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Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences


Pressure turns a nickelate metallic without erasing its magnetism

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have discovered that high pressure can transform single-layer nickelate La2NiO4 into a metal without destroying its magnetic order. Strontium doping also alters the material's magnetic moments, leading to ferromagnetism at high doping levels.

Researchers steer anion transport to stabilize sodium-ion battery hard carbon anodes

A research team has developed a surface chemistry strategy to regulate interfacial anion transport in hard carbon anodes, improving the stability of sodium-ion batteries. The modified hard carbon anode delivered improved initial Coulombic efficiency and rate capability, while maintaining stable performance during extended cycling.

Machine learning helps design 3D-printed metastructure for broadband microwave absorption

Researchers developed a 3D-printed metastructure that absorbs microwaves over a broad frequency range while supporting loads and removing ice through electrical heating. The structure is made from a composite material and features a layered design that enables microwave absorption across a wide range of angles.

Explainable AI improves prediction of lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer

Researchers developed an explainable AI approach to assess thyroid cancer risk, estimating lymph node metastasis and highlighting imaging features behind predictions. The approach showed good performance in independent tests, achieving high diagnostic accuracy and improving radiologist collaboration.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Imaging Informatics in Medicine·DateSep 21, 2026

Self-supported nanowire electrodes improve CO2 conversion rate

Researchers developed self-supported nanowire electrodes that improve CO2 conversion rate to carbon monoxide and n-propanol by removing polymer binders and using a three-dimensional scaffold-like structure. The electrodes achieved high Faradaic efficiency and stable operation in H-type electrolytic cells.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnergy & Environmental Materials·DateSep 21, 2026

Flexible composite offers tritium containment and radiation shielding for fusion facilities

Researchers developed a flexible composite that can contain tritium and shield against nuclear radiation, offering a potential solution for radiation protection in future fusion facilities. The composite showed good resistance to thermal expansion, aging, and radiation, with effective shielding performance comparable to concrete.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·DateSep 20, 2026

Researchers develop low-noise magnetic sensor with enhanced weak-field detection

Researchers developed a low-noise magnetic sensor that improves weak-field detection, leveraging spin-texture dynamics to break the sensitivity–noise limitation. The anomalous Hall magnetic sensor achieved a magnetic-field detectivity of 15.7 nT/√Hz at 1 Hz, nearly one order of magnitude better than conventional ferromagnetic materials.

Crystallization engineering enhances high-frequency performance of thick carbon electrodes

Researchers developed a highly crystalline three-dimensional graphitic carbon tube grid that improves filtering supercapacitor performance, offering potential for compact and efficient electronic devices. The new material shows faster coupled electron and ion transport and strong high mass loading capabilities.

Researchers uncover the hidden structure of an RNA–DNA hybrid g-quadruplex

The study reveals the detailed structure of an RNA–DNA hybrid G-quadruplex, showing unique arrangement and unusual structural state. The findings suggest that RDQs may participate in regulating interactions between RNA and DNA in cells, protecting telomeres and maintaining genome stability.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 9, 2026

A general framework proposed for time-reversal symmetric superconducting diode effect

A research team at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has realized a superconducting diode effect that preserves time-reversal symmetry in NbSe2 homojunctions. The device was built using a solid-state proton gating technique to form n–n, p–n and p–p junctions, all operating under zero magnetic field.

New Strategy Improves Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells

Researchers developed a synergistic strategy using glutathione additives to improve the efficiency and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells. The approach enhances charge transport, reduces energy loss, and strengthens structural stability, resulting in high power conversion efficiency and operational stability.

Researchers reveal nearly isotropic superconducting property in trilayer nickelate

The study reveals a nearly isotropic upper critical field in trilayer nickelate La4Ni3O10-δ under high pressure, unlike most layered superconductors. This unusual feature arises from the combined effect of two types of electronic states that balance out to lead to an overall nearly isotropic superconducting response.

Researchers demonstrate new integrated plasma regime

A new integrated plasma regime has been demonstrated in a metal-wall environment, achieving partial divertor detachment, an ELM-free H-mode, and high pedestal performance. This regime was sustained on a minute-scale and offers a potential solution to managing extreme heat loads on divertor plates while maintaining plasma stability.

New copper nanozyme shows powerful tumor suppression with high precision

Researchers developed a coordination-unsaturated copper single-atom nanozyme that exhibits dual enzyme-like activities, mimicking peroxidase and glutathione peroxidase. The unsaturated Cu-N2 configuration induces high-spin electron density, enhancing H2O2 adsorption and accelerating electron transfer.

Record thermoelectric performance achieved in chalcopyrite materials through defect engineering

A team of scientists developed a novel dual antisite defect strategy to introduce defects into chalcopyrite-based thermoelectric materials. This approach enabled the material to conduct electricity more efficiently while blocking heat, leading to a record peak ZT value of 2.03 at 873 K.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 29, 2026

High-performance catalytic membranes slash costs and boost efficiency in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment

Researchers developed high-performance catalytic membranes using MXene nanosheets and microfiltration techniques, achieving efficient removal of emerging contaminants like antibiotics from pharmaceutical wastewater. The membranes showed improved stability, antifouling performance, and permeation flux, cutting treatment costs by over 30%.