Journal Name: Energy and Environmental Materials
Journal Type: Q1
ISSN: 25750348, 25750356
Country: United States
Subject Area and Category: Energy Energy (miscellaneous) Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment Environmental Science Environmental Science (miscellaneous) Waste Management and Disposal Water Science and Technology Materials Science Materials Science (miscellaneous)
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc
Research Ranking: 112
Publication Type: Journals
H-Index: 65
Coverage: 2018-2025
Editors-in-Chief: Guosheng Shao
Research Impact Score: 8.7
Impact Factor: 13
SCIMAGO SJR: 3.615
APC Cost: $3000
Submission Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/25750356
Contact Email: eem@zzu.edu.cn
Address: Zhengzhou, Henan, China
Overview
In today's rapidly evolving world, the demand for cleaner, more efficient energy sources and sustainable environmental practices has never been more pressing. Energy and Environmental Materials is a multidisciplinary field that plays a pivotal role in addressing the global challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. This innovative area focuses on the development, optimization, and application of advanced materials that can revolutionize the way we produce, store, and consume energy while minimizing environmental impacts.
What Are Energy and Environmental Materials?
Energy and environmental materials are advanced materials engineered to improve energy efficiency, support renewable energy systems, and aid in environmental protection. These include a wide range of substances such as nanomaterials, catalysts, semiconductors, polymers, membranes, and bio-based materials. Their applications extend to solar panels, batteries, fuel cells, carbon capture systems, and water purification technologies, making them essential in the quest for sustainable development.
Key Areas of Focus
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Renewable Energy Materials: Materials used in solar cells (like perovskites and organic photovoltaics), wind turbines, and bioenergy systems are continuously being refined to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance durability.
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Energy Storage Materials: With the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, high-performance materials for batteries (such as lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries) and supercapacitors are crucial for reliable and long-lasting energy storage.
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Catalysis and Fuel Cells: Catalytic materials are used to speed up chemical reactions in energy conversion processes, especially in hydrogen fuel cells and sustainable fuel production.
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Carbon Capture and Environmental Remediation: Advanced adsorbent materials, membranes, and nanocomposites are being designed to capture CO₂ from industrial emissions and purify contaminated air and water, reducing pollution and restoring ecological balance.
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Green Building and Construction: Eco-friendly construction materials, including low-carbon cement, thermal insulation products, and recyclable composites, contribute to energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure.
Importance in the Global Energy Transition
Energy and environmental materials are at the forefront of the global energy transition. They enable cleaner production technologies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a circular economy. Innovations in this field not only support international climate goals, such as the Paris Agreement, but also open new opportunities for green jobs and sustainable economic growth.
Future Trends and Research Directions
Emerging trends include the development of smart materials that respond to environmental stimuli, biodegradable materials for reducing waste, and AI-assisted material discovery for faster innovation. Collaborative research between academia, industry, and governments is accelerating the commercialization of next-generation sustainable technologies.
About
In today's rapidly evolving world, the demand for clean, renewable energy and environmentally friendly technologies is higher than ever. Energy and environmental materials are at the core of this green revolution. These innovative materials are designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support the development of sustainable technologies across industries.
What Are Energy and Environmental Materials?
Energy materials refer to substances used to generate, store, and transfer energy. These include solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, and thermoelectric materials. On the other hand, environmental materials are designed to minimize pollution, enhance waste management, and protect natural resources. Together, these materials play a critical role in addressing climate change, energy shortages, and environmental degradation.
Key Applications
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Renewable Energy Technologies
Solar panels, wind turbines, and bioenergy systems rely on advanced materials to improve efficiency and durability. For example, perovskite-based solar cells are gaining attention for their high energy conversion rates and lower production costs compared to traditional silicon-based panels. -
Energy Storage Systems
High-performance batteries and supercapacitors are essential for storing energy from intermittent sources like the sun and wind. Lithium-ion, solid-state, and sodium-ion batteries are key developments, with materials like graphene and nanocomposites enhancing their capacity and lifespan. -
Environmental Remediation
Materials like zeolites, activated carbon, and photocatalysts are used to clean air, purify water, and treat industrial waste. These substances help reduce pollution and protect ecosystems. -
Green Building Materials
Sustainable construction uses energy-efficient materials such as insulating aerogels, recycled composites, and low-emission glass to minimize a building's carbon footprint.
Advancements and Research Trends
Researchers are continually exploring new materials that offer better performance at a lower cost. Nanotechnology is playing a key role by enabling the creation of materials with enhanced thermal, electrical, and chemical properties. Additionally, biomaterials and biodegradable composites are being developed to reduce environmental waste.
One of the most exciting areas of innovation is smart materials, which can adapt to changes in their environment. These materials are used in self-healing coatings, responsive windows, and intelligent sensors, contributing to both energy efficiency and environmental safety.
Importance for a Sustainable Future
Investing in energy and environmental materials is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. As global energy consumption continues to rise and environmental challenges mount, these materials provide the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Governments and industries around the world are prioritizing research and development in this field. From electric vehicles to smart cities, energy and environmental materials are enabling the technologies that will shape tomorrow.
Scope
In today’s world, where climate change and energy crises are major global concerns, Energy and Environmental Materials have emerged as one of the most critical interdisciplinary fields. This area focuses on developing innovative materials and technologies that promote clean energy production, efficient energy storage, and sustainable environmental practices.
What Are Energy and Environmental Materials?
Energy and environmental materials are advanced substances used to improve the generation, storage, and conservation of energy, while minimizing negative environmental impact. These include nanomaterials, polymers, semiconductors, and biomaterials used in batteries, fuel cells, solar panels, water purification systems, and carbon capture technologies.
Key Areas of Focus
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Renewable Energy Technologies
One of the primary scopes of this field is enhancing renewable energy systems. Materials research supports the development of high-efficiency solar cells, wind turbines, and bioenergy systems. For example, perovskite solar cells, a next-generation material, offer higher efficiency and lower costs compared to traditional silicon-based panels. -
Energy Storage Solutions
The future of sustainable energy depends on effective energy storage. Advanced materials are revolutionizing batteries—especially lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries—making them safer, longer-lasting, and faster-charging. -
Environmental Protection and Remediation
Materials that remove pollutants from air, water, and soil play a key role in environmental sustainability. This includes membranes for water purification, photocatalysts for breaking down pollutants, and absorbents for oil spill cleanup. -
Carbon Capture and Utilization
With the growing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, materials for carbon capture, storage, and conversion are gaining importance. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and other porous materials are being studied extensively for their ability to trap CO₂ from industrial emissions. -
Green Building and Sustainable Construction
Sustainable construction materials—such as recyclable concrete, insulating nanomaterials, and eco-friendly coatings—are contributing to energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure.
Applications Across Industries
Energy and environmental materials impact various sectors, including:
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Automotive – in electric vehicle batteries and lightweight materials
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Electronics – in energy-efficient chips and cooling systems
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Healthcare – in clean energy devices for remote areas
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Aerospace – in high-strength, lightweight composites for fuel savings