Journal Highlights

Hierarchical assembly of DNA origami nanostructures

Alexander E. Marras

Materials based on DNA nanotechnology have long taken advantage of topology and noncovalent ordering and programmability. The author provides an update on the possibilities of creating libraries of structures and the principles behind their functional and dynamic properties as materials. The area of supramolecular assemblies can make the most of scalability as functional materials using DNA. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-022-00248-8

Estimation of the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter of polymer–solvent mixtures using machine learning

Janhavi Nistane, Lihua Chen, Youngjoo Lee, Ryan Lively, Rampi Ramprasad

Polymer–polymer and polymer–solvent interactions are classically correlated with the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, which can be determined by experimental and computational methods. The authors explore the use of a machine learning model to accelerate temperature-dependent parameters. In the future, this can be an even more powerful predictive tool for correlating new data that have industrial significance. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-022-00237-x

Towards cost-efficient and scalable fabrication of SbSn/SP@C electrode for sodium-ion batteries

Xinyuan Shan, Xiaohua Li, Hao Feng, Mengxiang Ma, Peng-Fei Cao, Dandan Yang, Huabin Yang

Newly developed battery materials, in particular Sn-based materials, are promising anodes for sodium-ion batteries. The materials system developed with this electrode has high cycle stability and good reversible capacity. It also has possible applications and efficient electrochemical performance in Na storage systems. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-022-00277-3

Advanced aqueous batteries: Status and challenges

Jin Yi, Yongyao Xia

Electricity grids with high stability and reliability require a balance of energy supply and demand. In this review, the authors introduce several kinds of newly developed aqueous batteries, including aqueous Li (Na)-ion batteries, zinc anode-based batteries, and Ni(OH)2 cathode-based batteries. The materials, mechanisms, and battery techniques for these aqueous batteries are introduced and the status and challenges for commercial applications are addressed. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43581-022-00033-z

Long-duration energy storage in a decarbonized future: Policy gaps, needs, and opportunities

J. William McNamara, Valerio DeAngelis, Raymond H. Byrne, Andrew Benson, Babu R. Chalamala, Ralph Masiello

Open Access

Despite the need for long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies, a persistent policy gap at the federal and state level creates a vacuum in how and where LDES technologies can be utilized to support the electric grid. The authors address policy gaps, needs, and opportunities for LDES, and provide background information on how the US energy and utilities industry is structured and regulated, along with perspectives on LDES applications. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43581-022-00037-9

Selective CO₂ deoxygenation to CO in chemically looped reverse water–gas shift using iron-based oxygen carrier

Wei-Ze Hung, Zhi Xuan Law, De-Hao Tsai, Bing-Hung Chen, Chao-Huang Chen, Hsi-Yen Hsu, Yung-Tin Pan

The authors investigate a chemical-looped reverse water–gas shift reaction using transition-metal/metal oxides as oxygen carriers. Iron is identified as the only promising oxygen carrier that shows compelling CO₂ splitting reactivity. The authors demonstrate the great potential of a scalable and economically viable route for CO₂ conversion that is compatible with current industrial processes. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43581-022-00039-7