This review summarises the dynamic reconstruction behaviour of Cu-based catalysts in electrochemical CO₂ reduction and provides insights into the atomic-level mechanism of this reconstruction. In addition, new insights into the effects of electrolyte, electrolysis mode, and other factors are provided from the perspective of dynamic surfaces. Finally, the development and potential problems of multidimensional in situ characterisation are discussed with a view to facilitating more in-depth studies of the dynamic surfaces of Cu catalysts.

Professor Kazunari Domen was recognized as “Clarivate Citation Laureate 2024” for his pioneering breakthroughs in photocatalysis, especially photocatalytic water splitting. He spearheaded novel photocatalytic materials, transformative synthesis, modification strategies and advanced characterization techniques. Leveraging his originated materials and technologies, he demonstrated the world’s first scalable 100-square-metre solar hydrogen plant, operable under natural sunlight – a monumental milestone in the field. His groundbreaking contributions, highlighted in this article, would enlighten researchers to shape a more sustainable future.

The superior catalytic performance of ZrO₂ in catalytic propane dehydrogenation is attributed to be the unsaturated coordination zirconium (Zr_cus) near the oxygen vacancy. However, the calculations revealed the double-edged role of oxygen vacancy in reaction, which significantly reduced C-H bond activation barrier but hinder the facile desorption of products due to strong binding. Moreover, the localized electron within oxygen vacancy is identified as the driving force for the C-H bond activation. The complete two different mechanisms are also noted for pristine and defective surfaces which also resulted from the double-edges effects of oxygen vacancy.

A new study has unveiled the molecular mechanisms that enable grafted cucumbers to withstand cold stress, offering a new pathway for enhancing crop resilience.

A new study has revealed the existence of bifunctional diterpene cyclases/synthases (DCSs) in bacteria, offering compelling evidence that the plant terpene synthase gene family, termed TPS, originated from bacterial genes. 

Next-generation high-brightness laser lighting confronts a key challenge in developing static luminescent materials with remarkable optical-thermal performances and low cost. Herein, a unique composite architecture of Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ (YAG) phosphor-in-glass film coated on different heat-conducting substrates (PiGF@HCSs), i.e., PiGF@sapphire, PiGF@Al₂O₃, PiGF@AlN, and PiGF@BN-AlN composites, was designed and prepared by a simple film printing and low-temperature sintering technology. The heat-conducting substrates significantly affect the luminescence saturation and phosphor conversion of PiGF@HCSs, making the substrates with higher thermal conductivity (TC) can bear higher laser power density (LPD) and higher reflectivity can enable higher luminous efficacy (LE). These findings will provide the guiding idea for the commercial applications of PiGF@HCS converters in high-brightness laser lighting and display.

We are pleased to announce the call for papers for the 14th Asia-Pacific Conference on Transportation and the Environment (APTE 2025), hosted by the School of Vehicle and Mobility, Tsinghua University, co-organized by Communications in Transportation Research, Journal of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles, and ETS-Data. The conference will be held from 9 to 11 August 2025, in Hangzhou, China.

A new study published in Forest Ecosystems explores how different management strategies affect beetle diversity in spruce plantations severely impacted by bark beetle outbreaks.

A new study has unveiled the profound impact of varying photoperiods on the circadian rhythm and photosynthetic efficiency of tea plants, offering a pathway to optimize cultivation practices.