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Scientists discover method that could lead to longer-lasting batteries

Researchers from the University of East London have developed a new method to predict how different chemicals behave, which could help identify the most promising battery materials. The method, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, uses X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and computer modeling to predict the behavior ...

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 22, 2026

New study from NITech researchers reports ionic liquid membrane-based recovery of nitrogen compounds from liquid fuels

Nagoya Institute of Technology researchers develop ionic liquid membrane-based separation of nitrogen compounds from hydrocarbons in liquid fuels. The study demonstrates affinity-driven membrane-based separation, which selectively enriches pyridine and reduces hydrogen consumption.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2026

New brain imaging measure reveals how closely blood flow matches brain cells’ energy needs

Researchers developed a new brain imaging measure, CCSI, to study how blood flow and cellular organization align across the brain. CCSI revealed patterns of blood flow and cellular density that correlated with mitochondrial activity and energy demands, offering new insights into brain function and potential treatments for diseases.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2026

Hanbat University researchers develop a separator to improve lithium-metal battery performance

Researchers created a cellulose-based separator infused with bikitaite zeolite, which enhances lithium-ion transport and stabilizes the lithium-metal anode. The separator improves high-rate performance of the NCM90 cathode, reducing polarization and facilitating electrochemical reactions.

SourceHanbat National University Industry–University Cooperation Foundation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2026

Bridging interfacial water structure and reactivity in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution at TiO₂ interfaces

Researchers investigate interfacial water structure and reactivity in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution at TiO2 interfaces. Weaker water-TiO2 interactions and more flexible hydrogen-bond networks favor higher interfacial water reactivity, enabling photocatalyst design with improved performance.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2026

NIST-developed quantum sensors improve nuclear monitoring

Researchers at NIST have developed quantum sensors that can accurately measure X-ray emissions from plutonium, uranium, and neptunium, allowing for more precise evaluation of nuclear materials. This achievement enables international nuclear safeguards by enabling more accurate accounting of material in nuclear facilities.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

New low-temperature coating strategy for tougher and conductive lightweight magnesium

Researchers developed a low-temperature steam-assisted process to create durable, conductive spinel coatings on magnesium alloys for harsh acidic environments. The coating achieved ultralow corrosion current density and high sheet resistance, making it suitable for next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSurface and Coatings Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Black phosphorus/bismuth heterojunction enables freeze-tolerant micro-supercapacitors and integrated sensing

Researchers have developed a bifunctional electrode combining high energy storage capacity with sensing sensitivity, achieved through a phosphorene/bismuthene heterojunction. The device exhibits excellent freeze tolerance, ultra-long cycle life, and mechanical flexibility, making it a promising component for wearable electronic systems.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateSep 3, 2026

Department of Energy awards University of Houston-led team $2.88M to use AI to strengthen America’s critical mineral supply chain

Researchers aim to develop new magnets that reduce American reliance on supply-vulnerable foreign sources by finding alternatives to critical minerals. The UH-led team will use AI to design and manufacture next-generation permanent magnets, with the goal of surpassing industry-standard materials like neodymium iron boron.

Recent progress on cobalt-based electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction to ammonia

Cobalt-based electrocatalysts have shown high efficiency in reducing nitrate to ammonia, with some achieving 100% Faradaic efficiency. Researchers have discovered alloying cobalt with other metals and engineering crystal structures can fine-tune the reaction pathway to favor ammonia production.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Surfaces and Interfaces·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 31, 2026

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers explore how probabilistic analysis can help improve nuclear safety

Seoul National University researchers use probabilistic fracture mechanics to assess pipe rupture frequency in nuclear power plants, accounting for degradation mechanisms and individual parameters. The study highlights the importance of inspections in reducing rupture frequency, and the results can help engineers identify key factors g...

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalEngineering Failure Analysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2026

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop AI framework for optimizing solid oxide electrolysis cells

A new AI framework reduces computational effort needed to optimize solid oxide electrolysis cells, improving hydrogen production efficiency and thermal stability. The framework achieved 14% improvement in electrochemical performance index and 80% reduction in temperature differences compared to baseline conditions.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2026

Hanbat National University researchers reveal physics-informed AI for rapid optimization of thermal energy storage systems

Researchers at Hanbat National University developed a hybrid physics-informed neural network framework for optimization of latent heat thermal energy storage systems. The framework enables rapid, autonomous design optimization by teaching the AI model governing laws of physics.

SourceHanbat National University Industry–University Cooperation Foundation·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2026

How scandium can improve the durability of sodium-ion battery electrodes

Researchers discovered that scandium doping and coating improve the durability and performance of sodium-ion batteries by stabilizing the crystal structure and suppressing side reactions. The study found that doping improves bulk stability while coating enhances surface stability, leading to improved capacity retention and long-term cy...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Vegan diets and dietary energy density

This study investigates the link between vegan diets and dietary energy density, finding that adopting a vegan diet may lead to lower energy intake. The randomized clinical trial analyzed data from over 10,000 participants, suggesting that a well-planned vegan diet can be an effective way to reduce energy consumption.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 6, 2026

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop new strategy for designing ultra-fast charging batteries

Seoul National University researchers have developed an off-stochiometric anode material that enables safe, ultra-fast charging of lithium-ion batteries. The new design strategy overcomes kinetic limitations and preserves the NASICON structure against irreversible damage.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Are gas turbines ready for the hydrogen economy?

Researchers have found that hydrogen-induced embrittlement can be twice as severe in Nickel-base superalloys at elevated temperatures, posing a challenge for gas turbine safety and reliability. The study suggests that designing temperature-specific alloys with tailored microstructures could help mitigate this issue.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

SNU team develops “nanomace” catalyst with up to 14× higher greenhouse gas decomposition performance

The SNU team developed a new nanostructured catalyst, termed 'nanomace,' by chemically bonding ceria nanocubes and nanorods. The interface where the two crystal structures meet serves as a key active site, enhancing lattice oxygen activation and catalytic reactions.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Eco-friendly ionic liquid halves energy use in industrial chemical separation

A Chinese research team has proposed a novel approach to separate dimethyl carbonate from methanol using a tailor-made ionic liquid and heat pump-assisted distillation. The method significantly reduces energy consumption and costs compared to traditional methods, making it an attractive solution for the chemical industry.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 24, 2026

Revolutionizing thermal energy systems: Researchers unveil advanced physics-informed digital twin framework

A comprehensive review introduces a pioneering exergy-based loss function for Physics-Informed Neural Network-Digital Twins, promising real-time optimization and accurate prediction of complex thermal systems. The study provides a definitive roadmap for industries seeking to minimize energy consumption while maximizing output in the In...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateJul 16, 2026

Atomic tuning of titanium-chromium nitride catalysts unlocks high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers at Shaanxi Normal University have developed a novel titanium-chromium nitride catalyst that efficiently traps and rapidly converts polysulfides, key to improving Li-S battery efficiency. The new material demonstrates exceptional stability and effectiveness in suppressing the shuttle effect and enhancing conversion efficiency.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJul 15, 2026