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Chemistry & Physics

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 31-May-2026 16:15 ET (31-May-2026 20:15 GMT/UTC)

Ru single atoms regulate electron distribution in defective NiFe LDH for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Tsinghua University Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The advancement of sustainable energy solutions hinges on highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts, which are crucial for water electrolysis and metal-air batteries. Ruthenium single atoms anchored on defective nickel-iron layered double hydroxide (Ru SAs/D-NiFe LDH@NF), synthesized via hydrothermal etching, emerge as a breakthrough catalyst. It achieves a low overpotential of 206 mV at 50 mA cm^-2 and exceptional stability over 350 hours in zinc-air batteries. Density functional theory confirms Ru single atoms optimize electron distribution near defects, accelerating reaction kinetics. This innovation sets a new benchmark for next-generation catalysts, driving scalable green energy technologies.

Journal: Nano Research

Unraveling the root cause of persistent dark current in TeSe heterojunction: interface metallization under stress

Tsinghua University Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers have uncovered the fundamental mechanism behind persistent dark current in Te-Se alloy-based infrared photodiodes, identifying interface metallization as the culprit. High interface stress between Te_0.6Se_0.4 and ZnO causes Se atoms to diffuse, forming a detrimental Te_0.75Se_0.25 metallic phase that hinders carrier transport. By introducing an innovative TeO₂ modification layer, scientists successfully mitigated interface stress, prevented metallization, and dramatically improved device performance with significantly reduced dark current and enhanced quantum efficiency. This breakthrough in interface engineering opens new possibilities for high-performance infrared detection technologies in applications ranging from autonomous driving to medical imaging and space exploration.

Journal: Nano Research

Advances in hydrophobic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for photo/electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Tsinghua University Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Reduction of CO₂ into fuels and chemicals by means of photocatalysis or electrocatalysis offers a sustainable route to mitigate greenhouse emissions. Hydrophobic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising photo/electro-catalysts for CO₂ reduction due to their tunable porosity, high surface areas, and ability to repel water for suppressing competing hydrogen evolution. This review summarized the recent advances of hydrophobic MOFs for photo/electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction, catalogged by the principle mechanism of CO₂ reducion, design strategies of hydrophobic MOFs and the applications of hydrophobic MOFs in CO₂ reduction. The personal perspectives are also proposed to inspire more efforts in design diversified hydrophobic MOFs for efficient CO₂ utilization.

Journal: Nano Research

Graphitized biochar rewires soil microbes to accelerate pollutant breakdown in rice paddies

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study reveals that a specially engineered form of biochar can dramatically enhance the natural ability of soil microbes to break down pollutants in rice paddies, offering a promising strategy for cleaner and more sustainable agriculture.

Journal: Biochar

Turning microalgae into high-value fuels: biochar-based catalyst unlocks cleaner aromatic production

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers have developed a new strategy to transform microalgae into high-value fuel chemicals more efficiently and cleanly, offering a promising pathway toward sustainable energy production.

Journal: Biochar

Treetops glowing during storms captured on film for first time

Penn State
Peer-Reviewed Publication

For more than 70 years, scientists have suspected treetops might emit these corona electrical discharges because of odd electric field activity in and over forests during storms, yet they have never been documented outside the lab — until now.

Journal: Geophysical Research Letters

Study suggests a path to enable the use of Majorana states in quantum computing

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Theoretical model indicates how topologically protected quantum excitations can support qubits that are less sensitive to noise and environmental imperfections.

Journal: Physical Review B
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Mining waste product could help store carbon emissions, Concordia-led study suggests

Concordia University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A Concordia-led study finds iron-rich mining slag can capture and store CO₂ under realistic conditions. Lab tests removed up to 99.5 per cent of emissions, mainly through surface adsorption. The approach could be deployed at mine sites, turning waste into a low-maintenance carbon sink and helping reduce industrial greenhouse gases.

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Funder: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Helping corals survive future heatwaves requires strong and strategic trait selection

Newcastle University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Assisted evolution could help corals survive future heatwaves, but careful trait choice and strong repeated selection will be needed for it to be effective.

Journal: Current Biology

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