Methane pyrolysis produces hydrogen and carbon materials, but some approaches based on chemical vapour deposition actually consume hydrogen to mitigate unwanted side reactions. Here Peden et al. use gas recycling in a multi-pass floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition reactor to produce hydrogen alongside carbon nanotube aerogels.

New research finds that policymakers coleading energy scenario design has the potential both to better align scenarios with policymakers’ priorities and to question current policy, by substantially reducing energy use at half of the cost of technology-focused approaches.

Short circuits from separator failure threaten lithium metal battery safety, but ultrafast temperature-responsive materials are lacking. Here a thermo-responsive electrolyte solidifies in seconds, preventing thermal runaway and enabling stable operation up to 90 °C.

Traditional fullerene-based electron transport layers in tin perovskite solar cells are costly and limit power conversion efficiency. Tianpeng Li et al. report low-cost fluorinated polymers as alternatives, achieving a certified 14.51% efficiency on 1-cm2 devices.

Lithium-ion battery cathode lifetime is limited by large expansion and contraction during cycling. This study uses electrochemical activation to suppress collapse in LiNi0.9Mn0.1O2 cathodes, achieving improved capacity and cycle life.

By optimizing the timing of electricity purchases for electric vehicle (EV) charging at home, as well as shifting electricity purchases for other household loads, US EV owners could reduce their lifetime charging costs by 40–90%, and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from household electricity use by 70–250%. Integrating EVs with homes can increase the greenhouse gas reductions they deliver, while reducing the cost of EV ownership.

Artificial intelligence is driving rapid growth in electricity demand, straining grid reliability and infrastructure. This study demonstrates a software-based method that allows data centres to adjust workloads in response to real-time grid signals, reducing power use and supporting grid stability without hardware modifications.

The decarbonization of industrial sectors requires the development of environmentally friendly high-temperature heat-pump technologies. This Review evaluates the potential of various solid-state and gas-cycle approaches and the challenges involved and outlines a roadmap for future development.

Consumers are increasingly being paid to use power through negative electricity pricing. Based on a survey in the USA, new research finds that most respondents are willing to shift their electricity use and do not seek to overconsume power, which may inform future power management.

Defective perovskite surfaces limit solar cell efficiency. Liu et al. introduce a small amount of a polar aprotic solvent into the defect passivation solution, enabling surface reconstruction of the perovskite layer and enhancing its overall quality.

New research finds that policymakers coleading energy scenario design has the potential both to better align scenarios with policymakers’ priorities and to question current policy, by substantially reducing energy use at half of the cost of technology-focused approaches.

Uniform interregional electricity transfer capability requirements improve reliability of the US grid, but with lower cost and emissions reductions than a cost-optimized, region-specific approach. When designing interregional electricity transmission policy, the need for a reliable grid must be balanced alongside aspirations for a lowest-cost, lowest-emissions one.

Upfront and lifetime costs often prevent EV adoption. Vaishnav and colleagues find that using EV batteries to shift the time of electricity purchases for other household uses can cut both owners’ electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Conventional ammonia synthesis is energy intensive. Here the authors explore the mechanism of light-driven ammonia synthesis through in situ spectroscopy and modelling, and demonstrate that certain AuRu plasmonic alloys are promising catalysts for this potentially more sustainable process.

Job Details Job Title: Locum Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Energy Location: Shanghai, Beijing, Milan or Madrid - hybrid working model Closing date: January 18th, 2026 About Springer Nature Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature. About The Brand Nature Portfolio’s high-quality journals and services across the life, physical, chemical and applied sciences help move science and society forward. Nature Portfolio is home to the leading, international weekly journal of science, Nature – founded in 1869. It is also home to the Nature research and Nature Reviews journals, the leading open access multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications, and open access journals including Scientific Reports. Together, these journals publish some of the world's most significant scientific discoveries. Online, nature.com provides over nine million unique visitors per month with content, including news and comment from the Nature journal, and the leading scientific jobs board, Nature Careers. As part of Springer Nature, Nature Portfolio also offers a range of researcher services, including online and in-person training. For more information, please visit nature.com and follow @NaturePortfolio. About The Role Launched in January 2016, Nature Energy publishes high-quality research and opinion across all aspects of energy, from its generation and storage to its distribution and management, the needs and demands of different actors, and the impacts that energy technologies and policies have on societies. The journal’s scope includes the natural and social sciences as well as economics. The team is seeking a locum full-time Associate or Senior Editor with a strong research background in photovoltaics or a related discipline. Ideal candidates should possess a broad understanding of the research landscape in solar energy and other energy-harvesting fields. Role Responsibilities: Working closely with the Chief Editor and a team of editors on all aspects of the editorial process, including manuscript selection, commissioning, editing of Reviews, Perspectives, Comments, and other content, as well as writing for the journal. Working collaboratively with editors across other Nature Portfolio journals Representing the journal at scientific meetings and conferences. Required Skills, Qualifications, and Experience: Applicants must have a PhD, with a strong track record in research relevant to the fields covered in the journal. Broad scientific knowledge and training. Excellent literary skills. The ability to absorb new areas of research. A keen interest and enthusiasm for the practice and communication of science Applicants should submit the following: a CV; a cover letter explaining their interest in the position, salary expectations, preferred office location, and earliest available start date; a News and Views-style piece (no more than 600 words) on a recent paper from the energy research literature that they have enjoyed. The job is offered on a full-time, temporary basis for up to 12 months. At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/ Company Learn more about this company Visit this company’s hub to learn about their values, culture, and latest jobs. Visit employer hub

Lithium-ion battery cathode lifetime is limited by large expansion and contraction during cycling. This study uses electrochemical activation to suppress collapse in LiNi0.9Mn0.1O2 cathodes, achieving improved capacity and cycle life.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction in acidic media offers a promising route for CO2 valorization but faces challenges owing to competing hydrogen evolution and sluggish C–C coupling. Here the authors demonstrate that surface-adsorbed iodide ions enhance performance on Cu-based catalysts, doubling ethylene selectivity and reducing overpotentials.

Lithium-metal batteries offer high energy density but are prone to thermal runaway due to reactive lithium and flammable electrolytes. Research now reports a thermoresponsive electrolyte that rapidly solidifies near the separator’s melting point, forming a protective scaffold that prevents short circuits while allowing normal operation.

Ionic liquid additives increase the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells, but their effect on perovskite crystallization remains unclear. Xu et al. provide mechanistic insights and demonstrate improved operational stability under continous illumination and 90 °C thermal stress.

Zinc-bromine flow batteries face challenges from corrosive Br2, which limits their lifespan and environmental safety. Here, the authors introduce sodium sulfamate as a Br2 scavenger, enabling a more durable and higher-energy-density Zn/Br flow battery suitable for large-scale operation.

Consumers are increasingly being paid to use power through negative electricity pricing. Based on a survey in the USA, new research finds that most respondents are willing to shift their electricity use and do not seek to overconsume power, which may inform future power management.

Interregional transmission is key to a cost-efficient, reliable and cleaner US grid. Senga et al. find that current legislative proposals can increase reliability while capturing some of the cost and emissions benefits of a cost-optimized grid.

Defective perovskite surfaces limit solar cell efficiency. Liu et al. introduce a small amount of a polar aprotic solvent into the defect passivation solution, enabling surface reconstruction of the perovskite layer and enhancing its overall quality.

Methane pyrolysis produces hydrogen and carbon materials, but some approaches based on chemical vapour deposition actually consume hydrogen to mitigate unwanted side reactions. Here Peden et al. use gas recycling in a multi-pass floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition reactor to produce hydrogen alongside carbon nanotube aerogels.

New research finds that policymakers coleading energy scenario design has the potential both to better align scenarios with policymakers’ priorities and to question current policy, by substantially reducing energy use at half of the cost of technology-focused approaches.