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Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) have emerged as a focal point of interest in academic research and industrial strategic planning. Zinc powder (ZP) is poised to assume a prominent position in both future research and practical applications due to its high Zn utilization rate and processability. However, critical challenges need to be addressed before realizing substantial progress. Notably, severe voltage polarization and gas production of ZP electrodes stand out as the primary causes of battery failure, differing with zinc foil where short circuits caused by zinc dendrites contribute to battery failure. While numerous comprehensive reviews have offered effective strategies for zinc foil, a systematic summary of ZP electrodes is still lacking. For ZP, electrode preparation dictates the performance. This review summarizes the criteria for optimal ZP electrodes, covering electrode components, preparation methods, and technique parameters. It emphatically introduces the underlying causes and strategies of water‐related side reactions and briefly analyzes the stripping/plating behaviors of ZP electrodes. The status quo of ZP‐based batteries is then discussed in categories of ZP, current collector, conductive scaffold, binder, and electrolytes. Finally, potential avenues for future research are proposed from three aspects to enhance the focus on ZP electrodes and facilitate the practical application of AZMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional Haber‐Bosch method for the ammonia synthesis process requires high temperature and pressure. Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia, an emerging ammonia synthesis technology, is a promising approach for sustainable ammonia production that is energy‐efficient and free of greenhouse gas emissions. The design and development of high‐performance catalysts are the keys to promoting the sustainable ammonia production process. This work synthesized a PdCu alloy catalyst loaded on a graphene oxide carrier through a simple liquid phase reduction method. Which greatly enhanced the catalytic performance with an ammonia yield of 1.62 mg h−1cm−2 and Faradaic efficiency of 38.2 % under the nitrate reduction ammonia synthesis (NO3RR) reaction at an overpotential of −0.4 V. For the nitrogen reduction ammonia (NRR), the ammonia yield was 20.83 μg h−1 cm−2 with a Faradaic efficiency of 3.8 %. This study may provide a new idea for material design and promote ammonia synthesis development under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system has attracted much attention in recent years due to its reduced heat loss and accelerated steam generation. As a low‐cost and readily available resource, wood is widely applied as photothermal materials in solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system because of its superior water transfer and heat loss prevention properties. Herein, a simple, mild, and cost‐effective method is employed to fabricate wood‐based photothermal materials. The results demonstrate that the solar absorption rate of wood‐nigrosine is more than 97.5% across a wide wavelength range (200–2500 nm), and an evaporation rate of 1.46 kg m−2 h−1 and evaporation efficiency (86.1%) are achieved under 1‐sun illumination (100 mW cm−2). The solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system based on wood‐nigrosine exhibits strong structural stability and processing capability for dyes and seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As electron transport layers (ETLs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), tin oxide (SnO2) possess high carrier mobilities with appropriate energy band alignment and high optical transmittance. Herein, SnO2 ETLs were fabricated by intermediate‐controlled chemical bath deposition (IC‐CBD) at ultralow temperature, where the chelating agent effectively altered the nucleation and growth process. Compared with conventional CBD, SnO2 ETLs fabricated by IC‐CBD had lower defects, smooth surface, good crystallinity, and remarkable interfacial contact with perovskite, resulting in good quality of perovskite, high photovoltaic performance (23.17 %), and enhanced stability of devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoelectric properties of nontoxic Sn‐based perovskite make it a promising alternative to toxic Pb‐based perovskite. It has superior photovoltaic performance in comparison to other Pb‐free counterparts. The facile oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+ presents a notable obstacle in the advancement of perovskite solar cells that utilize Sn, as it adversely affects their stability and performance. The study revealed the presence of a Sn4+ concentration on both the upper and lower surfaces of the perovskite layer. This discovery led to the adoption of a bi‐interface optimization approach. A thin layer of Sn metal was inserted at the two surfaces of the perovskite layer. The implementation of this intervention yielded a significant decrease in the levels of Sn4+ and trap densities. The power conversion efficiency of the device was achieved at 14.31 % through the optimization of carrier transportation. The device exhibited operational and long‐term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoelectric properties of nontoxic Sn‐based perovskite make it a promising alternative to toxic Pb‐based perovskite. It has superior photovoltaic performance in comparison to other Pb‐free counterparts. The facile oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+ presents a notable obstacle in the advancement of perovskite solar cells that utilize Sn, as it adversely affects their stability and performance. The study revealed the presence of a Sn4+ concentration on both the upper and lower surfaces of the perovskite layer. This discovery led to the adoption of a bi‐interface optimization approach. A thin layer of Sn metal was inserted at the two surfaces of the perovskite layer. The implementation of this intervention yielded a significant decrease in the levels of Sn4+ and trap densities. The power conversion efficiency of the device was achieved at 14.31 % through the optimization of carrier transportation. The device exhibited operational and long‐term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is highly dependent on the surface properties of the hole‐transport layers (HTLs). Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is one of the most widely used HTLs due to its excellent properties. However, some drawbacks severely limit its application in PSCs. Herein, multifunctional bulk organic ammonium salts (BOASs) are deposited onto PEDOT:PSS films and used for interfacial modifications. The BOASs‐modified PEDOT:PSS has better energy‐level alignment with perovskite (PVK) than PEDOT:PSS, resulting in the suppressed voltage loss of PSCs. Depositing BOASs on top of the PSS isolates moisture to inhibit the ionization of sulfonic acid groups, which is beneficial to reduce the acidity and corrosiveness of PEDOT:PSS. In addition, the interfacial modification of BOASs can effectively enlarge the surface energy of PEDOT:PSS films and improve the morphology of the PVK layer. Therefore, the open‐circuit voltage and fill factor of the PSCs based on BOASs‐modified PEDOT:PSS are simultaneously increased to a maximum of 1.03 V and 73%, respectively, resulting in a champion device efficiency of 18.37%. The unencapsulated PSCs based on BOASs‐modified PEDOT:PSS remain more than 80% power conversion efficiency loss after 700 h of exposure to air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system has attracted much attention in recent years because it avoids dissipating a large amount of energy into the bulk water. As one of the photothermal materials in solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system, wood has been widely applied due to its excellent properties, such as lower density, open micropores, capillary‐induced hydrophilic nature, and low thermal conductivity. However, the complex processing technology and relatively low efficiency of wood‐based photothermal materials limit their application. Herein, to solve these problems, solvothermal and immersion treatment methods by depositing tin sulfide and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been demonstrated. The solar absorption rate of wood‐SnS‐AgNPs is higher than 98% in a wide wavelength range (200–2,500 nm). Results demonstrate that an evaporation rate of 1.53 kg m−2 h−1 and evaporation efficiency (90.12%) are achieved under 1‐sun illumination (100 mW cm−2). The harsh environmental test indicates that the solar‐driven interfacial evaporation system based on wood‐SnS‐AgNPs has excellent structural stability and purification ability of seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development and utilization of hydrogen energy is an effective way to achieve carbon neutrality, only hydrogen production through electrolytic water splitting meets the goal of zero carbon emission. To facilitate the large‐scale commercialization of water splitting devices, the development of highly efficient and low‐cost catalysts to reduce the energy consumption is essential. MoS2 has been regarded as a promising electrocatalyst to replace platinum in hydrogen evolution reaction due to its low price and unique 2D layered structure. However, the poor conductivity and inert basal planes of MoS2 limited its wide‐spread application. Recently, researches have demonstrated that the conductivity and active sites of MoS2 can be improved by heteroatoms doping or constructing of heterogeneous structures. In this review, the recent progress of Mo‐based catalysts are summarized centered on MoS2 based on interface engineering and anion engineering, including MoS2–MoO2, MoS2–Mo2C, MoS2–MoNx, MoS2–MoP, and MoS2–MoSe2. The preparation method, structure, and performance of the catalysts are introduced and the possible mechanism behind the improved catalytic activity are revealed to give readers an overall comprehension on the progress of the Mo‐based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction. In addition, an outlook on future opportunities and development directions of Mo‐based catalysts are proposed to facilitate the development of Mo‐based catalysts for hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halide perovskites are intensively studied for applications in optoelectronic devices because of their outstanding properties and relatively low cost. However, the common precursor solutions for perovskite fabrication are rather unstable in the presence of moisture and oxygen, limiting the large‐scale low‐cost production of perovskite. Herein, water is used counterintuitively to formulate an ambient stable perovskite precursor, which is peculiar in that it is solid at room temperature but becomes a liquid at 75 °C. The non‐fluidity of the precursor stemmed from the water‐assisted intermediate fiber assembly, conferring high damp air stability. Yet the heat‐liquefiability made the precursor highly processible for perovskite growth, and when guided by polyvinyl pyrrolidone coordination with Pb2+, the perovskite can preferentially grow along the [200] direction, significantly improving the film quality. To demonstrate the utility of the precursor, it has been used to fabricate self‐driven halide perovskite photodetectors, which exhibited a low noise current of 2.0 × 10−14 A Hz−1/2, a high specific detectivity up to 1.4 × 1013 Jones, and high stability of 20 days of operation with only < 5% external quantum efficiency decay. This type of solid‐liquid convertible precursor opens up new opportunities for wider applications of perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the energy‐intensive Haber‐Bosch process, the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising approach for sustainable ammonia production. However, the design and development of electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity is currently a major challenge. In this work, we successfully constructed RuFe bimetallic nanoparticles on a two‐dimensional MXene support (RuFe@MXene) through a simple liquid phase reduction method. Benefiting from the rich surface chemistry and high electronic conductivity of MXene, as well as the synergistic effect between RuFe bimetals, the composite can efficiently synthesize ammonia under environmental conditions. Specifically, the NH3 yield and Faraday efficiency of the prepared Ru0.3Fe0.7@MXene composite catalyst reaches 40.79 μg h−1 cm−2 and 15.25 % at −0.4 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M KOH, which are significantly higher than that of the previously reported Ru@MXene. Moreover, the Ru0.3Fe0.7@MXene catalyst also exhibits outstanding electrochemical stability. The density of state (DOS) and the partial density of state (PDOS) of MXene, Fe@MXene, Ru@MXene, and RuFe@MXene were calculated by DFT to explore the synergistic effect of RuFe on the nitrogen reduction performance of MXene‐based catalysts. This work guides the design of high‐performance NRR electrocatalysts in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), as a green and sustainable ammonia (NH3) synthesis process, is considered to be the most promising alternative to the traditional Haber‐Bosch method for NH3 synthesis. However, this process requires a highly active electrocatalyst to overcome the problems of low NRR activity and selectivity. Herein, we deposited metallic bismuth nanoparticles on two‐dimensional Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets by a simple liquid phase reduction method to synthesize Bi@Ti3C2 nanocomposites. This composite material is a promising electrocatalyst for environmental electrocatalytic N2 fixation to NH3. Unexpectedly, the Bi@Ti3C2 composite obtains an excellent NH3 yield and Faraday efficiency as high as 28.3 μg h−1 cm−2 and 27.2 % at −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in 0.1 M KOH. The high NRR activity can be attributed to the unique N‐philic and H‐phobic characteristics of Bi atoms and the outstanding electronic conductivity of MXene. Moreover, the Bi@Ti3C2 composite catalyst also exhibited good cycling stability and durability of up to 24 h. This work highlights the potential importance of material design and will also expand the research and exploration of high‐efficiency NRR electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though perovskite solar cells (PSCs) or modules (PSMs) are being developed at an unprecedented speed, several obstacles remain to their commercialization. One of the difficult problems is the expensive and unstable Au and Ag counter electrode. Therefore, highly effective, stable, and low‐cost counter electrode materials should be explored. Among various counter electrode materials, carbon is one of the most promising substitutes for their rich sources, low cost, outstanding electrochemical performance, and diversified surface functions. This review summarizes recent achievements of carbon counter electrode materials, which included commercial carbon paste, carbon black, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes and their synthetic approaches, modifications, and structure‐function relationships. Moreover, large‐scale carbon counter electrode in PSCs or PSMs are specifically discussed. Hopefully, this recapitulative analysis will draw the attention of relevant researchers to re‐understand the importance of counter electrode and clarify what should be noticed to develop qualified counter electrode materials for PSCs or PSMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 25.5 % have been reported for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Thus, they have shown great potential for commercial applications. Therefore, simplifying technological process and reducing production costs have been a widespread concern among scientific and industrial communities. In this study, PSCs are prepared with the simplest device architecture (FTO/MAPbI3/carbon). A high‐quality perovskite film with few interface defects and good carrier transport is obtained by tuning the p‐n properties, matching energy levels, and enhancing carrier collection and transport. A PCE of 12.01 % is achieved, which is the best reported to date for this device structure. The device also shows excellent long‐term stability, owing to the elimination of charge transport layers and the usage of hydrophobic materials. This study provides a new approach to reduce production costs and simplify production of PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon‐based hole transport material (HTM)‐free CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) have garnered considerable attention due to their super thermal stability. The energy‐level mismatch between the CsPbI2Br perovskite and carbon electrodes, however, results in major energy loss and reduced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of C‐PSCs. Herein, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4) is used to manage the energy level, reduce defect densities, and improve the interface quality between CsPbI2Br and carbon electrodes. Preliminary results demonstrate that the BMIMBF4 modifier can passivate the surface defects of the perovskite film and reduce the energy‐level mismatch between the CsPbI2Br layer and the carbon electrode. A PCE of 14.03% is achieved by introducing BMIMBF4 which is improved by 23% compared with the control device (11.37%). Moreover, stability—whether in the case of C‐PSCs or CsPbI2Br films—is also improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have begun to be increasingly studied worldwide owing to the superior properties of perovskite material. However, some issues have delayed their commercialization, such as their long‐term stability, cost reduction, scale‐up ability, and efficiency. The introduction of sulfur to PSCs can relieve the above issues because sulfur can passivate interfacial trap states, suppress charge recombination, and inhibit ion migration, thereby enhancing the stability of PSCs. Furthermore, PbS bonds provide new channels for carrier extraction. Herein, the sulfur‐based compounds utilized in PSCs are summarized and classified according to their functions in the different layers of PSCs. The results indicate that these sulfur‐based compounds have efficiently promoted the commercialization of PSCs. It is hoped that this review can help others understand the intrinsic phenomena of sulfur‐based PSCs and motivate additional investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an energy‐saving and environmentally friendly ammonia synthesis method, electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has received a great deal of attention. There is thus an urgent need to find high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for the NRR. In this work, a Cu/Ti3C2 composite catalyst was prepared and demonstrated excellent selectivity under environmental conditions, which could efficiently convert N2 into NH3 electrochemically. In 0.1 M KOH, Cu/Ti3C2 can achieve a high Faradaic efficiency of 7.31 % and a high NH3 production rate of 3.04 μmol h−1 cm−2 at −0.5 V vs. RHE. Moreover, the material also exhibits superior electrochemical stability and durability. At the same time, density functional theory (DFT) shows that, compared with Ti3C2, Cu/Ti3C2 exhibits a wider conduction and valence band and a larger Fermi level, thus indicating that Cu plays a vital role in the enhancement of the catalytic activity and conductivity of Ti3C2‐based materials. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing high‐efficiency MXene‐based NRR electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), as a potential alternative to industrial ammonia synthesis (Haber‐Bosch method), can achieve "green" and sustainable ammonia production under environmental conditions. However, the NRR process is still limited by the slow cleavage of the N≡N triple bond and the existence of a competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. For this reason, many researchers have studied the construction and synthesis of high‐efficiency nitrogen reduction electrocatalysts. Herein, a Co‐based metal‐organic framework (ZIF‐67) was used to prepare Co/C‐900 composites through high‐temperature pyrolysis (900 °C) for ammonia synthesis under environmental conditions. The Co/C‐900 catalysts exhibited excellent NRR performance, with a high NH3 yield of 4.66 μmol cm−2 h−1 at −0.3 V (vs. RHE) and a faradaic efficiency of 11.53 % in 0.1 M potassium hydroxide. This work provides a simple strategy for the design of porous, non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts for electrochemical NRR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family of transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (collectively called MXenes) has been a thriving field since the first invention of Ti3C2Tx (MXene) in 2011. MXene is a new type of nanometer 2D sheet material, which exhibits great application potentials in various fields due to its multiple advantages such as high specific surface area, good electrical conductivity, and high mechanical strength. Electrocatalysis is regarded as the core of future clean energy conversion technologies, and MXene‐based materials provide inspiration for the design and preparation of electrocatalysts with high activity, high selectivity, and long loading life time. The applications of MXene‐based materials in electrocatalysis, including hydrogen evolution reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and methanol oxidation reaction are summarized in this review. As a crucial session regarding experiments, the current safer and more environmentally friendly preparation methods of MXene are also discussed. Focusing on the materials design and enhancement methods, the key challenges and opportunities for MXene‐based materials as a next‐generation platform in both fundamental research and practical electrocatalysis applications are presented. This account serves to promote future efforts toward the development of MXenes and related materials in the electrocatalysis applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, it is reported that the stability of a halogenated perovskite (PVK) solar cell consisting of an fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/N2,N2,N2′,N2′,N7,N7,N7′,N7′‐octakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐9,9′‐spirobi[9H‐fluorene]‐2,2′,7,7′‐tetramine/Ag/Au structure is improved by adding Sb‐xanthate to the PVK layer without large loss of efficiency. The Sb‐element‐rich layer is observed on top of the PVK layer. From the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study, it is concluded that an inorganic SbxOy passivation layer on the PVK layer is prepared by baking the solution of the Sb‐xanthate and the PVK precursor. The inorganic layer prevents moisture and oxygen from penetrating into the PVK layer. This article provides a new method to obtain a passivation layer on a PVK layer by baking a mixture solution in one step for improving solar cell stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia, one of the most important chemicals and carbon‐free energy carriers, is mainly produced by the traditional Haber–Bosch process operated at high pressure and temperature, which results in massive energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Alternatively, the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction to synthesize NH3 under ambient conditions using renewable energy has recently attracted significant attention. However, the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) significantly reduces the faradaic efficiency and NH3 production rate. The design of high‐performance electrocatalysts with the suppression of the HER for N2 reduction to NH3 under ambient conditions is a crucial consideration for the development of electrocatalytic NH3 synthesis with high FE and NH3 production rate. Five kinds of recently developed electrocatalysts classified by their chemical compositions are summarized, with particular emphasis on the relationship between their optimal electrocatalytic conditions and NH3 production performance. Conclusions and perspectives are provided for the future design of high‐performance electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic NH3 production. The Review can give practical guidance for the design of effective electrocatalysts with high FE and NH3 production rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of increasing importance to develop highly active and economical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts, which have great significance for the large‐scale implementation of various energy conversion systems, including metal–air batteries and fuel cells. Herein, a novel method to synthesize FeNx‐decorated carbon nanotubes as a high‐efficiency ORR catalyst, by utilizing ZnO nanowires as a sacrificial template and a Fe–polydopamine complex as metal and carbon sources, is reported. The obtained catalyst shows great potential for replacing Pt/C as the ORR catalyst under various pH conditions, from alkaline to acidic electrolytes. The high conductivity, large surface area of the carbon nanotube, and highly active FeNx species contributed greatly to the high performance of the catalyst. The work presented herein paves a new way for the synthesis of 1D porous nanomaterials for a broad range of energy‐related applications. Doped to reduce: FeNx‐decorated carbon nanotubes are prepared by utilizing ZnO nanowires as a sacrificial template and Fe–polydopamine (Fe–PDA) complex as metal and carbon sources (see figure). The evaporation of Zn at high temperature results in a high surface area of the carbon nanotubes, and the FeNx species contribute greatly to the oxygen reduction reaction activity of the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high‐performing inverted perovskite solar cell (PSC) always relies on the hole transporting layer (HTL) quality and its interfaces. This work investigates the impact of La incorporation within the NiOx matrix for defects passivation, thus leading to high charge extraction ability and stability without compromising its power conversion efficiency. In the presence of La, the La–NiOx quality is clearly improved; without the formation of pinholes. In addition, the inclusion of La alters the energy band alignment; consequently, enhancing the hole transportation and widening the Voc (>1 V), as compared to the pristine NiOx. The beneficial effect of La was further revealed through the photoluminescence measurement and density of states (DOS) analysis, in which trap states are passivated by La. More importantly, the perovskite solar cell, with La–NiOx as the HTL, exhibits 21 % enhancement in efficiency and a remarkable stability that is greater than that of pristine NiOx. This also unlocks an opportunity for commercialization. Inversion therapy: A high‐performing inverted perovskite solar cell (PSC) always relies on the hole transporting layer (HTL) quality and its interfaces. This study concerns the impact of lanthanum incorporation within the NiOx matrix for high conductivity, charge extraction ability, and stability without compromising its power conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trap states at the interface or in bulk perovskite materials critically influence perovskite solar cells performance and long‐term stability. Here, a strategy for efficiently passivating charge traps and mitigating interfacial recombination by SnO2 surface sulfur functionalization is reported, which utilizes xanthate decomposition on the SnO2 surface at low temperature. The results show that functionalized sulfur atoms can coordinate with under‐coordinated Pb2+ ions near the interface. After device fabrication under more than 60 % humidity in ambient air, the efficiency of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells based on sulfur‐functionalized SnO2 increased from 16.56 % to 18.41 % with suppressed hysteresis, which resulted from the accelerated interfacial charge transport kinetics and decreased traps in bulk perovskite by interfacial sulfur functionalization. Additionally, thermally stimulated current studies show the decreased trap density in the shallow trap area after interfacial sulfur functionalization. The interfacial sulfur functionalized solar cells without sealing also exhibited considerable retardation of solar cell degradation with only 10 % degradation after 70 days air storage. This work demonstrates a facile sulfur functionalization strategy by using xanthate decomposition on SnO2 surfaces to obtain highly efficient perovskite solar cells. Inorganic sulfur functionalization has been realized through xanthate annealing on a SnO2 substrate, facilitating electron transport and reducing trap density at the shallow area. The efficiency of the resulting perovskite device was increased significantly with enhanced long‐term stability upon interfacial sulfur functionalization. This method is a simple and highly efficient means of interfacial functionalization with enhanced stability by using inorganic atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, sodium‐ion batteries have attracted great attention, owing to the rich resource and low cost. In the present work, a feather‐like MnO2 nanostructure was prepared directly on carbon paper by using a rapid and simple hydrothermal route for the first time. The formation mechanism was proposed by investigating the intermediate products during the reaction. When applied as an anode for a sodium‐ion battery, the feather‐like MnO2 nanostructure on carbon paper exhibited a high discharge capacity, good rate reversibility, and long‐term cycling stability. A high specific capacity of approximately 300 mAh g−1 could be obtained even after cycling 400 times with a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Furthermore, the Na+ storage mechanism of MnO2 on carbon paper in the sodium‐ion battery was also investigated in this work. Such high performance can be attributed to the porous structure of the substrate and high specific surface area of the feather‐like nanostructure. Caps off: The feather‐like MnO2 nanostructure is grown in situ on carbon paper and delivers a high performance as an anode for sodium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bismuth‐based solar cells have been under intensive interest as an efficient non‐toxic absorber in photovoltaics. Within this new family of semiconductors, we herein report a new, long‐term stable copper bismuth iodide (CuBiI4). A solutionprocessed method under air atmosphere is used to prepare the material. The adopted HI‐assisted dimethylacetamide (DMA) co‐solvent can completely dissolve CuI and BiI3 powders with high concentration compared with other organic solvents. Moreover, the high vapor pressure of tributyl phosphate, selected for the solvent vapor annealing (SVA), enables complete low‐temperature (≤70 °C) film preparation, resulting in a stable, uniform, dense CuBiI4 film. The average grain size increases with the precursor concentration, greatly improving the photoluminescence lifetime and hall mobility; a carrier lifetime of 3.03 ns as well as an appreciable hall mobility of 110 cm2 V−1s−1 were obtained. XRD illustrates that the crystal structure is cubic (space group Fd3m) and favored in the [1 1 1] direction. Moreover, the photovoltaic performance of CuBiI4 was also investigated. A wide bandgap (2.67 eV) solar cell with 0.82 % power conversion efficiency is presented, which exhibits excellent long‐term stability over 1008 h under ambient conditions. This air‐stable material may give an application in future tandem solar cells as a stable short‐wavelength light absorber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Perovskite solar cells have attracted considerable attention owing to their easy and low‐cost solution manufacturing process with high power conversion efficiency. However, the fabrication process is usually performed inside a glovebox to avoid moisture, as organometallic halide perovskites are easily dissolved in water. In this study, we propose a one‐step fabrication of high‐quality MAPbI3 perovskite films in around 50 % relative humidity (RH) humid ambient air by using diethyl ether as an antisolvent and methanol as an additive into this antisolvent. Because of the presence of methanol, the water molecules can be efficiently removed from the gaps of the perovskite precursors and the perovskite film formation can be slightly controlled, leading to pinhole‐free and low roughness films. Concurrently, methanol can be used to tune the DMSO ratio in the intermediate perovskite phase to regulate perovskite formation. Planar solar cells fabricated by using this method exhibited the best efficiency of 16.4 % with a reduced current density–voltage hysteresis. This efficiency value is approximately 160 % higher than the devices fabrication by using only diethyl ether treatment. From the impedance measurement, it is also found that the recombination reaction is suppressed when the device is prepared with methanol additive in the antisolvent. This method presents a new path for controlling the growth and morphology of perovskite films in humid climates and laboratories with uncontrolled environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-stage preparation of superhydrophobic stainless steel surface is achieved by combining chemical etching and assembly. The contact angle of the prepared surface reaches as high as 175°. The correlative mechanism between the contact angle and surface morphology is elucidated from the dynamics perspective by controlling reaction conditions. The optimum reaction conditions are then determined. Experimental results demonstrate that the stainless steel surface achieves optimal water contact angle upon the formation of the 'honeycomb' 3D network structure. Electrochemical corrosion test shows that the prepared superhydrophobic stainless steel surface possesses 16 times higher corrosion resistance than common stainless steel surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent conductive oxide-less (TCO-less) dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been fabricated and characterized using nanoporous TiO2-coated stainless steel metal mesh as flexible photoanode and cobalt bipyridyl complex (Co(bpy))-based one electron redox shuttle electrolyte. Attempts have been made towards enhancing the efficiency of TCO-less DSSCs to match with their TCO-based DSSC counterparts. It has been found that surface protection of metal mesh is highly required for enhancing the efficiency of TCO-less DSSCs specially using cobalt electrolytes as confirmed by dark current-voltage characteristics. Photocurrent action spectra clearly reveal that TCO-based DSSCs using (Co(bpy)) electrolyte exhibits photon harvesting (incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) 52%) in the 370-450 nm wavelength region as compared to photon harvesting at peak absorption of the dye (IPCE 56% at 550 nm), which is almost the same (IPCE 47%) in the 400-610 nm wavelength region for TCO-less DSSCs. Under similar experimental conditions, replacing indoline dye D-205 to porphyrin-based dye YD2-o-C8 led to the enhancement in the photoconversion efficiency from 3.33% to 4.84% under simulated solar irradiation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Alloying; Ammonia; Electrocatalyst; MXene; NRR EN Alloying Ammonia Electrocatalyst MXene NRR 1 1 1 04/11/22 20220407 NES 220407 B The Front Cover b highlights the successful construction of RuFe bimetallic nanoparticles on two-dimensional MXene supports as electrocatalysts for N SB 2 sb fixation to synthesize NH SB 3 sb under ambient conditions. This work proves the great application value of bimetallic MXene-based catalysts in electrocatalysis and will further promote the research of electrocatalytic conversion of N SB 2 sb to NH SB 3 sb . Front Cover: Ru and Fe Alloying on a Two-Dimensional MXene Support for Enhanced Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia (ChemCatChem 7/2022). [Extracted from the article]

Dye-sensitized solar cells with sub-5 μm-thick Pt/SiC-P (1.79 at. % Pt), Pt/SiC-M (0.45 at. % Pt), and Pt/SiC-R (0.39 at. % Pt) counter electrode (CE) films fabricated by using three different processes produced power conversion efficiencies of 6.82, 7.64, and 7.04 % that reached 86.5, 97.0, and 89.3 %, respectively, of the level obtained by using a print-Pt CE (7.88 %). These materials can reduce the cost of CEs and solve challenges involving Pt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous-graphitic-carbon-supported HfO2 (HfO2-MGC) nanohybrids were synthesized by using a soft-template route. Characterization and a systematic investigation of the catalytic properties, stability, and catalytic mechanism were performed for HfO2-MGC counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The new HfO2-MGC as a CE in DSSCs showed a surprisingly high efficiency of 7.75 % for the triiodide/iodide redox couple and 3.69 % for the disulfide/thiolate redox couple, greater than the Pt electrode in the corresponding electrolyte system, which opens up a possibility for its practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TaO‐ and TaC‐based nanocomposites as novel and low‐cost counter electrodes (CEs) in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) show outstanding electrocatalytic activity and photovoltaic performance, superior to the Pt electrode. Based on the first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, I3 is chemisorbed onto the TaO surface as opposed to physical adsorption on the TaC surface. The TaO‐based composite is more efficient than the TaC‐based composite as a CE in DSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ta ‐ based compounds show Pt ‐ like behavior: Binary tantalum compounds as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye ‐ sENsitized solar cells (DSCs) demonstrate Pt ‐ like electrocatalytic activity and competitive photovoltaic performance, matching the performance of DSCs with Pt CEs. The first ‐ principle dENsity functional theory (DFT) calculations provide a strategy for understanding the relationship betweEN the electronic structure and the catalytic activity of CE catalysts in DSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) which features a moderate power conversion efficiency (PCE), low cost and plasticity. It mentions that the introduction of nanocrystalline semiconductor (metal oxide) mesoporous films is the major break through in the development of DSCs. It further mentions that titanium oxide-based DSCs performance level is low due to the fast recombination dynamics, low voltage value and poor adsorption capacity of sensitizer.

Titanium carbide (TiC) has been used as a counter electrode (CE) catalyst in place of Pt for triiodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Its catalytic activity can be comparable to that of Pt. The effect of the thickness of the TiC layer on the performance of the DSCs was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and Tafel polarization measurements. We found that as the film thickness increased, the fill factor and short-circuit current density increased, which led to improved power-conversion efficiency. When the TiC film was thicker than 20 μm, however, no significant continuous improvement in the catalytic activity was observed. A high power-conversion efficiency of 6.46 % was obtained for the DSC by using a TiC CE at the optimized film thickness, a value similar to that obtained with a Pt CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-cost quantum-dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) were fabricated by using the earth-abundant element SnS quantum dot, novel TiC counter electrodes, and the organic disulfide/thiolate (T2/T−) redox couple, and reached an efficiency of 1.03 %. QDSSCs based on I−/I3−, T2/T−, and S2−/S x2− redox couples were assembled to study the role of the redox couples in the regeneration of sensitizers. Charge-extraction results reveal the reasons for the difference in JSC in three QDSSCs based on I−/I3−, T2/T−, and S2−/S x2− redox couples. The catalytic selectivity of TiC and Pt towards T2/T− and I−/I3− redox couples was investigated using Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance analysis. These results indicated that Pt and TiC show a similar catalytic selectivity for I−/I3−. However, TiC possesses better catalytic activity for T2/T− than for I−/I3−. These results indicate the great potential of transition metal carbide materials and organic redox couples used in QDSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly effective and stable counter electrode (CE) materials to replace rare and expensive noble metals for dye‐sensitized and perovskite solar cells (DSC and PSC) is a research hotspot. Carbon materials are identified as the most qualified noble metal‐free CEs for the commercialization of the two photovoltaic devices due to their merits of low cost, excellent activity, and superior stability. Herein, carbonaceous CE materials are reviewed extensively with respect to the two devices. For DSC, a classified discussion according to the morphology is presented because electrode properties are closely related to the specific porosity or nanostructure of carbon materials. The pivotal factors influencing the catalytic behavior of carbon CEs are also discussed. For PSC, an overview of the new carbon CE materials is addressed comprehensively. Moreover, the modification techniques to improve the interfacial contact between the perovskite and carbon layers, aiming to enhance the photovoltaic performance, are also demonstrated. Finally, the development directions, main challenges, and coping approaches with respect to the carbon CE in DSC and PSC are stated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic lead halide perovskites are attracting increasing attention due to their much better thermal stability than the organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials. Thus, the low power conversion efficiency (PCE) is a key issue for the inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This is mainly due to their wider bandgap and larger energy loss (Eloss) in the devices. Herein, for solving this issue, a dye molecule‐assisted engineering using the dye of 5,15‐bis(2,6‐dioctoxyphenyl)‐10‐(bis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐amino‐20‐4‐carboxyphenylethynyl)porphyrinato]zinc(II) (YD2‐o‐C8) is demonstrated. Results indicate that this molecule has a bifunctional effect, not only as a co‐sensitization layer for CsPbIBr2 with broader absorption spectrum but also reduces the Eloss by interface passivation. Specifically, the light absorption range of the photoactive layer is broadened from 600 to nearly 680 nm. At the same time, the interfacial charge recombination is highly reduced. After optimizing, the champion PCE is enhanced from 7.02% to 10.13%, and record‐high open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.37 V and short‐circuit currents (JSC) of 12.05 mA cm−2 are achieved. This study opens a simple and efficient way to improve the efficiency of inorganic PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]