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Updated: Sep 14, 2025

Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
Crystal Orientation Engineering for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications
Yizhou Wang1,2, Jianyu Chen3, Tianchao Guo2
1Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
Crystal orientation engineering is key for advanced renewable energy devices. This review details how controlling crystal alignment enhances material properties for better energy storage and conversion technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Conventional material design for energy technologies focused on morphology and defects.
- Emerging research highlights crystal orientation engineering for exploiting anisotropic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of crystal orientation engineering for energy applications.
- To discuss its impact on material properties and technological advancements.
Main Methods:
- Review of material properties influenced by crystal orientation (conductivity, surface energy, etc.).
- Summary of characterization techniques (XRD, TEM, SEM, Raman, optical microscopy).
- Overview of bottom-up and top-down strategies for orientation control.
Main Results:
- Crystal orientation significantly affects electrical, dielectric, surface, and ionic properties.
- Various techniques effectively characterize and engineer crystal orientation.
- Demonstrated advances in electrocatalysis, solar cells, nanogenerators, and energy storage devices.
Conclusions:
- Crystal orientation engineering is a powerful approach to enhance renewable energy technologies.
- Further research holds significant potential for future energy transition solutions.
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