Elusive low-energy constant determined from fundamental theory

Potassium- and calcium-modified ilmenite oxygen carriers, developed by Institute of Science Tokyo, significantly improve hydrogen yields and redox reaction efficiency in chemical looping systems. The chemical modification of ilmenite results in the formation of a calcium titanate phase with iron substitution. This advancement enhances the oxide ion diffusion, accelerates hydrogen production, and also enables a polygeneration system for simultaneous hydrogen production, carbon dioxide capture, and power generation—paving the way to scalable, carbon-neutral energy systems.

Researchers at Soochow University have conducted a comprehensive electrokinetic study on cation-coupled electrochemical CO₂ reduction to formic acid or formate. Published in Science Bulletin, the study provides compelling experimental evidence that supports existing computational predictions: the reaction proceeds through sequential electron and proton transfers, rather than a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer pathway.

A research team from Zhengzhou University has systematically sort out the mechanistic frameworks and theoretical underpinnings of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), concurrently introducing four cutting-edge application frontiers: fluid energy harvesting, self-adaptive sensors and systems, high-voltage power sources, and interface probes. Beyond dissecting persistent technological bottlenecks, this review establishes actionable development trajectories to steer next-generation advancements.

Researchers from the McCullagh Group in Oxford University’s Department of Chemistry have published an innovative method in Nature Protocols today (22 August) that provides comprehensive analysis of metabolites found in cells, tissues and biofluids.

The new method delivers a step-change in capability for analysing highly polar and ionic metabolites. The innovation comes from using anion-exchange chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (AEC-MS) to meet a long-standing need for improving the large-scale analysis of highly polar and ionic metabolites which drive primary metabolic pathways and processes in cells.

Turbulence, the chaotic, irregular motion that causes the bumpiness we sometimes experience on an airplane, has intrigued scientists for centuries. Until recently, scientists believed that two different types of turbulence - inertial turbulence and elastic turbulence, occurred under separate conditions. Now, new research from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology challenges this long-standing assumption.