The study achieves efficient electrocatalysis for the electrooxidation reaction in multi-electrolyte systems by synergistically modulating structure and electronic coupling through rational design. The research team established novel principles for controlling the morphology and performance of MOFs: formation of nano-flower structure requires co-existence of Ni site and Fc ligand, doping of Fe sites promotes 3D crystal morphology development, which marks a pioneering advance in the field. Among them, the Bimetallic Dual-Ligand MOF: NFBF (6:2) exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic performance (210 mV at 10 mA·cm^-2). Operando Raman spectroscopy and XAFS reveal the electronic restructuring feature of NFBF (6:2) during the catalytic OER process. Combined with DFT calculations, which identify Ni as the catalytic active site, these investigations uncover significant electronic migration and redistribution, substantially reducing the reaction energy barrier and accelerating the catalytic process. Comprehensive exploration demonstrates that NFBF (6:2) not only performs well under various multi-electrolyte conditions but also maintains a nearly consistent catalytic mechanism. Furthermore, when applied to overall water splitting, (+) NFBF (6:2) | | NFBF (6:2) (-) achieves significant catalytic effects in both alkaline freshwater (1.40 V at 10 mA·cm^-2) and seawater (1.44 V at 10 mA· cm^-2) electrolyzers. This work highlights the crucial role of electronic coupling in optimizing electrocatalytic performance and offers new insights for addressing mitigating environmental pollution, embodying substantial practical and research potential.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have broad applicability and significant potential in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. However, the practical application of pure POMs is significantly constrained by their decomposition in polar media (such as neutral and alkaline solutions). The modification of POMs with metal-calixarene clusters is beneficial for fabricating functional hybrid materials with the combined merits of the two components. Four new thiacalixarene-functionalized polyoxometalate clusters were synthesized by researchers at School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, China. These four clusters were characterized by Keggin-type PM₄Mo₈ motifs, which confer redox properties similar to those of PMo₁₂O₄₀³⁻ (PMo₁₂) while providing superior structural stability and electrocatalytic reduction of IO₃⁻. The substitution of four metal ions in PMo₁₂, along with the capping TC4A ligand and VO unit, significantly modulated visible-light absorption, enhancing photothermal conversion in the solid state and organic solutions.

South China Sea marine heatwaves split into two types, with ocean dynamics playing a surprising role

Magnetic hysteresis loss or iron loss in soft magnetic materials accounts for approximately 30% of energy loss in electric motors. This loss results in significant energy loss globally, representing a pressing environmental concern. However, the origin of iron loss remains elusive despite decades of research. Now, scientists have developed a new physics-based machine-learning approach that automatically identifies the origin of iron loss, establishing a new paradigm for designing efficient soft magnetic materials.