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Developing the technology for high yielding photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions is an important challenge. Development and optimization of photocatalytic junctions is a likely route for achieving this if heterojunctions with suitable band alignments can be achieved in sufficiently high‐density form. Here, a novel anatase‐TiO2/H‐rutile‐TiO2 heterophase homojunction system with near optimum energy band alignment is reported. The resulting as‐prepared catalyst exhibits an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 29.63 mmol g–1 h–1 under UV–vis light irradiation and an outstanding apparent quantum efficiency of 45.6% at 365 nm. The significant improvement is ascribed to near perfect lattice matching in combination with the rapid separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers in anatase‐TiO2/H‐rutile‐TiO2 heterophase homojunctions. In situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spin‐trapping tests, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, steady‐state surface photovoltage spectroscopy, and transient‐state surface photovoltage with additional ex situ characterizations and theoretical calculations show that the mechanism is enhanced transfer of photogenerated carriers in the anatase‐TiO2/H‐rutile‐TiO2 catalyst. This work provides a pathway for enhancing photocatalytic performance through optimization of heterojunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue energy as a renewable, substantial energy resource has attracted scientists who are interested in discovering abundant membrane materials to achieve high power density. For decades, ionomers have been used as ion‐exchange membrane to harvest this energy. Though extensive studies have been conducted, the underlying mechanism of ionic transmembrane behavior is still under debate. Here, the ionic transmembrane properties through membranes with 3D pores prepared by ionomers (polyphenylsulphone with pyridine pendants (PPSU‐Py)) are systematically studied. A series of PPSU‐Py with tunable porosities and surface charge densities is obtained simply by adjusting the percentages of the pendant. Nanoscale morphologies of the ionomers are simulated with the dissipative particle dynamic method, which is in agreement with the experimental data. Then, nanofluidic behaviors of as‐prepared porous membranes are studied, which exhibit anion selectivity, pH gating, and modulated transmembrane conductance. Furthermore, a series of salinity gradient power harvesters based on the ionomers are constructed, of which the output power density is improved by tuning the charge density with the maximum output power density that reaches up to 1.44 W m‐2. The impact of the ionomer on nanofluidic behavior is systematically discussed, and it is believed this work will shed light on nanofluidic materials and blue energy generator design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The lithium dendrite, inducing short circuit and breaking solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films, is deleterious to the stability of Li metal batteries due to the uncontrollable occurrence of miscellaneous stresses. In contrast to conventional suppression routes, herein a strategy is proposed via controlling SEI film broken regions to minimize releasing stress in terms of weaving lithium pits. Inspired by the principle of zippers, zipper‐like SEI films enable offering ordered pattern on the surface of Li anode via mechanical rolling. For the available cells, net‐like sewing/breaking patterns alternatively occur in Li plating/stripping. In the same electrolyte, a stable and dendrite‐free Li homogeneous growth is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as promising candidates for supercapacitors because of high specific area and potential redox sites. However, their shuffled orientations and low conductivity nature lead to severely‐degraded performance. Designing an accessibly‐manipulated and efficient method to address those issues is of outmost significance for MOF application in supercapacitors. It is the common way that MOFs scarify themselves as templates or precursors to prepare target products. But to reversely think it, using target products to prepare MOF could be the way to unlock the bottleneck of MOFs' performance in supercapacitors. Herein, a novel strategy using Co(OH)2 as both the template and precursor to fabricate vertically‐oriented MOF electrode is proposed. The electrode shows a double high specific capacitance of 1044 Fg−1 and excellent rate capability compared to MOF in powder form. An asymmetric supercapacitor was also fabricated, which delivers a maximum energy density of 28.5 W h kg−1 at a power density of 1500 W kg−1, and the maximum of 24000 W kg−1 can be obtained with a remaining energy density of 13.3 W h kg−1. Therefore, the proposed strategy paves the way to unlock the inherent advantages of MOFs and also inspires for advanced MOF synthesis with optimum performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A delicate configuration of dual‐ion battery is proposed to achieve optimum energy/power density. High potential intercalation reaction of positive electrode contributes to high energy density and quick absorption/desorption of negative is beneficial for power density. Such novel designed electrochemical energy storage device enables access to optimum power/energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution In article number 2200298 Xiaoqiang Cui and co‐workers report a novel anatase‐TiO2/H‐rutile‐TiO2 heterophase homojunction with near optimum energy band alignment. The resulting catalyst exhibits an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 29.63 mmol g−1 h−1 and an outstanding apparent quantum efficiency of 45.6%. The significant improvement is ascribed to near perfect lattice matching in combination with the rapid separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apparent quantum efficiency, energy bands, heterophase homojunction, hydrogen evolution, photocatalysts Keywords: apparent quantum efficiency; energy bands; heterophase homojunction; hydrogen evolution; photocatalysts EN apparent quantum efficiency energy bands heterophase homojunction hydrogen evolution photocatalysts 1 1 1 04/29/22 20220427 NES 220427 B Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution b In article number 2200298 Xiaoqiang Cui and co-workers report a novel anatase-TiO SB 2 sb /H-rutile-TiO SB 2 sb heterophase homojunction with near optimum energy band alignment. Favorable Energy Band Alignment of TiO2 Anatase/Rutile Heterophase Homojunctions Yields Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution with Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 45.6% (Adv. [Extracted from the article]

Blue Energy: Polymeric Nano-Blue-Energy Generator Based on Anion-Selective Ionomers with 3D Pores and pH-Driving Gating (Adv. Keywords: 3D pores; environment response; ionomers; nanofluidic; salinity gradient harvesting EN 3D pores environment response ionomers nanofluidic salinity gradient harvesting 1 1 1 11/26/20 20201124 NES 201124 In article 2001552 by Yahong Zhou and co-workers fabricate a series of 3D porous membranes based on an amphiphilic ionomer that is composed of both hydrophobic side chains and hydrophilic main chain structures. 3D pores, environment response, ionomers, nanofluidic, salinity gradient harvesting. [Extracted from the article]