Catalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a key reaction for the sustainable utilization of major greenhouse gases, CO₂ and CH₄. However, conventional DRM often suffers from severe catalyst deactivation due to high temperature requirements. Applying direct current (DC) to catalyst materials has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations, yet the underlying DC-enhanced catalytic mechanism remains elusive. Here, we unveil the non-thermal catalytic origin of DC-applied DRM over Pd/CeO₂ through multimodal operando analyses, providing a microscopic physicochemical framework for the rational design of next-generation DRM catalysts beyond the limitations of conventional thermal catalysis.

A research team led by Chang Keke from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has developed an innovative machine learning framework (PAMCs-MP) for predicting the mechanical properties of particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (PAMCs). Despite limited existing datasets, the approach uses extensive pre-training on larger aluminium alloy datasets to guide multi-objective optimization tasks effectively. The model achieves high predictive accuracy, R² values of over 92% for ultimate tensile strength and over 90% for elongation, demonstrating its robustness and reliability. The platform not only accelerates the design cycle but also offers profound insights into material behaviour, facilitating the development of high-strength, ductile aluminum composites tailored to specific application needs.

New research from the UW and the Toyota Research Institute explores how drivers trade off between cognitive tasks, driving and using vehicle touch screens. Researchers placed participants in a driving simulator and had them complete memory tests while interacting with the simulator’s touch screen.

Chemical reactions that are sensitive to force could help power engineered materials that beat, twitch and shiver like living tissue for new applications in robotics and other technologies