eSciencePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-07-23DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100454
Yuhao Feng , Keke Chen , Panpan Liu , Jindi Zhao , Yang Li , Xiao Chen
{"title":"Longitudinal confinement engineering in phase change materials","authors":"Yuhao Feng , Keke Chen , Panpan Liu , Jindi Zhao , Yang Li , Xiao Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100454","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100454","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amidst escalating energy demands and intensifying environmental pressures, advanced phase change materials (PCMs) have emerged as highly efficient and sustainable storage solutions, owing to their unique operational principles. However, pristine PCMs encounter a multitude of challenges, including susceptibility to leakage, inferior thermal/electrical conductivity, inadequate light responsiveness, intrinsic rigidity, and limited functionality, which impede their effectiveness in addressing the complex demands of real-world applications. Longitudinal confinement of PCMs using advanced multifunctional 1D materials is accepted as a cutting-edge solution to these limitations. A corresponding comprehensive review of longitudinally confined composite PCMs is thus imperative for subsequent studies and yet is missing from the literature, unlike reviews of 0D, 2D, and 3D materials for PCMs. Herein, this review systematically highlights the diverse roles of longitudinal materials in PCMs and analyzes the relationships between their architectures and thermophysical properties, with particular emphasis on design principles and advanced multifunctional interdisciplinary applications. Additionally, we provide an in-depth understanding of thermal transfer, energy conversion mechanisms, and rationalized routes to high-efficiency energy conversion PCMs. Finally, we introduce critical considerations for current challenges and future solutions to them, hoping to offer constructive guidance and facilitate significant breakthroughs for longitudinally confined composite PCMs in both fundamental interdisciplinary research and commercial applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100454"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-07-16DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100453
Qingqing Cheng , Tao Wang , Yihe Chen , Yongyu Pan , Yubin Chen , Bo Yang , Hui Yang
{"title":"Concentration-gradient driven atom diffusion to synthesize high-loaded and sub-5 nm PtCo intermetallic compound for fuel cells","authors":"Qingqing Cheng , Tao Wang , Yihe Chen , Yongyu Pan , Yubin Chen , Bo Yang , Hui Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The synthesis of Pt intermetallic compounds (IMCs) typically necessitates high-temperature annealing to overcome the atom-diffusion kinetic barrier, which inevitably results in considerable nanoparticle sintering, especially for the high-loaded catalyst, thus leading to diminished performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. We propose a concentration-gradient-driven atom diffusion strategy to synthesize Pt intermetallic compounds (IMCs), overcoming the atom-diffusion kinetic barrier under relatively low temperature. This method efficiently transforms high-loaded Pt seeds/C into sub-5 nm L<sub>10</sub>-PtCo-IMC/C (44.3 wt%) catalyst. Advanced characterizations and molecular dynamic simulations reveal that locally concentrated Co precursors accelerate atom diffusion and enhance nanoparticle anti-sintering ability. Temperature-dependent analyses further elucidate the structural transformation mechanism by tracking crystal structure and nanoparticle size evolution. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) integrated with the optimized PtCo-IMC/C at a low Pt usage (0.1 mg cm<sup>−2</sup>) delivers a maximum power density of approximately 1.15 W cm<sup>−2</sup> and excellent stability (a 26-mV loss at 0.8 A cm<sup>−2</sup>) after 30000 cycles of accelerated stress testing under H<sub>2</sub>-air conditions. This scalable synthesis pathway (20 g per batch) holds great promise for advancing high-loaded fuel cell electrocatalysts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100453"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-05-16DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100429
Quan Wu , Elin Dufvenius Esping , Marita Afiandika , Shizhao Xiong , Aleksandar Matic
{"title":"Understanding the electro-chemo-mechanics of lithium metal anodes","authors":"Quan Wu , Elin Dufvenius Esping , Marita Afiandika , Shizhao Xiong , Aleksandar Matic","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are candidates for next-generation energy storage due to their potential to increase energy density. However, the nonuniform electrodeposition of Li during cycling, plus the growth of Li dendrites and the side reactions between Li metal and the electrolyte, hinder the practical deployment of LMBs. The plating/stripping behavior of Li is an electro-chemo-mechanical process, and gaining a thorough understanding of its mechanisms is a cornerstone of LMB development. In this review, the current understanding of electro-chemo-mechanical processes on Li metal anodes is systematically summarized from the perspectives of Li plating/stripping in liquid- and solid-state electrolytes, the important role of the solid–electrolyte interphase, and the methodologies for understanding the electro-chemo-mechanics of the Li metal anode. The aim is to promote the development of LMBs through the optimization of Li metal anodes, which is based on understanding the fundamental processes occurring during electrochemical plating and stripping.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100429"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Manganese-containing electrocatalysts for sustainable acidic oxygen evolution","authors":"Wenqi Jia, Licheng Miao, Xuejie Cao, Xiaojie Chen, Ting Jin, Fangyi Cheng, Lifang Jiao, Jun Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is recognized as an advanced technology for green hydrogen production and renewable energy conversion. However, the prohibitive cost and limited availability of precious-metal catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) hamper its industrial application, and it is imperative to reduce the precious-metal loading by incorporating other elements or exploring alternative materials. Given the low cost and abundant reserves, manganese (Mn)-related catalysts have garnered increasing attention. This review systematically summarizes the progress of Mn-containing catalysts for acidic OER. Initially, we present an overview of fundamental characteristics and OER performance, especially the excellent stability, of Mn oxides. Then, we introduce the modulating effect of Mn in terms of the support, electronic structure, reaction mechanism, and surface reconstruction, followed by an analysis of the advancement of Mn-containing catalysts in PEMWE. Finally, the unresolved issues and future research directions for Mn-containing catalysts in acidic OER are critically discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100427"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-05-09DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100428
Jeongeun Mo , Haeri Park , Seungwan Woo , Donghee Park , Jeong Min Baik , Won Jun Choi
{"title":"Heterointerface photo-electron effect in VO2(B)/V2O5 nanocomposite under long-wave infrared illumination for high-temperature microbolometers","authors":"Jeongeun Mo , Haeri Park , Seungwan Woo , Donghee Park , Jeong Min Baik , Won Jun Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study introduces a VO<sub>2</sub>(B)/V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> nanocomposite thin film, fabricated via low-temperature sputtering (< 300 °C), as a high-performance thermistor material at high temperatures up to 125 °C for long-wave infrared (LWIR) microbolometers. By incorporating V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> into the VO<sub>2</sub>(B) matrix and optimizing the heterointerface, the composite achieves a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 2.19 (−/K) at room temperature and 1.19 (−%/K) at 125 °C. The synergistic properties of conductive VO<sub>2</sub>(B) and insulating V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> enhance interfacial charge transfer, electron density, and thermal stability. Structural and compositional analyses confirm that oxygen vacancies and optimized band alignment play key roles in improving conductivity and photo-response. The microbolometers exhibit exceptional responsivity (2.3 kV/W) and fast response times (∼0.72 ms) at elevated temperature of 125 °C, highlighting the VO<sub>2</sub>(B)/V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> nanocomposite as a robust and reliable material for LWIR detection in outdoor applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100428"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-04-24DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100425
Jiping Sun , Bichao Wu , Guangchao Li , Zhixing Wang , Xinhai Li , Huajun Guo , Guochun Yan , Hui Duan , Wenchao Zhang , Min Liu , Jiexi Wang
{"title":"Catalyst and gas diffusion electrode design toward C–N coupling for urea electrosynthesis","authors":"Jiping Sun , Bichao Wu , Guangchao Li , Zhixing Wang , Xinhai Li , Huajun Guo , Guochun Yan , Hui Duan , Wenchao Zhang , Min Liu , Jiexi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100425","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100425","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The electrocatalytic C–N coupling reaction involving carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) and nitrogenous small molecules has recently emerged as a subject of considerable interest within the field of urea synthesis. This approach has the potential to facilitate the clean, sustainable production of urea, thereby contributing to the attainment of carbon neutrality and the advancement of artificial nitrogen cycling. Nevertheless, electrocatalytic urea synthesis still faces significant challenges due to the difficulty of balancing the co-activation of carbon and nitrogen sources and the subsequent catalytic C–N coupling of <em>in situ</em>-generated species, as well as competing reactions. To overcome these challenges, there is a growing emphasis on the research of gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) and the design of electrode materials. This article provides a comprehensive review of the C–N coupling mechanisms, the classification of catalysts, the electrocatalyst design and optimization strategies, and the fundamental functions and importance of GDEs in electrocatalytic C–N coupling reactions. It also provides insights and perspectives on the major challenges and future research directions for GDEs and electrocatalysts in electrocatalytic urea synthesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100425"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-05-29DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100435
Yijun Song , Bo Wang , Yongpeng Cui , Pengyun Liu , Xiuli Gao , Xuejin Li , Lei Zhu , Qingzhong Xue , Yongfu Tang , Wei Xing
{"title":"Mechanically and chemically robust ultrahigh-Ni cathodes enabled by localized cation disorder design","authors":"Yijun Song , Bo Wang , Yongpeng Cui , Pengyun Liu , Xiuli Gao , Xuejin Li , Lei Zhu , Qingzhong Xue , Yongfu Tang , Wei Xing","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Layered oxide cathodes play a crucial role in developing high-energy-density Li-ion batteries. However, limited by weak interlayer support and poor oxygen stability, the ordered structure is easily transformed into a dense disordered structure, thus limiting their cycle life. Here we show that constructing a localized cation disorder (LCD) structure by chemically inducing treatment can radically address the mechanical-chemical coupling-induced structural degradation in ultrahigh-Ni cathodes. The LCD structure is proved to function as a steady-state supporting nanodomain, not only effectively enhancing the collective mechanical stability, especially avoiding the collapse of the Li-ion diffusion channel, but also enhancing the lattice oxygen framework stability by reducing charge compensation and improving electronic conductivity. As a result, the ultrahigh-Ni cathode with an LCD structure demonstrates remarkable capacity retention and excellent rate performance. This work highlights the effectiveness of localized structural design in addressing the mechanical and chemical instabilities for advanced oxide cathodes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100435"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chemical inhibition of light-induced decomposition by hindered amine for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells","authors":"Yuqing Su , Jike Ding , Zuolin Zhang , Mengjia Li , Jiangzhao Chen , Jian-Xin Tang , Thierry Pauporté , Cong Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100451","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100451","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite significant advancements in improving the power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of exceeding 27% in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the insufficient operational stability of PSCs under illumination remains a critical challenge, posing a major obstacle to their commercial viability. This paper proposes a feasible hindered amine stabilization strategy (HASS) by using a hindered amine light stabilizer for grain and surface modulation of perovskite, thereby blocking the internal and external degradation pathways of perovskite. Its piperidine ring is easily oxidized to form Nitrogen monoxide (N–O•) radicals after absorbing light energy in an aerobic environment. The free superoxide radical (<span><math><mrow><msubsup><mi>O</mi><mn>2</mn><mrow><mo>·</mo><mo>−</mo></mrow></msubsup></mrow></math></span>) radicals react with perovskite and H<sup>+</sup> in the decomposition products of perovskite, thereby improving the light stability of the device. In addition, the contained triazine and morpholine functional groups can coordinate with Pb<sup>2+</sup>, thereby reducing the interface defects and inhibiting the non-radiative recombination. The HASS-modulated PSC could reach the champion PCE of 26.74% (certified 26.56%), which is remarkable for inverted PSCs prepared under ambient conditions. Further, the unencapsulated device could maintain 95.4% of its initial PCE after more than 1000 h of aging at maximum power point tracking.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100451"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-05-24DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100432
Chaofan Liang , Jie Ji , Yaqi Liao , Tianyi Hou , Zhikang Liu , Hongbin Xie , Kui Li , Xinpeng Pi , Donghai Wang , Xiaoyu Jin , Weichen Du , Long Qie
{"title":"Interface-engineered metalized plastic current collectors for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries with high safety and stability","authors":"Chaofan Liang , Jie Ji , Yaqi Liao , Tianyi Hou , Zhikang Liu , Hongbin Xie , Kui Li , Xinpeng Pi , Donghai Wang , Xiaoyu Jin , Weichen Du , Long Qie","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adopting the metalized plastic current collector (MPCC) enhances the safety and specific energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) but sacrifices the rate capability. The reduced rate capability is customarily ascribed to the lower electronic conductivity of MPCC as compared with the metal ones (e.g., Al and Cu) due to the less metal usage. Here, we demonstrate that the interfacial contact between the current collector (CC) and the active-material layer, rather than the electronic conductivity of CC, accounts for the rate performance of the cells. By introducing a thin carbon coating (∼300 nm) onto the surface of MPCC (e.g., 1 μm thick aluminum deposited on both sides of 10 μm polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, Al-PET), we reduced the contact resistance between MPCC and cathode materials. Using the carbon-coated Al-PET (C@Al-PET) as CC, the 6.0-Ah graphite/LiCoO<sub>2</sub> pouch cell delivers significantly improved fast-charge capability and cycling stability, which are identified as the homogenized potential distribution and electrode utilization with multiphysical field simulations. Most importantly, the cell with C@Al-PET CC could still pass the harsh impact test, promising its applications in high-rate LIBs with superior safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100432"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
eSciencePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-07-10DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100452
Yi Chen , Ji Qian , Ke Wang , Tianyang Xue , Zhengqiang Hu , Fengling Zhang , Tong Lian , Xinhui Pan , Teng Zhao , Li Li , Feng Wu , Renjie Chen
{"title":"Electron-funnel mediated anion confinement enables ultra-reversible interphases in solid-state batteries","authors":"Yi Chen , Ji Qian , Ke Wang , Tianyang Xue , Zhengqiang Hu , Fengling Zhang , Tong Lian , Xinhui Pan , Teng Zhao , Li Li , Feng Wu , Renjie Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100452","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esci.2025.100452","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solid-state lithium metal batteries face challenges from irreversible interfacial degradation and sluggish ion transport. We propose an electron-funnel-mediated anion confinement strategy via atomic-level electronic field engineering. Incorporating electron-withdrawing –NO<sub>2</sub> groups into Zr-based frameworks induces a 0.38 eV upward d-band center shift, generating a quantum-confined electrostatic gradient that polarizes TFSI<sup>−</sup> anions. This reduces TFSI<sup>−</sup> decomposition energy barrier (ΔG: −0.35 → −1.22 eV), selectively promoting LiF nucleation while suppressing side reactions. Concurrently, Zr<sup>4+</sup>-PEO Lewis interactions disrupt polymer crystallinity, enhancing ionic conductivity and Li<sup>+</sup> transference number. Cryo-TEM tomography and TOF-SIMS mapping reveal a fractal LiF-rich interphase enabling dendrite-free lithium plating for > 11,000 h with polarization < 40 mV. LiFePO<sub>4</sub> full cells achieve 86.3% capacity retention after 400 cycles at 1C (1.3 mAh cm<sup>−2</sup>). This work establishes anion confinement as a universal framework synchronizing ion transport and interfacial durability, advancing practical solid-state batteries with exceptional longevity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100489,"journal":{"name":"eScience","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100452"},"PeriodicalIF":36.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}