eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100270
Xuan Liu , Gang Wu , Qing Li
{"title":"Orbital modulation in platinum-group-metal (PGM) electrocatalysts: An effective approach to boost catalytic performance","authors":"Xuan Liu , Gang Wu , Qing Li","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100270","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100270","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Platinum group metal (PGM) electrocatalysts play an irreplaceable role in many electrochemical reactions for sustainable energy conversion. In the past few decades, the electronic orbital modulation methods have emerged as an important way to produce high-performance electrocatalysts, often by adjusting surface reactivity and enhancing structural stability. In this review, we first systematically elaborate on the basic principles and strategies of orbital modulation for PGM-based catalysts, mainly from the perspective of improving activity and stability, in which we highlight some exploratory theoretical studies over the past few decades. Then we describe a series of representative works to elucidate the specific approaches used to realize precise orbital modulation in PGM catalysts. Finally, we clarify the existing challenges and propose some perspectives for the development of related theories and practical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100270"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140795924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100327
Fei Han , Hanfei Li , Laixin Huang , Xiaomeng Zhou , Rui Su , Huan Yu , Qiong Tian , Hang Zhao , Qingsong Li , Jing Sun , Mei Yu , Xinping Deng , Guanglin Li , Huaiyu Ye , Fei Li , Guoqi Zhang , Zhiyuan Liu
{"title":"Hybrid microstructure-based stretchable biosensors for multi-physiological signal sensing","authors":"Fei Han , Hanfei Li , Laixin Huang , Xiaomeng Zhou , Rui Su , Huan Yu , Qiong Tian , Hang Zhao , Qingsong Li , Jing Sun , Mei Yu , Xinping Deng , Guanglin Li , Huaiyu Ye , Fei Li , Guoqi Zhang , Zhiyuan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100327","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100327","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wearable biosensors provide continuous, real-time physiological monitoring of biochemical markers in biofluids such as sweat, tears, saliva, and interstitial fluid. However, achieving high stretchability and stable biochemical signal monitoring remains challenging. Here, we propose a hybrid microstructure (HMS) strategy to fabricate highly stretchable multifunctional biosensors capable of detecting sweat electrolyte concentrations, pH levels, and surface electromyography (EMG) signals. By integrating a HMS, stable conductivity under large strains is ensured. Stretching tests up to 5000 cycles demonstrated the electrodes’ stretchable stability and reliability. The high-performance electrodes were used for EMG monitoring on human skin. Additionally, active materials were coated onto the stretchable electrodes to create multifunctional sweat sensors capable of monitoring pH as well as calcium, sodium, and potassium ions (Ca<sup>2+</sup>, Na<sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup>). The electrodes reliably maintained their functionality under 60% strain, providing new insights into the fabrication of stable, highly stretchable biosensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100327"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100326
Jing Chen, Guang-Peng Zhu, Kai-Li Wang, Chun-Hao Chen, Tian-Yu Teng, Yu Xia, Tao Wang, Zhao-Kui Wang
{"title":"Unveiling full-dimensional distribution of trap states toward highly efficient perovskite photovoltaics","authors":"Jing Chen, Guang-Peng Zhu, Kai-Li Wang, Chun-Hao Chen, Tian-Yu Teng, Yu Xia, Tao Wang, Zhao-Kui Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100326","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100326","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To gain a deep understanding and address key issues in perovskite photovoltaics, such as power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability, defect passivation and analysis of the device performance are required. Here, we propose a non-contact characterization technique called the scanning photocurrent measurement system (SPMS) for device surface detection. We conducted signal analysis and method adjustments based on perovskite photovoltaic devices. This technique enables the monitoring of minority carriers in the device, allowing for the investigation of carrier behavior based on photocurrent signals. By integrating SPMS with thermal conductance spectroscopy (TAS) and drive-level capacitance profiling (DLCP), we further simulated the three-dimensional (3D) spatial distribution of trap states in the device and analyzed their energy-level alignment. Through extensive case studies, we have validated the universality and accuracy of this method. The integration of trap state characterization techniques provides strong support for targeted defect passivation and performance evaluation of perovskite photovoltaic devices, yielding a highly efficient perovskite solar cell with PCE as high as 25.74%.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100326"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100294
Jianwen Li , Alireza Azizi , Shuang Zhou , Sainan Liu , Chao Han , Zhi Chang , Anqiang Pan , Guozhong Cao
{"title":"Hydrogel polymer electrolytes toward better zinc-ion batteries: A comprehensive review","authors":"Jianwen Li , Alireza Azizi , Shuang Zhou , Sainan Liu , Chao Han , Zhi Chang , Anqiang Pan , Guozhong Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) represent a promising solution for “beyond-lithium-ion” chemistries, but certain problems hinder their further development, especially when conventional aqueous electrolytes are involved. Hydrogel polymer electrolytes (HPEs) offer opportunities to circumvent these issues. This review aims to provide a fundamental understanding of how to design better HPEs for high-performing ZIBs, through critically analyzing the recent literature. Concerns regarding HPEs’ mechanical, interfacial, and electrochemical characteristics are addressed, followed by in-depth insights into their underlying mechanisms. Possibilities for practical applications of HPEs are also discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100294"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141694710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Organic photoelectrochemical memtransistor","authors":"Zheng Li, Qing-Qing Wu, Miao-Hua Chen, Jing-Juan Xu, Hong-Yuan Chen, Wei-Wei Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100374","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100374","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>By emulating the intricate human brain, neuromorphic engineering is playing a pivotal role in reshaping artificial intelligence, with unique synaptic devices forming the cornerstone of its success. This work presents a proof-of-concept study of an organic photoelectrochemical memtransistor (OPECmT) with chemically tunable reconfigurability in fluids. Light stimuli can induce unique hysteretic behavior in this OPECmT. Through mediation by the actual neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), we achieve the on-demand generation of excitatory/inhibitory postsynaptic currents and paired-pulse facilitation/depression with chemically adjustable weights. Notably, highly bionic Hebbian learning is realized in terms of nonlinearity and a millisecond time scale. To demonstrate the OPECmT’s application potential, an ACh-mediated artificial motion reflex arc is developed to mimic autonomous human movements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100374"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100277
Likun Chen , Peiran Shi , Tian Gu , Jinshuo Mi , Ke Yang , Liang Zhao , Jianshuai Lv , Ming Liu , Yan-Bing He , Feiyu Kang
{"title":"Strategies of constructing highly stable interfaces with low resistance in inorganic oxide-based solid-state lithium batteries","authors":"Likun Chen , Peiran Shi , Tian Gu , Jinshuo Mi , Ke Yang , Liang Zhao , Jianshuai Lv , Ming Liu , Yan-Bing He , Feiyu Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100277","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100277","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxide solid-state electrolytes (OSEs) with high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical window and inherent safety are critical to achieve high-energy-density and safe performance of solid-state batteries (SSBs). However, the large interfacial impedance and severe side reactions between OSEs and electrodes remain challenging for ion transport in SSBs, which is attributed to the poor physical contact and chemical compatibility between OSEs and electrode materials. In this review, the recent research on solid-state interfaces in SSBs is summarized and discussed. These strategies can be categorized into interfacial structure design and interfacial modifications. Structure designs, including constructing architectural Li anode, three-dimension (3D) structure OSEs and integrated cathode can significantly increase the effective contact area between electrodes and OSEs to facilitate the interfacial ion transport. The interfacial modifications are utilized to improve the wettability of OSEs for lithium metal anode, enhance the interfacial ion transport, and stabilize the OSEs/electrodes interface. Interface architecture is crucial to enhance structural stability and reduce interface impedance for advanced oxide-based SSBs. At last, the future research direction of interfacial modification in SSBs is prospected.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100277"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141034274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100324
Guoli Du, Jiamin Zhao, Yuzheng Shao, Tao Liu, Bin Luo, Song Zhang, Mingchao Chi, Chenchen Cai, Zhaomeng Liu, Shuangfei Wang, Shuangxi Nie
{"title":"A self-damping triboelectric tactile patch for self-powered wearable electronics","authors":"Guoli Du, Jiamin Zhao, Yuzheng Shao, Tao Liu, Bin Luo, Song Zhang, Mingchao Chi, Chenchen Cai, Zhaomeng Liu, Shuangfei Wang, Shuangxi Nie","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100324","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100324","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wearable tactile sensing systems with bionic designs holds significant promise for environmental interactions and human–machine communication. Triboelectric sensing technology plays a vital role in acquiring and quantifying tactile signals. Conventional elastic sensing materials, however, lack damping performance and are easily damaged by vibrations, leading to sensor failure. To address this challenge, our study proposes a highly damping triboelectric gel based on a hydrogen bonding assisted microphase separation strategy. In microphase separation, the soft phase provides the viscoelasticity needed for the gel, while the hard phase dissipates shock energy. This energy dissipation mechanism enables the gel to achieve excellent damping performance (tan δ = 0.68 at 1Hz), skin-like softness (Young’s modulus of 130 kPa), and stretchability (> 900 %). The resulting self-damping tactile patch effectively absorbs and dissipates external vibrations, ensuring a stable and reliable wearable tactile sensing device. This work provides new insights into the application of triboelectric gels in wearable electronics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100324"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100295
Jing Ni , Zhaoping Shi , Yibo Wang , Jiahao Yang , Hongxiang Wu , Pengbo Wang , Meiling Xiao , Changpeng Liu , Wei Xing
{"title":"Development of noble metal-free electrocatalysts towards acidic water oxidation: From fundamental understanding to state-of-the-art catalysts","authors":"Jing Ni , Zhaoping Shi , Yibo Wang , Jiahao Yang , Hongxiang Wu , Pengbo Wang , Meiling Xiao , Changpeng Liu , Wei Xing","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid electrolytes is critical to the widespread implementation of proton electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) towards carbon neutralization. Noble metal Ir- and Ru-based materials are state-of-the-art catalysts but still suffer from prohibitive price and scarcity. In this context, a variety of noble metal-free catalysts have been developed to decrease the cost of PEMWE. In this review, we first summarize the activity expression mechanism and stability issues for non-precious metal catalysts, highlighting the origins of performance degradation and the possible mitigation strategies. Then, we systematically review several recently developed noble metal-free catalysts, focusing on the design rationale and the structure-performance relation. Finally, the development prospects of non-noble metal catalysts are prospected, with the potential challenges for practical applications presented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100295"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141696390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100329
Huan Bi , Jiaqi Liu , Liang Wang , Tuo Liu , Zheng Zhang , Qing Shen , Shuzi Hayase
{"title":"Selective contact self-assembled molecules for high-performance perovskite solar cells","authors":"Huan Bi , Jiaqi Liu , Liang Wang , Tuo Liu , Zheng Zhang , Qing Shen , Shuzi Hayase","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100329","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100329","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review provides a comprehensive overview of the utilization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), with a specific focus on their potential as hole transport layers (HTLs). Perovskite materials have garnered significant attention in photovoltaic technology owing to their unique optoelectronic properties. SAMs present a promising solution as efficient and stable HTLs by forming well-ordered thin films on transparent conductive oxide surfaces. This review commences with an introduction to the structure and properties of perovskite materials, followed by a discussion on the operational principles and compositions of functional layers in PSCs. It subsequently delves into the structure, preparation methodologies, and applications of SAMs in PSCs, highlighting their role in enhancing cell efficiency as HTLs. We also discuss their application as electron transport layers. The paper concludes by exploring the potential integration of SAMs into commercial PSC production processes and suggesting future research avenues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100329"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100311
Hua Zhang , Nianpeng Li , Sanshuang Gao , Anran Chen , Qihang Qian , Qingquan Kong , Bao Yu Xia , Guangzhi Hu
{"title":"Quenching-induced atom-stepped bimetallic sulfide heterointerface catalysts for industrial hydrogen generation","authors":"Hua Zhang , Nianpeng Li , Sanshuang Gao , Anran Chen , Qihang Qian , Qingquan Kong , Bao Yu Xia , Guangzhi Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2024.100311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Developing non-noble metal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts with high activity and durability at ampere-level current densities is vital for emerging anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis, but it remains challenging. Here we present an atom-stepped nickel–cobalt bimetallic sulfide (AS-Ni<sub>3</sub>S<sub>2</sub>/Co<sub>3</sub>S<sub>4</sub>) heterostructure that exhibits superior HER performance, with ultra-low overpotentials of 28 and 195 mV at current densities of 10 and 2000 mA cm<sup>−2</sup>, respectively. Experimental analyses and theoretical calculations revealed that the work-function-induced interfacial built-in electric field drives electron transfer from Ni<sub>3</sub>S<sub>2</sub> to Co<sub>3</sub>S<sub>4</sub> via Ni–S–Co interfacial bridging, which effectively accelerates water activation and optimizes hydrogen adsorption and desorption. An AEM electrolyzer using an AS-Ni<sub>3</sub>S<sub>2</sub>/Co<sub>3</sub>S<sub>4</sub> heterostructure as the cathode required cell voltages of only 1.71 and 1.79 V to reach 1.0 and 2.0 A cm<sup>−2</sup>, respectively, and operated stably for 1200 h without activity degradation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"5 2","pages":"Article 100311"},"PeriodicalIF":42.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}