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Exploiting interfacial ionic mobility to make heat-moldable nanoparticle aggregates

Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a strategy to make nanoparticle aggregates thermoplastic by introducing ions at interfaces. This allows for the creation of high-strength and low-expansion materials suitable for various applications. The study paves the way for diverse systems, including graphene oxide and cellulose nan...

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

New design playbook could unlock next generation high energy lithium ion batteries

Researchers have synthesized and analyzed recent global advances in cation disordered rocksalt cathode materials, a promising alternative to today’s dominant lithium ion battery cathodes. The study provides a clear framework for overcoming long standing performance challenges that have so far limited commercial adoption.

From defect to high-tech material

Researchers at HZDR and TU Dresden developed a method to produce well-defined nanoparticles with controlled composition and structure, enabling the creation of complex materials with integrated functions. The team's innovative approach combined cation exchange with advanced synthetic, experimental, and theoretical methods.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Super-chilled brain cell molecules reveal how epilepsy drug works

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered the mechanism of action of the widely-used epilepsy drug perampanel, which targets the AMPA receptor to dampen brain cell excitability. The study provides new insights into the potential applications of perampanel in treating other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 10, 2024

Controlling ion transport for a blue energy future

A team from Osaka University demonstrates greater control of ion passage through a nanopore membrane by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. This leads to a six-fold increase in osmotic energy efficiency and a power density of 15 W/m^2, enabling the potential for scaling up the technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

From defects to order: Spontaneously emerging crystal arrangements in perovskite halides

A new defect-ordered layered halide perovskite was discovered, shedding light on how order can emerge through defects in hybrid organic–inorganic compounds. The compound's optical bandgap increased with the concentration of ordered defects in the lattice, presenting a new strategy for tuning perovskite properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

NHM scientists discover first-ever mineral-based treatment for widespread disease using the structure of crystals

Researchers develop innovative treatment to alleviate deleterious effects of hyperkalemia, a disease affecting 350 million people worldwide. The new mineral-based therapy uses ion transfer to flush excess potassium from the body, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Breakthrough research enables high-density hydrogen storage for future energy systems

Scientists have developed a nanoporous magnesium borohydride structure that stores five hydrogen molecules in three-dimensional arrangement, achieving unprecedented high-density hydrogen storage. The material exhibits a capacity of 144 g/L per volume of pores, surpassing traditional methods and offering a promising alternative to large...

Electrolyte cation types control electrochemical reactions on an electrode surface

Researchers discovered that electron and proton transfer mechanisms during oxygen reduction reactions vary depending on electrolyte cations, enabling improved energy conversion efficiencies. This breakthrough suggests optimizing reaction pathways without using costly electrodes.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

New study unveils scalable and efficient photoelectrode modules for green hydrogen production

Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.

Water molecule discovery contradicts textbook models

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and Max Planck Institute found that water molecules at the surface of saltwater are organized differently than previously thought. The study's findings suggest a depletion of positively charged ions and negatively charged ions, leading to a reversal of textbook models.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 15, 2024

Toward sustainable energy applications with breakthrough in proton conductors

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity and stability of perovskite-type proton conductors, overcoming the 'Norby gap' issue. Donor doping into materials with disordered intrinsic oxygen vacancies enables high proton conduction at intermediate and low temperatures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Scientists propose perovskite film homogenizing strategy to increase conversion efficiency

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences propose homogenizing strategy to fabricate perovskite films for solar cells. The process increases conversion efficiency to 26.1%, tying the existing record. The method uses an additive to make up for difference in crystallization and phase transition rates, resulting in long-term stability.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Novel oxychloride shows high stability and oxide-ion conduction through interstitial oxygen site

A new Bi-containing compound, LaBi1.9Te0.1O4.05Cl, exhibits high chemical and electrical stability and a high oxide-ion conductivity superior to other materials at low temperatures. The unique mechanism underlying the high conductivity is explained by an interstitialcy migration of oxide ions through the lattice and interstitial sites.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

DMI allows magnon-magnon coupling in hybrid perovskites

A team of researchers has created a mixed magnon state in an organic hybrid perovskite material by harnessing the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya-Interaction. This allows for magnon-magnon coupling, which is crucial for processing and storing quantum computing information. The work expands the number of potential materials for creating hybrid ma...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Charged porphyrins: The key to investigating the properties of stacked ion pairs

Charged porphyrins enable researchers to study π-electronic ion pairs and their interactions, leading to the creation of electronic materials with unique properties. The study reveals fascinating new properties of stacked ion pairs and their potential applications in fields like nanomagnetism and ferroelectrics.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

High output voltage

Researchers have developed organic sulfonamides as a flexible and stable material for proton battery cathodes, achieving higher output voltages than conventional cathodes. The new material is also easy to manufacture, stable under standard conditions, and non-toxic.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2022

Unique underpinnings revealed for stomach’s acid pump

Scientists have improved understanding of a key protein that makes the stomach acidic, shedding light on potential applications in drug development. The study found an unusual feature in the protein, which needs to bind to only one potassium ion to trigger its pump mechanism.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Surface chemistry reveals corrosive secrets

A new technique reveals the role of cations in surface chemistry, shedding light on environmental issues like rust and pollution. The study uses surface analysis to understand the initial stages of iron corrosion, which can help monitor carbon dioxide capture, water quality, and infrastructure management.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 13, 2021

No stone unturned: An extensive search for cation substitution in lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel method to predict the optimal cation substitutions in lithium-ion batteries using first-principles calculations. The study reveals that nickel can be partially substituted with platinum and palladium to increase battery discharge capacity, while other e...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJul 19, 2021

DV survivor elder abuse risk

A new study found that women who survived domestic violence are more vulnerable to elder abuse, with 6.4% reporting past experience and significantly poorer psychological wellbeing. This highlights the need for clinical monitoring and ongoing support for survivors as they age.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2021