NiMo-NiMoO_x with crystalline/amorphous heterointerface was fabricated by a facile electrodeposition method. Theoretical calculations and experimental results confirm that the introduction of Mo atoms can not only lower the energy barrier of water dissociation and optimize the capacity for hydrogen adsorption/desorption, but also modulate the ratio between crystalline and amorphous phases, increasing the heterostructure interfaces and enriching active sites. Thus, the NiMo-NiMoO_x electrocatalyst exhibits remarkable HER catalytic properties and durability. It requires a low overpotential of 30 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm^-2 in 1.0 M KOH, as well as a long-term stability with slight degradation after operating for over 80 h. Moreover, it also exhibits excellent activity and stability with negligible declination in the simulated alkaline seawater, making it highly promising for seawater electrolysis applications.

In a groundbreaking study published in Nano Research, researchers from Beijing Normal University (Zhuhai) and the University of Wollongong have developed a novel catalytic system that significantly enhances the efficiency of hydrogen oxidation reactions (HOR) in alkaline media. This advancement could pave the way for more efficient and durable anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), a critical component in the transition to clean energy technologies.

Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering a clean and renewable energy source. However, the efficiency of these cells is often limited by the sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen oxidation reaction, particularly in alkaline environments. Platinum (Pt) is the most effective catalyst for HOR, but its performance is hindered by high hydrogen adsorption binding energy (HBE) and insufficient hydroxyl adsorption energy (OHBE). This study addresses these challenges by introducing a new catalytic system that balances HBE and OHBE, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the reaction.

Water pollution caused by nitrite (NO₂⁻) from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge presents significant challenges to ecosystem health and human wellbeing. Innovative water treatment technologies are essential for addressing this growing environmental concern. A new cobalt-iron layered double hydroxide decorated on 3D titanium dioxide arrays (TiO₂@CoFe-LDH/TP) shows promise as an effective electrocatalyst for nitrite reduction, offering a practical approach to converting harmful pollutants into valuable ammonia while minimizing unwanted byproducts during the electrochemical process.

Simple laboratory model for cosmic flows developed: A water tornado enables a realistic simulation of the dynamics of gas and dust in planet-forming discs.

Kepler’s laws confirmed in a water tank: The orbits of floating particles follow the same physical rules as celestial bodies in a gravitational field.

Potential for experiments on planet formation: The cost-effective and versatile setup opens up new ways to study interactions between dust and gas under laboratory conditions.