Wax-assisted exfoliation and dual-surface AlOx encapsulation: significant enhancement of topological phases in MnBi2Te4
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 23-Sep-2025 00:11 ET (23-Sep-2025 04:11 GMT/UTC)
A research collaboration between Prof. Yayu Wang’s group at Tsinghua University and Prof. Chang Liu’s group at Renmin University of China (RUC) has recently published a paper in Science Bulletin, titled “Strongly enhanced topological quantum phases in dual-surface AlOx-encapsulated MnBi2Te4.” By developing a wax-assisted exfoliation method and constructing dual-surface AlOx encapsulation of MnBi2Te4, the team achieved enhanced topological quantum phases in both even and odd layer devices, providing a new approach for exploring novel topological quantum phenomena and potential applications in MnBi2Te4 and other two-dimensional materials.
Although traditional spinel oxides exhibit excellent microwave dielectric or thermosensitive properties, achieving linear negative temperature coefficient (NTC) behaviour and stable microwave dielectric performance simultaneously across a wide temperature range remains challenging, making it impossible to meet the stringent requirements for multifunctional integration in 6G front-end devices. This study developed Sc3+-modified Mg-Al-Mn-Fe-O spinel ceramics through B-site cation doping, breaking through this performance trade-off bottleneck. On the one hand, Sc3+ inhibits the formation of oxygen vacancies and regulates the Mn/Fe valence ratio, achieving highly linear thermosensitive characteristics across an ultra-wide temperature range of 200-1000°C (B200°C/1000°C = 8367-9758 K). On the other hand, through the lattice stabilisation effect induced by Sc3+ and the octahedral site bond strength enhancement mechanism, excellent microwave dielectric properties were simultaneously obtained: low dielectric constants (εr = 8.86-10.55), ultrahigh quality factor (Q·f= 96,000-149,000 GHz), and near-zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf = -33.2 to -10.2×10-6/°C). The cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna developed based on the prepared ceramic achieved 92% radiation efficiency and 6.28 dBi gain in the 12 GHz frequency band, verifying its engineering application potential in satellite communication front-end modules.
Industrial emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) in production and daily life contribute to acid rain formation, which degrades soil and aquatic ecosystems while impairing human respiratory health.
Metal–carbon dioxide (CO2) batteries hold great promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and are regarded as one of the most promising energy storage techniques due to their efficiency advantages in CO2 recovery and conversion. Moreover, rechargeable nonaqueous metal–CO2 batteries have attracted much attention due to their high theoretical energy density. However, the stability issues of the electrode–electrolyte interfaces of nonaqueous metal–CO2 (lithium (Li)/sodium (Na)/potassium (K)–CO2) batteries have been troubling its development, and a large number of related research in the field of electrolytes have conducted in recent years. This review retraces the short but rapid research history of nonaqueous metal–CO2 batteries with a detailed electrochemical mechanism analysis. Then it focuses on the basic characteristics and design principles of electrolytes, summarizes the latest achievements of various types of electrolytes in a timely manner and deeply analyzes the construction strategies of stable electrode–electrolyte interfaces for metal–CO2 batteries. Finally, the key issues related to electrolytes and interface engineering are fully discussed and several potential directions for future research are proposed. This review enriches a comprehensive understanding of electrolytes and interface engineering toward the practical applications of next-generation metal–CO2 batteries.
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer a self-sustaining power solution for marine regions abundant in resources but constrained by energy availability. Since their pioneering use in wave energy harvesting in 2014, nearly a decade of advancements has yielded nearly thousands of research articles in this domain. Researchers have developed various TENG device structures with diverse functionalities to facilitate their commercial deployment. Nonetheless, there is a gap in comprehensive summaries and performance evaluations of TENG structural designs. This paper delineates six innovative structural designs, focusing on enhancing internal device output and adapting to external environments: high space utilization, hybrid generator, mechanical gain, broadband response, multi-directional operation, and hybrid energy-harvesting systems. We summarize the prevailing trends in device structure design identified by the research community. Furthermore, we conduct a meticulous comparison of the electrical performance of these devices under motorized, simulated wave, and real marine conditions, while also assessing their sustainability in terms of device durability and mechanical robustness. In conclusion, the paper outlines future research avenues and discusses the obstacles encountered in the TENG field. This review aims to offer valuable perspectives for ongoing research and to advance the progress and application of TENG technology.
This study explores the effectiveness of pair trading strategies within the cryptocurrency market, focusing on three key statistical methods: distance, cointegration, and a novel hybrid approach combining both. Using high-frequency and daily trading data from the top 50 cryptocurrencies on Binance during bullish, stable, and bearish periods from 2020 to 2022, the research conducts a rigorous sensitivity analysis of entry and exit thresholds, as well as portfolio size. The findings demonstrate that pair trading yields substantial profitability, especially on shorter time frames such as 15- and 5-minute intervals. Fixed entry thresholds outperform dynamic ones, while the hybrid approach significantly improves pair selection efficiency. These results offer practical, data-driven guidance for traders, portfolio managers, and fintech professionals seeking to capitalise on the inefficiencies and volatility of the crypto market.
The prefrontal cortex, the brain's command center for decision-making and cognitive control, is the last brain region to fully mature. While this protracted development through adolescence is well-known, the precise mechanisms that shape its final architecture have remained unclear. A new study published today in Science Bulletin provides the first developmental atlas of the human dorsal prefrontal cortex, revealing when and how two key decision‑making hubs—the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)—diverge during adolescence. The study integrates multimodal brain imaging and genetic data to reveal how the dorsal prefrontal cortex is sculpted into its specialized subregions.
In this work the authors describe important factors and key genes involved in skin diseases and skin aging and introduced natural remedies such as a modified diet, the use of some phytochemicals and probiotics to prevent skin diseases and skin aging.