Tech & Engineering
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 6-Jan-2026 23:11 ET (7-Jan-2026 04:11 GMT/UTC)
Oxidative etching and regrowth strategy enables high-yield synthesis of icosahedral gold nanocrystals for efficient CO₂ reduction
Tsinghua University PressResearchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University and Soochow University have developed an innovative oxidative etching and regrowth method for the controlled synthesis of icosahedral gold (Au) nanocrystals. This approach enables the production of nanocrystals with tunable sizes ranging from 12 to 43 nm and a high yield of approximately 90%. The resulting icosahedral Au nanocrystals exhibit significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performance for the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO), achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 97.5%. The study offers a promising route for designing high-performance electrocatalysts through strain engineering.
- Journal
- Nano Research
High toughness MXene/ANF-CZIF67/ANF 'magnetic–electric' Janus film for multifunctional low reflection electromagnetic interference shielding
Tsinghua University PressCurrently, the development of low-reflection electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composite materials for mitigating secondary electromagnetic wave pollution has become a major research focus. However, achieving thinness, high toughness, low reflectivity, and multifunctionality in flexible EMI shielding films remains a challenge. To address this issue, Benliang Liang and Luting Yan from Beijing Jiaotong University, in collaboration with Lan Zhang from Luoyang Institute of Science and Technology, have introduced a "magnetic-electric" Janus structure EMI shielding composite film composed of MXene nanosheets, carbonized ZIF67 (CZIF67) nanoparticles and aramid nanofibers (ANF), balancing thinness(80 μm), high-strength-toughness composite film (110±7 MPa tensile strength, 21% strain, 14.91±0.9 MJ·m⁻³ toughness), (4.3–4.5 dB in 8.2–9.6 GHz) with 44.8 dB SET in the X-band. In addition, This multifunctional material simultaneously integrates electrothermal/photothermal conversion, fire-alarm response, and infrared stealth capabilities, demonstrating exceptional potential for next-generation wearable electronics and harsh-environment applications.
- Journal
- Nano Research
Most older drivers aren’t thinking about the road ahead, poll suggests
Michigan Medicine - University of MichiganReports and Proceedings
- Funder
- University of Michigan, Michigan Health Endowment Fund
Stress and a toxic workplace culture can cause insider cybersecurity threats
University of VaasaReports and Proceedings
While most organizations address cybersecurity issues with technology and surveillance, a new study from the University of Vaasa, Finland, argues that empathy may be a more effective defence. Emmanuel Anti's doctoral research explores insider deviance, and how understanding the human elements related to it can lead to stronger, more sustainable cybersecurity practices. His dissertation proposes an empathetic security model grounded in design thinking, encouraging organisations to co-create cybersecurity policies with employees, focusing on understanding their needs, motivations and emotional well-being.
A new era of electrostatic actuation powered by ferroelectric fluids
Institute of Science TokyoPeer-Reviewed Publication
Researchers have discovered that ferroelectric fluids can harness an overlooked transverse electrostatic force (TEF) to rise over 80 mm, without magnets or high voltages. By exploiting the fluid’s spontaneous polarization and exceptionally high dielectric constant, they achieved a strong TEF, previously thought unattainable in conventional electrostatics. This breakthrough enables creation of a lightweight, magnet-free motor, opening possibilities for compact, energy-efficient actuators and suggesting a transformative approach to converting electrical energy into mechanical motion at low voltages.
- Journal
- Communications Engineering
- Funder
- ENEOS Smart Materials Collaborative Research Programs
Nagoya Institute of Technology researchers propose novel BaTiO3-based catalyst for oxidative coupling of methane
Nagoya Institute of TechnologyPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Applied Surface Science
- Funder
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft