A methodology to enhance the energy density of supercapacitors based on a V₄C₃T_Z MXene has been developed via enhancement of the operating electrochemical window using a 17.5 molal LiBr/H₂O highly concentrated electrolyte.

 

An electrode for structural batteries was developed by combining carbon nanotubes (CNT) with quartz woven fabric (QWF), demonstrating the potential for structural batteries applicable to the aerospace and defense industries.

Despite the long-standing reputation of each, as well as distinct underlying physics, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and imaging photoplethysmography (IPPG) reach concordance on functional cerebral haemodynamics. The unified, heartbeat-resolved, camera-based readout offers fast, wide-field assessment of cortical perfusion for the operating theatre.

A team of Chinese researchers has developed an AI-based modeling approach that revolutionizes the prediction of complex nonlinear dynamics in Kerr resonators. By leveraging recurrent neural networks (RNNs)—specifically gated recurrent units (GRUs)—and a hybrid convolutional neural network (CNN)-GRU model for complex scenarios, the team achieved nearly 20x faster simulations than traditional methods, while maintaining high accuracy. The work paves the way for faster design of next-generation optical systems, from optical memories to all-optical computers.

A Fourier-domain mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator (FDML OEO) fabricated on a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform is firstly demonstrated. By leveraging the high speed Pockels effect in TFLN, a linear, electrically-tuned ultrafast frequency-scanning micro-ring resonator (MRR) filter is designed, overcoming the limitations of conventional thermally-tuned frequency-scanning MRRs in terms of tuning rate and linearity. This work validates the feasibility of utilizing TFLN to fabricate integrated FDML OEOs capable of delivering ultra-wide scanning bandwidth at chirp rates and frequencies not attainable with any other approaches to date, thanks to the superior properties of the TFLN. LCMW signals will have promising applications in advanced radar systems.

Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have designed a rhodium catalyst whose microenvironment is tuned by both sulfur and phosphine ligands, based on an industrial single-site Rh₁/POPs catalyst. The new “single-site” catalyst hydroformylates propylene and higher olefins up to twice as fast as the current benchmark, while maintaining high selectivity and stability. The study explains how a carefully controlled amount of sulfur can switch from poisoning the catalyst to promoting its performance.

Nitrate pollution has become one of the most widespread water quality challenges in intensively farmed regions around the world, threatening drinking water safety, aquatic ecosystems, and downstream lakes. A new study published in Nitrogen Cycling reveals how human activities in rural urban transition zones are reshaping the nitrogen cycle, allowing nitrate to move through rivers and groundwater and ultimately reach large freshwater lakes.