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Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies Based on Energy Physics
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Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies Based on Energy Physics

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A: Sustainable Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 November 2025 | Viewed by 1827

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiaoyang Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Physical Science and Engineering Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
Interests: energy physics; photothermoelectric catalysis
Dr. Jie Gao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China
Interests: energy physics; thermoelectric conversion
Dr. Jianhua Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004 China
Interests: solar light-thermal-electricity conversion materials and devices
Prof. Dr. Lei Miao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Guangxi Key Laboratory for Relativity Astrophysics, Center on Nanoenergy Research, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Processing for Nonferrous Metal and Featured Materials, School of Physical Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Interests: thermoelectric conversion; solar photothermal conversion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy conversion technologies are pivotal in addressing global energy demands and environmental challenges. The field of energy physics provides a fundamental understanding of the processes involved in the conversion of different forms of energy, such as thermal, chemical, mechanical, and electrical. By leveraging advances in energy physics, innovative and efficient energy conversion technologies can be developed to enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the transition to renewable energy sources.

This special issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in energy conversion technologies, highlighting the critical role of energy physics in driving innovation. We look forward to receiving high-quality contributions that will advance the state-of-the-art in this vital field and inspire future research and development efforts.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Solar Energy Conversion
  • Thermoelectric and Thermionic Conversion
  • Chemical Energy Conversion
  • Bioenergy Conversion
  • Advanced Materials for Energy Conversion
  • Modeling and Simulation of Energy Conversion Processes

The primary objectives of this special issue are to:

  • Showcase recent advancements and innovations in energy conversion technologies.
  • Provide a platform for researchers to share their latest findings and insights.
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, engineers, and industry professionals.
  • Highlight the role of energy physics in driving technological breakthroughs.
  • Discuss the challenges and future directions in the development of sustainable energy systems.

Submission Guidelines

Authors are invited to submit original research articles and review papers that align with the themes of this special issue. All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the highest standards of quality and scientific merit.

Dr. Xiaoyang Wang
Dr. Jie Gao
Dr. Jianhua Zhou
Prof. Dr. Lei Miao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • energy conversion technologies
  • energy physics
  • solar energy
  • photovoltaics
  • thermoelectric conversion
  • thermionic conversion
  • chemical energy
  • fuel cells
  • hydrogen production
  • bioenergy
  • biomass
  • biofuels
  • advanced materials
  • nanomaterials
  • computational methods
  • modeling and simulation
  • sustainable energy
  • renewable energy
  • waste heat recovery
  • catalysis
  • reaction engineering

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

39 pages, 2781 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Technological Alternatives for the Energy Transition of Coal-Fired Power Plants, with a Multi-Criteria Approach
by Jessica Valeria Lugo, Norah Nadia Sánchez Torres, Renan Douglas Lopes da Silva Cavalcante, Taynara Geysa Silva do Lago, João Alves de Lima, Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma and Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior
Energies 2025, 18(17), 4473; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174473 - 22 Aug 2025
Abstract
This paper investigates technological pathways for the conversion of coal-fired power plants toward sustainable energy sources, using an integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach that combines Proknow-C, AHP, and PROMETHEE. Eight alternatives were identified: full conversion to natural gas, full conversion to biomass, coal and [...] Read more.
This paper investigates technological pathways for the conversion of coal-fired power plants toward sustainable energy sources, using an integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach that combines Proknow-C, AHP, and PROMETHEE. Eight alternatives were identified: full conversion to natural gas, full conversion to biomass, coal and natural gas hybridization, coal and biomass hybridization, electricity and hydrogen cogeneration, coal and solar energy hybridization, post-combustion carbon capture systems, and decommissioning with subsequent reuse. The analysis combined bibliographic data (26 scientific articles and 13 patents) with surveys from 14 energy experts, using Total Decision version 1.2.1041.0 and Visual PROMETHEE version 1.1.0.0 software tools. Based on six criteria (environmental, structural, technical, technological, economic, and social), the most viable option was full conversion to natural gas (ϕ = +0.0368), followed by coal and natural gas hybridization (ϕ = +0.0257), and coal and solar hybridization (ϕ = +0.0124). These alternatives emerged as the most balanced in terms of emissions reduction, infrastructure reuse, and cost efficiency. In contrast, decommissioning (ϕ = −0.0578) and carbon capture systems (ϕ = −0.0196) were less favorable. This study proposes a structured framework for strategic energy planning that supports a just energy transition and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, highlighting the need for public policies that enhance the competitiveness and scalability of sustainable alternatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies Based on Energy Physics)
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11 pages, 2972 KiB  
Article
ZnCu Metal–Organic Framework Electrocatalysts for Efficient Ammonia Decomposition to Hydrogen
by Mingguang Ouyang, Geng Chen, Weitao Ning, Xiaoyang Wang, Xiaojiang Mu and Lei Miao
Energies 2025, 18(14), 3871; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143871 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
The electrocatalytic decomposition of ammonia represents a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production, yet current systems rely heavily on noble metal catalysts with prohibitive costs and limited durability. A critical challenge lies in developing non-noble electrocatalysts that simultaneously achieve high active site exposure, [...] Read more.
The electrocatalytic decomposition of ammonia represents a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production, yet current systems rely heavily on noble metal catalysts with prohibitive costs and limited durability. A critical challenge lies in developing non-noble electrocatalysts that simultaneously achieve high active site exposure, optimized electronic configurations, and robust structural stability. Addressing these requirements, this study strategically engineered Cu-doped ZIF-8 architectures via in situ growth on nickel foam (NF) substrates through a facile room-temperature hydrothermal synthesis approach. Systematic optimization of the Cu/Zn molar ratio revealed that Cu0.7Zn0.3-ZIF/NF achieved optimal performance, exhibiting a distinctive nanoflower-like architecture that substantially increased accessible active sites. The hybrid catalyst demonstrated superior electrocatalytic performance with a current density of 124 mA cm−2 at 1.6 V vs. RHE and a notably low Tafel slope of 30.94 mV dec−1, outperforming both Zn-ZIF/NF (39.45 mV dec−1) and Cu-ZIF/NF (31.39 mV dec−1). Combined XPS and EDS analyses unveiled a synergistic electronic structure modulation between Zn and Cu, which facilitated charge transfer and enhanced catalytic efficiency. A gas chromatography product analysis identified H2 and N2 as the primary gaseous products, confirming the predominant occurrence of the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR). This study not only presents a noble metal-free electrocatalyst with exceptional efficiency and durability for ammonia decomposition but also demonstrates the significant potential of MOF-derived materials in sustainable hydrogen production technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies Based on Energy Physics)
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16 pages, 3106 KiB  
Article
Anaerobic Biohythane Production in an Internal Two-Stage Bioreactor: Kitchen Waste Concentration Optimization
by Peer Mohamed Abdul, Chyi-How Lay, Chiu-Yue Lin, Tan-Phat Vo and Chia-Min Chang
Energies 2025, 18(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18010001 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 989
Abstract
An internal two-stage bioreactor constructed with a hydrogen chamber and a methane chamber with a working volume of 300 mL and 4700 mL, respectively, was operated using various kitchen waste (KW) concentrations from 10 to 80 g COD/L with a hydraulic retention time [...] Read more.
An internal two-stage bioreactor constructed with a hydrogen chamber and a methane chamber with a working volume of 300 mL and 4700 mL, respectively, was operated using various kitchen waste (KW) concentrations from 10 to 80 g COD/L with a hydraulic retention time of 2 days to characterize the biomethane production performance. The results showed that daily biohythane production exhibited a similar increasing trend at KW concentrations of 10 to 40 g COD/L. The peak biomethane production was 2481 mL/day at a KW concentration of 40 g COD/L. The KW concentration could also affect the COD, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein removal efficiencies. These removal efficiencies were somehow dependent on the KW concentration, with two notable KW concentration groups of 10–20 g COD/L and 40–80 g COD/L. After 80 days of cultivation, Firmicutes dominated the hydrogen chamber, and Methanobacteriaceae and Methanomicrobiaceae dominated the methane chamber. This study presents the optimal KW concentration for high biohythane production efficiency in a novel internal two-stage bioreactor and reveals the dominant microorganisms in its microbial community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies Based on Energy Physics)
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