MXene derivatives are notable two-dimensional nanomaterials with numerous prospective applications in the domains of energy development. MXene derivative, MBene, diversifies its focus on energy storage and harvesting due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, structural flexibility, and mechanical properties. This comprehensive review describes the sandwich-like structure of the synthesized MBene, derived from its multilayered parent material and its distinct chemical framework to date. The fields of focus encompass the investigation of novel MBenes, the study of phase-changing mechanisms, and the examination of hex-MBenes, ortho-MBenes, tetra-MBenes, tri-MBenes, and MXenes with identical transition metal components. A critical analysis is also provided on the electrochemical mechanism and performance of MBene in energy storage (Li/Na/Mg/Ca/Li–S batteries and supercapacitors), as well as conversion and harvesting (CO₂ reduction, and nitrogen reduction reactions). The persistent difficulties associated with conducting experimental synthesis and establishing artificial intelligence-based forecasts are extensively deliberated alongside the potential and forthcoming prospects of MBenes. This review provides a single platform for an overview of the MBene’s potential in energy storage and harvesting.

Space exploration is significant for scientific innovation, resource utilization, and planetary security. Space exploration involves several systems including satellites, space suits, communication systems, and robotics, which have to function under harsh space conditions such as extreme temperatures (− 270 to 1650 °C), microgravity (10^-6 g), unhealthy humidity (< 20% RH or > 60% RH), high atmospheric pressure (~ 1450 psi), and radiation (4000–5000 mSv). Conventional energy-harvesting technologies (solar cells, fuel cells, and nuclear energy), that are normally used to power these space systems have certain limitations (e.g., sunlight dependence, weight, degradation, big size, high cost, low capacity, radioactivity, complexity, and low efficiency). The constraints in conventional energy resources have made it imperative to look for non-conventional yet efficient alternatives. A great potential for enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and mission duration in space exploration can be offered by integrating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with existing energy sources. Recently, the potential of TENG including energy harvesting (from vibrations/movements in satellites and spacecraft), self-powered sensing, and microgravity, for multiple applications in different space missions has been discussed. This review comprehensively covers the use of TENGs for various space applications, such as planetary exploration missions (Mars environment monitoring), manned space equipment, In-orbit robotic operations /collision monitoring, spacecraft's design and structural health monitoring, Aeronautical systems, and conventional energy harvesting (solar and nuclear). This review also discusses the use of self-powered TENG sensors for deep space object perception. At the same time, this review compares TENGs with conventional energy harvesting technologies for space systems. Lastly, this review talks about energy harvesting in satellites, TENG-based satellite communication systems, and future practical implementation challenges (with possible solutions).

Achieving high-energy density remains a key objective for advanced energy storage systems. However, challenges, such as poor cathode conductivity, anode dendrite formation, polysulfide shuttling, and electrolyte degradation, continue to limit performance and stability. Molecular and ionic dipole interactions have emerged as an effective strategy to address these issues by regulating ionic transport, modulating solvation structures, optimizing interfacial chemistry, and enhancing charge transfer kinetics. These interactions also stabilize electrode interfaces, suppress side reactions, and mitigate anode corrosion, collectively improving the durability of high-energy batteries. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is essential to guide the design of next-generation battery materials. Herein, this review summarizes the development, classification, and advantages of dipole interactions in high-energy batteries. The roles of dipoles, including facilitating ion transport, controlling solvation dynamics, stabilizing the electric double layer, optimizing solid electrolyte interphase and cathode–electrolyte interface layers, and inhibiting parasitic reactions—are comprehensively discussed. Finally, perspectives on future research directions are proposed to advance dipole-enabled strategies for high-performance energy storage. This review aims to provide insights into the rational design of dipole-interactive systems and promote the progress of electrochemical energy storage technologies.

Professor Jiawen Chen and Associate Researcher Yan Wang from South China Normal University, in collaboration with Professor Ben L. Feringa's team at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, designed a novel molecular machine with both rotational and shuttle motion modes. This molecular machine combines a sterically hindered olefin molecular motor, an H-type benzimidazole, and a crown ether system, achieving for the first time the control of rotaxane shuttle motion through the rotational motion of the molecular motor. The motion mechanism of this molecule was elucidated in detail using methods including two-dimensional proton NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. This work demonstrates the tuning effect of two different motion modes within a single molecular machine, providing a solid experimental foundation for the future design of multifunctional molecular machines with complex mechanical functions. The article was published as an open access Research Article in CCS Chemistry, the flagship journal of the Chinese Chemical Society.

Auburn University physics PhD student Jessica Eskew has been awarded a prestigious U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Student Research Fellowship to tackle one of the most critical challenges in fusion energy: controlling runaway electrons that can damage future fusion power plants. Through extended on-site research at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, Eskew will study how precisely manipulating magnetic structures in hot plasmas can enable safer, more reliable fusion devices, reinforcing Auburn Physics’ growing national impact in plasma and fusion research.

Quantum mechanics describes a microscopic world in which particles exist in a superposition of states—being in multiple places and configurations all at once, defined mathematically by what physicists call a 'wavefunction.' But this runs counter to our everyday experience of objects that are either here or there, never both at the same time. Typically, physicists manage this conflict by arguing that, when a quantum system comes into contact with a measuring device or an experimental observer, the system’s wavefunction ‘collapses’ into a single, definite state. Now, with support from the Foundational Questions Institute, FQxI, an international team of physicists has shown that a family of unconventional solutions to this measurement problem—called ‘quantum collapse models’—has far-reaching implications for the nature of time and for clock precision. They published their results suggesting a new way to distinguish these rival models from standard quantum theory, in Physical Review Research, in November 2025.

Scientists have created a fingertip‑scale spectrometer‑on‑a‑chip that brings lab‑grade hyperspectral sensing into the near‑infrared range long considered out of reach for silicon. By engineering photon‑trapping textures onto silicon photodiodes and using a neural network to decode their combined signals, the device accurately reconstructs spectra from 640 to 1100 nanometers—well beyond the limits of conventional silicon spectrometers. Despite its tiny 0.4‑mm footprint, the chip delivers ~8‑nm resolution, maintains high accuracy with fewer than 16 detectors, and remains stable even under heavy electronic noise. The team also demonstrated precise hyperspectral imaging of a butterfly dataset, highlighting the technology’s potential for compact biomedical, environmental, and remote‑sensing tools.

University of Chicago and Northwestern University researchers have turned the conditions that accidentally degrade battery components into a new, powerful technique for intentionally destroying the water pollutants known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Their results, published today in Nature Chemistry, showed 94% defluorination and 95% degradation in breaking down the long-chain PFAS molecule perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) into mineralized fluorine without forming short molecular chains that can be even tricker to remove from water. This new fluorine source can be used to create PFAS-free compounds, turning pollutants into valuable commercial products. Of 33 PFAS compounds tested, 22 demonstrated degradation amounts exceeding 70%, with some degradation up to 99%, showing remarkable promise as electrochemistry enters the fight against "forever chemicals."