{"title":"Emerging nanomaterials for energy storage: A critical review of metrics, hotspots, and future directions","authors":"Zhengxiang Sun, Rui Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The accelerating depletion of fossil resources and the mounting environmental and climate pressures make the development of high-performance electrochemical energy-storage (EES) technologies an urgent priority. Anchored in the tri-axis of <em>materials – mechanisms – hotspots/trends</em>, this review systematically analyses the structure-property-performance relationships of five emerging classes of nanomaterials—COFs, MOFs, MXenes, PCMs and flaccid antiferroelectrics—in battery and capacitor configurations. Drawing on more than 300 recent publications, we construct a unified evaluation framework built around ten intrinsic parameters—pseudocapacitance, structural gradients/disorder, bond-length or interlayer-spacing regulation, high specific surface area, vacancy effects, ion solubility, dielectric breakdown strength, doping effects, electron-transfer effects and high-entropy strategies—and benchmark them against practical engineering metrics such as energy density, power density, cycle stability and safety. Within this framework, we distil five current research hotspots—biochemical energy storage, supercapacitors, dielectric capacitors, information encryption & decryption, and machine learning & programming—and relate them to five emerging trends: (i) anti-corrosion and acid/alkali-resistant materials, (ii) battery operation under extreme conditions, (iii) fast-charging capability, (iv) wearable and flexible energy-storage systems, and (v) next-generation storage batteries. These insights illustrate how evolving application demands are reshaping both material selection and evaluation strategies. Finally, we outline four strategic directions—green scalable synthesis, in-situ high-throughput characterization, data-driven materials design and device-level integration—that can accelerate the optimization and deployment of novel energy-storage nanomaterials. By providing an actionable assessment toolbox and a forward-looking roadmap, this review aims to guide the rational ranking of material candidates and engineering approaches toward the next generation of sustainable EES systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116093"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysis of specifications of bifacial photovoltaic panels","authors":"A.A. Belsky , V.T. Ngyen , M.H. Sheikhi , V.V. Starshaia","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bifacial photovoltaic panels (bPVP) are rapidly taking over the global PV market due to new cell designs that allow light to reach the panels from the back. This paper provides a global analysis of all passport parameters of 499 bPVPs from 236 manufacturers worldwide. The most widely used production technologies of different efficiency were also covered. The best (the highest or the lowest) and median values of the 16 parameters of each bPVP were established. The identified confidence intervals made it possible to reflect the degree of variability of these parameters and give a more accurate assessment of the bPVP when comparing values. According to the analysis results, heterojunction technology provides the best bPVP parameters. The results obtained can be widely used by researchers in modeling the operating modes of PV systems and will become a way to improve the quality of feasibility study for its implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116092"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yu Chang , Hongshan Guo , Yichun Li , Ilaria Pigliautile , Binlin Chi
{"title":"A data-driven qualitative review of thermal comfort studies: Bridging the gap between western and eastern perspectives","authors":"Yu Chang , Hongshan Guo , Yichun Li , Ilaria Pigliautile , Binlin Chi","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the face of increasing availability of global thermal comfort datasets, there remains a critical gap in how personal, contextual, and environmental variables are comparatively analyzed across cultural and regional contexts. This study presents a data-driven qualitative review of 88 thermal comfort studies drawn from the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database and the Chinese Thermal Comfort Dataset, focusing on the depth and consistency of parameter usage in existing literature. Studies were systematically evaluated along 15 variables grouped into personal characteristics, contextual parameters, and PMV model inputs, assigning scores on a scale from 0 to 3 to reflect their level of consideration.</div><div>Our findings reveal that personal parameters such as height and weight are the least reported (75.6% of studies omitted them), while contextual parameters like season and operation mode received greater attention. Notably, only 34.9% of studies fully account for metabolic rate variation in PMV modeling, while MRT is assumed rather than measured in over 55% of reviewed cases. Using the Chinese dataset, we also derive region-specific adaptive comfort models, with regression slopes ranging from 0.196 (severe cold zone) to 0.819 (hot summer/warm winter zone), underscoring significant geographic variation in thermal adaptation. These findings not only support the improvement of comfort modeling but also inform more energy-efficient, renewables-aligned HVAC control strategies.</div><div>This review highlights the lack of standardized classification systems as a key barrier to integrated analysis. We advocate for harmonized parameter definitions and expanded demographic coverage to enhance the accuracy and cultural relevance of future comfort models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116020"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144685487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mika Lehmusto , Umair Khalid , Max Cobben , Victor Bolbot , Mia Elg , Juhani Hyvärinen , Annukka Santasalo-Aarnio , Osiris Banda Valdez
{"title":"Techno-economic analysis of alternative energy sources for icebreakers in the Baltic Sea","authors":"Mika Lehmusto , Umair Khalid , Max Cobben , Victor Bolbot , Mia Elg , Juhani Hyvärinen , Annukka Santasalo-Aarnio , Osiris Banda Valdez","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.115963","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.115963","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing emphasis on sustainability in the maritime industry has sparked significant interest in alternative energy sources, with ambitious goals set to reduce ship emissions. Industry stakeholders have responded with various strategies, such as optimizing existing power plants, improving energy efficiency, and developing innovative power plant designs utilizing alternative fuels. In light of the global pressure to transition to cleaner maritime operations, this study evaluates five sustainable fuel alternatives for icebreakers - LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and nuclear energy - in comparison to diesel, with the aim to balance operational power needs, life cycle costs, and increasingly strict environmental regulations. The results indicate that the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is a highly promising energy source, combining technical feasibility and economic viability, with lifecycle costs 14.9 M€ lower and emissions 80% less than the next best option. A key benefit is its ability to generate electricity profitably, providing additional revenue during off-season periods. Moreover, for the operational profile of icebreakers, methanol and ammonia are emerging as feasible options, enabling a path toward a cleaner future without requiring excessive tank volume. All hydrocarbons can be produced from either fossil-based or renewable carbon sources, offering flexibility for investment in engines that can transition to sustainably produced fuels without requiring engine modifications. This transition can be timed strategically, considering the cost dynamics of sustainable fuels and evolving emissions regulations. This study aims to guide shipowners and designers in making informed decisions by considering operational, functional, economic, environmental, and regulatory factors throughout the ship’s lifecycle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 115963"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144672230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mengxue Lu , Joseph H.K. Lai , Roger T.H. Ng , Betty W.Y. Chiu
{"title":"Review on building retro-commissioning: a systematic-cascade literature analysis with expert validation","authors":"Mengxue Lu , Joseph H.K. Lai , Roger T.H. Ng , Betty W.Y. Chiu","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To optimize the energy performance of buildings, governments worldwide have introduced retro-commissioning (RCx), a systematic investigation of opportunities to improve the performance of existing buildings. However, RCx studies and applications are not as prevalent as those in the other building energy related domains. The past and recent states of RCx research have not been thoroughly investigated, and future research directions remain unclear. Therefore, a review is conducted to address these gaps using a systematic-cascade approach that includes: retrieval of RCx publications from the ScienceDirect and Scopus databases; bibliometric analysis of the publications using the VOSviewer software; in-depth qualitative analysis of key RCx publications and real case studies; and expert validation of the analysed findings. Key results include the identification of the regions of the past RCx studies, types of buildings and building systems investigated, data types, and data collection and analysis methods used in the studies. Distinct from the continual growth of research in the building energy domain, there was no discernible trend of RCx research. Among the past studies utilizing empirical data, universities and schools are mainly selected for testing RCx scenarios or hypotheses. Barriers and enablers for RCx implementation were found to fall into six categories: knowledge, manpower, finance, motivation, time, and data/information. Nine research gaps and corresponding future research directions were also identified. In addition to contributing to the existing body of RCx knowledge, the results of this study serve as a reference for RCx stakeholders and offer guidance for researchers to pursue further RCx studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116116"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144672231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A comprehensive review on hydrogen production, purification, storage, and utilization: Challenges and future directions","authors":"Vasupalli Tharun, Pachamuthu Senthil Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing carbon footprint of the Earth to increased fossil fuel usage, has raised concerns regarding global temperatures. Urging the development of technologies towards carbon-neutral energy sources. In this scenario, Hydrogen promises a carbon-neutral energy source. This review provides an in-depth analysis and stage-wise assessment on the latest technological advancements and research trends in hydrogen technology from well to wheel. i.e, from production, purification, storage, and utilization. this review includes a series of comparative tables quantifying key parameters such as system level efficiency, cost involved, energy requirements, and purity. In addition, each section is further summarised with potential research gaps, possible solutions and thrust areas which require further research. The research gaps and future directions were prioritized and identified relying on the cause for the transition towards hydrogen in sectors that demand high energy such as, automotive, power generation, energy storage sectors. The research gaps were further prioritized based on environmental considerations by providing insights for reducing the hazardous byproducts. Furthermore, focused on techno-economic factors by providing insights on enhancing their overall efficiency and durability thereby making hydrogen value-chain self-sustainable and economical in both capital and running costs. As a highlight, the study provides a novel approach to utilize hydrogen through hydrogen carriers in IC engines concerning its volumetric energy density, storage safety, and embrittlement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116067"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chanhee You, Thai Ngan Do, Hegwon Chung, Hyeon Yang, Jiyong Kim
{"title":"Beyond storage to value: Barriers, potential and accelerating policies for carbon capture and utilization in energy production","authors":"Chanhee You, Thai Ngan Do, Hegwon Chung, Hyeon Yang, Jiyong Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we systematically investigate the barriers, potential, and accelerating policies of carbon capture and utilization for energy (CCU4E) production as a key strategy to reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and mitigate climate change. We develop an economically optimized model tailored for major CO<sub>2</sub>-emitting regions, covering the period from 2030 to 2050. The proposed model outlines a structured CCU4E strategy by identifying the optimal pathway configurations under nation-specific constraints such as H<sub>2</sub> production costs, market demand variability, and CO<sub>2</sub> capture capacities. Our analysis reveals that CCU4E strategies demonstrate significant potential for CO<sub>2</sub> utilization, with substantial regional variations driven by differences in H<sub>2</sub> availability and H<sub>2</sub> price. The economic feasibility and environmental performance vary considerably across regions, with H<sub>2</sub> price identified as the dominant economic factor. Policy sensitivity analysis demonstrates that carbon taxes, H<sub>2</sub> economy promotion, and catalyst development significantly influence CCU4E effectiveness, with optimal strategies varying substantially by regional conditions. Synergistic integration of CCU4E with existing CCUS frameworks offers strategic pathways for enhanced CO<sub>2</sub> mitigation while improving economic efficiency. The comprehensive optimization framework provides practical insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders by identifying implementation barriers, quantifying economic potential, and developing targeted policy recommendations. This research contributes a valuable tool for strategic decision-making in CCU4E deployment, enabling evidence-based policy design and technology investment strategies that accelerate progress toward global climate targets while considering regional economic and technical constraints.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116117"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144665477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research progress on microchannel enhanced heat transfer technology: Passive methods","authors":"Ying Kang, Zhen-bing Luo, Xiong Deng, Yin-xin Zhu, Zhi-xun Xia, Pan Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microchannel heat sinks (MCHS) represent a critical technology for thermal management in electronic devices. Enhancing their performance is imperative to address the escalating thermal challenges caused by high heat flux in advanced integrated systems. This article systematically reviews and critically discusses the latest research progress and development trends of passive heat transfer enhancement technology in MCHS, focusing on four key aspects: channel configuration, internal enhancement structure, surface treatment, and coolant. The article elucidates how different technologies affect MCHS performance (heat transfer efficiency and flow resistance), while innovatively systematizing their inherent advantages and limitations in heat transfer enhancement. Research has shown that different passive heat transfer enhancement technologies integration markedly improves device cooling. However, the performance improvement of MCHS requires a careful balance between cooling capability and flow resistance costs. This work consolidates current passive heat transfer enhancement technology of MCHS research advances. It further identifies pivotal future development directions and optimization strategies. These contributions deliver essential research foundations and design methodologies for high-performance, low-power MCHS in next-generation applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116089"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unlocking sustainable opportunities for sludge-derived aqueous phase via hydrothermal carbonization","authors":"Wei Meng , Lei Zheng , Shikun Cheng , Zifu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116084","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116084","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) minimises the volume and environmental hazards of sludge while generating useful products. However, the substantial volumes of toxic HTC-aqueous phase (HTC-AP) generated by this technology are often overlooked, posing a significant barrier to its advancement. This review thoroughly examines the characteristics, transformation mechanisms, treatment, and recycling technologies associated with sludge-derived HTC-AP. Additionally, it suggests utilizing machine learning to forecast the properties of HTC-AP. The characteristics of HTC-AP are closely linked to the chemical properties of the sludge and parameters of the HTC process, with higher proportions of high-nitrogen sludge and higher temperatures correlating with increased toxicity. Detoxification is essential before HTC-AP recycling. Achieving the full treatment and recycling of HTC-AP in a single process is challenging and necessitates greater integration and synergy between systems. A strong connection between the upstream sludge HTC process and downstream HTC-AP value-added strategy is vital for ensuring process sustainability. Furthermore, this review proposes a novel strategy that combines a machine learning approach with multi-process integration using systems thinking to enhance the energy yield and economic performance and optimize the HTC process. This comprehensive review provides guidance for optimizing sludge-derived HTC-AP recycling and HTC process regulations, with the goal of increasing the sustainability of HTC for sludge management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116084"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Review on renewable energy systems of unmanned marine vehicles and guidance for energy selection","authors":"Gongbo Wang , Tianyi Xu , Ming Yang , Wendong Niu","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116085","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, the demand for unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) has grown rapidly across various fields, and the energy supply for these vehicles has emerged as a key challenge that limits their endurance and operational range. The abundant marine renewable energies present a promising solution to this problem, but single renewable energy systems are insufficient for the long-endurance operational demands of UMVs in complex ocean environments. In this case, hybrid renewable energy systems have become a promising alternative. This paper undertakes a comprehensive review on the renewable energy systems of UMVs and explores the advantages and limitations of various energy combinations, involving solar energy, wave energy, wind energy, thermal energy, pressure potential energy, etc. The multi-criteria decision analysis method is introduced for optimizing the energy selection for UMVs, with decision-making guidance for the most suitable energy solutions of different UMVs. The findings suggest that the solar-wave combination is ideal for unmanned surface vehicles, while the solar-thermal energy-pressure potential combination is more suitable for unmanned underwater vehicles. This study offers a systematic framework for decision-making of the UMV energy system, which advances the application of marine renewable energies and provides theoretical guidance for practical decision-making in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 116085"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}