An electrochemical–mechanical representative volume element model is developed to study the contact behavior of porous electrodes. Stronger constraints and larger size differences enhance the reduction in the Li-ion concentration and contact stress. Decreasing elastic modulus of the current collector significantly reduces the contact stress of particles. Results provide insights into designing Li-ion batteries from the perspective of contact stress. More details can be found in article number 2200786, Zhan-Sheng Guo and co-workers.

A family of crystalline mesoporous metal oxides was synthesized via a soft-templated hydrothermal synthesis route and evaluated as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution and reduction reactions. The mesoporous NiO was used to elaborate, for the first time, a symmetrical platinum group metal-free oxygen pump. More details can be found in article number 2200927, Zhixing Wu and co-workers.

The cover image shows an in-situ photography of a nanosilver FlexTrail printing process being applied to high efficiency silicon heterojunction solar cells. Moreover, a scanning electron micrograph of a FlexTrail nanosilver electrode on an alkaline textured silicon heterojunction substrate is presented. Such electrodes exhibit a mean shading finger width of (12.7 ± 0.4) μm and allow for great silver saving. More details can be found in article number 2200702, Jörg Schube and co-workers.

To lower the CO₂ footprint of lithium-ion battery production, the authors suggest more efficient innovative electrode drying technologies. The presented technologies—a) conventional convective, b) contact heating via induction, c) infrared drying, d) VCSE-Laser drying, and e) microwave drying—are evaluated and a combination of convective and inductive drying for simultaneous double-sided coating is proposed.

Based on the introduction of traditional anode materials, this review summarizes novel anode modification strategies including surface coating and surface modification. Among them, the modification strategy based on high-performance materials is emphatically introduced. Finally, in order to realize the improvement and commercial application of microbial fuel cells, the challenges and prospects of anode development in the future are discussed.

Nitrogen-doped carbon materials have emerged in various fields due to synergistic effects gained from doping. Among other factors, level of doping and porosity have the most effect in the performance of these materials. This review discusses the recent progress of N-doped carbon materials in CO₂ capture, energy conversion, and energy storage and highlights feasible strategies for improvements.

An electrochemical–mechanical representative volume element model is developed to study the contact behavior of porous electrodes. Stronger constraints and larger size differences enhance the reduction in the Li-ion concentration and contact stress. Decreasing elastic modulus of the current collector significantly reduces the contact stress of particles. Results provide insights into designing Li-ion batteries from the perspective of contact stress.

The family of high-quality crystalline mesoporous MOx synthesized via soft-templated hydrothermal synthesis is investigated in oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysis. Using developed NiO, the symmetrical platinum group metal-free oxygen pump is elaborated for the first time.

Herein, FlexTrail printing is further developed for direct metallization of silicon heterojunction solar cells. Compared to screen printing, FlexTrail allows for a silver reduction of more than 60% without significant efficiency losses of busbarless cells, promising a great cost-saving potential. Using multiwire interconnection, one-cell modules with FlexTrail-printed front contacts reach up to (5.0 ± 0.1) W.

A solid-state carrier transport-prompted Z-scheme BiVO₄ quantum dot-based photocatalyst is synthesized for improved photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. Under simulated sunlight exposure, the BQD/RGO/UCN composite can address the limited electron diffusion length and severe recombination exists in traditional BiVO₄ photocatalysts due to the efficient photogenerated carriers and speedy electron transport.

Cellulose graphene aerogel (CGA) reveals a 3D interconnected structure. The introduced CeO₂ crystal possesses the self-redox property that can partly convert the valence state of the Ce element. Ce⁴⁺ can promote the reaction kinetics of the Li–S battery by oxidizing LiPSs to thiosulfate. The prepared Li₂S-CGA/CeO₂ cathode exhibits excellent electrochemical properties.

A cobalt-free Li-ion battery with the Sn@C/LiNi_0.35Cu_0.1Mn_1.45Al_0.1O₄ configuration is successfully achieved and tested, starting from the active material synthesis and characterization. Based in the experimental results, the new full cell operating at 4.2 V with a specific capacity of 110 mAh g⁻¹ is proposed as a possible alternative to the presently commercialized energy storage systems.

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) with a C=O bond is introduced to the surface of the cathode material, which forms strong coordination bonds with transition metal ions and greatly reduces the fall of the coating. Meanwhile, the implanted organic coating can inhibit the side reaction. This novel strategy provides a new insight into the modification of cathode materials.

Herein, based on precisely designed Pt structures and a scanning near-field optical microscopy setup, direct evidence is provided for the ultrafast photothermal-induced electrical behavior of a platinum microwire (Pt MW). By combining it with the metal nanoparticles (e.g., Au NRs) with photothermal conversion ability, the hybrid Au NRs/Pt MWs devices can successfully realize high-performance photo-thermo-electric detection.

Herein, a hybrid of antimony nanoparticles and N-doped hollow porous hard carbon nanofiber (Sb/N-HPCNF) is designed and synthesized by electrospinning and solvothermal reaction. As an anode of sodium-ion battery, Sb/N-HPCNF presents excellent cycling stability (281 mAh g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹).

Improved compound correction-electrical equivalent circuit modeling and double transform-unscented Kalman filtering methods are proposed for high-accuracy closed-circuit voltage and state-of-charge co-estimation of whole-life-cycle lithium-ion batteries under varying temperatures and complex working conditions. For a temperature range of 5–45 °C, the proposed method responds well with a maximum error of 0.008608 V and 6.317%, respectively.

This study reports a power conversion efficiency of 31.15% and 37.84%, respectively, for a monolithic two-terminal (2-T) and a mechanically stacked four-terminal (4-T) tandem solar cell consisting of a top FA_0.83Cs_0.17PbI_1.5Br_1.5 perovskite subcell and a bottom Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ kesterite subcell after device optimization using 1D tool.

Hysteresis is a dynamic effect endemic to perovskite solar cells. Herein, it is demonstrated that under the right conditions, n–i–p and p–i–n cells can show normal or inverted hysteresis depending on the scan rate. Studies of inverted hysteresis are supported by a model allowing for coupled electron–ion motion.

Using chitosan (CS) and fluorine as additives, the PbO₂–CS–NaF positive electrode material is prepared by electrodeposition. The positive electrode material has good stability and large electrochemical activity. The first charge and discharge capacity of the lead–acid battery assembled with the modified material is 4257 mAh, and the discharge-specific capacity is 196 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles.

Lithium-rich Li[Li_0.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6]O₂/hierarchical porous graphitic carbon composite (LLNM/HPGC) is first synthesized as a sulfur host, aiming to restrict the shuttle effect of polysulfides via physical entrapment from 3D HPGC and catalyze the conversion of polysulfides from LLNM. Benefiting from the well-constructed host framework, 1Gly-LLNM/2HPGC@S with optimal ratio shows excellent cycle performances and rate capability for lithium–sulfur batteries.

A heteroatom (N, P, S)-doped metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction from polypyrrole hydrogel is prepared through carbonization processes. The ice templating and freeze drying of hydrogel precursor help in the porosity and microstructure engineering of the derived electrocatalyst. Ultimately, this work depicts a facile and rational synthesis of a truly metal-free electrocatalyst for the primary zinc anode batteries that can be a potential replacement for state-of-the-art systems.

A simple preparation method for the Sn–carbon composites (Sn/CF) is designed by electrodepositing Sn nanoparticles on 3D carbon foam (CF). The Sn/CF electrode can provide a 3D conductive network, accommodate volume changes to prevent Sn nanoparticles from losing electrical contact, and promote contact with electrolytes to accelerate lithium-ion transmission, resulting in high specific capacity and excellent long-term cycling stability.

A novel strategy enables to realize the recycle of silver element from batteries to photovoltaics. Aqueous Mg/AgCl batteries with high power density are fabricated. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) can be obtained from the waste aqueous Mg/AgCl batteries. The introduction of Ag NPs significantly improves the power conversion efficiency of heterojunction solar cells.

Based on the theory of exergy analysis and energy level analysis, an optimization model of steam system is established. According to the waste heat resources excavated in the optimization process, several recovery technologies are compared, and a recovery scheme is put forward. The purpose of this study is to reduce energy loss and improve energy utilization.

The high compression ratio under ultralean condition is the effective way to achieve high-efficiency combustion in the engine. Herein, the mixture distribution, combustion characteristics, and emissions of a high compression ratio (17:1) engine are numerically simulated to investigate an ideal stratified-charge mixture behavior under excess air ratio of 2.0.

A numerical framework is presented highlighting effects of compressive stress on fluid transport across multiple porous layers in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Liquid transport characteristics under various compressive conditions are mainly influenced by pore-scale capillary pressure. An adequate compression stress level can facilitate liquid drainage and gas transport at the interface between microporous and catalyst layers during operation.

Hybrid solar lighting systems are integrated with parabolic- and elliptic-shaped solar spectrum splitters (SSSs) that partition collimated solar radiation into its visible and nonvisible parts. The nonvisible light is used to generate electricity in photovoltaic (PV) cells and the visible light is used for indoor lighting. A nonvisible-light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of ≈13.4% is achieved for light entering the SSS.

The role of halide substitution on the charge storage efficiency in a hybrid perovskite supercapacitor has been investigated. Methylammonium lead tri-bromide and methylammonium lead tri-iodide powders obtained from the single crystals are mixed together to prepare the porous electrode. Increasing the iodide increases the charge storage capacity due to increased ionic conductivity. However, overall device stability decreases as the iodide content increases.

A vibration energy collector consisting of an electromagnetic unit and a piezoelectric unit is designed. The device can be connected to other external devices through the specific circuit. This structure can take the advantages of both energy harvesting methods and obtain better output voltage and power. Herein, the influence factor of the output performance is studied experimentally.

Benefiting from the porous hierarchical structure of the (SnS–SnS₂)–NC–CF and high-concentration electrolyte, the graphite/(SnS–SnS₂)–NC–CF dual-ion battery shows high specific capacity and fast charge performance and achieves long-term cycling performance over 2000 cycles.

Explainable machine learning in combination with design of experiments and real data is utilized for in-depth study of the calendering process during Li-ion battery manufacturing. With focus on the cell's impedance and capacity fade, it is shown that the calendering process control factors such as calendering temperature and gap have different levels of importance across various C-Rates and states of charge.

A strategy of reactive ion etching (RIE) treatment to TiO₂ surface is developed, activating the TiO₂ surface for Sb₂S₃ deposition without any heterointerlayer incorporation. The optimal device power conversion efficiency is over 6%, top value among planar TiO₂/Sb₂S₃ solar cells with a new record short-circuit current density (J_SC) of ≈19.4 mA cm⁻².

It is very novel to realize a solid-state flexible ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) by detaching vertical (Al,Ga)N nanowires. Compared with those of state-of-the-art PDs, this detector has high UV/visible reject ratio and detectivity. In addition, the device still maintains good stability and periodicity after −120° bending, which has great potential for applications.

The performance of Li⁺ storage in WO₃ is increased ≈150% by continuous solar light irradiation. Accumulation of photoelectrons and band bending of WO₃ can improve the electrochemical properties of WO₃ for Li⁺ storage.

A triboelectric blackboard eraser is designed, and its surface potential of after rubbing with the blackboard can be as high as −24.8 kV, which can effectively adsorb tiny dust. Compared with a traditional blackboard eraser, it can supplement the charge while erasing the blackboard without precharging. Such electrodeless design may pave a new way for new nanogenerator design.

A unique 3D conductive architecture of carbon nanotubes allows sodium deposition to occur seamlessly for unpresidented time. Besides that, it alters the local chemistry of the interphase to promote the formation of an inorganic-rich solid–electrolyte interphase.

A recycled waste banana peel-derived solar evaporator is fabricated, delivering a high solar water evaporation rate of 1.35 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ with a solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency of 87.5% under 1 sun irradiation. The renewable, low-cost, and efficient solar evaporator herein presents promising potential for applications in sustainable solar water treatment.

Herein, the nonlinear bandgap behavior of 2D Pb–Sn perovskite materials is demonstrated. Moreover, MACl is introduced to improve the film quality of Dion–Jacobson phase 2D Pb–Sn perovskite with (PhDMA)MA₄(Pb_0.5Sn_0.5)₅I₁₆, resulting in the suppression of the defect density and the nonradiative recombination. Consequently, high power conversion efficiency of 12.2% is achieved for 2D Pb–Sn perovskite solar cell.

Back pressure enables control over product selectivity toward C₂₊ products, up to a Faradaic selectivity of 60%. It enhances the stability of the CO₂RR significantly, from 36 to 72 h of stable ethylene production. Its easy implementability renders it a promising tool to be used in commercialized CO₂RR cells in the future.

The flexible zinc-ion hybrid capacitors (ZHCs) are proposed for wearable systems using waste face masks (WFMs) as the substrate and separator. The ZHC prepared under optimum conditions has good mechanical and electrochemical properties. This work provides a facile strategy to construct low-cost textile-based flexible ZHCs from WFMs.

Using ionic salts enables the stabilization of alanates nanoparticles with better hydrogen storage properties.

The energy crisis and environmental pollution are largely attending challenges across the globe. Herein, the Delonix regia flowers for the triboelectric nanogenerator are developed. The proposed device exhibits excellent performance in self-powering devices, which concludes that the proposed work paves the path toward sustainable electronic technology.

Design of the multifunctional “energized composite for electric vehicles” has been optimized using ANSYS simulation and experimental methods to obtain maximum electrical charge storage while maintaining a minimum mechanical strength. This has been achieved through evaluating the performance of the composite at various ratios of electrochemical area and epoxy area in each laminate of the composite.

A polyaniline (PANI)/NCPP/CdS (PANI/NiCoP/NiCoPi/CdS) hybrid is described as a noble metal-free visible light-driven photocatalyst. This hybrid not only facilitates charge separation and transfer owing to the formation of a heterojunction, but also improves the local concentration of H⁺ on the surface of catalysts due to the formation of the protonated amine groups on PANI, beneficial to hydrogen evolution reaction.

A solar evaporator based on carbonized sphagnum palustre is fabricated for simultaneous steam-electricity generation enhanced by a self-driven electric heater.

The essential of optimizing polygeneration capacity over saving the primary energy use, save the costs, and reduce the emission carbon rate.

Herein, a ZnWO₄ nanosheets array structure is synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and the effects of different electrolyte concentrations on its electrochemical performance are explored, which provides a reference for the further development of ZnWO₄.

KMnO₄-activated fungus bran-derived carbon (FBC) is used as a carbon-based substrate, which is compounded with NiCo layered double hydroxide to form a structurally stable carbon–metal composite (FBC/NCL) electrode material. The asymmetric supercapacitor assembled by FBC/NCL and FBC shows excellent electrochemical performance in the aqueous electrolyte.

A computational fluid dynamic study is conducted to investigate the effects of using porous carbon inserts (PCIs) on water management and the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The results show that employing PCI leads to a more efficient water removal from the fuel cell and higher oxygen transport throughout the cell, which subsequently enhances the fuel cell performance.

A stretchable and healable all-in-one supercapacitor (SC) consisting of the gelatin hydrogel electrolytes and polypyrrole (PPy) electrodes is constructed via the Hofmeister series. The all-in-one SCs exhibit excellent tensile property, ultrahigh capacitance, outstanding energy density, and reliable self-healing properties.

Better performance of MgF₂/ZnS/MgF₂/ZnS quadruple-layer antireflection coatings has been confirmed compared with other antireflection coatings (ARCs). Fabricated AlGaInP/AlGaAs/GaAs cell with this ARC reduces the average reflectivity to only 1.59% in 300–900 nm. Photo-generated current density in each subcell has been improved especially in the top cell due to the significant reduction of reflectivity in 300–400 nm.

Hydroquinone sulfonic acid potassium and sodium salt are utilized with NiO to generate a dipole-induced work function shift and enhance hole transport capability. Using this modified NiO, highly efficient nonfullerene acceptor organic solar cells based on PM6:Y6-BO-4F showing 14.19% power conversion efficiency with a very high open-circuit voltage of 0.86 V are achieved.

The anodization behaviors of Ti–Fe alloys and electrochemical properties of the mixed oxide nanotubes obtained by anodization are reported. The mixed oxide nanotubes have completely different electrochemical behaviors compared to both the pure TiO₂ and the pure Fe₂O₃. The mixed oxide nanotubes on Ti–15 wt%Fe show the maximum capacitance with high rate capability and excellent cycling stability.