Conventional solid-state electrolyte design is limited by dopant–lattice compatibility. This work introduces solid dissociation, using halide van der Waals materials to dissolve salts and create amorphous conductors with high ionic conductivity and potential for use in devices.

Electrochemical CO_x reduction to multi-carbon products is hindered by low energy efficiency, in part due to sluggish ion transport across charge-selective membranes used in electrolysers. Here the authors use a porous, non-charge-selective separator that enhances ion transport and improves performance for CO electrolysis.

Electrochemical CO_x reduction to multi-carbon products is hindered by low energy efficiency, in part due to sluggish ion transport across charge-selective membranes used in electrolysers. Here the authors use a porous, non-charge-selective separator that enhances ion transport and improves performance for CO electrolysis.

Although central to the global energy mix, certain technologies like nuclear energy receive comparatively little attention at Nature Energy. We aim to reflect the diversity of innovation driving the energy transition, including critical advances in systems design and engineering that enable these technologies.

Perovskite solar cells with carbon electrodes offer advantages in terms of stability and manufacturing cost, but their performance remains limited. Now Wang et al. report an efficiency of 23.6% by doping the hole transport layer with graphene oxide.

Battery safety is critical across applications from consumer electronics to large-scale storage. This study identifies lithium oxidation as the primary driver of thermal runaway in high-energy batteries, reshaping safety approaches for advanced electrolytes.

The phase-out of coal will require targeted strategies. New research assesses the retirement vulnerability of coal plants in the USA based on similarity to plants with announced retirements. The findings highlight strategies to guide and accelerate phase-out.

Conventional solid-state electrolyte design is limited by dopant–lattice compatibility. This work introduces solid dissociation, using halide van der Waals materials to dissolve salts and create amorphous conductors with high ionic conductivity and potential for use in devices.

Ion association in electrolytes enables a robust protective layer on battery electrodes but compromises thermal stability. Here Yi-Chun Lu and colleagues develop an electrolyte-based strategy that preserves this benefit while enabling safer lithium-ion batteries.

Thermal stability remains a key challenge for organic photovoltaics. Qin et al. now propose a strategy that stabilizes multiple components of the devices, enhancing their resilience under damp heat and thermal cycling conditions.

Although central to the global energy mix, certain technologies like nuclear energy receive comparatively little attention at Nature Energy. We aim to reflect the diversity of innovation driving the energy transition, including critical advances in systems design and engineering that enable these technologies.