Recent progress in device designs and dual‐functional photoactive materials for direct solar to electrochemical energy storage

Abstract

Efficient solar energy utilization technologies are expected to promote the development of a carbon‐neutral and renewable energy society. Photovoltaic cells (PVs) have played an important role in the harvest and conversion of solar energy. Due to the intermittent instability of solar energy, however, PVs must be connected with energy storage systems (EESs). Newly developed photoelectrochemical energy storage devices (PESs) are proposed to directly convert solar energy into electrochemical energy. Initial PESs focused on the external and internal integration of PVs and EESs. However, the voltage mismatch between PVs and EESs leads to massive energy loss and unsatisfactory overall performances of PESs. PESs using dual‐functional photoactive materials (PAMs), which have simplified device configuration, decreased costs, and external energy loss, have recently emerged for realization of solar‐to‐electrochemical‐energy conversion and storage in a single device. The review summarizes the designing concepts, integrated configurations, and overall performances of different types of PESs, particularly PESs utilizing dual‐functional PAMs. Based on the classifications, working principles, basic requirements, and design principles, this review discusses various types of PESs cathodes. Finally, some perspectives are provided for further developing excellent performances of PESs.

Solar-Driven Ion Confinement for Synergetic Pollutants Remediation and Valuable Metal Recovery in Wastewater

“…The pursuit of environmentally sustainable solutions for the low-carbon treatment of compound pollutants and the economic recovery of valuable metals in wastewater remains a significant environmental challenge. 1,2 Wastewater often contains a combination of organic pollutants (such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides) and inorganic pollutants, including heavy metals, 3−5 for instance, industries like metal smelting and electroplating generate wastewater with a significant presence of Cu-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). 6−8 Hence, the simultaneous remediation of organic−inorganic compound pollution in water bodies is crucial.…”

“…The pursuit of environmentally sustainable solutions for the low-carbon treatment of compound pollutants and the economic recovery of valuable metals in wastewater remains a significant environmental challenge. , Wastewater often contains a combination of organic pollutants (such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides) and inorganic pollutants, including heavy metals, − for instance, industries like metal smelting and electroplating generate wastewater with a significant presence of Cu-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). − Hence, the simultaneous remediation of organic–inorganic compound pollution in water bodies is crucial. The utilization of renewable energy, particularly through solar-driven methods, to devise viable and sustainable processes for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants and the recovery of heavy-metal ions is a pivotal step toward achieving sustainable industrial development. , Recently, photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems have provided a promising solution for simultaneously addressing organic–inorganic compound pollution. , Taking the decoupling of metal–organic complexes and Cu recovery as an example, this mechanism is illustrated in Figure a.…”