This study presents a novel CuO/MgO catalyst for electrochemical CO₂ methanation, achieving high activity, selectivity, and stability. The catalyst exhibits a Faradaic efficiency of 82.3 % and a current density of 568.2 mA cm^-2 at -1.0 V vs. RHE. In-situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that strong electronic metal-support interactions stabilize Cu²⁺ sites and optimize the adsorption of key intermediates, promoting methane production while suppressing C-C coupling pathways.

Researchers at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have pioneered a groundbreaking experimental method to calibrate the sensitivity of non-destructive Schottky detectors. This innovation enables precise counting of highly charged ions in heavy ion storage rings, significantly expanding the capabilities of storage mass spectrometry and advancing the study of rare isotopes.

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and the University of Texas at Austin have identified a form of molecular motion that has not previously been observed. When what are known as 'guest molecules' – molecules that are accommodated within a host molecule – penetrate droplets of DNA polymers, they do not simply diffuse in them in a haphazard fashion, but propagate through them in the form of a clearly-defined frontal wave.

Despite global reductions in mercury emissions, mercury concentrations in Arctic wildlife continue to rise. A new study published in Nature Communications by researchers from Aarhus University and the University of Copenhagen reveals that ocean currents may be transporting legacy mercury pollution to the Arctic—posing a long-term threat to ecosystems and human health.

A new molecule that lets energy hop around quickly within its structure makes the upcycling of light more efficient and tunable. The Kobe University development lays out a design strategy for better solar power harnessing as well as medical and sensor applications.

 

POSTECH Develops World’s First Uniform Multi-Pixel Stretching Technology for Stretchable Displays Research featured on the Back Cover of Advanced Functional Materials.