Frontiers of low-carbon technologies: Results from bibliographic coupling with sliding window

It is of great significance to quickly and accurately detect the current and future development trends of low-carbon technologies (LCT). However, there is a lack of detecting research fronts of low-carbon technologies based on the bibliographic data. This paper proposes a research framework integrating LCT domains and the bibliometric coupling with sliding window technique to explore the LCT research fronts in recent decade (from 2007 to 2016). Eleven research fronts matching the foresight given by LCT experts are identified, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) in power generation, technology transfer, technology diffusion, electrocoagulation, magnetic nanoparticles, critical metals application, electrocatalytic water oxidation, ionic liquids, mutually immiscible ionic liquids, electric vehicle (China), electric vehicle (UK and USA). Closer investigation of the evolution shows that CCS application in the power plants and hydrogen production from water electrolysis are two emerging fronts. Besides, bibliometric coupling with sliding window is an effective tool to detect the frontiers of low-carbon technologies. Finally, the implications of the research for LCT monitoring and development are discussed.