A research team led by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have presented a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the scarce and expensive metal platinum. Using sunlight, water and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic, the researchers show how the hydrogen can be produced efficiently, sustainably and at low cost.

Under formaldehyde-acetic acid condensationreaction conditions, the V⁴⁺ phase (VO)₂P₂O₇ remains stable, while V⁵⁺ phases transform due to lattice oxygen loss. They ultimately form a reduced V⁴⁺ phase (R1-VOHPO₄), which can reversibly convert back into an intermediate α_II-VOPO₄ phase.Different phases play distinct roles in the reaction, collectively determining catalytic performance.

Conductive elastomers combining micromechanical sensitivity, lightweight adaptability, and environmental sustainability are critically needed for advanced flexible electronics requiring precise responsiveness and long-term wearability; however, the integration of these properties remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a biomass-derived conductive elastomer featuring a rationally engineered dynamic crosslinked network integrated with a tunable microporous architecture. This structural design imparts pronounced micromechanical sensitivity, an ultralow density (~ 0.25 g cm⁻³), and superior mechanical compliance for adaptive deformation. Moreover, the unique micro-spring effect derived from the porous architecture ensures exceptional stretchability (> 500% elongation at break) and superior resilience, delivering immediate and stable electrical response under both subtle (< 1%) and large (> 200%) mechanical stimuli. Intrinsic dynamic interactions endow the elastomer with efficient room temperature self-healing and complete recyclability without compromising performance. First-principles simulations clarify the mechanisms behind micropore formation and the resulting functionality. Beyond its facile and mild fabrication process, this work establishes a scalable route toward high-performance, sustainable conductive elastomers tailored for next-generation soft electronics.

Carbon dioxide, as a greenhouse gas, is expected to be converted into other useful substances by the electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) technology. The electrocatalytic cell, or electrochemical cell, used to provide the experimental environment for CO₂RR plays an irreplaceable role in the study of this process and determines the success or failure of the measurements. In recent years, electrolytic cells that can be applied to in-situ/operational synchrotron radiation (SR) characterization techniques have gradually gained widespread attention. However, the design and understanding of electrolyte systems that can be applied to in-situ/operational SR technologies are still not sufficiently advanced. In this paper, the electrocatalytic cells used to study the CO₂RR processes with in-situ/operando SR techniques are briefly introduced, and the types and characteristics of the electrolytic cells are analyzed. The recent advancements of in situ/operando electrolytic cells are discussed using X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), light vibration spectroscopy, and X-ray combined techniques. An outlook is provided on the future prospects of this research field. This review facilitates the understanding of the reduction process and electrocatalytic mechanism of CO₂RR at the atomic and molecular scales, providing insights for the design of electrolysis cells applicable to SR technologies and accelerating the development of more efficient and sustainable carbon negative technologies.