Nature Energy is an online-only journal interested in all aspects of energy, from its generation and storage, to its distribution and management, the needs and demands of the different actors involved, and the impacts that energy technologies and policies have on different societies. The journal has a particular interest in studies that advance our knowledge and inform the development of next-generation technologies and solutions. Nature Energy publishes research from the natural, behavioural and social sciences. http://feeds.nature.com/nenergy/rss/current Nature Publishing Group en © 2025 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All rights reserved. Nature Energy © 2025 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All rights reserved. permissions@nature.com https://www.nature.com/uploads/product/nenergy/rss.png http://feeds.nature.com/nenergy/rss/current https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01734-8 Nature Energy, Published online: 07 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01734-8

Thermal stability in high-nickel cathodes has been a long-standing concern due to the lack of standardized assessments. Now, research identifies key factors that trigger thermal runaway and introduces a thermal stability index to help guide the development of safer cathodes.]]> Yaxiang Lu doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01734-8 Nature Energy, Published online: 2025-03-07; | doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01734-8 2025-03-07 Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01734-8 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01734-8 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01731-x Nature Energy, Published online: 07 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01731-x

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.]]> Zehao CuiChen LiuFeng WangArumugam Manthiram doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01731-x Nature Energy, Published online: 2025-03-07; | doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01731-x 2025-03-07 Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01731-x https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01731-x https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01733-9 Nature Energy, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01733-9

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.]]> + solvation by symmetric molecular design for practical and safe Li-metal batteries]]> Jinha JangChongzhen WangGumin KangCheolhee HanJaekyeong HanJae-Sun ShinSunghyun KoGihwan KimJaewon BaekHee-Tak KimHochun LeeChan Beum ParkDong-Hwa SeoYuzhang LiJiheong Kang doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01733-9 Nature Energy, Published online: 2025-03-06; | doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01733-9 2025-03-06 Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01733-9 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01733-9 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01722-y Nature Energy, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01722-y

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.]]> Steffen LinkLara SchneiderAnnegret StephanLukas WeymannPatrick Plötz doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01722-y Nature Energy, Published online: 2025-03-06; | doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01722-y 2025-03-06 Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01722-y https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01722-y https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01738-4 Nature Energy, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01738-4

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.]]> 2O sublimation promotes single-crystal growth and sintering]]> Bingbin WuRan YiYaobin XuPeiyuan GaoYujing BiLibor NovákZhao LiuEnyuan HuNan WangJob RijssenbeekSubramanian VenkatachalamJing WuDianying LiuXia CaoJie Xiao doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01738-4 Nature Energy, Published online: 2025-03-06; | doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01738-4 2025-03-06 Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01738-4 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01738-4 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01735-7 Nature Energy, Published online: 05 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01735-7

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 typically requires a concentrated gas stream, making direct conversion of atmospheric CO2 to value-added products a challenge. Now, researchers report a photocatalytic reactor to produce useful molecules directly from air-captured CO2 using solar energy.]]> Takeshi Morikawa doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01735-7 Nature Energy, Published online: 2025-03-05; | doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01735-7 2025-03-05 Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01735-7 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01735-7 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01740-w Nature Energy, Published online: 05 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01740-w

The fabrication of perovskite photovoltaics often relies on hazardous solvents that limit their implementation in manufacturing. Now, researchers develop a green solvent system for fabrication of large-area perovskite solar modules using industrially viable and scalable deposition methods, which achieve high power conversion efficiencies.]]> Aldo Di Carlo doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01740-w Nature Energy, Published online: 2025-03-05; | doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01740-w 2025-03-05 Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01740-w https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01740-w https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01730-y Nature Energy, Published online: 05 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01730-y

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.]]> Madeline YozwiakGalen BarboseSanya CarleySydney P. ForresterDavid M. KoniskyTrevor MemmottCristina Crespo MontañésEric O’Shaughnessy doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01730-y Nature Energy, Published online: 2025-03-05; | doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01730-y 2025-03-05 Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01730-y https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-025-01730-y