The oxygen evolution reaction is known to be a kinetic bottleneck for water splitting. Triggering the lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism (LOM) can break the theoretical limit of the conventional adsorbate evolution mechanism and enhance the oxygen evolution reaction kinetics, yet the unsatisfied stability remains a grand challenge. Here, we report a high-entropy MnFeCoNiCu layered double hydroxide decorated with Au single atoms and O vacancies (Au_SA-MnFeCoNiCu LDH), which not only displays a low overpotential of 213 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² and high mass activity of 732.925 A g⁻¹ at 250 mV overpotential in 1.0 M KOH, but also delivers good stability with 700 h of continuous operation at ~100 mA cm⁻². Combining the advanced spectroscopic techniques and density functional theory calculations, it is demonstrated that the synergistic interaction between the incorporated Au single atoms and O vacancies leads to an upshift in the O 2p band and weakens the metal-O bond, thus triggering the LOM, reducing the energy barrier, and boosting the intrinsic activity.

Despite the rapid development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) over the past few years, the conversion of solar energy into electricity is not efficient enough or cost-competitive yet. The principal energy loss in the conversion of solar energy to electricity fundamentally originates from the non-absorption of low-energy photons ascribed to Shockley–Queisser limits and thermalization losses of high-energy photons. Enhancing the light-harvesting efficiency of the perovskite photoactive layer by developing efficient photo management strategies with functional materials and arrays remains a long-standing challenge. Here, we briefly review the historical research trials and future research trends to overcome the fundamental loss mechanisms in PSCs, including upconversion, downconversion, scattering, tandem/graded structures, texturing, anti-reflection, and luminescent solar concentrators. We will deeply emphasize the availability and analyze the importance of a fine device structure, fluorescence efficiency, material proportion, and integration position for performance improvement. The unique energy level structure arising from the 4fⁿ inner shell configuration of the trivalent rare-earth ions gives multifarious options for efficient light-harvesting by upconversion and downconversion. Tandem or graded PSCs by combining a series of subcells with varying bandgaps seek to rectify the spectral mismatch. Plasmonic nanostructures function as a secondary light source to augment the light-trapping within the perovskite layer and carrier transporting layer, enabling enhanced carrier generation. Texturing the interior using controllable micro/nanoarrays can realize light–matter interactions. Anti-reflective coatings on the top glass cover of the PSCs bring about better transmission and glare reduction. Photon concentration through perovskite-based luminescent solar concentrators offers a path to increase efficiency at reduced cost and plays a role in building-integrated photovoltaics. Distinct from other published reviews, we here systematically and hierarchically present all of the photon management strategies in PSCs by presenting the theoretical possibilities and summarizing the experimental results, expecting to inspire future research in the field of photovoltaics, phototransistors, photoelectrochemical sensors, photocatalysis, and especially light-emitting diodes. We further assess the overall possibilities of the strategies based on ultimate efficiency prospects, material requirements, and developmental outlook.

Crystalline-amorphous composite have the potential to achieve high strength and high ductility through manipulation of their microstructures. Here, we fabricate a TiZr-based alloy with micrometer-size equiaxed grains that are made up of three-dimensional bicontinuous crystalline-amorphous nanoarchitectures (3D-BCANs). In situ tension and compression tests reveal that the BCANs exhibit enhanced ductility and strain hardening capability compared to both amorphous and crystalline phases, which impart ultra-high yield strength (~1.80 GPa), ultimate tensile strength (~2.3 GPa), and large uniform ductility (~7.0%) into the TiZr-based alloy. Experiments combined with finite element simulations reveal the synergetic deformation mechanisms; i.e., the amorphous phase imposes extra strain hardening to crystalline domains while crystalline domains prevent the premature shear localization in the amorphous phases. These mechanisms endow our material with an effective strength–ductility–strain hardening combination.

To achieve carbon neutrality, electrocatalysis has the potential to be applied in the technological upgrading of numerous industries. Therefore, the search for high-performance catalysts has become an important topic. To accelerate the discovery of new electrocatalysts, emerging data-driven strategies have been considered promising approaches. In particular, research methods represented by machine learning (ML) have permeated all aspects of electrocatalyst development, including synthesis, characterization, and simulation, which have given rise to numerous new ideas for catalytic-related data generation and analysis. Herein, this review focuses on the systematic construction of a data-driven electrocatalyst design framework. First, we introduce the principles for the basic steps for implementing data-driven electrocatalyst research, including data generation, data preprocessing, and data analysis. Subsequently, the progress of ML methods to design promising electrocatalytic materials (e.g., metals, alloys, and oxides) for numerous typical electrochemical reactions is summarized. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities are outlined for the future of data-driven electrocatalyst design.

Introducing electropositive Sn⁴⁺ into TMO₂ layer increases the charge density around O, reduces the Na–TM and Na–Na electrostatic repulsions as well as the electron delocalization, thus disturbing the charge ordering and facilitating Na⁺ diffusion.