As emerging two-dimensional (2D) materials, carbides and nitrides (MXenes) could be solid solutions or organized structures made up of multi-atomic layers. With remarkable and adjustable electrical, optical, mechanical, and electrochemical characteristics, MXenes have shown great potential in brain-inspired neuromorphic computing electronics, including neuromorphic gas sensors, pressure sensors and photodetectors. This paper provides a forward-looking review of the research progress regarding MXenes in the neuromorphic sensing domain and discussed the critical challenges that need to be resolved. Key bottlenecks such as insufficient long-term stability under environmental exposure, high costs, scalability limitations in large-scale production, and mechanical mismatch in wearable integration hinder their practical deployment. Furthermore, unresolved issues like interfacial compatibility in heterostructures and energy inefficiency in neuromorphic signal conversion demand urgent attention. The review offers insights into future research directions enhance the fundamental understanding of MXene properties and promote further integration into neuromorphic computing applications through the convergence with various emerging technologies.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), while dominant in energy storage due to high energy density and cycling stability, suffer from severe capacity decay, rate capability degradation, and lithium dendrite formation under low-temperature (LT) operation. Therefore, a more comprehensive and systematic understanding of LIB behavior at LT is urgently required. This review article comprehensively reviews recent advancements in electrolyte engineering strategies aimed at improving the low-temperature operational capabilities of LIBs. The study methodically examines critical performance-limiting mechanisms through fundamental analysis of four primary challenges: insufficient ionic conductivity under cryogenic conditions, kinetically hindered charge transfer processes, Li⁺ transport limitations across the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), and uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth. The work elaborates on innovative optimization approaches encompassing lithium salt molecular design with tailored dissociation characteristics, solvent matrix optimization through dielectric constant and viscosity regulation, interfacial engineering additives for constructing low-impedance SEI layers, and gel-polymer composite electrolyte systems. Notably, particular emphasis is placed on emerging machine learning-guided electrolyte formulation strategies that enable high-throughput virtual screening of constituent combinations and prediction of structure–property relationships. These artificial intelligence-assisted rational design frameworks demonstrate significant potential for accelerating the development of next-generation LT electrolytes by establishing quantitative composition-performance correlations through advanced data-driven methodologies.

Researchers have unveiled a new generation of sustainable carbon materials poised to revolutionize environmental protection and energy technologies. The study highlights advanced forms of carbon, including graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon dots (CDs), biochar, and aerogels, showing that these materials play essential roles in removing harmful pollutants, cleaning water, storing energy, and catalyzing chemical reactions with minimal environmental impact.

A research team from Harbin Institute of Technology has developed a new solar driven photocatalyst that uses industrial sulfite waste to rapidly break down toxic dyes in wastewater. The study demonstrates a sustainable approach that improves water quality while transforming an abundant industrial by product into a valuable resource.

UCR engineering scientists offer blueprint to cut pollution & prolong server life at big data processing centers.