All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries promise high theoretical energy density and inherent safety, but their full capacity delivery is seriously hindered by incomplete sulfur conversion. Here, researchers from Tianjin University, Zhengzhou University and Soochow University propose a tandem catalysis strategy to segment the reaction pathway, flatten reaction energy barriers and thus realize deep sulfur conversion in ASSLSBs, which they demonstrate by cobalt single-atom catalysts anchored on a conductive MXene substrate.

Researchers at Peking University and collaborators have revealed evidence of Mott insulator with thermally induced melting behavior in kagome compound Nb₃Cl₈. Using graphene-based chemical potential mapping, the team directly measured a strongly temperature-dependent Mott gap that remains robust up to 300 K, providing a new platform to study strong electron correlations and flat-band physics under ambient conditions.

The dry Martian climate makes the planet prone to large, planetary-scale dust storms that could jeopardize costly research and exploration missions. A team of scientists recently developed the GoMars Mars General Circulation Model to simulate 50 years of Martian dust cycles. Ultimately, refinements to this model will help researchers better predict large-scale Martian dust storms and optimize mission launch windows.

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in crops poses a serious risk to human health, particularly through contaminated food chains. In water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), a widely cultivated vegetable, the capacity for Cd uptake varies among cultivars.