Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for solid state battery. Herein, a ZIF-based functional heterojunction nanoparticle is constructed as filler to form PVDF-based composite solid-state electrolyte, facilitating the dissociation of salt and improving the Li⁺ transport. This work provides valuable insights into the functional filler design for CSEs with highly efficient ion transport.

Alumina (Al₂O₃) ceramics represent a crucial category of advanced structural engineering materials due to their excellent physicochemical properties and relatively low cost. However, their broader application has been limited by low fracture toughness, making toughening a key research focus for Al₂O₃ ceramics. Silicon carbide whiskers (SiC_w) are among the most effective toughening agents for Al₂O₃ ceramics, but recent studies have primarily focused on optimizing SiC_w introduction methods and sintering processes. Departing from conventional approaches, the present research has pioneered a novel strategy—designing a core-shell composite structured SiC_w as the toughening phase for Al₂O₃ ceramics, thus offering a new perspective for Al₂O₃ ceramic toughening studies.

Hybrid water electrolysis (HWE) is an emerging field that aims to overcome some of the limitations of conventional water electrolysis (CWE) for the production of green hydrogen. In CWE, two reactions take place at each of the electrodes (anode and cathode): one reaction produces hydrogen at the cathode (the hydrogen evolution reaction) and the other produces oxygen at the anode (the oxygen evolution reaction, OER). The concept of hybrid water electrolysis revolves around replacing the anode reaction of CWE (the OER), which is inefficient and requires a large amount of energy, with an alternative anode reaction that is more efficient. In this review, the team focuses on the electrooxidation of alcohols as an alternative anode reaction. Replacing the OER offers three advantages: (1) reducing the energy costs and increasing the efficiency for hydrogen production, (2) making use of abundant resources such as alcohols derived from biomass (like ethanol or glycerol), and (3) converting these resources into valuable products (for example, converting glycerol to lactic acid). This work is published in Industrial Chemistry & Materials on 03 July 2025.

Bridges endure constant environmental and operational stresses—some visible, others imperceptible.

As cities become the frontline in climate action, understanding their internal carbon dynamics is crucial. 

Tropospheric ozone (O3)  is a concerning pollutant, responsible for reduction in yields of major staple crops like rice, wheat, and maze. In this Journal of Environmental Sciences study, researchers from China and the United States of America found that rising O3 pollution led to national-level wheat, rice, and maize yield losses in China between 2005–2019. This trend was largely mitigated during COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, indicating the need for an effective emission control policy.

A research team led by Prof. CHENG Tianhai from the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made a breakthrough by developing a high-resolution satellite remote sensing method to quantify global methane emissions from landfills.

Plants often face a trade-off between growing and surviving under stress. In this study, researchers uncovered how the target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase in tomatoes plays a central role in navigating this balance.