Inspired by human skin, researchers proposed a skin-inspired intumescent flame-retardant and superhydrophobic coating with excellent self-extinguishing properties and robustness. Combining an outer superhydrophobic layer with an inner intumescent flame-retardant layer, this coating offers a new solution with exceptional mechanical durability and efficient flame retardancy for various combustible materials, showing broad application prospects in fields such as materials, pipe insulation, energy storage, and interior plastics.

NEutron MEasurementS In SURF (NEMESIS) is working to better characterize causes for bursts of neutrons—called high neutron multiplicity events. You can think of these events as a cue scattering pool balls across a table—neutron showers result when high-energy cosmic-ray muons passing through matter break one or more atomic nuclei.

With the widespread adoption of 5G communication and smart devices, electromagnetic radiation and interference have become critical issues affecting electronic equipment operation and human health. A research team led by Professor Guanglei Wu and Associate Professor Zirui Jia from Qingdao University has developed a novel CoS₂/NiS₂@HCNFs composite material. By employing an innovative strategy that combines bimetallic sulfide heterointerfaces with sulfur vacancies, they have successfully resolved the core challenge of balancing impedance matching and loss capability in traditional electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials. This material achieves an ultra-wide absorption bandwidth of 10.08 GHz at a minimal thickness of 2.6 mm, representing a 61% performance improvement over single-metal systems. It offers a lightweight, high-efficiency solution for electromagnetic protection, stealth technology, and 5G device shielding.

Straintronics exploits the optical and electrical properties of layered materials through mechanical deformation, offering a facile and efficient approach for device optimization. Layered ZrSe₃, an in-plane anisotropic two-dimensional material, exhibits large strain response on the band structure, has emerged as an ideal candidate next-generation Straintronics.

High-nickel batteries with manganese-rich protective shells are emerging as a cheaper and more sustainable alternative for electric vehicles. However, a study at Hanyang University reveals that exposing battery precursor materials to air alters manganese chemistry, creating reactive surface defects that accelerate electrolyte breakdown and cause battery degradation. A simple adjustment in lithium content during synthesis can suppress these defects and restore stability, helping manufacturers develop longer-lasting, high-energy batteries for future electric vehicles.