ACS energy letters 

About: ACS energy letters is an academic journal published by American Chemical Society. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Perovskite (structure) & Materials science. It has an ISSN identifier of 2380-8195. Over the lifetime, 3155 publications have been published receiving 197305 citations. The journal is also known as: American Chemical Society energy letters.

Recent Advances in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Abstract: Although current high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have taken over the commercial rechargeable battery market, increasing concerns about limited lithium resources, high cost, and insecurity of organic electrolyte scale-up limit their further development. Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), an alternative battery chemistry, have paved the way not only for realizing environmentally benign and safe energy storage devices but also for reducing the manufacturing costs of next-generation batteries. This Review underscores recent advances in aqueous ZIBs; these include the design of a highly reversible Zn anode, optimization of the electrolyte, and a wide range of cathode materials and their energy storage mechanisms. We also present recent advanced techniques that aim at overcoming the current issues in aqueous ZIB systems. This Review on the future perspectives and research directions will provide a guide for future aqueous ZIB study.

Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Carbide (MXene) as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract: The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is an important energy conversion process that underpins many clean energy technologies including water splitting. Herein, we report for the first time the application of two-dimensional (2D) layered transition metal carbides, MXenes, as electrocatalysts for the HER. Our computational screening study of 2D layered M2XTx (M = metal; X = (C, N); and Tx = surface functional groups) predicts Mo2CTx to be an active catalyst candidate for the HER. We synthesized both Mo2CTx and Ti2CTx MXenes, and in agreement with our theoretical predictions, Mo2CTx was found to exhibit far higher HER activity than Ti2CTx. Theory suggests that the basal planes of Mo2CTx are catalytically active toward the HER, unlike in the case of widely studied MoS2, in which only the edge sites of the 2H phase are active. This work paves the way for the development of novel 2D layered materials that can be applied in a multitude of other clean energy reactions for a sustainable energy future.

Nickel-Rich Layered Cathode Materials for Automotive Lithium-Ion Batteries: Achievements and Perspectives

Abstract: Future generations of electric vehicles require driving ranges of at least 300 miles to successfully penetrate the mass consumer market. A significant improvement in the energy density of lithium batteries is mandatory while also maintaining similar or improved rate capability, lifetime, cost, and safety. The vast majority of electric vehicles that will appear on the market in the next 10 years will employ nickel-rich cathode materials, LiNi1–x–yCoxAlyO2 and LiNi1–x–yCoxMnyO2 (x + y < 0.2), in particular. Here, the potential and limitations of these cathode materials are critically compared with reference to realistic target values from the automotive industry. Moreover, we show how future automotive targets can be achieved through fine control of the structural and microstructural properties.

Charge-Carrier Mobilities in Metal Halide Perovskites: Fundamental Mechanisms and Limits

Abstract: Perovskite photovoltaic cells have seen a remarkable rise in power conversion efficiencies over a period of only a few years. Much of this performance is underpinned by the favorable charge-carrier mobilities in metal halide perovskites (MHPs), which are remarkably high for materials with such facile and versatile processing routes. This Perspective outlines the mechanisms that set a fundamental upper limit to charge-carrier mobility values in MHPs and reveals how they may be tuned through changes in stoichiometry. In addition, extrinsic effects such as grain size, energetic disorder, and self-doping are discussed for specific MHPs in the context of remedies designed to avoid them.