EES Blog

Perspectives and reviews

Challenges of non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries: electrolytes, catalysts, and anodes
Fujun Li, Tao Zhang and Haoshen Zhou
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE00053B, Perspective

Metal–organic frameworks as platforms for clean energy
Shun-Li Li and Qiang Xu
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40507A, Review Article

Original Research

Biomass-derived electrocatalytic composites for hydrogen evolution
Wei-Fu Chen, Shilpa Iyer, Shweta Iyer, Kotaro Sasaki, Chiu-Hui Wang, Yimei Zhu, James T. Muckerman and Etsuko Fujita
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40596F, Paper

An analysis of the optimal band gaps of light absorbers in integrated tandem photoelectrochemical water-splitting systems
Shu Hu, Chengxiang Xiang, Sophia Haussener, Alan D. Berger and Nathan S. Lewis
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40453F, Paper

Direct conversion of Spirulina to ethanol without pretreatment or enzymatic hydrolysis processes
Shimpei Aikawa, Ancy Joseph, Ryosuke Yamada, Yoshihiro Izumi, Takahiro Yamagishi, Fumio Matsuda, Hiroshi Kawai, Jo-Shu Chang, Tomohisa Hasunuma and Akihiko Kondo
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40305J, Paper

Hu and co-workers from the USA and China have advanced us towards flexible electronics that are more recyclable, renewable and inexpensive with findings reported in their recent EES communication.

The group investigated the fundamental properties of cellulose-based biodegradable, transparent substrates. They found interesting differences in mechanical and optical properties between regenerated cellulose film substrates and cellulose-nanopaper substrates, although both were transparent and suitable for printed electronic devices. This was demonstrated using organic-light-emitting diodes on the substrates.

Flexible devices commonly use plastic substrates, which have limited recyclability and are not produced from sustainable sources. The authors hope that their investigation will allow for the replacement of plastic with more sustainable substrates.

Read more detail in the communication here:

Biodegradable transparent substrates for flexible organic-light-emitting diodes
Hongli Zhu, Zhengguo Xiao, Detao Liu, Yuanyuan Li, Nicholas J. Weadock, Zhiqiang Fang, Jinsong Huang and Liangbing Hu
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40492G

Parting with ideas previously reported in the literature, Scientists based at Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the USA found that the metabolic activity of a Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilm were higher at the surface of the film due to low porosity, with acetate unable to penetrate further in.

They found, however, that long-range electron transfer was not restricted by electrical resistance through the biofilm.

The results could help researchers optimise the conditions needed for maximum microbial fuel cell performance.

Read this HOT Energy & Environmental Science article today:

Metabolic spatial variability in electrode-respiring Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms
R. S. Renslow, J. T. Babauta, A. C. Dohnalkova, M. I. Boyanov, K. M. Kemner, P. D. Majors, J. K. Fredrickson and H. Beyenal
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40203G