In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Chemistry, based on the design of a composite lithium metal anode (Li-10% ZnF₂), the effect of hybrid SEI (LiCl/LiF/LiZn) on the interface between lithium metal anode and sulfide electrolyte was studied. The research results showed that hybrid SEI can effectively induce uniform deposition of lithium ions, inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites, and achieve a more stable anode/electrolyte interface.

In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Chemistry, a bifunctional electrocatalytic sulfur matrix that simultaneously accelerates sulfur reduction and ZnS oxidation is proposed to realize a highly efficient Zn-S cell. It is revealed that the N-heteroatom hotspots are more favorable for facilitating the conversion of S to ZnS while the CoO nanocrystal substantially lowers the ZnS activation energy barrier thereby suppressing the formation of disproportionation species (e.g., SO₄²⁻) and accumulation of inactive ZnS.

Discovering emerging nanomaterials and their potential can drive innovation for advancing computing applications. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) scientist has proposed to generate a library of van der Waals (vdW) heterobilayers with specific properties, which are essential for the next generation of nanoelectronics, photonics, and spintronics. This project has received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) 2024/25.

Standing detonation engines have emerged as the prime power source for highspeed vehicles. While current detonation flow field designs have demonstrated their effectiveness, several hurdles still remain. These include the limited geometric utilization of the combustion chamber and the lack of seamless integration with existing highspeed aerodynamic designs. Selecting the right basic detonation flow field is paramount to enhancing the performance and refining the geometric design of standing detonation vehicles.

Multiphase composition design and entropy engineering control are promising strategies to improve the properties of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs). In this study, spark plasma sintering was used to prepare fully dense dual-phase (Zr, Hf, Ta)B₂-(Zr, Hf, Ta)C ceramics from self-synthesized equimolar medium-entropy diboride and carbide powders. The obtained ceramics comprised two distinct solid solution phases, the Zr-rich diboride phase and the Ta-rich carbide phase, indicating metal element exchange occurred between the starting equimolar medium-entropy diboride and carbide during sintering. The chemical driving force originating from the metal element exchange during the sintering process is considered to promote the densification process of the ceramics. The metal element exchange between the medium-entropy diboride and carbide phase significantly increased Young’s modulus of the dual-phase ceramics. Owing to the mutual grain-boundary pinning effect, fine-grained dual-phase ceramics were obtained. The dual-phase medium-entropy 50 vol.% (Zr, Hf, Ta)B₂-50 vol.% (Zr, Hf, Ta)C ceramics with the smallest grain size exhibited the highest hardness of 22.4 ± 0.2 GPa. It is inferred that optimized comprehensive properties or performance of dual-phase high-entropy or medium-entropy UHTCs can be achieved by adjusting both the volume content and the metal element composition of the corresponding starting powders of diborides and carbides.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a bacterial density-dependent gene expression mechanism that involves the binding of receptors and autoinducers to govern pathogenic bacteria (swarming, swimming, and biofilm formation) by producing virulence factors, which can diminish antibiotic efficacy. This novel concept may broaden the usage of antibiotics while preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. So in this investigation, the authors developed, synthesized, and evaluated β-nitrostyrenes derivatives to identify a new class of Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) against S. marcescens. Through QS inhibitory screening of β-nitrostyrene derivatives, m-NPe was identified as a potent QSI against S. marcescens, and it could be employed in clinical trials to partially restore or increase drug sensitivity. Therefore, m-NPe has the potential to be developed as an effective and efficient QSI and antibiofilm agent for treating microbial infection and can evolve as an alternative clinical drug in the future.

A new study published in Forest Ecosystems has revealed how the unique structure of dolines—topographic depressions—supports unparalleled biodiversity, offering critical insights for conservation efforts in microrefugia.