High-capacity lithium-ion anodes often undergo an “activation” process in which capacity initially decreases and then gradually recovers during cycling, delaying full battery performance. Researchers have now shown that this behavior is strongly dependent on particle size. Using a Sn-based model system, the team found that large particles exhibit pronounced activation, whereas small particles show little to no activation. Their results reveal that the difference arises from a stress-induced kinetic retardation during lithiation, providing new guidance for the design of advanced battery materials.

A research team led by Prof. Jin Ge reports a strategy to markedly enhance iontronic mechanical sensors by tuning two previously underexplored electrical parameters—ionic conductivity and excitation frequency. Through a droplet-based model system combined with impedance spectroscopy and equivalent circuit analysis, the study establishes a quantitative framework linking these parameters to device impedance and capacitance variation. The results reveal that reducing ionic conductivity while increasing excitation frequency significantly boosts sensitivity, achieving up to 8772% improvement without altering device structure. The approach is further validated in hydrogel-based solid-state systems, demonstrating broad applicability. Prototype devices enable real-time pressure sensing, material differentiation in robotic systems, and 2D pressure mapping, offering a new pathway for the rational design and optimization of iontronic sensors.

The integration of liquid metals into conductive hydrogels has long been hindered by particle instability and coalescence. Researchers from Fuzhou University have developed a novel stabilization strategy using gelatin to create a highly uniform, conductive, and stretchable hydrogel. This "electronic skin" not only monitors human motion with high sensitivity but also utilizes deep learning for real-time handwriting recognition and harvests solar energy via photothermal conversion.

Lignin is a sustainable "gold mine" for green chemicals, yet its complex structure remains difficult to crack. Researchers have now developed an ultra-efficient Ru nanocluster catalyst supported on CeO₂ to convert lignin-derived compounds into high-value 1,4-cyclohexanediol in pure water. By leveraging the Strong Metal-Support Interaction (SMSI) to create active interfaces, this green process achieves a record 96.7% yield, paving the way for sustainable plastic and resin production.