Achieving industrial-scale production of high-energy-density batteries will require cost and efficiency challenges to be addressed. The authors explore the upscaling of high-areal-capacity electrodes, evaluating manufacturing techniques, electrode design and materials chemistry.

Photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ typically uses concentrated feeds, hindering the direct conversion of ambient CO₂ to value-added products. Kar et al. report a flow reactor that produces syngas (a mixture of CO and H₂) through on-site utilization of air-captured CO₂ using light.

Jennifer Danis, expert in environmental and energy law and Federal Energy Policy Director at the Institute for Policy Integrity (New York University School of Law), talks to Nature Energy about shifts in the gas infrastructure landscape of the United States, highlighting gaps and opportunities for research and policy to be better aligned for positive change.

Lithium-ion batteries degrade in complex ways. This study shows that cycling under realistic electric vehicle driving profiles enhances battery lifetime by up to 38% compared with constant current cycling, underscoring the need for realistic loads to capture ageing mechanisms.

High-nickel oxide cathodes are important for automotive lithium batteries but face thermal instability challenges. This study analyses a range of materials, quantifying how the cathode chemistry, nickel content, morphology and state of charge dictate the stability, and proposes a thermal stability index.

Developing safe, fast-recharging Li-metal batteries is challenging due to the need for stable, non-flammable electrolytes. This study presents an electrolyte design using miniature anion–Li⁺ solvation structures, achieving high conductivity, stable cycling and improved safety.

Europe’s future battery cell demand is projected to exceed 1 TWh yr⁻¹ by 2030, outpacing domestic production despite strong expected growth. While 50–60% self-sufficiency appears likely, achieving the European 90% target remains uncertain.

Single-crystal Ni-rich cathode materials are highly sought after in battery development. In this study the authors present a synthesis route that leverages Li₂O sublimation to facilitate the production of high-performance single-crystal cathode materials.

Energy insecurity is a major concern in the USA, but rooftop solar may be an effective tool for reducing this insecurity of vulnerable households. New research finds that rooftop solar leads to a large reduction in energy insecurity, particularly among low- to moderate-income households in the country.

Central banks vary substantially in the extent to which they re-risk stranded asset and physical climate risks and de-risk clean energy investments. Their actions are associated with climate politics and policy, and less so with underlying economic risks.

Jennifer Danis, expert in environmental and energy law and Federal Energy Policy Director at the Institute for Policy Integrity (New York University School of Law), talks to Nature Energy about shifts in the gas infrastructure landscape of the United States, highlighting gaps and opportunities for research and policy to be better aligned for positive change.

Long-term immersive fieldwork provides vital experiences and insights to advance energy access research in developing countries, argues Katharina Oemmelen.