Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100463
Mohammad Istiaque Hossain , Puvaneswaran Chelvanathan , Amith Khandakar , Kevin Thomas , Brahim Aissa
We have developed crystalline thin metal oxide films (MoOx, NiOx) as hole transport layers with varying stoichiometries for perovskite solar cells applications. Reactive e-beam evaporation was employed to grow the oxides by vaporizing pure metals at different oxygen pressures, followed by thermal annealing at 200 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry were used to analyze the grown films. The XRD findings confirm the presence of crystalline phases in the NiOx thin films when processed at 200 °C, particularly in the most oxygen-rich films (deposited at 2e-4 Torr). In contrast, the MoOx layers exhibit an amorphous phase. Field emission SEM results confirm the production of dense and homogeneous films across the substrate's surface, free from cracks and pinholes. A numerical model utilizing the measured refractive indices suggests that optimizing the device design with these thin films can achieve power conversion efficiencies of over 25%.
{"title":"Advancing MoOx and NiOx as hole transport layers for perovskite solar cells: Experimental and theoretical insights","authors":"Mohammad Istiaque Hossain , Puvaneswaran Chelvanathan , Amith Khandakar , Kevin Thomas , Brahim Aissa","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We have developed crystalline thin metal oxide films (MoOx, NiOx) as hole transport layers with varying stoichiometries for perovskite solar cells applications. Reactive e-beam evaporation was employed to grow the oxides by vaporizing pure metals at different oxygen pressures, followed by thermal annealing at 200 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry were used to analyze the grown films. The XRD findings confirm the presence of crystalline phases in the NiO<sub>x</sub> thin films when processed at 200 °C, particularly in the most oxygen-rich films (deposited at 2e-4 Torr). In contrast, the MoOx layers exhibit an amorphous phase. Field emission SEM results confirm the production of dense and homogeneous films across the substrate's surface, free from cracks and pinholes. A numerical model utilizing the measured refractive indices suggests that optimizing the device design with these thin films can achieve power conversion efficiencies of over 25%.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100463"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145332203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100417
Abu Summama Sadavi Bilal , Uzma Bilal , Taimoor Abbas , R. Roopashree , Egambergan Khudoynazarov , Murodjon Yaxshimuratov , Krishan Kumar Sah , Qaiser Abbas , Rida Fatima , Hafiz Muhammad Noman
The development of efficient photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production remains a critical challenge in renewable energy research. This study presents a novel C3N4/NiO/ZnO (CNZO) ternary nanocomposite synthesized via a facile co-precipitation method for enhanced photocatalytic (PC) hydrogen (H2) evolution under visible light irradiation. The structural and morphological properties of the nanocomposite were systematically characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), confirming the successful integration of C3N4 with NiO and ZnO. Optical studies, including UV–vis absorbance and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, revealed improved visible-light absorption and reduced charge recombination in the ternary system compared to its individual components. The optimized photocatalyst demonstrated exceptional hydrogen production performance, achieving a rate of 2.87 mmolg−1h−1, which was significantly higher than that of binary composites (C3N4/NiO, C3N4/ZnO, and NiO/ZnO) and pristine semiconductors. The improved activity was related to the synergistic effects of efficient charge separation at the heterojunction interfaces and extended light absorption. Furthermore, the photocatalyst exhibited excellent stability over multiple cycles, as confirmed by life cycle assessment. These findings highlight the potential of the CNZO ternary nanocomposite as a sustainable and high-performance photocatalyst for solar hydrogen generation, providing valuable insights for the design of advanced photocatalytic systems.
{"title":"Enhanced solar-driven hydrogen evolution via C3N4/NiO/ZnO ternary heterojunction nanocomposite with efficient charge separation","authors":"Abu Summama Sadavi Bilal , Uzma Bilal , Taimoor Abbas , R. Roopashree , Egambergan Khudoynazarov , Murodjon Yaxshimuratov , Krishan Kumar Sah , Qaiser Abbas , Rida Fatima , Hafiz Muhammad Noman","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100417","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100417","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of efficient photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production remains a critical challenge in renewable energy research. This study presents a novel C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/NiO/ZnO (CNZO) ternary nanocomposite synthesized via a facile co-precipitation method for enhanced photocatalytic (PC) hydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>) evolution under visible light irradiation. The structural and morphological properties of the nanocomposite were systematically characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), confirming the successful integration of C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> with NiO and ZnO. Optical studies, including UV–vis absorbance and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, revealed improved visible-light absorption and reduced charge recombination in the ternary system compared to its individual components. The optimized photocatalyst demonstrated exceptional hydrogen production performance, achieving a rate of 2.87 mmolg<sup>−1</sup>h<sup>−1</sup>, which was significantly higher than that of binary composites (C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/NiO, C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/ZnO, and NiO/ZnO) and pristine semiconductors. The improved activity was related to the synergistic effects of efficient charge separation at the heterojunction interfaces and extended light absorption. Furthermore, the photocatalyst exhibited excellent stability over multiple cycles, as confirmed by life cycle assessment. These findings highlight the potential of the CNZO ternary nanocomposite as a sustainable and high-performance photocatalyst for solar hydrogen generation, providing valuable insights for the design of advanced photocatalytic systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100417"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145019111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100440
S. Kalaiselvam , A. Lakshmi Kanthan Bharathi , A. Ameelia Roseline
This study investigates the efficiency of a multi-walled carbon nanotube-infused lauric acid (MWCNT-LA) heatsink with U-tube heat pipes filled with n-pentane for electronic processor cooling. Experimental evaluations were conducted under varying heat loads and filling ratios to assess processor stability and energy efficiency. The investigation focused on energy savings, the thermal resistance of different heat pipe-assisted heatsink modules with multi-walled carbon nanotube-infused lauric acid phase change material, with its regeneration time, and optimal heat pipe filling ratio. Results showed that the MWCNT-LA heat sink module with 50% n-pentane filling performed best under higher heat loads, achieving the lowest thermal resistance of 0.63 °C/W at 50% filling ratio and 75% heat load. This design was 3.58 times more effective than the unfilled heat pipe version and achieved 78% energy savings with minimal cooling fan energy consumption. The developed heat sink design improves thermal management by utilizing latent heat storage and enhancing heat transport efficiency through the heat pipe, thus optimizing thermal performance, heat dissipation, and temperature regulation. These improvements increased the operational reliability and energy efficiency of processors in data center cooling applications.
{"title":"Enhanced thermal management and energy efficiency in electronic processor cooling using MWCNT-LA NEPCM heat sink with U-tube heat pipes","authors":"S. Kalaiselvam , A. Lakshmi Kanthan Bharathi , A. Ameelia Roseline","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the efficiency of a multi-walled carbon nanotube-infused lauric acid (MWCNT-LA) heatsink with U-tube heat pipes filled with n-pentane for electronic processor cooling. Experimental evaluations were conducted under varying heat loads and filling ratios to assess processor stability and energy efficiency. The investigation focused on energy savings, the thermal resistance of different heat pipe-assisted heatsink modules with multi-walled carbon nanotube-infused lauric acid phase change material, with its regeneration time, and optimal heat pipe filling ratio. Results showed that the MWCNT-LA heat sink module with 50% n-pentane filling performed best under higher heat loads, achieving the lowest thermal resistance of 0.63<!--> <!-->°C/W at 50% filling ratio and 75% heat load. This design was 3.58 times more effective than the unfilled heat pipe version and achieved 78% energy savings with minimal cooling fan energy consumption. The developed heat sink design improves thermal management by utilizing latent heat storage and enhancing heat transport efficiency through the heat pipe, thus optimizing thermal performance, heat dissipation, and temperature regulation. These improvements increased the operational reliability and energy efficiency of processors in data center cooling applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100440"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100438
Madavena Kumaraswamy, Kanasottu Anil Naik
Partial shading and environmental variations significantly reduce the power output and efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems, posing challenges for conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods that suffer from slow convergence, local maxima trapping, and high computational cost. To address these limitations, this paper proposes an image encryption-inspired PV array static reconfiguration technique based on the Kolakoski sequence transform (KST), combined with data-driven regression-based MPPT controllers. The proposed KST method minimizes current mismatches by intelligently redistributing shaded modules, while decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), and machine learning (ML) regression methods are employed to determine the optimal duty cycle for a SEPIC converter under varying irradiance conditions. The system is evaluated on both symmetrical 5 × 5 arrays and unsymmetrical 4 × 6 arrays, including experimental validation using a 250 Wp standalone PV setup. In MPPT performance, the regression-based controllers attain GMP enhancements of 47.09%, 45.14%, 27.27%, 13.62%, and 10.73% for 5 × 5 arrays and 74.96%, 44.11%, 40.14%, 18.29%, and 7.15% for 4 × 6 arrays under diverse environmental conditions. The reconfiguration technique achieves global maximum power (GMP) improvements of 32.79%, 14.98%, and 10.15% across various shading scenarios using 9 × 9 arrays. Notably, the proposed KST integrated with SVM regression-based MPPT delivers up to 68% GMPP enhancement, with >98.5% efficiency, convergence <0.35 s, and ripple ≤1.5%, validated across dynamic shading, temperature variation, rapid irradiance changes, and hotspot conditions. These results confirm the robustness, adaptability, and real-time suitability of the proposed KST integrated with ML-based Regression MPPT approach for practical PV optimization.
{"title":"Data-driven regression controller-based MPPT with image encryption inspired solar PV array reconfiguration under partial shading conditions","authors":"Madavena Kumaraswamy, Kanasottu Anil Naik","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Partial shading and environmental variations significantly reduce the power output and efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems, posing challenges for conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods that suffer from slow convergence, local maxima trapping, and high computational cost. To address these limitations, this paper proposes an image encryption-inspired PV array static reconfiguration technique based on the Kolakoski sequence transform (KST), combined with data-driven regression-based MPPT controllers. The proposed KST method minimizes current mismatches by intelligently redistributing shaded modules, while decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), and machine learning (ML) regression methods are employed to determine the optimal duty cycle for a SEPIC converter under varying irradiance conditions. The system is evaluated on both symmetrical 5 × 5 arrays and unsymmetrical 4 × 6 arrays, including experimental validation using a 250 Wp standalone PV setup. In MPPT performance, the regression-based controllers attain GMP enhancements of 47.09%, 45.14%, 27.27%, 13.62%, and 10.73% for 5 × 5 arrays and 74.96%, 44.11%, 40.14%, 18.29%, and 7.15% for 4 × 6 arrays under diverse environmental conditions. The reconfiguration technique achieves global maximum power (GMP) improvements of 32.79%, 14.98%, and 10.15% across various shading scenarios using 9 × 9 arrays. Notably, the proposed KST integrated with SVM regression-based MPPT delivers up to 68% GMPP enhancement, with >98.5% efficiency, convergence <0.35 s, and ripple ≤1.5%, validated across dynamic shading, temperature variation, rapid irradiance changes, and hotspot conditions. These results confirm the robustness, adaptability, and real-time suitability of the proposed KST integrated with ML-based Regression MPPT approach for practical PV optimization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100438"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-29DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100403
Dongan Liu , Tianfu Gong , Chen Zhang, Nanping Hu, Ke Su
In this study, a new modeling method is developed for analyzing the obstructive effects against the reactant gas because of the deformation of the gas diffusion layer (GDL), which is the interaction between the serpent flow field of the anode side and the straight channels with tapered structures of the cathode side due to the compression after the assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack. This method is based on the stochastic reconstruction technology to obtain the GDL porous material, and then the permeabilities of the reconstructed material through-plane can be predicted by normal computational fluid dynamics method. Coupling with the 3-dimensional GDL mechanical deformation model based on finite-element analysis, the profile for describing the distribution of the nonuniform permeabilities in GDL is produced, which particularly focuses on the regions under the ridges between anode and cathode bipolar plates. This distributed resistance map can be used as valuable inputs of physical properties to the electrochemical simulation. Hence, the details of the mass transportation between the gas flow channels and catalyst layer can be captured and analyzed. The simulation results show the deformation of the GDL has significant effects on the gas flow mass transportation and thereby the electrochemical performance. Meanwhile, with the new modeling method, the simulation results are getting more closer to the measurements in all operating current densities. Compared with the conventional method, the accuracy of the simulation is increased. Additionally, it can be observed that the generated water is taking main effect as obstacles to the reactant gas in the higher operating current density, which is playing a more leading role than the resistance of the porous media itself.
{"title":"Three-dimensional electrochemical simulation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell with distributed resistance modeling method","authors":"Dongan Liu , Tianfu Gong , Chen Zhang, Nanping Hu, Ke Su","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, a new modeling method is developed for analyzing the obstructive effects against the reactant gas because of the deformation of the gas diffusion layer (GDL), which is the interaction between the serpent flow field of the anode side and the straight channels with tapered structures of the cathode side due to the compression after the assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack. This method is based on the stochastic reconstruction technology to obtain the GDL porous material, and then the permeabilities of the reconstructed material through-plane can be predicted by normal computational fluid dynamics method. Coupling with the 3-dimensional GDL mechanical deformation model based on finite-element analysis, the profile for describing the distribution of the nonuniform permeabilities in GDL is produced, which particularly focuses on the regions under the ridges between anode and cathode bipolar plates. This distributed resistance map can be used as valuable inputs of physical properties to the electrochemical simulation. Hence, the details of the mass transportation between the gas flow channels and catalyst layer can be captured and analyzed. The simulation results show the deformation of the GDL has significant effects on the gas flow mass transportation and thereby the electrochemical performance. Meanwhile, with the new modeling method, the simulation results are getting more closer to the measurements in all operating current densities. Compared with the conventional method, the accuracy of the simulation is increased. Additionally, it can be observed that the generated water is taking main effect as obstacles to the reactant gas in the higher operating current density, which is playing a more leading role than the resistance of the porous media itself.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100403"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100429
Mehmet Melikoglu
This review highlights upcycling, a promising strategy transforming diverse plastic streams into high-value carbon-based materials. The escalating global accumulation of plastic waste, currently at over 400 million tonnes annually, demands a fundamental shift from a linear take-make-dispose model to a circular economy. The manuscript synthesizes advancements (2020–2025) in converting major plastic types: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polystyrene (PS), and Polyethylene (PE) into functional carbons like Graphene (GNs), Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Activated Carbons (ACs), Carbon Nanosheets (CNS), and Disordered Hard Carbon (HC). These materials show remarkable potential. In energy storage, they enhance supercapacitors and batteries. For catalysis, they serve as efficient electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER), Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), and Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), and aid in photocatalytic and Fenton-like degradation. They are also effective in environmental remediation via adsorption and electrochemical treatment and contribute to advanced material synthesis. Their integration into emerging technologies, including Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) and Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), expands their utility. Initial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies confirm their environmental benefits, demonstrating reductions in climate change potential and human toxicity. Future research should prioritize precision material design, multi-functional hybrids (e.g., carbon integrated with metal oxides), and advanced in-situ characterization to understand structure-property relationships. Developing scalable, energy-efficient processes through techno-economic analysis and modeling is crucial. Diversifying applications and ensuring holistic sustainability via Social LCA (S-LCA) and policy frameworks will accelerate the transition to a sustainable-circular economy.
{"title":"Upcycling plastic waste into advanced carbon materials: A comprehensive review of applications in energy and environment","authors":"Mehmet Melikoglu","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review highlights upcycling, a promising strategy transforming diverse plastic streams into high-value carbon-based materials. The escalating global accumulation of plastic waste, currently at over 400 million tonnes annually, demands a fundamental shift from a linear take-make-dispose model to a circular economy. The manuscript synthesizes advancements (2020–2025) in converting major plastic types: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polystyrene (PS), and Polyethylene (PE) into functional carbons like Graphene (GNs), Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Activated Carbons (ACs), Carbon Nanosheets (CNS), and Disordered Hard Carbon (HC). These materials show remarkable potential. In energy storage, they enhance supercapacitors and batteries. For catalysis, they serve as efficient electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER), Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), and Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), and aid in photocatalytic and Fenton-like degradation. They are also effective in environmental remediation via adsorption and electrochemical treatment and contribute to advanced material synthesis. Their integration into emerging technologies, including Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) and Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), expands their utility. Initial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies confirm their environmental benefits, demonstrating reductions in climate change potential and human toxicity. Future research should prioritize precision material design, multi-functional hybrids (e.g., carbon integrated with metal oxides), and advanced in-situ characterization to understand structure-property relationships. Developing scalable, energy-efficient processes through techno-economic analysis and modeling is crucial. Diversifying applications and ensuring holistic sustainability via Social LCA (S-LCA) and policy frameworks will accelerate the transition to a sustainable-circular economy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100429"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100427
Mandar S. Bhagat , Chirag Mevada
Over the past 14 years, osmotic microbial fuel cell (OMFC) technology has been applied in the purification of drinking water, bioenergy production, environmental monitoring and resource recovery at the bench scale. However, it still faces significant challenges in industrial implementation and scaling towards commercialization. These challenges include complex reactor design for handling high reaction volume, long start-up time, costly and laborious fabrication processes for large-scale systems. Interestingly, to overcome these challenges, incorporating 3-dimensional printing (3DP) technology with OMFC seems a viable and promising approach. Furthermore, 3D-printed bio-anodes could offer quick start-up in the current generation using OMFC without any time lags. Also, a stacked OMFC-coupled supercapacitor (SC) system can be easily designed using 3DP technology to generate and store a significant amount of bioelectricity and produce pure water from wastewater. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first review paper that specifically highlights the application of 3DP in developing a stacked OMFC system coupled with SC to harvest and store a significant amount of bioenergy in the form of electricity. Similarly, one noteworthy aspect of 3DP technology is its consistent production capabilities, that allow OMFC systems to be scaled up by building multiple stacks of OMFC units without wasting materials and completely free from human error. This review further aims to present the current state and status of the 3DP application to advance OMFC-SC and explore potential future applications of it along with global energy demand.
{"title":"3D-Printed OMFC-supercapacitor hybrids for sustainable energy recovery","authors":"Mandar S. Bhagat , Chirag Mevada","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the past 14 years, osmotic microbial fuel cell (OMFC) technology has been applied in the purification of drinking water, bioenergy production, environmental monitoring and resource recovery at the bench scale. However, it still faces significant challenges in industrial implementation and scaling towards commercialization. These challenges include complex reactor design for handling high reaction volume, long start-up time, costly and laborious fabrication processes for large-scale systems. Interestingly, to overcome these challenges, incorporating 3-dimensional printing (3DP) technology with OMFC seems a viable and promising approach. Furthermore, 3D-printed bio-anodes could offer quick start-up in the current generation using OMFC without any time lags. Also, a stacked OMFC-coupled supercapacitor (SC) system can be easily designed using 3DP technology to generate and store a significant amount of bioelectricity and produce pure water from wastewater. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first review paper that specifically highlights the application of 3DP in developing a stacked OMFC system coupled with SC to harvest and store a significant amount of bioenergy in the form of electricity. Similarly, one noteworthy aspect of 3DP technology is its consistent production capabilities, that allow OMFC systems to be scaled up by building multiple stacks of OMFC units without wasting materials and completely free from human error. This review further aims to present the current state and status of the 3DP application to advance OMFC-SC and explore potential future applications of it along with global energy demand.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100427"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100379
Priyanka P. Bavdane , Vidhiben Dave , Sooraj Sreenath , Pooja Madiyan , Rajaram K. Nagarale
Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries show great promise for sustainable energy storage applications. Halogen cathodes are conventionally deployed for zinc-based flow batteries. However, poor solubility of polyhalide complexes during battery operation results in poor Coulombic efficiency and short cycle life. Recent research has focused on discovering new cathode materials. In this study, we explore the use of redox-active organic molecules (ROM), 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), hydroquinone (HQ), and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (TEMPO) thermally encapsulated within multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as effective cathode materials for zinc flow battery. The encapsulation of redox-active molecules into MWCNT, that is, TCNQ@MWCNT, HQ@MWCNT, and TEMPO@MWCNT was confirmed through detailed spectroscopic and microscopic characterization. The electrochemical activity of materials was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry experiments. Three batteries were assembled; the anolyte solution contained aqueous zinc salt, while 5.0% dispersion of TCNQ@MWCNT/HQ@MWCNT/TEMPO@MWCNT in aqueous supporting electrolyte served as catholyte. Remarkably, all the assembled batteries demonstrated exceptional cycling stability and high Coulombic efficiencies at an applied current density of 1 mA cm⁻². The assembled batteries also achieved ∼90.0% capacity utilization of the theoretical capacity, which was 233.0, 225.2, and 129.4 mAh g−1 for Zn/TCNQ@MWCNT, Zn/HQ@MWCNT, and Zn/TEMPO@MWCNT batteries, respectively. The availability of the materials used, along with the absence of hazardous, flammable, or volatile organic electrolytes, positions this approach as a superior choice for catholyte applications in zinc flow batteries (ZFBs).
可充电锌离子电池在可持续能源存储应用中显示出巨大的前景。卤素阴极通常用于锌基液流电池。然而，由于多卤化物配合物在电池运行过程中的溶解度较差，导致电池的库仑效率较低，循环寿命较短。最近的研究集中在发现新的阴极材料上。在本研究中，我们探索了将氧化还原活性有机分子（ROM）、7,7,8,8-四氰喹诺二甲烷（TCNQ）、对苯二酚（HQ）和2,2,6,6-四甲基辣椒酰氧基（TEMPO）热封装在多壁碳纳米管（MWCNT）内作为锌液流电池的有效正极材料。氧化还原活性分子包封在MWCNT中，即TCNQ@MWCNT， HQ@MWCNT和TEMPO@MWCNT，通过详细的光谱和微观表征得到了证实。通过循环伏安法实验分析了材料的电化学活性。组装了三个炮台；阳极液中含有锌盐水溶液，而在支撑电解质中分散度为5.0%的TCNQ@MWCNT/HQ@MWCNT/TEMPO@MWCNT为阴极液。值得注意的是，在1 mA cm⁻²的电流密度下，所有组装的电池都表现出了卓越的循环稳定性和高库仑效率。组装电池的容量利用率也达到了理论容量的90.0%，Zn/TCNQ@MWCNT、Zn/HQ@MWCNT和Zn/TEMPO@MWCNT电池的容量利用率分别为233.0、225.2和129.4 mAh g−1。所使用材料的可用性，以及不含危险、易燃或挥发性有机电解质，使这种方法成为锌液流电池（zfb）阴极电解质应用的首选。
{"title":"Redox-active organic molecule encapsulated MWCNT catholyte for aqueous zinc flow battery","authors":"Priyanka P. Bavdane , Vidhiben Dave , Sooraj Sreenath , Pooja Madiyan , Rajaram K. Nagarale","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100379","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries show great promise for sustainable energy storage applications. Halogen cathodes are conventionally deployed for zinc-based flow batteries. However, poor solubility of polyhalide complexes during battery operation results in poor Coulombic efficiency and short cycle life. Recent research has focused on discovering new cathode materials. In this study, we explore the use of redox-active organic molecules (ROM), 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), hydroquinone (HQ), and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (TEMPO) thermally encapsulated within multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as effective cathode materials for zinc flow battery. The encapsulation of redox-active molecules into MWCNT, that is, TCNQ@MWCNT, HQ@MWCNT, and TEMPO@MWCNT was confirmed through detailed spectroscopic and microscopic characterization. The electrochemical activity of materials was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry experiments. Three batteries were assembled; the anolyte solution contained aqueous zinc salt, while 5.0% dispersion of TCNQ@MWCNT/HQ@MWCNT/TEMPO@MWCNT in aqueous supporting electrolyte served as catholyte. Remarkably, all the assembled batteries demonstrated exceptional cycling stability and high Coulombic efficiencies at an applied current density of 1 mA cm⁻². The assembled batteries also achieved ∼90.0% capacity utilization of the theoretical capacity, which was 233.0, 225.2, and 129.4 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> for Zn/TCNQ@MWCNT, Zn/HQ@MWCNT, and Zn/TEMPO@MWCNT batteries, respectively. The availability of the materials used, along with the absence of hazardous, flammable, or volatile organic electrolytes, positions this approach as a superior choice for catholyte applications in zinc flow batteries (ZFBs).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144749172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-07-31DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100381
Yinfeng Zhang , Xinyi Wu , Wenjing Peng , Mei Lyu , Jun Zhu
Amphiphilic self-assembled molecules (SAMs) that incorporate carbazole core and phosphonic acid have demonstrated significant potential for enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, SAMs can easily form micelles in alcohol solvents, leading to deposition on rough substrates as clusters. This clustering results in voids within the SAM layer, enabling direct contact between the perovskite active layer and the electrode, which severely undermines the efficiency and stability of the PSCs. Thus, creating a dense and uniform monolayer plays a key role in improving the performance of inverted PSCs. Here, a co-assembled monolayer (Co-SAM) was fabricated using a one-step deposition process, wherein β-guanidinopropionic acid (β-GUA) was incorporated into [2-(3,6-dimethoxy-9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (MeO-2PACz). On the one hand, the co-assembly strategy facilitated the formation of high-quality, uniformly distributed Co-SAM. On the other hand, the guanidine group, serving as a functional head group, provides multiple passivation effects at the buried interface of the perovskite and improves the surface morphology of the perovskite films. Consequently, the Co-SAM-treated PSC achieved a champion PCE of 23.20%, with a satisfactory filling factor (FF) of 86.27%. This work offers an insight into the design of small molecule structures for the secondary SAM components in the Co-SAM strategy.
{"title":"β-Guanidinopropionic acid as the secondary components in the co-assembly strategy for inverted perovskite solar cells","authors":"Yinfeng Zhang , Xinyi Wu , Wenjing Peng , Mei Lyu , Jun Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100381","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100381","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amphiphilic self-assembled molecules (SAMs) that incorporate carbazole core and phosphonic acid have demonstrated significant potential for enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, SAMs can easily form micelles in alcohol solvents, leading to deposition on rough substrates as clusters. This clustering results in voids within the SAM layer, enabling direct contact between the perovskite active layer and the electrode, which severely undermines the efficiency and stability of the PSCs. Thus, creating a dense and uniform monolayer plays a key role in improving the performance of inverted PSCs. Here, a co-assembled monolayer (Co-SAM) was fabricated using a one-step deposition process, wherein β-guanidinopropionic acid (β-GUA) was incorporated into [2-(3,6-dimethoxy-9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (MeO-2PACz). On the one hand, the co-assembly strategy facilitated the formation of high-quality, uniformly distributed Co-SAM. On the other hand, the guanidine group, serving as a functional head group, provides multiple passivation effects at the buried interface of the perovskite and improves the surface morphology of the perovskite films. Consequently, the Co-SAM-treated PSC achieved a champion PCE of 23.20%, with a satisfactory filling factor (FF) of 86.27%. This work offers an insight into the design of small molecule structures for the secondary SAM components in the Co-SAM strategy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100381"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144749171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The gradual electrification of the road transport sector has raised a lot of concerns about the reliability of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Many potential customers not only lack awareness about the benefits of electrification, total costs and charging infrastructure, but are especially worried about battery lifetime and vehicle performance, information which manufacturers often struggle to provide accurately. This work proposes a methodology to predict BEV lifetime based on complete vehicle simulation employing a physics-based, electrochemical-thermal-aging battery model. In addition, the model calculates the performance degradation over time in terms of energy consumption, range, battery charging efficiency and vehicle acceleration. Physics-based models are harder to develop and computationally costlier than data-driven models. However, once developed, they can be used in a much broader range of conditions and, more importantly, be applied also when no adequate on-road data are yet available. The proposed methodology is applied in a case study of BEV taxis in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. In particular, the impact of battery preheating prior to charging is evaluated by simulation, showing that preheating could increase lifetime and mileage of BEV taxis by 14% in South European climates. In another application, it is calculated that mid-shift fast-charging could even double the life of the battery compared to fast-charging only before shift change, leading simultaneously to improved performance when compared within the same operational period. Such results could support battery and vehicle manufacturers as well as fleet managers to guide BEV taxi owners towards optimal charging behavior. The modeling approach presented in this paper can be further extended to other vehicle groups, environmental, driving and charging conditions, making it a powerful tool not only for manufacturers, but also for policymakers and charging infrastructure companies.
{"title":"Operational and environmental impacts on battery lifetime and vehicle performance: A case study for electric taxis","authors":"Zisis Lampropoulos , Spyridon Spyridopoulos , Traianos Karageorgiou , Grigorios Koltsakis","doi":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxener.2025.100441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gradual electrification of the road transport sector has raised a lot of concerns about the reliability of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Many potential customers not only lack awareness about the benefits of electrification, total costs and charging infrastructure, but are especially worried about battery lifetime and vehicle performance, information which manufacturers often struggle to provide accurately. This work proposes a methodology to predict BEV lifetime based on complete vehicle simulation employing a physics-based, electrochemical-thermal-aging battery model. In addition, the model calculates the performance degradation over time in terms of energy consumption, range, battery charging efficiency and vehicle acceleration. Physics-based models are harder to develop and computationally costlier than data-driven models. However, once developed, they can be used in a much broader range of conditions and, more importantly, be applied also when no adequate on-road data are yet available. The proposed methodology is applied in a case study of BEV taxis in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. In particular, the impact of battery preheating prior to charging is evaluated by simulation, showing that preheating could increase lifetime and mileage of BEV taxis by 14% in South European climates. In another application, it is calculated that mid-shift fast-charging could even double the life of the battery compared to fast-charging only before shift change, leading simultaneously to improved performance when compared within the same operational period. Such results could support battery and vehicle manufacturers as well as fleet managers to guide BEV taxi owners towards optimal charging behavior. The modeling approach presented in this paper can be further extended to other vehicle groups, environmental, driving and charging conditions, making it a powerful tool not only for manufacturers, but also for policymakers and charging infrastructure companies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100957,"journal":{"name":"Next Energy","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100441"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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