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Francisco Rivadulla receives the Antonio Casares Rodríguez Medal from the Royal Galician Academy of Sciences

Francisco Rivadulla, a researcher at the Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), has been awarded the Antonio Casares Rodríguez Medal for his groundbreaking work in solid-state chemistry and condensed-matter physics. The recognition highlights the centre's contribution to advancing chemistry and tra...

Engineered thickness-gradient electrolytes resolve current and thermal imbalances in solid oxide fuel cells

Researchers developed a thickness-gradient electrolyte to homogenize current distribution in solid oxide fuel cells, reducing current density deviation by up to 80% and improving durability. The electrolyte's layered structure boosts electrochemical reaction rates while suppressing excessive local current.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateSep 1, 2026

Scientists identify key structural units in neutral boron oxide clusters

Scientists have discovered key structural units—BO, BO₃, and B₂O₅—in neutral boron oxide clusters that are essential building blocks of the two-dimensional vitreous network. These findings provide important insights into the microstructure and growth mechanisms of vitreous materials.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 27, 2026

Ultrasonic welding creates lithium-garnet interface in seconds

Researchers at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research developed an unprecedented method to bond lithium metal directly to garnet-type oxide electrolyte using ultrasonic welding. This technique reduces interfacial resistance and establishes direct solid-state contact without melting or thermal activation.

Boosting clean energy: proton exchange unlocks high performance in platinum-free oxygen reduction catalysts

Researchers developed a novel proton exchange strategy to enhance manganese-based oxide performance, offering a promising path toward affordable, platinum-free electrocatalysts. The modified catalyst demonstrated superior stability and durability, with improved half-wave potential and retention of current.

Saturated alcohols electrocatalytic oxidations on Ni‑Co bimetal oxide featuring balanced B‑and L‑acidic active sites

Researchers have developed a solid-acid NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst with balanced Brønsted and Lewis acid sites for efficient electrooxidation of biomass-derived saturated alcohols. The work offers a new strategy for designing high-performance, non-noble metal catalysts for biomass valorization.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025

Steel making could get a makeover

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new method for producing iron that eliminates CO2 emissions and can be performed at room temperature. The process uses hydrogen gas plasma to strip oxygen from iron ore, producing pure iron and water vapor.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2025

An iron oxide ‘oxygen sponge’ for efficient thermochemical hydrogen production

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a novel iron-based catalyst that more than doubles the conversion efficiency of thermochemical green hydrogen production. The new catalyst, iron-poor nickel ferrite (Fe-poor NiFe2O4), enables significantly greater oxygen capacity even at lower temperatures.

Revolutionizing heat management with high-performance cerium oxide thermal switches

A research team at Hokkaido University developed novel cerium oxide-based thermal switches, surpassing prior benchmarks with high efficiency and sustainability. The switches feature a new benchmark for electrochemical thermal switches, offering broad applications in industries such as electronics cooling and renewable energy systems.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2025

The insulator unraveled

The researchers used noncontact atomic force microscopy to analyze the surface structure and found that the surface rearranges to allow aluminum atoms to penetrate into the material. This rearrangement reduces energy and stabilizes the structure without changing its composition.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

ZJU researchers address oxidation issue of copper by laser writing towards in-situ integrated sensing

Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a hybrid laser direct writing technique that enables the creation of functional copper interconnects and carbon-based sensors within a single integrated system. The process allows for real-time temperature monitoring over extended periods, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 5, 2024

Rare earth single atoms enhance manganese oxide's electrochemical oxygen evolution

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction by introducing rare earth single atoms into manganese oxide. This leads to unprecedented improvements in OER performance, making it a suitable alternative to traditional catalysts like ruthenium dioxide.

Pusan National University study provides breakthrough in enhancing solid oxide fuel cell efficiency with rapid PrOx coating method

A team of researchers led by Professor Beom-Kyeong Park has made a breakthrough in enhancing solid oxide fuel cell efficiency with a rapid PrOx coating method. The study demonstrated significant enhancements in SOFC electrode performance, reducing polarization resistance and boosting peak power density.

SourcePusan National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Oil and natural gas development in Permian is a key source of ozone pollution in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Research shows that oil and natural gas development in the Permian Basin contributes to high eight-hour ozone concentrations frequently exceeding EPA health standards during summer months. The study uses data from a 2019 field survey to confirm the impact of drilling, flaring, and other activities on ozone levels.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateJul 16, 2024

Study reveals significant increasing nitrous-oxide emissions from human activities, jeopardizing climate goals

Nitrous-oxide emissions have increased by 40% over the past four decades, resulting in accelerating atmospheric accumulation of this potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural production is the largest source of emissions, and improving practices can help reduce nitrous-oxide emissions and water pollution.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

How does oxygen depletion disrupt memory formation in the brain?

Scientists at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology identify a positive glutamate-NO-glutamate feedback loop that blocks long-term potentiation and impairs learning and memory. The study suggests that this loop may explain memory loss in stroke patients and potentially offer a solution for treatment.

Transition-metal-free zeolite catalyst for direct conversion of methane to methanol

Researchers have discovered a novel transition-metal-free aluminosilicate ferrierite zeolite catalyst that enables direct conversion of methane to methanol. The new process achieves 305 π mol gˑ minǘ methanol production rate with high selectivity, presenting an environmentally friendly solution for converting greenhouse gases into valu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 3, 2024

A novel multifunctional catalyst turns methane into valuable hydrocarbons

A novel multifunctional catalyst has been developed to convert methane into valuable hydrocarbons, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The catalyst's spatial distribution of Cu and acid sites determines the final products, with uniform distribution leading to stable and efficient methanol production.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Longer-lasting and more sustainable green hydrogen production

Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 26, 2024