Nickel-based cathodes in aqueous nickel-zinc batteries typically suffer from sluggish reaction kinetics and limited energy density. In situ introduction of metal phosphides and rational construction of heterostructures can effectively promote electron/ion transport. However, the complex evolution of phosphidation and intractable phosphidizing degree greatly affect the composition of active phase, active sites, charge transfer rate, and ion adsorption strength of cathodes. Herein, the critical bimetallic phosphide layer (CBPL) is constructed on the NiCo-layered double hydroxide (NiCo-LDH) skeleton by a controllable anion-exchange strategy, yielding a novel nanohybrid cathode (NiCo-P1.0, 1.0 representing the mass ratio of Na₂H₂PO₂ to NiCo-LDH). The high-conductivity CBPL with the inner NiCo-LDH forms extensive heterostructures, effectively regulating the electronic structure via charge transfer, thereby improving electrical conductivity. Remarkably, the CBPL exhibits unexpected electrochemical activity and synergizes with NiCo-LDH for electrode reactions, ultimately delivering extra energy. Benefiting from the bifunctional CBPL, NiCo-P1.0 delivers an optimal capacity of 286.64 mAh g^-1 at 1C (1C = 289 mAh g^-1) and superb rate performance (a capacity retention of 72.22% at 40C). The assembled NiCo-P1.0//Zn battery achieves ultrahigh energy/power density (503.62 Wh kg^-1/18.62 kW kg^-1, based on the mass loading of active material on the cathode), and the flexible quasi-solid-state pouch cell validates its practicality. This work demonstrates the superiority of bifunctional CBPL for surface modification, providing an effective and scalable compositing strategy in achieving high-performance cathodes for aqueous batteries.

Researchers from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have advanced syngas conversion by integrating Fischer–Tropsch synthesis with heterogeneous hydroformylation. By designing Co–Co₂C and Rh single-atom catalysts, the team achieved efficient, selective, and scalable production of alcohols and α-olefins. Their technologies have already entered industrial use and continue to evolve toward high-value product chains, laying the foundation for greener chemical manufacturing to realize China’s carbon neutrality goals.

A hydroquinone-embedded covalent organic framework (Tz-QH-COF) was designed to address photocatalyst instability in solar-driven H₂O₂ production. The hydroquinone units serve as reversible hole reservoirs, buffering the kinetic imbalances between oxygen reduction and water oxidation. This redox-mediated charge balancing prevents oxidative degradation, enabling continuous H₂O₂ production for 528 hours with an 18.6 mM yield—the longest stability  ever reported for organic photocatalysts. In situ ATR-SEIRAS and DFT calculations confirm an efficient hydroquinone/quinone cycle and favorable reaction pathways.

Tomato plants are increasingly vulnerable to nitrate-induced stress caused by modern agricultural practices. 

Fragrance gives flowers their identity, yet the specific cells orchestrating this scent symphony have remained elusive—until now.

Fruit set, the pivotal moment when flowers transition into fruit, determines the harvest success of grapevines.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) scholars harness the University’s multidisciplinary strengths to specialise in research on material synthesis, characterisation, and device fabrication for applications in lasers, photosensors and photothermal technologies. With a focus on synthesizing, processing and characterizing low-dimensional materials, the research led by Prof. Yuen Hong TSANG, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics and his team drives impactful applications across various fields of optics and photonics.

What makes a chili pepper spicy, colorful, and full of flavor? 

A team of researchers has developed a new biosensor that turns the invisible signals into visible color changes to detect urea levels in a simple way. 

A new study reveals the critical role of the WRKY-B transcription factor in regulating lateral branch development in tomato plants.