The net-zero transition cannot be coordinated entirely from the cloud. As energy systems become increasingly distributed, dynamic, electrified, and cyber-physical, the distance between data generation and decision-making is emerging as...
A unified perspective on interface passivation across photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical technologies, highlighting the common mechanisms that improve device performance.
Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies, achieving power conversion efficiencies exceeding 27% in single-junction devices and over 35% in perovskite–silicon tandem architectures.
Driven by the necessity to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on finite fossil fuels, the transition to clean, renewable, and sustainable energy is becoming a global priority. Hydrogen, owing...
This work delivers transparent, bottom-up U.S. battery pack and cell price projections through 2035, quantifying technology-specific uncertainty across vehicles.
Correction for ‘Hydrogen production via electrolysis and ultrasound-assisted sonoelectrolysis: evaluating NiO, CoO, and MnO 2 catalyst performance and process efficiency’ by Yew Heng Teoh et al. , Energy Adv. , 2026, 5 , 505–517, https://doi.org/10.1039/d5ya00325c.
sp 2 carbons show redox-couple-specific activity governed by defect-driven electronic structure. Doping and lattice distortion boost inner-sphere kinetics, while an outer-sphere mechanism needs an intact π-network for efficient electron transfer.
Here we present a scalable strategy for fabrication of nanostructured magnetite (Fe3O4) films directly on a copper (Cu) current collector as potential anodes for energy storage devices. Hydrothermal synthesis was employed in the first step to realize Fe3O4 films which were subsequently encapsulated in a carbon shell in a controlled way using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. Through systematic investigations, it was revealed that lower hydrothermal temperature (80 degrees C) results in rhombus-shaped nanoarchitectures which were primarily composed of alpha-FeOOH. At higher temperature (120 degrees C), three-dimensional (3D) superstructures comprising of Fe3O4/iron carbonate (FeCO3) composite nanolayers were found. Furthermore, it was revealed that, irrespective of the composition of the hydrothermally synthesized film, each one converted upon calcination to cubic Fe3O4 without any significant changes in the morphology. Conformal carbon encapsulation allowed the formation of Fe3O4@C core-shell structures having tunable shell thickness and strong interfacial bonding (Fe-O-C). Although structural investigations showed improvement in crystallinity with carbon encapsulation by both CVD techniques, it was more pronounced in the case of microwave plasma CVD (MP-CVD), which also induced partial reduction of Fe3O4 to metallic iron (Fe). The films showed pseudocapacitive behavior in 1 M Na2SO4 during electrochemical evaluation, and stored charge at lower scan rates predominantly by a diffusion-controlled process, which decreased with increasing scan rate, leading to a dominant capacitive process for charge storage. The developed binder-free films have great potential as highly robust anodes for lithium and post-lithium ion batteries (LIBs), supercapacitors, and battery-supercapacitor hybrid devices.
Lead-free Cs 2 CuLuY 6 (Y = Br, I) double halide perovskites exhibit strong optical absorption and promising thermoelectric performance, highlighting their potential for sustainable energy applications.
FeMn 2 O 4 @N–rGO heterostructures exhibit enhanced bifunctional alkaline water splitting due to the synergistic Fe–Mn redox coupling and conductive N-doped reduced graphene oxide.
Despite its presumed chemical stability, acetonitrile in Li–O 2 batteries may participate in parasitic pathways involving Li 2 O 2 and water-derived decomposition products. Glyme-, sulfoxide-, and amine-based solvents may show similar behaviour.
Modified MXenes with Fe and N, tested as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline fuel cells, showing good performance.
Kentaro Umeki and Sebastian Fendt introduce the Energy Advances themed collection on ‘Hydrogen systems for a circular and low-carbon economy’.
To advance metal halide perovskite (MHP) optoelectronics beyond efficiency, international collaboration is essential, with an emphasis on stability, cost, and scalability. MHPs demonstrate remarkable stability in extreme space-level radiation; nevertheless, their stability under everyday conditions, particularly when exposed to humidity and thermal cycling, remains a significant challenge. Strategies such as low-dimensional interface passivation, quantum-dot integration, and in situ synchrotron studies are among the methods emphasized in this perspective to mitigate these problems. We propose pathways of collaborative research aimed at accelerating the development of durable, high-performance perovskite devices by synthesizing insights from the broader literature in conjunction with findings from a BRICS joint initiative project.
Thermal runaway (TR) in modern lithium-ion battery packs is a critical safety concern due to its potential to cause fires or explosions. When a single cell experiences TR, the intense heat and exothermic reactions can rapidly propagate to neighboring cells, leading to thermal runaway propagation (TRP) at the module or pack level. This review provides a comprehensive examination of TR and TRP, spanning from fundamental mechanisms through advanced modeling techniques to practical mitigation measures and pack-level design optimization strategies. We first delineate the chemical and thermal mechanisms that initiate TR and govern cell-to-cell propagation. We then review state-of-the-art modeling methods, from reduced-order analytical models to detailed 3D multiphysics simulations, as well as emerging data-driven models that predict the onset and propagation of TR events. The strengths and limitations of these modeling approaches are compared in the context of safety prediction. Finally, we discuss current TRP mitigation strategies and emphasize safety-conscious design optimization for battery packs. By integrating improved thermal management, protective materials, and optimized pack architecture, the review highlights how design optimization can minimize propagation risks. Through this holistic approach, the article offers insights to guide researchers in developing next-generation battery packs with enhanced safety and resilience against TR.
Anion-exchange-membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their utilization of inexpensive metals. However, the conductivity of anion-exchange membranes in fuel cells still falls short when compared to the extensively researched proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Researchers at large are actively working towards the advancement of anion-exchange membranes that possess superior ionic conductivity, alkaline resistance, and mechanical stability. This work attempts to comprehensively review the recent transformative progress in attaining efficient anion-exchange membranes through both experimentation and computational approaches. The review delves into different aspects of anion-exchange-membrane performance, such as polymer structure, pendant group modifications, morphological traits, water management, etc., to ensure high ionic conductivity and alkaline stability. Additionally, the review explores diverse strategies to protect the cationic functional groups to address the concern of deterioration. To understand the role of pivotal factors, insights are provided into the design of anion-exchange membranes with emphasis on high conductivity, enriched by summarizing recent advancements, including molecular studies. The alkaline stability and hydration control of anion-exchange membranes are key parameters to focus on for exceptional performance potential in forthcoming applications.
MXene quantum dots (MQDs) are zero-dimensional derivatives of MXenes with unique physicochemical properties. Owing to their tunable surface chemistry, excellent conductivity, and abundant functional groups, MQDs have emerged as promising materials for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Their unique combination of tunable surface chemistry, high electrical conductivity, and quantum-confined electronic properties enables multifunctional roles at interfaces and within perovskite films. MQDs can simultaneously act as defect passivators, band-alignment modulators, crystallization directors, and localized charge transport facilitators, collectively improving power conversion efficiency, reducing hysteresis, and enhancing operational stability. Incorporation strategies include integration into electron transport layers (ETLs), hole transport layers (HTLs), and perovskite precursors, where MQDs regulate nucleation and growth, optimize energy-level offsets, and mitigate interfacial recombination. Mechanistic studies reveal that surface terminations such as –O, –OH, –F, and –Cl are critical for achieving these multifunctional effects. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in scalable synthesis, controlled functionalization, and large-area device integration, particularly for flexible and tandem PSC architectures. Future directions involve combinatorial approaches that couple precise MQD design, advanced characterization, and computational modeling to fully exploit their potential. This review consolidates the current understanding of MQDs and provides a comprehensive perspective on their mechanistic, structural, and device-level impacts in PSCs. To the best of our knowledge, it is among the few reviews specifically focused on the roles of MQDs in PSCs, with particular emphasis on their integration pathways, interfacial functions, and effects on photovoltaic performance and stability.
Flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PeSCs) are revolutionizing photovoltaic technology with their high efficiency, mechanical adaptability, and potential for cost-effective manufacturing, poised to transform both indoor and outdoor energy markets. This systematic review examines the scientific and technological advancements of f-PeSCs from 2012 to 2024, employing bibliometric analysis and science mapping to identify global trends, collaborative networks, and research gaps. Achieving power conversion efficiencies of 41% under indoor lighting, f-PeSCs are driving a burgeoning market, projected to grow from USD 0.35 billion in 2023 to USD 8.81 billion by 2034, complementing the broader solar cell market expansion from USD 149.45 billion to USD 730.74 billion over the same period. Key innovations include low-temperature deposition, flexible substrates (e.g., PET, PEN, PI), and advanced electrodes, such as carbon-based and metallic nanostructures. Despite progress, challenges persist in scalability, long-term stability, and sustainability of lead-based perovskite. Strategies such as roll-to-roll manufacturing, lead-free formulations, and AI-driven material optimization are crucial for commercialization. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as affordable clean energy (SDG 7), industrial innovation (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13), f-PeSCs provide a transformative platform for sustainable energy, supporting the global transition to a low-carbon future.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the dominant energy source for electric vehicles (EVs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) owing to their superior performance compared to other storage technologies. However, thermal management remains a critical challenge, as LIBs must operate within a tight temperature range (typically 25-40 degrees C) and maintain spatial temperature uniformity (ideally <5 degrees C). Emerging large-format (>50 Ah) LIB pouch cells are particularly susceptible to spatially non-uniform heat generation driven by higher current densities near their tabs, resulting in significant temperature gradients that compromise both performance and lifetime. This work presents a novel three-dimensional electrochemical-thermal (ECT) coupled model that addresses the limitations of existing ECT models in accurately predicting spatial temperature gradients across different C-rates, particularly in large-format pouch cells with counter-tab configurations that exhibit two hot spots near the cell opposite tabs. By incorporating a heat-generation distribution factor, this ECT model captures non-uniform Joule heating arising from distributed current density in the cell metal current collectors, in turn enabling accurate predictions of spatio-temporal temperatures in these large-format pouch cells. Experimental validation through voltage and temperature measurements confirms the accuracy and robustness of the proposed model, demonstrating its ability to predict the thermal characteristics of large-format pouch cells, which are increasingly adopted in EVs and BESS. The validated model is employed to conduct a comprehensive sensitivity analysis to examine how variations in electrode layer properties influence the magnitude of volumetric heat generation rate, and the role of tab geometry in controlling its spatial distribution.
