Nature Energy, Published online: 12 June 2024; doi:10.1038/s41560-024-01557-zMolecular design is key to the power conversion efficiency in organic photovoltaics. Jiang, Sun, Xu et al. develop a non-fullerene acceptor with asymmetric structure and phenyl-substituted side chains that minimizes photon and carrier losses, enabling 20.2% efficiency.

Nature Energy, Published online: 11 June 2024; doi:10.1038/s41560-024-01556-0Graphene-based membranes are attractive for capturing CO2, with separation selectivity typically achieved by control of pore size. Here Hsu et al. incorporate pyridinic nitrogen species at the pore edges in graphene, leading to competitive CO2 binding and enhanced separation...

Nature Energy, Published online: 07 June 2024; doi:10.1038/s41560-024-01538-2Electrochemical ammonia (NH3) synthesis is a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process, but higher-performing systems are needed. Now, researchers realize long-term continuous NH3 electrosynthesis and production of high fractions of gas-phase NH3 by employing a chain...

Nature Energy, Published online: 06 June 2024; doi:10.1038/s41560-024-01541-7Light-driven approaches could lower the carbon footprint of chemical production. Here the authors use the perovskite oxide LaMn1−xCuxO3 as a photocatalyst to convert ethane to ethylene and hydrogen.

Nature Energy, Published online: 05 June 2024; doi:10.1038/s41560-024-01535-5Smart temperature-responsive materials could enhance battery thermal safety management; however, current designs lack the necessary responsiveness for both performance and safety. Here the authors demonstrate a material that swiftly transitions from thermal transmission to...

Nature Energy, Published online: 04 June 2024; doi:10.1038/s41560-024-01553-3The Solar Mamas programme for energy transition in Zanzibar, Tanzania, has been analysed through a combined lens of care and epistemic injustice. The case study illustrates that interventions that centre energy care work and its gendered dimensions in locally led energy-transition...