, a detailed kinetic study of hydrogen adsorption and evolution on Pt(111) highlights the role of interfacial water reorganization in the hydrogen adsorption step.
The efficiency of silicon solar cells has a large influence on the cost of most photovoltaics panels. Here, researchers from Kaneka present a silicon heterojunction with interdigitated back contacts reaching an efficiency of 26.3% and provide a detailed loss analysis to guide further developments.
Photoreforming can produce H2 through the simultaneous reduction of water and the oxidation of organic molecules, such as those derived from biomass, but cheaper and more active photocatalysts are required. This study shows that CdS/CdOx produces H2 from unprocessed lignocellulose suspensions at high rates under solar illumination.
Energy future scenarios are used in policy decision-making but little is known about how they influence public preferences. This study shows that engaging with an interactive scenario-building tool strengthens existing preferences, but exemplar scenarios provide reference points that anchor choices.
Solar water-splitting efficiency can be enhanced by careful bandgap selection in multi-junction semiconductor structures. Young et al. demonstrate a route that allows independent bandgap tuning of each junction in an immersed water-splitting device, enabling a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of over 16%.
Achieving the global goals of the Paris Agreement requires ambition beyond what is currently contemplated by most governments. This study, based on long-term analysis for the UK, illustrates the challenge of achieving net-zero emissions and the need for a radical re-framing of national climate targets.
Deployment of rechargeable Li metal batteries requires fast charging capability and long-term cycling stability. Here the authors demonstrate the battery application potential of using a small amount of LiPF6 in a dual-salt electrolyte.
All-perovskite tandem solar cells hold the promise of high efficiencies whilst safeguarding the ease of fabrication intrinsic to perovskites. Here, Zhao et al. present a certified 17% efficient tin and lead perovskite solar cell, which is integrated as the low-bandgap component of a tandem device with 21% efficiency.
The large amount of uranium in the oceans could be exploited for nuclear fuel, but existing physicochemical extraction methods are limited in terms of capacity and rates of removal. Here the authors use an electrochemical extraction technique, demonstrating improved uptake capacity and kinetics.
Perovskite solar cells can complement silicon photovoltaics in multijunction devices. Here, the authors optimize light harvesting in monolithic perovskite-on-silicon devices and fabricate a certified 23.6% efficient, 1 cm2 tandem solar cell with a perovskite device that withstands damp heat tests.
Hydrocarbon fuels contain organosulfur molecules that poison catalytic converters and release toxic sulfur oxides when the fuel is combusted. Here the authors demonstrate that the sulfur concentration in diesel fuel can be reduced to very low levels using a potassium tert-butoxide and silane system.
It is challenging to probe ion dynamics in supercapacitor electrodes, which has significant implications in optimizing their performance. Here, the authors develop in situ diffusion NMR spectroscopy to measure and illustrate the diffusion of the charge-storing ions in working supercapacitors.
Tariff structures and network constraints might incentivize storing solar energy in the home to reduce reliance on utilities. This study shows that storing solar energy rather than exporting it to the utility grid could increase electricity consumption as well as CO2, SO2 and NOx emissions.
The complexity of electrochemical storage systems makes it difficult to study ion dynamics between electrodes and electrolytes. Here the authors present an approach combining in situ X-ray scattering and Monte Carlo simulation for a comprehensive understanding of ion confinement and desolvation in nanoporous carbon supercapacitors.
Positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries feature lithium element and lithium-ion conduction paths. Here the authors report transition metal monoxides that contain neither the intrinsic lithium nor conduction channels for high-capacity positive electrode materials.
Electrodes of solid oxide fuel cells need to be stable during operation. Here, the authors use tungsten as a substituent to stabilize a perovskite oxide as a two-phase composite. The resulting material dynamically adjusts the phase compositions to keep a high catalytic activity at operation conditions.
Understanding surface carrier dynamics enables the design of optimal optoelectronic devices. Yang et al. find that surface recombination limits the total carrier lifetime in polycrystalline lead iodide perovskite films, meaning recombination at surfaces is more important than within and between grains.
Bioenergy may be used to replace fossil fuels, but the potential greenhouse gas benefits, and limits thereof, are rarely studied at a global scale. Staples et al. model land availability, areal yields and life-cycle emissions to study the link between bioenergy availability and emission reductions in 2050.
Solar water splitting is often performed in highly corrosive conditions, presenting materials stability challenges. Gu et al. show that an efficient and stable hydrogen-producing photocathode can be realized through the application of a graded catalytic–protective layer on top of the photoabsorber.