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More efficient, noble metal-free catalysts are sought to generate hydrogen from aqueous solutions using light. Liu et al. achieve high quantum efficiencies using a system where the co-catalyst is proposed to consist of small NiSx particles that are not anchored to the Cd0.5Zn0.5S photocatalyst.
Defects affect the performance of photovoltaic devices, but their exact role is still under scrutiny. Luria et al. use 3D imaging of current pathways in a working CdTe solar cell with nanoscale resolution and observe electrically active defects, which contribute to conduction.
Controlling the crystallization process of perovskite films is crucial to obtaining high efficiency in perovskite solar cells. Bi et al. propose the use of poly(methyl methacrylate) as a template for the controlled nucleation and growth of perovskite crystals achieving efficiency of 21.6%.
Solar thermoelectric generators are a promising technology for converting solar energy into electricity, however their efficiency has been limited to 5.2%. Kraemer et al. report a solar thermoelectric generator with an efficiency of 9.6%, resulting in 7.4% efficiency in a concentrating solar thermoelectric system.
Strategies to improve energy access in developing countries are urgently needed. Szabó et al. propose an approach to achieve wider access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa that depends on existing under-utilized energy infrastructure such as dams, non-hybridized gensets and biomass cofiring.
The performance of inverted perovskite solar cells has so far lagged behind that of their normal-structure counterparts. Wu et al. fabricate an inverted perovskite–fullerene solar cell with a graded heterojunction that achieves a certified efficiency of over 18% for a cell area of 1 cm2.
Further global deployment of wind energy, both onshore and offshore, will depend on its future costs. Wiser et al. report the results of a survey of 163 leading experts on the possibilities of cost reduction and technological advancements by 2050.
Metal-free doped-graphene materials are emerging as electrocatalysts for energy conversions, but their activity remains low. Here, Jiao et al. explore the origins of catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution, suggesting pathways to metal-free catalysts with activity to rival metal-containing benchmarks.
Energy harvesting from the environment by portable and flexible power sources can power a variety of devices sustainably. Chen et al. report a hybrid power textile with solar cells and triboelectric nanogenerators that can simultaneously harvest solar and mechanical energy.
Although heating and cooling consume a large fraction of global energy, current technologies are not energy efficient. Tušek et al. report an elastocaloric heat pump with active regeneration that can outperform other caloric-based cooling and heat-pumping devices.
Silicon has long been recognized as a high-energy battery electrode but its commercialization faces significant barriers. Here the authors report scalable synthesis of silicon-nanolayer-embedded graphite electrodes that display cycling stability at the industrial electrode density.
High-performing positive electrode materials are crucial for the development of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Here the authors report a battery based on reversible intercalation of Zn ions in a layered Zn0.25V2O5⋅nH2O-based positive electrode, which exhibits high-capacity and long-term cycling stability.
Aqueous Li-ion batteries have considerably lower energy density than their non-aqueous counterparts. Here the authors report a room-temperature hydrate metal salt electrolyte that, when coupled with a spinel Li4Ti5O12 electrode, displays an energy density of 130 Wh kg−1.
There is intensive research underway into the development of fuel cells. Here, the authors present a proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on quaternary ammonium-biphosphate ion pairs, offering promising performance under a wide range of conditions that are unattainable with conventional technologies.
Solar energy can be used to evaporate water and generate steam, however this usually requires expensive optical concentrators. Ni et al. demonstrate a low-cost solar receiver based on thermal concentration that generates steam at 100 ∘C without the need for optical concentration.
Carrier recombination in organic solar cells usually limits their optoelectronic performance, in particular their fill factor. Gasparini et al show that adding an ordered polymer to a ternary blend reduces carrier recombination, achieving a fill factor of 77%.
Large-scale adoption of electric vehicles will only occur if the needs of individual drivers are met. Here the authors present a model of the energy consumption of personal vehicles in the USA, allowing an evaluation of the adoption potential of electric vehicles.
Future regional electricity demand will be affected by climate change and population migration. Allen et al. combine predictions of temperature rise and population shift, including in response to extreme weather, to map electricity demand and substation capability in the southern US to 2050.
The significant phase change between gaseous and crystalline oxygen deteriorates the performance of lithium–air batteries. Here the authors report a battery with a cathode consisting of Li2O and Co3O4 nanocomposites, which displays stable cyclability and high energy density, without involving any gas evolution.
Redox-flow batteries with organic-based electrolytes hold many advantages over conventional-flow batteries. Here the authors report a high-performance flow battery based on alloxazine, an aqueous-stable and soluble redox-active organic molecule resembling the backbone structure of vitamin B2.