Carbon Energy最新文献

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaics, yet traditional bulk heterojunction (BHJ) devices face inherent limitations in morphology control and phase separation. Layer-by-layer (LbL) processing with a p–i–n configuration offers an innovative solution by enabling precise control over donor–acceptor distribution and interfacial characteristics. Here, we systematically investigate nine halogen-functionalized additives across three categories—methyl halides, thiophene halides, and benzene halides—for optimizing LbL device performance. These additives, distinguished by their diverse thermal properties and solid–liquid transformation capabilities below 100°C, are functionalized as both nucleation centers and morphology-modulating plasticizers during thermal treatment. Among them, 2-bromo-5-iodothiophene (BIT) demonstrates superior performance through synergistic effects of its bromine–iodine combination and thiophene core in mediating donor–acceptor interactions. LbL devices processed with BIT achieve exceptional metrics in the PM6/L8-BO system, including a open-circuit voltage of 0.916 V, a short-circuit current density of 27.12 mA cm⁻², and an fill factor of 80.97%, resulting in an impressive power conversion efficiency of 20.12%. This study establishes a molecular design strategy for halogen-functionalized additives that simultaneously optimizes both donor and acceptor layers while maintaining processing simplicity for potential industrial applications.

Copper–carbon (Cu–C) composites have achieved great success in various fields owing to the greatly improved electrical properties compared to pure Cu, for example, a two-order-of-magnitude increase in current-carrying capacity (ampacity). However, the frequent fuse failure caused by the poor thermal transport at the Cu–C heterointerface is still the main factor affecting the ampacity. In this study, we unconventionally leverage atomic distortion at Cu grain boundaries to alter the local atomic environments, thereby placing a premium on noticeable enhancement of phonon coupling at the Cu–C heterointerface. Without introducing any additional materials, interfacial thermal transport can be regulated solely through rational microstructural design. This new strategy effectively improves the interfacial thermal conductance by three-fold, reaching the state-of-the-art level in van der Waals (vdW) interface regulation. It can be an innovative strategy for interfacial thermal management by turning the detrimental grain boundaries into a beneficial thermal transport accelerator.

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) represents an advanced technology for converting CO₂ into highly valuable chemicals. Although significant progress has been achieved in producing multi-carbon chemicals such as ethylene (C₂H₄), addressing (bi)carbonate salt formation and precipitation in alkaline electrolytes remains a critical challenge for achieving long-term stability during industrialization. We developed a Cu₂(OH)₂CO₃/Mg²⁺/C pre-catalyst, which transforms into a catalytically active Cu⁰/Cu²⁺/Mg²⁺ composite by electroreduction. Crucially, the application of different ionomers (specifically Sustainion XA-9) on this composite catalyst effectively alleviates salt precipitation issues, thereby enabling high-selectivity, durable CO₂-to-C₂₊ conversion. In a membrane electrode assembly, the maximum Faradaic efficiency for C₂₊ products reaches 80%, with stable operation at 200 mA cm⁻² for 50 h. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that only top-type *CO intermediate exists on the Cu⁰/Cu²⁺/Nafion cathode, whereas both bridge-type and top-type of *CO sites coexist on the Cu⁰/Cu²⁺/Mg²⁺/Sustainion XA-9 cathode. This dual adsorption configuration facilitates the C─C coupling kinetics on the catalyst, inducing a favorable microenvironment for selective C₂₊ formation. Therefore, strategic optimization of catalyst architectures and ionomer engineering enables CO₂RR with improved efficiency and durability, advancing green chemistry and carbon-neutral technologies.

This study begins by exploring the typical practical applications of phase-change materials (PCMs) in various industries, highlighting their importance in energy storage, temperature regulation, and thermal management. It then emphasizes the necessity of flame-retardant functionalization tailored to the specific application scenarios of PCMs, especially considering their use in safety-critical environments such as electronics, automotive, and construction. The classic characterization methods for assessing the flame-retardant properties of PCM are introduced in detail, including the limiting oxygen index, the vertical burning test, and the cone calorimeter, which are widely recognized standards in material safety testing. Additionally, newly developed methods for evaluating combustion safety are discussed, such as direct combustion tests, candle combustion experiments, and back temperature response, which offer a more comprehensive understanding of the material's fire resistance. Following this, this study provides a thorough summary and categorization of the flame-retardant strategies used in PCMs, divided into four main approaches: (1) incorporation of external flame retardants, (2) use of flame-retardant microcapsules, (3) development of flame-retardant support materials, and (4) creation of intrinsic flame-retardant PCMs. Each strategy is critically analyzed in terms of effectiveness, applicability, and potential challenges. Lastly, the conclusion provides an overview of the current state of flame-retardant PCMs, offering insights into future development directions, including the pursuit of more sustainable and efficient flame-retardant solutions, as well as prospects for their broader adoption in various industries.

Owing to anionic redox, cathode materials containing layered Li-rich Mn-based oxides (LLOs) are promising for the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with a large energy density (~500–600 Wh·kg⁻¹). However, these LLOs are easily degraded during cycling, which limits their lifespan. So far, the degradation mechanism is still under debate. Herein, LLOs are post-treated through implantation with energetic Ti ion flux (Ti-LLO), which modifies the structure of LLOs both at the surface and within the bulk. Unlike the dominant R3̅m phase (73.24%) observed in LLOs, the phase structure of Ti-LLO is altered, with Li-rich C2/m accounting for 67.72% in the bulk, alongside the formation of a thin (approximately 2 nm), uniform, and continuous Li-Ti-O spinel layer at the surface. Apart from phase structure changes, chemical valence states of transition metals and O, as well as their evolution, are analyzed and compared to charge transport kinetics to elucidate their contributions to the enhanced discharge capacity in Ti-LLOs. Besides, the role of the Li-Ti-O spinel layer at the surface in providing anticorrosion protection at the interface of LLOs/electrolyte during cycling is evaluated. As a result, we demonstrate that a superhigh discharge capacity (335.3 mAh·g⁻¹) at 0.1 C can be achieved, along with prolonged cycling stability (showing capacity retention of approximately 80% after 500 cycles at 1 C) through these modifications. Moreover, we confirmed the universality of the strategy by implanting other ions, which offers practical strategies for achieving high performance in LLO cathode materials through thermodynamics and kinetics pathways.

Cement occupies a significant proportion in construction, serving as the primary material for components such as bricks and walls. However, its role is largely limited to load-bearing functions, with little exploration of additional applications. Simultaneously, buildings remain a major contributor to global energy consumption, accounting for 40% of total energy use. Here, we for the first time endow cement with energy storage functionality by developing cement-based solid-state energy storage wallboards (CSESWs), which can utilize the ample idle surface areas of building walls to seamlessly store renewable energy from distributed photovoltaics without compromising building safety or requiring additional space. Owing to unprecedented microstructures and composition interactions, these CSESWs not only achieve a superionic conductivity of 101.1 mS cm⁻¹ but also demonstrate multifunctionality, such as significant toughness, thermal insulation, lightweight, and adhesion. When integrated with asymmetrical electrodes, the CSESWs exhibit a remarkable capacitance (2778.9 mF cm⁻²) and high areal energy density (10.8 mWh cm⁻²). Moreover, existing residential buildings renovated with our CSESWs can supply 98% of daily electricity needs, demonstrating their outstanding potential for realizing zero-carbon buildings. This study pioneers the use of cement in energy storage, providing a scalable and cost-effective pathway for sustainable construction.

The global drive for sustainable energy solutions intensified interest in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE), as a promising hydrogen production pathway, leveraging renewable energy sources. However, widespread adoption is hindered by the high cost and non-optimised design of crucial components, such as porous transport layers (PTL) and flow fields. This study comprehensively investigates the interplay between structure, mechanics, and electrochemical performance of a low-cost knitted wire mesh PTL, focusing on its potential to enhance cell assembly and operation. Electrochemical characterisation was performed on a single 4 cm² cell, using 1 M KOH at 60°C. Knitted wire mesh PTL, characterised by approximately 70% porosity, 2 mm thickness, and 1.098 tortuosity, delivered a 33% improvement in current density compared to the standard cell configuration. Introducing a knitted PTL interlayer reduced cell voltage by 74 mV at 2 A cm⁻² by improving compression force distribution across the active area, enhancing gas transport and maintaining optimal electrical and thermal conductivity. These findings highlight the significant potential of innovative PTL designs in AEMWE to improve mechanical and operational efficiency without increasing the cost.

The development of formic acid dehydrogenation materials with high activity and low cost is key to realizing hydrogen energy utilization. Herein, we describe a specific low-loading strategy to construct a high-activity Co atom site catalyst for this reaction. Under optimal conditions, the formic acid dehydrogenation performance of Co─Fe dual-atom catalyst (turnover frequency of 2,446.8 h⁻¹, hydrogen production rate of 1,015,306.1 mL g_Co⁻¹ h⁻¹) was 300 times greater than that of commercial 5% Pd/C. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure spectra, combined with theoretical calculations, confirm that the presence of different active sites (Co single-atom, Co–Co dual-atom, Co─Fe dual-atom) in catalysts is the key factor affecting their catalytic activity. These findings provide a strong scientific basis for the development of single-atom and dual-atom catalysts.

Acidic environments enhance CO₂ utilization during CO₂ electrolysis via a buffering effect that converts carbonates formed at the electrode surface back into CO₂. Nevertheless, further investigation into acidic CO₂ electrolysis is required to improve its selectivity towards certain CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) products, such as multicarbon (C₂₊) species, while enhancing its overall stability. In this study, liquid product recirculation in the catholyte and local OH⁻ accumulation were identified as primary factors contributing to the degradation of gas diffusion electrodes mounted in closed-loop catholyte configurations. We demonstrate that a single-pass catholyte configuration prevents liquid product recirculation and maintains a continuous flow of acidic-pH catholyte throughout the reaction while using the same volume as a closed-loop setup. This approach improves electrode durability and maintains a Faradaic efficiency of 67% for multicarbon products over 4 h of CO₂ electrolysis at −600 mA cm⁻².

Back cover image: The exsolution method offers a powerful route for developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts. In article number e70013, Sun et al. present a pnictogenation-assisted exsolution approach to fabricate size-tunable Ru nanocatalysts embedded in a conductive metal pnictogenide matrix. By tuning the pnictogenation conditions, they achieve controlled formation of Ru nanoclusters and single atoms, enabling tailored catalytic performance. The resulting materials exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction, with improved stability and activity attributed to strong interfacial electronic interactions.