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Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition)
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Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition)

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Catalytic Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 13463

Editors

Prof. Dr. Jiayuan Yu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (iAIR), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
Interests: hydorgen production; electrochemistry; water treament; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Junfeng Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
Interests: microbial fuel cell; bioelectrochemical system; environmental functional nanomaterials; wastewater treatment; oxygen reduction reaction; environmental science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jingyun Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
Interests: green chemistry; deep eutectic solvents; 2D materials; heterostructure; (nano)composites; electrocatalysis; water splitting
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The success of our first volume of the Special Issue “Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications” underlines the rapid development of electrocatalytic materials and the need for further research. This fact has encouraged us to create a second Special Issue under the same title that will further present state-of-the-art advances in electrocatalytic materials.

This Special Issue aims to introduce the latest progress made in research on advanced electrocatalyst materials in the field of energy and the environment. With the rapid development of human society, energy shortages and environmental pollution have become two serious problems faced by human society. Therefore, there is an urgent need to solve these problems by developing advanced electrocatalyst materials for efficient energy conversion, energy storage, and environmental protection. This Special Issue will mainly include manuscripts focused on the field of electrocatalysis. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen reduction, oxygen reduction, and microbial fuel cells. At the same time, we also intend to include research on the electrocatalytic treatment of refractory water pollutants and research on new energy recovery from environmental waste in this Special Issue.

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Jiayuan Yu
Dr. Junfeng Chen
Dr. Jingyun Jiang
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials 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 and storage
  • hydrogen evolution reaction
  • nitrate reduction
  • upgrading of pollutants
  • carbon dioxide reduction
  • electrochemical water treatment
  • microbial fuel cell
  • environmental functional nanomaterials

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 11784 KB  
Article
High-Performance Riveted Complementary-Structure Rotating Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting from Slow-Speed Water Flows
by Bao Yang, Chang Peng, Zihao Wang, Fuwang Zhao, Licheng Zhou, Zhenyu Jiang, Yiping Liu, Liqun Tang, Zejia Liu and Jinli Piao
Materials 2026, 19(17), 3569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19173569 - 22 Aug 2026
Abstract
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising for harvesting low-frequency mechanical energy, but rotating TENGs (R-TENGs) driven by low-speed water flow remain constrained by limited driving torque, sliding-contact losses, and rotating-system stability. Here, a three-dimensional (3D) riveted complementary-structure rotating triboelectric nanogenerator (RCSR-TENG) is proposed for [...] Read more.
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are promising for harvesting low-frequency mechanical energy, but rotating TENGs (R-TENGs) driven by low-speed water flow remain constrained by limited driving torque, sliding-contact losses, and rotating-system stability. Here, a three-dimensional (3D) riveted complementary-structure rotating triboelectric nanogenerator (RCSR-TENG) is proposed for low-speed water-flow energy harvesting. A semi-analytical formulation incorporating a force-dependent real-contact fraction is developed to describe the coupled relationships among output voltage, transferred charge, rotation angle, and contact force. Because the contact parameters were not independently calibrated, the formulation is used for sensitivity and trend analysis rather than as a quantitatively validated predictive model. For the single prototype tested for each configuration, at 1000 rpm under the fixed effective measurement load of 9 MΩ, the RCSR-TENG produced a peak output power of 544 μW, compared with 304 μW for the flat R-TENG, representing an increase of approximately 79%. The same RCSR-TENG prototype maintained a stable voltage amplitude of over 150,000 rotation cycles. When coupled to a fully passive flapping-foil collector in a 0.55 m s−1 water flow, the system generated periodic electrical output with a peak area-normalized power exceeding 5000 μW m−2. These results demonstrate the structural-performance advantage of the riveted complementary design and its proof-of-concept applicability to low-speed water-flow energy harvesting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition))
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21 pages, 15915 KB  
Article
Comparative Study on the Hydration, Mechanical Properties, and Energy Storage Performance of MPC-Based Solid Electrolytes Modified by Different Ionic PAMs
by Jialu Liu, Yunpeng Zhang, Muyang Shi, Xin Shan and Dong Zhang
Materials 2026, 19(7), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19071426 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Polyacrylamides (PAMs) exhibit variable molecular characteristics, exerting different effects on the macro- and micro-properties of cement when used as cement modifiers. In this study, three different ionic polyacrylamides, namely anionic PAM (APAM), cationic PAM (CPAM), and nonionic PAM (NPAM), were employed to investigate [...] Read more.
Polyacrylamides (PAMs) exhibit variable molecular characteristics, exerting different effects on the macro- and micro-properties of cement when used as cement modifiers. In this study, three different ionic polyacrylamides, namely anionic PAM (APAM), cationic PAM (CPAM), and nonionic PAM (NPAM), were employed to investigate their impacts on the microstructure, hydration, mechanical properties, and electrochemical energy storage characteristics of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC). Microstructural characterization methods, including Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), etc., were employed to elucidate the phase composition, micromorphology, and pore structure of the modified MPC. Furthermore, electrochemical testing methods such as Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic Charge–Discharge (GCD), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted to reveal the energy storage characteristics of supercapacitors. The results indicate that all three PAMs retarded the hydration of MPC, optimized the pore size distribution, and increased the compressive strength of MPC. In terms of electrochemical performance, the ionic conductivity of MPC electrolyte modified by NPAM and APAM exhibited an opposite trend to that of CPAM as the dosage increased. At dosages of 0.5% (NPAM), 1.5% (CPAM), and 0.75% (APAM), the assembled supercapacitors using PAM-modified MPC electrolyte exhibited excellent areal capacitance and energy density, reaching a maximum areal capacitance of 1060 mF cm−2 and an energy density of 0.147 mWh cm−2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition))
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14 pages, 3145 KB  
Article
FeSe2-BiSe2-CoSe2 Ternary Heterojunction for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Under pH-Universal
by Lili Guo, Yang Cui, Qiusheng He and Kankan Liu
Materials 2026, 19(2), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020430 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 608
Abstract
The construction of heterostructures has been recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing material activity and stability. Herein, a ternary heterojunction FeSe2-BiSe2-CoSe2 was synthesized via a hydrothermal selenidation reaction. The significant electronegativity difference between Bi and Fe/Co triggers [...] Read more.
The construction of heterostructures has been recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing material activity and stability. Herein, a ternary heterojunction FeSe2-BiSe2-CoSe2 was synthesized via a hydrothermal selenidation reaction. The significant electronegativity difference between Bi and Fe/Co triggers charge transfer within the FeSe2-BiSe2-CoSe2 lattice. Furthermore, the abundant pore structure of FeSe2-BiSe2-CoSe2 provides efficient pathways for electron diffusion, significantly enhancing the HER catalytic kinetics. Results demonstrate that FeSe2-BiSe2-CoSe2 exhibits outstanding HER activity in both acidic and alkaline media. In 0.5 M H2SO4, it exhibits an overpotential of only 44 mV with a Tafel slope of 108 mV dec−1. In 1 M KOH, the corresponding overpotential is 188 mV, with a Tafel slope of 45 mV dec−1 at 10 mA cm−2. This study constructs electron-rich active sites through electronic structure regulation, providing valuable insights for designing low-cost, high-performance transition metal selenide HER catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition))
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10 pages, 2450 KB  
Communication
Preparation of Metallic Zr from ZrO2 via Carbothermal and Electrochemical Reduction in Molten Salts
by Wenchen Song, Xu Chen, Yanhong Jia, Mingshuai Yang, Guoan Ye and Fuxing Zhu
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2634; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112634 - 4 Jun 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1642
Abstract
Zirconium, a critical rare metal with exceptional corrosion resistance and nuclear applications, is conventionally produced via the energy-intensive Kroll process. The electrolysis of ZrCxOy soluble anodes has been extensively investigated due to its advantages in having a short process flow [...] Read more.
Zirconium, a critical rare metal with exceptional corrosion resistance and nuclear applications, is conventionally produced via the energy-intensive Kroll process. The electrolysis of ZrCxOy soluble anodes has been extensively investigated due to its advantages in having a short process flow and resulting in high-quality products. In particular, during the electrolysis of zirconium oxycarbide with a C:O molar ratio of 1:1, gaseous CO can be released, and no residual anodes are generated, which is extremely appealing. In this regard, this paper explores the feasibility of preparing zirconium metal through high-temperature vacuum reduction to produce zirconium oxycarbide using ZrO2 as the raw material, followed by direct molten-salt electrolysis. Firstly, the reduction products were characterized using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that under a vacuum of <10 Pa at 1750 °C, the reduction products mainly consisted of ZrCxOy and a small amount of ZrO2, and they exhibited good electrical conductivity (0.0169 Ω·cm). Subsequently, the cyclic voltammetry test results of the reduction products revealed the reversible redox behavior of ZrCxOy. There were characteristic oxidation peaks at −0.53 V and −0.01 V (vs. Pt), corresponding to the formation of Zr2+ and Zr4+, respectively, and a reduction peak at −1.51 V, indicating the conversion from Zr2+ to Zr. Finally, β-zirconium metal with a purity of 99.2 ± 0.3 wt.% was obtained through potentiostatic electrolysis, and its quality met the R60704 grade specified in ASTM B551-12 (2021). This study offers a novel approach for the short-flow preparation of zirconium metal, which is conducive to expanding its applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition))
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22 pages, 8704 KB  
Article
Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Performance of ZnO Nanowires for Green Hydrogen Production and Organic Pollutant Degradation
by Nawal Al Abass, Talal F. Qahtan, Amani M. Alansi, Almqdad Bubshait, Maria Al-Ghamdi, Zahra Albu, Noof Soltan Albasiry, Hisham Mohammed Aljahfal, Abdulrahman E. Aldossary and Mohammed Tariq Faraj
Materials 2025, 18(2), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020444 - 19 Jan 2025
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2990
Abstract
With growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy, multifunctional materials that can simultaneously address water treatment and clean energy production are in high demand. In this study, we developed a cost-effective method to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires via the anodic [...] Read more.
With growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy, multifunctional materials that can simultaneously address water treatment and clean energy production are in high demand. In this study, we developed a cost-effective method to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires via the anodic oxidation of zinc foil. By carefully controlling the anodization time, we optimized the Zn/ZnO-5 min electrode to achieve impressive dual-function performance in terms of effective photoelectrocatalysis for water splitting and waste water treatment. The electrode exhibited a high photocurrent density of 1.18 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE and achieved a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.55%. A key factor behind this performance is the presence of surface defects, such as oxygen vacancies (OVs), which enhanced charge separation and boosted electron transport. In tests for waste water treatment, the Zn/ZnO-5 min electrode demonstrated the highly efficient degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye, with a reaction rate constant of 0.4211 min−1 when exposed to light and a 1.0 V applied voltage significantly faster than using light or voltage alone. Electrochemical analyses, including impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry, further confirmed the superior charge transfer properties of the electrode under illumination, making it an excellent candidate for both energy conversion and pollutant removal. This study highlights the potential of using simple anodic oxidation to produce scalable and efficient ZnO-based photocatalysts. The dual-function capability of this material could pave the way for large-scale applications in renewable hydrogen production and advanced waste water treatment, offering a promising solution to some of today’s most pressing environmental and energy challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition))
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Review

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18 pages, 3734 KB  
Review
Alloying Design Strategies for High-Performance Zn Anodes in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
by Bowen Qi, Man Huang, Ming Song, Weijia Zhou and Hua Tan
Materials 2025, 18(13), 2997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18132997 - 24 Jun 2025
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3821
Abstract
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to their inherent safety, low cost, and environmental sustainability. However, in practical applications, AZIBs are constrained by the adverse reactions originating from the zinc anodes, including dendrite formation, hydrogen [...] Read more.
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to their inherent safety, low cost, and environmental sustainability. However, in practical applications, AZIBs are constrained by the adverse reactions originating from the zinc anodes, including dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution reaction, corrosion, and passivation, which hinder their large-scale commercialization. Nowadays, alloying strategies have been recognized as efficient approaches to address these limitations and have gained significant attention. By introducing heterogeneous elements into Zn matrices, alloying strategies can suppress dendrite formation and side reactions, modulate the interfacial kinetic process, and enhance electrochemical stability. This review systematically discusses the advantages of alloying for Zn anodes, categorizes key design strategies, such as surface modifications, composite structures, functional alloying, gradient, and layered alloy designs, and meanwhile highlights their performance improvements. Furthermore, we suggest future directions for advanced alloy development, scalable fabrication design, and integrated system optimization. Alloy engineering represents a critical pathway toward high-performance, durable Zn anodes for next-generation AZIBs and other metal-ion batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition))
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17 pages, 4432 KB  
Review
Suppressing Jahn–Teller Distortion in Manganese Oxides for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
by Jiangfeng Duan, Man Huang, Ming Song, Weijia Zhou and Hua Tan
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122817 - 16 Jun 2025
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2814
Abstract
Manganese oxides (MnOx) have been confirmed as the most promising candidates for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their cost-effectiveness, high theoretical capacity, high voltage platforms, and environmental friendliness. However, in practical applications, AZIBs are hindered by the Jahn–Teller distortion (JTD) [...] Read more.
Manganese oxides (MnOx) have been confirmed as the most promising candidates for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their cost-effectiveness, high theoretical capacity, high voltage platforms, and environmental friendliness. However, in practical applications, AZIBs are hindered by the Jahn–Teller distortion (JTD) effect, primarily induced by Mn3+ (t2g3eg1) in octahedral coordination, which leads to severe structural deformation, rapid capacity fading, and poor cycling stability. This review systematically outlines the fundamental mechanisms of JTD in MnOx cathodes, including electronic structure changes, lattice distortions, and their side effects on Zn2+ storage performance. Furthermore, we critically discuss advanced strategies to suppress JTD, such as cation/anion doping, interlayer engineering, surface/interface modification, and electrolyte optimization, aimed at enhancing both structural stability and electrochemical performance. Finally, we propose future research directions, such as in situ characterization, machine learning-guided material design, and multifunctional interfacial engineering, to guide the design of high-performance MnOx hosts for next-generation AZIBs. This review may provide a promising guideline for overcoming JTD challenges and advancing MnOx-based energy storage systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition))
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