Discover the must-read research on interfaces powering the energy transition
From energy-storage to next-generation conversion systems, interfaces are central to performance, efficiency and long-term stability.
Meeting growing global energy demand while accelerating the shift to sustainability will depend on innovation at the smallest scales. From energy-storage materials and photocatalysts to next-generation conversion systems, interfaces are central to performance, efficiency and long-term stability.
At surfaces and boundaries, key processes such as charge transport, catalytic activity and energy conversion are governed, shaping how energy is stored, transferred and transformed in modern devices.
The articles below highlight advances in emerging storage materials, photocatalytic systems and interfacial charge-transfer processes, offering fresh insight into the fundamental interactions driving future energy technologies. Together, they show how nanoscale interface science is helping to enable cleaner, more efficient approaches to energy storage and conversion
Powering the next generation of energy storage
As the demand for cleaner and more resilient energy systems continues to grow, researchers are exploring new materials and architectures capable of delivering greater performance, efficiency and durability. From supercapacitors to emerging storage technologies, interfaces play a central role in determining how energy is stored, transported and ultimately utilised.
The articles featured below examine how advances in electrode design and interfacial engineering are helping to address key challenges in energy storage. Together, they offer fresh insights into the materials and mechanisms that could support more efficient devices and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Nanoporous oxide electrodes for energy conversion and storage devices
The energy transition relies on fast chemical reactions. This review outlines how engineering nanoporous oxide electrodes maximizes active interface sites, drastically boosting the efficiency of fuel cells, solar panels, and supercapacitors.
Mitigating polysulfide crossover in lithium–sulfur batteries with polymer-coated separators
Lithium–sulfur batteries offer high energy capacity but suffer from the "shuttle effect," where polysulfides leak across the cell. This study details how specialized polymer-coated separators trap these molecules, extending battery life.
Converting energy more efficiently
Improving the efficiency of energy conversion technologies will be essential to meeting future energy demands and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. Whether generating solar fuels, producing hydrogen or enabling more selective chemical transformations, the interactions that occur at material interfaces often determine how effectively these processes take place.
The articles highlighted here explore how interface engineering can enhance charge transfer, improve catalytic performance and provide new insights into photocatalytic energy conversion. By deepening our understanding of these fundamental processes, they point towards cleaner and more efficient technologies that could help shape the next generation of sustainable energy systems.
Heterojunction photocatalysts: where are they headed?
Can multi-material catalysts truly drive clean solar energy conversion? This forward-looking perspective tackles the challenges of scaling up heterojunction photocatalysts, exploring how optimizing surface charge transfer can bridge the gap from lab to real-world impact.
Nitrogen-doped carbon dots in transesterification reactions for biodiesel synthesis
Biodiesel is a vital fossil-fuel alternative, but high production costs limit its commercial viability. This study reveals how tuning the surface chemistry of nitrogen-doped carbon dots creates a highly reusable catalyst, achieving an impressive 97% conversion rate.
Explore more from 番茄社区 Applied Interfaces
The research featured here represents just a snapshot of the innovative work being published in 番茄社区 Applied Interfaces. From advances in energy storage and conversion to developments in sustainable materials and emerging technologies, the journal brings together research that explores the critical role of interfaces in addressing real-world challenges.