Ultrasonic testing is a promising non-destructive evaluation technique across various industries. In a novel breakthrough, researchers from Chung-Ang University have developed DiffectNet, an AI-based technology that facilitates the diffusion-enabled conditional target generation of internal defects in ultrasonic non-destructive testing. This approach significantly outperforms traditional methods, potentially revolutionizing real-time defect reconstruction and prediction in highly reliability-critical industries, including aerospace, power generation, semiconductor manufacturing, and civil infrastructure.

In recent years, neuromorphic computing has emerged as one of the most efficient solutions for managing the vast amounts of data generated by conventional information technologies. Its systems are inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, which processes information in parallel while consuming minimal energy.

A key component of this type of technology is the memristor, a novel electronic element that mimics synapses and neuronal activation processes. Current lead halide perovskite (Pb-HP) memristors perform well, but the presence of toxic lead hinders their practical application. The goal of Dr. Ignacio Sanjuán’s MemSusPer project is to develop sustainable, lead-free HP memristor devices with high performance, stability and reproducibility and low energy consumption.

The 24-month research project pursues three main objectives: to fabricate cutting-edge lead-free HP memristors with improved perovskite layer properties and quality; to test inorganic materials and new mixed organic ionic electronic conductors that enhance electrical conductivity and offer tunable electrochemical properties; and to manufacture and characterize complex, miniaturized memristor networks to assess their effectiveness.

To carry out the project, Dr. Ignacio Sanjuán Moltó will join the Active Materials and Systems Group led by Professor Antonio Guerrero at the Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM) of the Universitat Jaume I of Castelló. The group has a strong track record in memristor and photovoltaic solar cell research, as well as extensive expertise in electronic materials such as perovskite and organic photovoltaics, essential knowledge for generating and characterizing memristors.

Water is everywhere – it covers the major part of Earth, circulates in the human body, and is found even in the smallest molecular clefts. However, what happens if water cannot flow freely, but is enclosed in such structures? Researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Constructor University in Bremen proved for the first time that enclosed water can influence its surroundings and favors binding between molecules. This discovery could open new paths for the design of drugs and new materials. The researchers report on their findings in the International Edition of the “Angewandte Chemie” journal. (DOI: 10.1002/anie.202505713)

Scientists used molecular simulations to reveal how polymer chains adhere to alumina surfaces. Adhesion depends on both polymer chemistry and surface termination, with different responses before and after yielding. These insights clarify metal–plastic bonding mechanisms and offer guidelines for designing stronger, lighter, and more sustainable hybrid materials for use in transportation.

Chloride-based solid electrolytes are considered promising candidates for next-generation high-energy–density all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). However, their relatively low oxidative decomposition threshold (~ 4.2 V vs. Li⁺/Li) constrains their use in ultrahigh-voltage systems (e.g., 4.8 V). In this work, ferroelectric BaTiO₃ (BTO) nanoparticles with optimized thickness of ~ 50–100 nm were successfully coated onto Li_2.5Y_0.5Zr_0.5Cl₆ (LYZC@5BTO) electrolytes using a time-efficient ball-milling process. The nanoparticle-induced interfacial ionic conduction enhancement mechanism contributed to the preservation of LYZC’s high ionic conductivity, which remained at 1.06 mS cm⁻¹ for LYZC@5BTO. Furthermore, this surface electric field engineering strategy effectively mitigates the voltage-induced self-decomposition of chloride-based solid electrolytes, suppresses parasitic interfacial reactions with single-crystal NCM811 (SCNCM811), and inhibits the irreversible phase transition of SCNCM811. Consequently, the cycling stability of LYZC under high-voltage conditions (4.8 V vs. Li⁺/Li) is significantly improved. Specifically, ASSB cells employing LYZC@5BTO exhibited a superior discharge capacity of 95.4 mAh g⁻¹ over 200 cycles at 1 C, way outperforming cell using pristine LYZC that only shows a capacity of 55.4 mAh g⁻¹. Furthermore, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that Metal-O-Cl by-products from cumulative interfacial side reactions accounted for 6% of the surface species initially, rising to 26% after 200 cycles in pristine LYZC. In contrast, LYZC@5BTO limited this increase to only 14%, confirming the effectiveness of BTO in stabilizing the interfacial chemistry. This electric field modulation strategy offers a promising route toward the commercialization of high-voltage solid-state electrolytes and energy-dense ASSBs.

Researchers have developed miniature magnetic robots that mimic fish behavior, working together as coordinated swarms to deliver drugs precisely and efficiently to tissue. The breakthrough could transform treatment of conditions where individual tiny robots lack sufficient coverage area for effective therapy.