Giant clams have a highly efficient symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae. Simple models, supported by experiment, suggest that their tissue geometry may be the reason. The findings could offer insights for improving solar energy conversion systems.

In this Editorial, our Chief Editor interviews Professor and entrepreneur Gleb Yushin to explore battery production and technology, discussing open challenges, considering academic-industry disparities, and offering guidance for those aspiring to contribute to the field.

When determining the authorship list for your next paper, be generous yet disciplined.

Fully autonomous discovery of new materials could rapidly accelerate the development of better batteries, solar cells, high-power electronics, and more. This Perspective highlights current limitations in the autonomous identification of truly new materials and identifies bottlenecks where attention should be focused.

The editors of PRX Energy are delighted to present the cover of Volume 3, Issue 2 featuring captivating artwork inspired by the work of Amanda L. Holt et al.

Simple mechanism for optimal light-use efficiency of photosynthesis inspired by giant clams

Amanda L. Holt, Lincoln F. Rehm, Alison M. Sweeney

Giant clams have a highly efficient symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae. Simple models, supported by experiment, suggest that their tissue geometry may be the reason. The findings could offer insights for improving solar energy conversion systems.

(Featured in Physics Magazine)

This cover art initiative marks our gratitude for PRX Energy authors who move science forward. To demonstrate our appreciation, APS is commissioning cover art for selected publications in addition to covering the APCs on all PRX Energy publications through the end of the year. Submit your most exciting energy research to PRX Energy for a chance to showcase your work on our journal’s cover!

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Experimental durability assessments show that the crystallinity and softness of polyolefin elastomer encapsulants play important roles in the encapsulation of perovskite modules to extend their lifespan.

Using simple models supported by experimental evidence, this study rationalizes the high photoconversion efficiency of symbiotic giant clams under high light intensities and suggests general geometric and light dilution concepts for optimizing the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis under intense natural illumination.

A theoretical model for the illumination of photosynthesizing algae in giant clams suggests principles for high efficiency collection of sunlight.

Focus story on:
Amanda L. Holt, Lincoln F. Rehm, and Alison M. Sweeney
PRX Energy 3, 023014 (2024)

Layered perovskites are attractive for optoelectronic applications but are impacted by relatively low charge carrier mobilities. Here, the authors provide insight into the atomic-scale origins of the carrier mobilities using ab initio transport methodologies and symmetry analysis of the electron-phonon interactions.

Multimodal measurements at synchroton-based x-ray microscopes offer a way to assess spatial variations in performance, composition, and crystal structure of solar cells. In this work, the authors expand the capability with a setup that adds x-ray excited optical luminescence to unveil spatially resolved information about the electronic band structure and defect distribution in perovskite solar cells.

This work presents the design of a quasi-isodynamic stellarator configuration suitable for nuclear fusion reactors, highlighting plasma stability, ability to confine fast particles, and reduced turbulence.

The phonon dynamics of methylammonium lead iodide are investigated using terahertz quantum beat spectroscopy and first-principles molecular dynamics simulations, revealing a bidirectional and coherent transfer of lattice entropy that could inform the design and enhance the efficiency of perovskite active layers.

APS has selected 156 Outstanding Referees for 2024 who have demonstrated exceptional work in the assessment of manuscripts published in the Physical Review journals. A full list of the Outstanding Referees is available online.

In the pursuit of advancing particle physics and gaining deeper insights into the Higgs boson, proposals for electron-positron colliders are being examined. This Perspective takes a closer look at one such collider, the Cool Copper Collider, and introduces strategies aimed at minimizing its carbon footprint, while also conducting a thoughtful comparison with other Higgs factories.

The American Physical Society (APS) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Scanlon, Professor of Computational Materials Design, University College London, United Kingdom, to the role of Lead Editor of PRX Energy, APS’s new, highly selective, open access journal covering energy science and technology. Professor Scanlon will serve as the inaugural Lead Editor of the journal, which will open for submissions December 7, 2021 and offer an introductory promotion in which all article publication charges (APCs) will be paid by APS through the end of 2022.

• Highly selective to showcase high-quality, innovative research with outstanding and lasting impact
• Open access, under a CC-BY license, to maximize the visibility and impact of published articles
• Connect seamlessly with members of the physics community and the broader energy research community, across all disciplines
• Promotion of all published articles via social media, and newsworthy research to the media resulting in coverage in outlets such as Physics Magazine, The New York Times, Scientific American, Nature News, and Le Monde
• Article Publication Charges (APCs) will be waived through the end of 2024 as part of an introductory promotional period subsidized by APS to allow all authors to try publishing with this new journal
• The Physical Review experience researchers value and trust