Energy Conversion Materials/Devices and Their Applications

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "C:Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 6433

Special Issue Editors

School of Energy and Power Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
Interests: clusteroluminescence materials; carbonized polymer dots; luminescent solar concentrators

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Guest Editor
School of Energy and Power Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
Interests: carbon dots; organic solar cells; light-emitting diodes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Energy and Power Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
Interests: electrochromic materials and devices; supercapacitors; Li/Zn-ions battery; electrolytes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled "Energy Conversion Materials/Devices and Their Applications", focuses on the research and development of advanced materials and devices for energy conversion applications. The primary goal is to address growing global energy demands and environmental concerns by exploring innovative solutions for more efficient energy conversion and storage. The Special Issue will feature high-quality original research articles and review articles written by leading experts in the field. The articles will spotlight the latest advancements in energy conversion materials, including novel materials synthesis methods, structural characterization, and property evaluation. Additionally, the Special Issue will cover the development of innovative devices, such as high-performance solar cells, fuel cells, and batteries, as well as their integration into energy systems for sustainable energy generation and storage. This Special Issue aims to inspire further research and innovations in the field, ultimately accelerating the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Dr. Bin Liu
Dr. Yaling Wang
Dr. Lei Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • photovoltaics
  • fuel cells
  • supercapacitors
  • batteries
  • luminescent solar concentrators
  • light-emitting diodes
  • optoelectronic materials
  • thermoelectric materials
  • luminescent materials
  • hydrogen energy materials
  • photocatalytic materials
  • photothermal materials
  • electrochromic materials and devices

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 2688 KiB  
Article
Broadband Near-Infrared Emission from Bi/Cr Co-Doped Aluminosilicate Glasses
by Shiwen Song and Min Zhang
Micromachines 2024, 15(9), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15091093 - 29 Aug 2024
Viewed by 612
Abstract
Bismuth-doped aluminosilicate glass has garnered significant attention due to its unique ultra-wide luminescence properties in the near-infrared (NIR) band. Enhancing the NIR luminescence of Bi-doped glass remains challenging. To achieve Bi-doped glass with more excellent luminescent properties, a series of Bi/Cr co-doped glasses [...] Read more.
Bismuth-doped aluminosilicate glass has garnered significant attention due to its unique ultra-wide luminescence properties in the near-infrared (NIR) band. Enhancing the NIR luminescence of Bi-doped glass remains challenging. To achieve Bi-doped glass with more excellent luminescent properties, a series of Bi/Cr co-doped glasses were prepared, and the optical and structural properties of the samples were observed. The results indicate that low-concentration Cr doping broadens the luminescence range of Bi/Cr co-doped glass samples. The luminescence peak of Bi in the samples is at 1230 nm, while the peak of Cr is around 804 nm. The addition of an appropriate amount of Bi2O3 can enhance the NIR luminescence of Bi and Cr in the sample, realizing the energy conversion between Bi and Cr. Bi/Cr co-doped is a novel approach for achieving broadband NIR luminescence in glass materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion Materials/Devices and Their Applications)
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11 pages, 3049 KiB  
Article
Advancing Lithium-Ion Batteries’ Electrochemical Performance: Ultrathin Alumina Coating on Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 Cathode Materials
by Mehdi Ahangari, Fan Xia, Benedek Szalai, Meng Zhou and Hongmei Luo
Micromachines 2024, 15(7), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15070894 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1332
Abstract
Ni-rich Li(NixCoyMnz)O2 (x ≥ 0.8)-layered oxide materials are highly promising as cathode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles. However, their tendency to undergo side reactions with electrolytes and their structural instability during [...] Read more.
Ni-rich Li(NixCoyMnz)O2 (x ≥ 0.8)-layered oxide materials are highly promising as cathode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles. However, their tendency to undergo side reactions with electrolytes and their structural instability during cyclic lithiation/delithiation impairs their electrochemical cycling performance, posing challenges for large-scale applications. This paper explores the application of an Al2O3 coating using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) system on Ni-enriched Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 (NCM811) cathode material. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, were used to assess the impact of alumina coating on the morphology and crystal structure of NCM811. The results confirmed that an ultrathin Al2O3 coating was achieved without altering the microstructure and lattice structure of NCM811. The alumina-coated NCM811 exhibited improved cycling stability and capacity retention in the voltage range of 2.8–4.5 V at a 1 C rate. Specifically, the capacity retention of the modified NCM811 was 5%, 9.11%, and 11.28% higher than the pristine material at operating voltages of 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 V, respectively. This enhanced performance is attributed to reduced electrode–electrolyte interaction, leading to fewer side reactions and improved structural stability. Thus, NCM811@Al2O3 with this coating process emerges as a highly attractive candidate for high-capacity lithium-ion battery cathode materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion Materials/Devices and Their Applications)
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11 pages, 2329 KiB  
Article
ZnMn2O4/V2CTx Composites Prepared as an Anode Material via High-Temperature Calcination Method for Optimized Li-Ion Batteries
by Ji Li, Yu Wang, Xinyuan Pei, Chunhe Zhou, Qing Zhao, Ming Lu, Wenjuan Han and Li Wang
Micromachines 2024, 15(7), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15070828 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 616
Abstract
The ZnMn2O4/V2CTx composites with a lamellar rod-like bond structure were successfully synthesized through high-temperature calcination at 300 °C, aiming to enhance the Li storage properties of spinel-type ZnMn2O4 anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [...] Read more.
The ZnMn2O4/V2CTx composites with a lamellar rod-like bond structure were successfully synthesized through high-temperature calcination at 300 °C, aiming to enhance the Li storage properties of spinel-type ZnMn2O4 anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, even though the electrode of the composites obtained at 300 °C had a nominal specific capacity of 100 mAh g−1, it exhibited an impressive specific discharge capacity of 163 mAh g−1 after undergoing 100 cycles. This represents an approximate increase of 64% compared to that observed in the pure ZnMn2O4 electrode (99.5 mAh g−1). The remarkable performance of the composite can be credited to the collaborative impact between ZnMn2O4 and V2CTx, leading to a substantial improvement in its lithium ion storage capacity. Therefore, this study offers valuable insights into developing cost-effective, safe, and easily prepared anode materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion Materials/Devices and Their Applications)
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Review

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19 pages, 5130 KiB  
Review
Advances in Host-Free White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Utilizing Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence: A Comprehensive Review
by Wenxin Zhang, Yaxin Li, Gang Zhang, Xiaotian Yang, Xi Chang, Guoliang Xing, He Dong, Jin Wang, Dandan Wang, Zhihong Mai and Xin Jiang
Micromachines 2024, 15(6), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15060703 - 26 May 2024
Viewed by 1223
Abstract
The ever-growing prominence and widespread acceptance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), particularly those employing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), have firmly established them as formidable contenders in the field of lighting technology. TADF enables achieving a 100% utilization rate and efficient luminescence through [...] Read more.
The ever-growing prominence and widespread acceptance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), particularly those employing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), have firmly established them as formidable contenders in the field of lighting technology. TADF enables achieving a 100% utilization rate and efficient luminescence through reverse intersystem crossing (RISC). However, the effectiveness of TADF-OLEDs is influenced by their high current density and limited device lifetime, which result in a significant reduction in efficiency. This comprehensive review introduces the TADF mechanism and provides a detailed overview of recent advancements in the development of host-free white OLEDs (WOLEDs) utilizing TADF. This review specifically scrutinizes advancements from three distinct perspectives: TADF fluorescence, TADF phosphorescence and all-TADF materials in host-free WOLEDs. By presenting the latest research findings, this review contributes to the understanding of the current state of host-free WOLEDs, employing TADF and underscoring promising avenues for future investigations. It aims to serve as a valuable resource for newcomers seeking an entry point into the field as well as for established members of the WOLEDs community, offering them insightful perspectives on imminent advancements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion Materials/Devices and Their Applications)
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16 pages, 10654 KiB  
Review
Strategies for Enhancing the Stability of Lithium Metal Anodes in Solid-State Electrolytes
by Hanbyeol Lee, Taeho Yoon and Oh B. Chae
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040453 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1822
Abstract
The current commercially used anode material, graphite, has a theoretical capacity of only 372 mAh/g, leading to a relatively low energy density. Lithium (Li) metal is a promising candidate as an anode for enhancing energy density; however, challenges related to safety and performance [...] Read more.
The current commercially used anode material, graphite, has a theoretical capacity of only 372 mAh/g, leading to a relatively low energy density. Lithium (Li) metal is a promising candidate as an anode for enhancing energy density; however, challenges related to safety and performance arise due to Li’s dendritic growth, which needs to be addressed. Owing to these critical issues in Li metal batteries, all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLIBs) have attracted considerable interest due to their superior energy density and enhanced safety features. Among the key components of ASSLIBs, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) play a vital role in determining their overall performance. Various types of SSEs, including sulfides, oxides, and polymers, have been extensively investigated for Li metal anodes. Sulfide SSEs have demonstrated high ion conductivity; however, dendrite formation and a limited electrochemical window hinder the commercialization of ASSLIBs due to safety concerns. Conversely, oxide SSEs exhibit a wide electrochemical window, but compatibility issues with Li metal lead to interfacial resistance problems. Polymer SSEs have the advantage of flexibility; however their limited ion conductivity poses challenges for commercialization. This review aims to provide an overview of the distinctive characteristics and inherent challenges associated with each SSE type for Li metal anodes while also proposing potential pathways for future enhancements based on prior research findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion Materials/Devices and Their Applications)
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