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Highly sensitive SWCNT-based pyroelectric phototransistors enable broadband room-temperature infrared detection

Researchers have developed a detector that delivers high sensitivity while operating at ordinary room temperature, using carbon nanotubes and a pyroelectric lithium niobate crystal. The device surpasses earlier graphene-based detectors by several orders of magnitude and offers a broad spectral range without cryogenic cooling.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

Gram-scale photocatalytic benzyl alcohol oxidation via photon-heteroatom jointly promoted redox cycling over nickel-based Pickering emulsion

A novel nickel-based Pickering emulsion catalyst enables gram-scale synthesis of high-purity benzaldehyde with co-produced hydrogen, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fine chemical synthesis. The synergistic effect of photon-heteroatom jointly promoted redox cycling accelerates the dehydrogenation reaction.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

Controlling bacteria with light: from tackling antibiotic resistance to “bacterial robots”

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Illuminating the twist: light-driven inversion of supramolecular chirality

The study successfully manipulated the formation of left-handed or right-handed helical aggregates using precise light control, exhibiting promising insights into novel functional materials. The researchers found that residual aggregates acted as nucleation sites forming oppositely directed helical assemblies under certain conditions.

SourceChiba University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

CityU unravels interfacial interactions of the lead-free perovskite for efficient hydrogen production

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a lead-free perovskite photocatalyst for highly efficient solar energy-to-hydrogen conversion. The study uncovers the interfacial dynamics between halide perovskite molecules and electrolytes, enabling better photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023