Database of photocatalytic dehydrogenation reactions

A research paper by scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University presented a novel channel-wise cumulative spike train image-driven model (cwCST-CNN) for hand gesture recognition.

A major challenge in integrated photonics is achieving efficient non-reciprocal optical behavior. Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have demonstrated a non-reciprocal magneto-optic response by integrating the 2D material CuCrP₂S₆ (CCPS) onto silicon microring resonators. Their device operates in the C-band with low insertion loss and a high isolation ratio, eliminating the need for additional polarization management. This breakthrough paves the way for compact, on-chip optical isolators and advanced photonic devices essential for next-generation optical communication and computing.

A research team at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has developed an eco-friendly method to fabricate perovskite solar cell (PSC) by incorporating a fluoride additive into a water-based solution. This approach eliminates the use of toxic solvents typically required in PSC production, while achieving power conversion efficiencies above 18%.

Purpose

The authors target the interrelationships between non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized finance (DeFi) and carbon allowances (CA) markets during 2021–2023. The recent shift of crypto and DeFi miners from China (the People's Republic of China, PRC) green hydro energy to dirty fuel energies elsewhere induces investments in carbon offsetting instruments; this is a backdrop to the authors’ investigation.

 

Design/methodology/approach

The quantile vector autoregression (VAR) approach is employed to examine extreme-quantile-connectedness and spillovers among the NFT Index (NFTI), DeFi Pulse Index (DPI), KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF price (KRBN) and the Solactive Carbon Emission Allowances Rolling Futures Total Return Index (SOLCARBT).

 

Findings

At bull markets, DPI is the only consistent net shock transmitter as NFTI transmits innovations only at the most extreme quantile. At bear markets, KRBN and SOLCARBT are net shock transmitters, while NFTI is the only consistent net shock receiver. The receiver-transmitter roles change as a function of the market conditions. The increases in the relative tail dependence correspond to the stress events, which make systemic connectedness augment, turning market-specific idiosyncratic considerations less relevant.

 

Originality/value

The shift of digital asset miners from the PRC has resulted in excessive fuel energy consumption and aggravated environmental consequences regarding NFTs and DeFi mining. Although there exist numerous studies dedicated to CA trading and its role in carbon print reduction, the direct nexus between NFT, DeFi and CA has never been addressed in the literature. The originality of the authors’ research consists in bridging this void. Results are valuable for portfolio managers in bull and bear markets, as the authors show that connectedness is more intense under such conditions.

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), as a new generation of semiconductors with the potential to surpass the limitations of silicon-based technology, have long lacked empirical research on their stability in space environments. The Chinese research team, leveraging the “Shijian-19” recoverable satellite, has pioneered in-orbit verification experiments for 2D semiconductor materials and devices. The study demonstrates that these materials can maintain excellent optical and electrical performance even under extreme space conditions, providing critical experimental evidence for the development of high-performance space electronic devices.

Researchers at Peking University have reported a major development in lead-free perovskite photovoltaics in a clear step towards sustainable solar technologies. Under the direction of Professor Bo Qu, the team has developed a novel chemical approach to improve the performance and stability of AgBiI₄-based solar cells—significantly advancing the worldwide shift to non-toxic renewable energy sources.