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How ions flow like a liquid through a solid crystal

A research team used a simple physical model to connect sublattice melting with cooperative and spatially heterogeneous ion transport, revealing a fundamental mechanism behind superionic conduction. The findings offer a unified explanation for this phenomenon, which could guide the design of next-generation solid-state batteries.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2026

Bidirectional ion–electric field synergy via in situ grown BiOCl/Bi heterostructure enabling ultra–stable zinc anodes across wide temperatures

Engineers develop a self-forming protective layer to prevent dendrite growth and parasitic reactions, enabling unprecedented performance and resilience. The bi-directional regulation system maintains stability across wide temperatures, paving the way for practical grid-scale applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025

High energy proton accelerator on a table-top — enabled by university class lasers

Researchers from TIFR Hyderabad have successfully accelerated protons to hundreds of kilovolts using few millijoule lasers, repeating at a thousand times per second. This breakthrough enables high-repetition-rate laser-driven ion accelerators on university lab table tops without extreme laser intensities or pre-pulse suppression.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2025

Laboratory observation of USTC reveals key mechanism behind cosmic particle acceleration

Researchers at USTC directly observed ion acceleration through reflection off laser-generated magnetized collisionless shocks, demonstrating the role of shock drift acceleration. The experiment confirmed SDA's dominance over shock surfing acceleration, shedding light on cosmic particle origins and potential applications in fusion.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2025

Breakthrough in low-power neuromorphic computing: novel 2D phase-transition memristor achieves ultrafast and energy-efficient switching

Researchers developed a novel 2D phase-transition memristor leveraging intrinsic ion migration to overcome existing device limitations. The device achieves record-low power consumption, ultrafast switching speed, and exceptional endurance, making it suitable for high-speed computing applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateApr 11, 2025

Love your neighbor as yourself: Zinc-centered materials serving as calcium-ion host could be well refined by its closest copper neighbor

Researchers developed Cu/Zn solid-solution phase hosts to overcome electrochemical limitations in multivalent metal ion batteries. The material's layered crystal structure and abundant interlayer confined species provide favorable diffusion pathways for charge carriers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2025

Visualization of chemical phenomena in the microscopic world using semiconductor image sensor

A team developed a semiconductor sensor to visualize biomolecule dynamics in solutions, achieving milliseconds time resolution and micron spatial resolution. The sensor captures movement of neurotransmitters and ions, enabling the detection of chemical signals in microscopic regions.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Russian scientists improve water purification membranes using metal ions

Researchers have developed polymer membranes with enhanced selectivity for monovalent ions, allowing for efficient water recycling. The use of metal ions such as copper, zinc, and chromium enables the separation of nitrates from sulphates, opening new possibilities for sustainable water treatment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

On the way to a “new” second

A newly developed ion crystal clock has demonstrated record accuracy, reaching an uncertainty close to the 18th decimal place. This achievement marks a significant step towards redefining the second in the International System of Units (SI), as optical clocks are now 100 times more accurate than current caesium clocks.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Graphene made permeable for ions

Researchers have created a model system with a defect in graphene that allows certain ions to pass through, including chloride. This breakthrough has significant implications for water filtration membranes, artificial receptors, and chloride channels.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

New UVA professor’s research may boost next-generation space rockets

A UVA professor has made new discoveries about electron kinetic behavior within plasma beams, potentially revealing the 'shape' of future space technology. The findings could lead to more efficient and reliable electric propulsion systems for long-duration space missions.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPlasma Sources Science and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2025

By looking at individual atoms in tooth enamel, UW and PNNL researchers are learning what happens to our teeth as we age

Researchers at UW and PNNL studied atomic composition of enamel samples from two human teeth, one 22-year-old and one 56-year-old, to understand how enamel changes with age. The study found higher levels of fluoride in the older tooth's shell regions, which could have implications for understanding tooth health as we age.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCommunications Materials·DateDec 19, 2024

Engineered additive makes low-cost renewable energy storage a possibility

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have invented a water-soluble chemical additive that improves the performance of bromide aqueous flow batteries, making them more efficient and long-lasting. The additive solves issues such as ion leakage and gas formation, enabling the use of these batteries for grid-scale storage.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor for ultra-low hydrogen detection

Researchers developed a nano-patterned copper oxide sensor to detect hydrogen at low concentrations, outperforming previous CuO-based sensors. The sensor detects hydrogen concentrations as low as 5 parts per billion and responds quickly, making it suitable for leak detection and ensuring safe adoption of hydrogen technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

Scientists at the CNIC discover an unexpected involvement of sodium transport in mitochondrial energy generation

Researchers at the CNIC found that respiratory complex I possesses sodium transport activity essential for efficient cellular energy production. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.