Nature Energy, Published online: 10 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41560-026-02086-7

Lithium-sulfur batteries have long been limited by lower operating voltage and shorter lifetime compared to traditional lithium-ion technologies. Now, system-level engineering enables the conversion of sulfur to disulfur dichloride, accessing the S+1 oxidation state, thereby delivering higher voltage and improved cycling stability.

Nature Energy, Published online: 13 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41560-026-02111-9

Elemental diffusion in Cu2ZnSnS4 induces secondary phases and defects, limiting the open-circuit voltage in associated solar cells. Wang et al. introduce two-stage copper incorporation to suppress copper out-diffusion, enabling 12.4% efficiency and an 874-mV open-circuit voltage in solar cells.

Nature Energy, Published online: 12 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41560-026-02073-y

Lyu et al. show that industrial overcapacity, long viewed as a burden, can be repurposed. Using China’s aluminium sector as an example, they demonstrate that excess capacity and material storage can provide seasonal flexibility to lower energy costs.