Sequential processing (SqP) of the active layer offers independent optimization of the donor and acceptor with more targeted solvent design, which is considered the most promising strategy for achieving efficient organic solar cells (OSCs). In the SqP method, the favorable interpenetrating network seriously depends on the fine control of the bottom layer swelling. However, the choice of solvent(s) for both the donor and acceptor have been mostly based on a trial-and-error manner. A single solvent often cannot achieve sufficient yet not excessive swelling, which has long been a difficulty in the high efficient SqP OSCs. Herein, two new isomeric molecules are introduced to fine-tune the nucleation and crystallization dynamics that allows judicious control over the swelling of the bottom layer. The strong non-covalent interaction between the isomeric molecule and active materials provides an excellent driving force for optimize the swelling-process. Among them, the molecule with high dipole moment promotes earlier nucleation of the PM6 and provides extended time for crystallization during SqP, improving bulk morphology and vertical phase segregation. As a result, champion efficiencies of 17.38% and 20.00% (certified 19.70%) are achieved based on PM6/PYF-T-o (all-polymer) and PM6/BTP-eC9 devices casted by toluene solvent.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are essential for clean water, yet they also generate significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

A research team led by Prof. LIU Haiqing at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has carried out a comprehensive analysis of uncertainty propagation in free-boundary plasma equilibrium reconstruction. 

Their findings, published in Nuclear Fusion, offer new insights into how input measurement errors influence the accuracy of tokamak equilibrium calculations.

Accurate, continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring is essential for preventing cardiovascular events, yet conventional cuffs and wearable sensors often suffer from discomfort, motion interference, and poor alignment. 

A Fourier-domain mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator (FDML OEO) fabricated on a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform is firstly demonstrated. By leveraging the high speed Pockels effect in TFLN, a linear, electrically-tuned ultrafast frequency-scanning micro-ring resonator (MRR) filter is designed, overcoming the limitations of conventional thermally-tuned frequency-scanning MRRs in terms of tuning rate and linearity. This work validates the feasibility of utilizing TFLN to fabricate integrated FDML OEOs capable of delivering ultra-wide scanning bandwidth at chirp rates and frequencies not attainable with any other approaches to date, thanks to the superior properties of the TFLN. LCMW signals will have promising applications in advanced radar systems.

Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have designed a rhodium catalyst whose microenvironment is tuned by both sulfur and phosphine ligands, based on an industrial single-site Rh₁/POPs catalyst. The new “single-site” catalyst hydroformylates propylene and higher olefins up to twice as fast as the current benchmark, while maintaining high selectivity and stability. The study explains how a carefully controlled amount of sulfur can switch from poisoning the catalyst to promoting its performance.

Recently, a research team led by Prof. XU An from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has discovered that magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) — tiny microorganisms that can sense and move along magnetic fields — have remarkable abilities to resist and detoxify lead (Pb), one of the most toxic heavy metals in the environment.

The PtRu(111)-alkali interface demonstrates superior hydrogen oxidation activity owing to reduced solvent reorganization energy, enabled by the synergistic matching of reaction coordinates, favorable water orientation, and an optimized hydrogen bond network.

Recently, the research group led by Dr. WANG Junfeng at the High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealed significant physiological and molecular effects of a 7 T strong magnetic field on magnetotactic bacteria, based on experiments conducted with the laboratory' s superconducting magnet platform. 

A new study published in Engineering reveals that NSUN2, a key protein involved in RNA modification, significantly contributes to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure by activating the LARP1–GATA4 axis. This research not only deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying heart failure but also identifies NSUN2 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating cardiac diseases.