Energy articles from across Nature Portfolio

Charge-selective contacts have a key role in increasing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A hole-transport material (HTM) is designed based on a symmetric aromatic molecule that facilitates long-range ordered π–π stacking on substrates. This HTM shows enhanced charge-transport properties, and when incorporated into PSCs, helps to deliver good efficiency and stability.

A quantitative theory based on cation–solvent and anion–solvent affinity has been developed to elucidate the solvation microstructure of electrolytes. This unified framework can simultaneously predict electrolyte structure, transport properties, and interfacial behaviour. Thus, the framework provides a solvent-specific design platform for the development of high-performance electrolytes.

Molecular engineering has increased the power conversion efficiency of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), surpassing that of regular PSCs. Here, the symmetric molecule (2-(pyren-2-yl)ethyl)phosphonic acid (pPy) enables long-range-ordered π–π stacking, enhancing charge transport. pPy films show face-on orientation and uniform distribution, yielding PSCs with power conversion efficiencies of 26.6%.

Iron fluoride positive electrodes suffer from compositional inhomogeneity caused by irreversible phase transitions during discharge. Here, authors develop a LiF-FeF₂ nanocomposite positive electrode to enhance cycling stability by guiding a reversible phase transition to tetragonal FeF₃.

Low conductivity and poor thermal safety limit solid polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries. Here, authors present a puzzle-like molecular design that enhances salt dissociation and stability, enabling safe, high-voltage batteries with improved cycling performance.

Commercial lithium-ion batteries still have the issue of the uncontrollable dendritic Li under extreme conditions. Here, authors demonstrate a MXene-configured graphite, enabling homogeneous growth of Li, achieving high-capacity retentions in Ah-level pouch cell at −20 °C and high rates.

Next-generation batteries require innovative electrolytes, but conventional methods are tedious and costly. Here, authors develop an active learning framework to rapidly identify seven efficient electrolytes for anode-free lithium-metal batteries, accelerating electrolyte discovery.

Charge-selective contacts have a key role in increasing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A hole-transport material (HTM) is designed based on a symmetric aromatic molecule that facilitates long-range ordered π–π stacking on substrates. This HTM shows enhanced charge-transport properties, and when incorporated into PSCs, helps to deliver good efficiency and stability.

DNA computers can use biological material to perform mathematical functions and store information, but their power sources have been fragile. Researchers now say they’ve developed a reliable source: heat.

A quantitative theory based on cation–solvent and anion–solvent affinity has been developed to elucidate the solvation microstructure of electrolytes. This unified framework can simultaneously predict electrolyte structure, transport properties, and interfacial behaviour. Thus, the framework provides a solvent-specific design platform for the development of high-performance electrolytes.

Nearly one-quarter of heatwaves would have been ‘virtually impossible’ without global warming — and can be attributed to the emissions of individual energy producers.

Around 1,460 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide can be safely stored underground, but this limit could be reached by 2200.