EES Blog

The ENI “Renewable and Non-conventional Energy” award has been presented ex aequo to Frances Arnold, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry and Bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology, and James Liao, Parson Foundation Professor and head of the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at the University of California.

Professor Liao has selected microorganisms for converting wood cellulose biomass, waste proteins and carbon dioxide into useful chemical compounds and fuels using modified forms of E. coli bacteria, achieving high conversion and energy efficiency.

See Prof. Liao’s recent article in EES:

Photosynthetic production of 2-methyl-1-butanol from CO2 in cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 and characterization of the native acetohydroxyacid synthase
Claire R. Shen and James C. Liao
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE23148D

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

We would like to share with you a selection of very recent high impact articles, published in Energy & Environmental Science covering the range of applications of nanogenerators in the fields of energy and the environment.

On behalf of Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lewis (Caltech) we invite you to submit your best research to Energy & Environmental Science.

Energy & Environmental Science ranked #1 in its field. With an Impact Factor of 9.61, which is rising fast, it the ideal place to publish your research.

Read this high-impact nanogenerator research today (some of which is free to access for a limited period):

Reviews

FREE: Nanotechnology-enabled flexible and biocompatible energy harvesting
Yi Qi and Michael C. McAlpine
DOI: 10.1039/C0EE00137F

FREE: Nanostructured solar cells harvesting multi-type energies
Liang Li, Shimou Chen, Xuebin Wang, Yoshio Bando and Dmitri Golberg
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE03226K

Original Research

FREE: Simultaneously Harvesting Mechanical and Chemical Energies by a Hybrid Cell for Self-Powered Biosensors and Personal Electronics
Ya Yang, Hulin Zhang, Jun Chen, Sangmin Lee, Te-Chien Hou and Zhonglin Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40764K

FREE: Highly sensitive stretchable transparent piezoelectric nanogenerators
Ju-Hyuck Lee, Keun Young Lee, Brijesh Kumar, Nguyen Thanh Tien, Nae-Eung Lee and Sang-Woo Kim
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE23530G

FREE: Engineering of efficiency limiting free carriers and an interfacial energy barrier for an enhancing piezoelectric generation
Jung Inn Sohn, Seung Nam Cha, Byong Gwon Song, Sanghyo Lee, Seong Min Kim, JiYeon Ku, Hyun Jin Kim, Young Jun Park, Byoung Lyong Choi, Zhong Lin Wang, Jong Min Kim and Kinam Kim
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE23404A

FREE: Paper-based Nanogenerator As Power Source and Active Sensor
Qize Zhong, Junwen Zhong, Bin Hu, Qiyi Hu, Jun Zhou and Zhonglin Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40592C

FREE: Self-powered environmental sensor system driven by nanogenerators
Minbaek Lee, Joonho Bae, Joohyung Lee, Churl-Seung Lee, Seunghun Hong and Zhong Lin Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C1EE01558C

FREE: Reliable operation of a nanogenerator under ultraviolet light via engineering piezoelectric potential Thanh Toan Pham, Keun Young Lee, Ju-Hyuck Lee, Kwon-Ho Kim, Kyung-Sik Shin, Manoj K. Gupta, Brijesh Kumar and Sang-Woo Kim
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE23980A

A self-powered electrochromic device driven by a nanogenerator
Xiaohong Yang, Guang Zhu, Sihong Wang, Rui Zhang, Long Lin, Wenzhou Wu and Zhonglin Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE23194H

Enhancement of piezoelectricity via electrostatic effects on a textile platform
Hyunjin Kim, Seong Min Kim, Hyungbin Son, Hyeok Kim, BoongIk Park, JiYeon Ku, Jung Inn Sohn, Kyuhyun Im, Jae Eun Jang, Jong-Jin Park, Ohyun Kim, SeungNam Cha and Young Jun Park
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE22744D

A high performance PZT ribbon-based nanogenerator using graphene transparent electrodes
Junggou Kwon, Wanchul Seung, Bhupendra K. Sharma, Sang-Woo Kim and Jong-Hyun Ahn
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE22251E

Nanogenerator as an active sensor for vortex capture and ambient wind-velocity detection
Rui Zhang, Long Lin, Qingshen Jing, Wenzhuo Wu, Yan Zhang, Zongxia Jiao, Liang Yan, Ray P. S. Han and Zhong Lin Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE22354F

PVDF microbelts for harvesting energy from respiration
Chengliang Sun, Jian Shi, Dylan J. Bayerl and Xudong Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C1EE02241E

An elastic-spring-substrated nanogenerator as an active sensor for self-powered balance
Long Lin, Qingshen Jing, Yan Zhang, Youfan Hu, Sihong Wang, Yoshio Bando, Ray P. S. Han and Zhonglin Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE00107E

Control of naturally coupled piezoelectric and photovoltaic properties for multi-type energy scavengers
Dukhyun Choi, Keun Young Lee, Mi-Jin Jin, Soo-Ghang Ihn, Sungyoung Yun, Xavier Bulliard, Woong Choi, Sang Yoon Lee, Sang-Woo Kim, Jae-Young Choi, Jong Min Kim and Zhong Lin Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C1EE02080C

We would like to share with you a selection of very recent high impact articles, published in Energy & Environmental Science covering the range of applications of flexible nanotechnologies in the fields of energy and the environment.

On behalf of Editor-in-Chief Nate Lewis (Caltech) we invite you to submit your best research to Energy & Environmental Science.

Energy & Environmental Science ranked #1 in its field. With an Impact Factor of 9.61, which is rising fast, it the ideal place to publish your research.

Read this high-impact flexible nanotechnology research today (some of which is free to access for a limited period):

Reviews and Analysis

FREE: Energy and environmental nanotechnology in conductive paper and textiles
Liangbing Hu and Yi Cui
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE02414D

FREE: Stretchable, elastic materials and devices for solar energy conversion
Darren J. Lipomi and Zhenan Bao
DOI: 10.1039/C1EE01881G

FREE: Progress in Flexible Energy Storage and Conversion Systems, with a Focus on Cable-Type  Lithium-Ion Battery
Sang-Young Lee, Keun-Ho Choi, Woo-Sung Choi, Yo Han Kwon, Hye-Rnn Jung, Heon-Cheol Shin and Je Young Kim
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE24260A

FREE: Nanostructured solar cells harvesting multi-type energies
Liang Li, Shimou Chen, Xuebin Wang, Yoshio Bando and Dmitri Golberg
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE03226K

Original Research

FREE: Carbon coated textiles for flexible energy storage
Kristy Jost, Carlos R. Perez, John K. McDonough, Volker Presser, Min Heon, Genevieve Dion and Yury Gogotsi
DOI: 10.1039/C1EE02421C

FREE: Flexible energy storage devices based on graphene paper
Hyeokjo Gwon, Hyun-Suk Kim, Kye Ung Lee, Dong-Hwa Seo, Yun Chang Park, Yun-Sung Lee, Byung Tae Ahn and Kisuk Kang
DOI: 10.1039/C0EE00640H

FREE: Biodegradable Transparent Substrates for Flexible Organic-Light-Emitting Diodes
Hongli Zhu, Zhengguo Xiao, Detao Liu, Yuanyuan Li, Nicholas J. Weadock, Jinsong Huang, Liangbing Hu and Zhiqiang Fang
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40492G

Fabrication of flexible all-inorganic nanocrystal solar cells by room-temperature processing
Anna Loiudice, Aurora Rizzo, Giulia Grancini, Mariano Biasiucci, Maria R. Belviso, Michela Corricelli, M. Lucia Curri, Marinella Striccoli, Angela Agostiano, P. Davide Cozzoli, Annamaria Petrozza, Guglielmo Lanzani and Giuseppe Gigli
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE23928D

A novel wrap-around metal contact optimized for radial p-n junction Si wire solar cells
Sunmi Shin, Jin-Young Jung, Kwangtae Park, Handon Um, Sangwon Jee, Yoonho Nam and Jung-Ho Lee
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE24494F

High-performance hybrid plastic films: a robust electrode platform for thin-film optoelectronics
Jungho Jin, Jaemin Lee, Seonju Jeong, SeungCheol Yang, Ji-Hoon Ko, Hyeon-Gyun Im, Se-Woong Baek, Jung-Yong Lee and Byeong-Soo Bae
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE24306K

TCO-free flexible monolithic back-contact dye-sensitized solar cells
Dongchuan Fu ,  Patrick Lay and Udo Bach
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE24338A

Thermopower enhancement in conducting polymer nanocomposites via carrier energy scattering at the organic–inorganic semiconductor interface
Ming He, Jing Ge, Zhiqun Lin, Xuhui Feng, Xinwei Wang, Hongbin Lu, Yuliang Yang and Feng Qiu
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE21803H

Polypyrrole-coated paper for flexible solid-state energy storage
Longyan Yuan, Bin Yao, Bin Hu, Kaifu Huo, Wen Chen and Jun Zhou
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE23977A

Flexible PEDOT electrodes with large thermoelectric power factors to generate electricity by the touch of fingertips
Teahoon Park, Chihyun Park, Byeonggwan Kim, Haejin Shin and Eunkyoung Kim
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE23729J

Integrated power fiber for energy conversion and storage
Yongping Fu, Hongwei Wu, Shuyang Ye, Xin Cai, Xiao Yu, Shaocong Hou, Hanny Kafafy and Dechun Zou
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE23970E

Oriented hierarchical single crystalline anatase TiO2 nanowire arrays on Ti-foil substrate for efficient flexible dye-sensitized solar cells
Jin-Yun Liao, Bing-Xin Lei, Hong-Yan Chen, Dai-Bin Kuang and Cheng-Yong Su
DOI: 10.1039/C1EE02766B

Inverted polymer solar cells with 8.4% efficiency by conjugated polyelectrolyte
Tingbin Yang, Ming Wang, Chunhui Duan, Xiaowen Hu, Lin Huang, Junbiao Peng, Fei Huang and Xiong Gong
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE22296E

A flexible nanostructured sulphur–carbon nanotube cathode with high rate performance for Li-S batteries
Guangmin Zhou, Da-Wei Wang, Feng Li, Peng-Xiang Hou, Lichang Yin, Chang Liu, Gao Qing (Max) Lu, Ian R. Gentle and Hui-Ming Cheng
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE22294A

Highly durable and flexible dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated on plastic substrates: PVDF-nanofiber-reinforced TiO2 photoelectrodes
Yuelong Li, Doh-Kwon Lee, Jin Young Kim, BongSoo Kim, Nam-Gyu Park, Kyungkon Kim, Joong-Ho Shin, In-Suk Choi and Min Jae Ko
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE21674D

Integrated energy storage and electrochromic function in one flexible device: an energy storage smart window
Kai Wang, Haiping Wu, Yuena Meng, Yajie Zhang and Zhixiang Wei
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE21643D

High-performance flexible lithium-ion electrodes based on robust network architecture
Xilai Jia, Zheng Chen, Arnold Suwarnasarn, Lynn Rice, Xiaolei Wang, Hiesang Sohn, Qiang Zhang, Benjamin M. Wu, Fei Wei and Yunfeng Lu
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE03110H

Plasma modified flexible bucky paper as an efficient counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cells
Soumyendu Roy, Reeti Bajpai, Ajay Kumar Jena, Pragyensh Kumar, Neha kulshrestha and D. S. Misra
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE03519G

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Jian Liu and Markus Antonietti, of the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, have made a significant advance in carbon nitride photocatalysis. They impressively demonstrate the use of a bioinspired photosynthetic membrane in the photocatalytic regeneration of NADH without an electron mediator in their recent EES Communication.

The authors constructed their artificial photosynthesis system from a green and sustainable material called diatomite by an “incipient wetness impregnation” method. The graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst was designed with a diatom frustule structure that imitates diatoms, which are unicellular photosynthetic organisms responsible for around one-fifth of the global photosynthesis yield.

Interest in applying enzymes for organic synthesis is increasing, due to their high efficiency and regioselectivity. However, enzyme-specific co-factors are costly and the procedure of enzyme-catalysed regeneration of NAD(P)H is complicated. An efficient and sustainable method for the regeneration of NADH is vital. Photosystem I, an integral membrane protein complex, uses light energy to mediate electron transfer for the reduction of NADP to NADPH, storing the light energy in chemical “currency”. Imitating the function of Photosystem I is very promising, cost effective and inherently sustainable.

Read this exciting Communication today:

Bio-inspired NADH regeneration by carbon nitride photocatalysis using diatom templates
Jian Liu and Markus Antonietti
DOI: 10.1039/C3EE40696B