Nanoscience News (<front>)

The splendours of Isfahan, Iran, enabled by Late Quaternary earthquake faulting and drainage reversal

Abstract not available

• Speaker: James Jackson
• Friday 13 June 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Tea Room, Old House.
• Series: Bullard Laboratories Tea Time Talks; organiser: David Al-Attar.

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Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: John Rudge
• Friday 06 June 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Tea Room, Old House.
• Series: Bullard Laboratories Tea Time Talks; organiser: David Al-Attar.

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The tectonic, thermal, and temporal controls on the production of critical metal deposits

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Alex Copley
• Friday 02 May 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Tea Room, Old House.
• Series: Bullard Laboratories Tea Time Talks; organiser: David Al-Attar.

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The substitution index of precursor (Δ) is established as an effective predictor for the low-potential plateau performance of hard carbon (HC) anodes in sodium-ion batteries. Three carbon models—disordered carbon, closed-pore-dominated carbon, and turbostratic carbon—are constructed to validate the accuracy of Δ and investigate the mechanisms of closed pore formation and sodium storage.

Abstract

Establishing prediction rules for the low-potential plateau (LPP) of hard carbon (HC) anodes is crucial for constructing high-energy-density sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). While current studies suggest that the closed pores of HC can enhance the LPP performance, the rules for directly predicting the LPP from precursors have yet to be established. Here, prediction rules for the LPP of HC anodes in SIBs—the substitution index (Δ) of precursor are introduced. Three carbon models (disordered carbon, closed-pore-dominated carbon, and turbostratic carbon) are constructed to verify the accuracy of Δ and to explore the closed-pore formation and LPP mechanism. In detail, as the Δ increases from 0.06 to 0.22, the LPP capacity rises from 25 to 278 mAh g⁻¹, revealing a strong linear correlation between Δ of precursor and LPP capacity. In situ XRD, Raman, and ex situ SAXS, EPR further confirm that sodium storage in HC can be categorized into adsorption (>0.4 V), interlayer storage (0.4 to 0.15 V), and pore-filling (below 0.15 V). This work not only elucidates the sodium storage mechanisms, but also provides one efficient design guideline for advanced carbon anodes in SIBs.

Based on density functional theory calculations, machine learning, and experimental validation, a general design approach is provided to suppress performance degradation by modulating coupled polyhedral distortion in layered cathode materials. The developed Li-rich cathode exhibits remarkable long-term capacity and voltage stability, with 95.8% capacity retention after 300 cycles and 0.02% voltage decay per cycle.

Abstract

Achieving significant enhancements in both capacity and voltage stability remains a formidable challenge for Li-rich layered cathodes. The severe performance degradation is attributed to large lattice strain, irreversible oxygen release and transition metal migration, but the most critical factor responsible for structural destabilization is still elusive. Here, based on density functional theory calculations, machine learning and experimental validation, a multi-hierarchy screening of complex multi-element doping systems is developed from electrochemical activity, lattice strain, oxygen stability and transition metal migration barrier. It is further identified that the coupled polyhedral distortion parameter D+σ2 of the substitution element is the most significant feature that affects the structural stability during cycling. The Li-rich layered cathode developed based on the predicted results exhibits remarkable long-term capacity stability (95.8% capacity retention over 300 cycles) and negligible voltage loss (0.02% voltage decay per cycle). This study provides a general approach by modulating coupled polyhedral distortion for the rational design of cathode materials and can be expanded to the discovery of other advanced electrodes.

This study proposes molecular design strategies to develop trifluorotoluylation ILs that enable quasi-solid-state ether-based electrolytes for high-voltage LMBs. The designed ILs greatly enhance the oxidative stability of the electrolyte and effectively suppress the dissolution of transition metal ions, facilitating the formation of a LiF-rich interfacial layer on the lithium anode, promoting uniform distribution of Li+ and regular deposition of lithium.

Abstract

The practical application of quasi-solid-state ether-based electrolytes is hindered by lithium dendrite formation and poor oxidation stability, which reduce the cycle life and energy density of the battery. Here, taking advantage of the ionic liquids’ high ionic interactions and structural flexibility in forming an optimized electrode/electrolyte interface, a pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids with trifluorotoluylation cationic segment is designed and developed. The oxidation of anions in the electrolytes is induced to form a robust inorganic LiF-rich interphase at the cathode, thereby effectively achieving high oxidation stability and suppressing the dissolution of transition metal ions. In addition, the LiF interphases derived from the trifluorotoluylation cations increase the modulus of the anode interface and suppress the growth of lithium dendrites. Therefore, the Li-LiFePO4, Li-LiCoO2, and Li-LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cells with the optimized electrolytes demonstrate remarkable performance improvements at high current density (10 C), a wide voltage range of 4.5 V, a high mass loading of 11.1 mg cm−2, and a wide temperature range of −20–80 °C. Furthermore, a 2.66 Ah-level pouch cell with a high-energy-density of exceeding 356 Wh kg‒1 and excellent cyclic stability demonstrates the potential of the strategy in providing a path for the practical application of quasi-solid-state ether-based electrolytes in high-energy-density batteries.

The advantages, applications, challenges, and prospects of current collectors have been comprehensively reviewed, covering various types of metal current collectors, carbonaceous current collectors, conductive polymer current collectors, and organic–inorganic hybrid current collectors. The high-performance, multi-structured, and functionalized novel current collectors play a crucial role in advancing batteries with high performance, safety, and intelligence for next-generation energy storage devices.

Abstract

The rapid advancement of rechargeable batteries is hindered by insufficient energy density, limited design flexibility, and safety concerns, which pose significant challenges to their practical application. This review summarizes the crucial yet often overlooked role of current collectors in addressing these challenges. Recent progress across four types of current collectors, deriving from metal foils, carbonaceous substrates, conductive polymers, and organic–inorganic hybrids is systematically analyzed. Metal foils, as the most widely used current collectors, now face challenges including corrosion susceptibility and high volumetric density. Carbonaceous and polymer-based alternatives offer lightweight design and structural flexibility, but face limitations in conductivity and scalable production. Notably, organic–inorganic hybrid current collectors, leveraging material engineering and hierarchical design, offer a promising avenue to enhance battery safety and intelligence. Further, potential directions for current collector development, emphasizing 1) enhanced battery performance, 2) multiscale structural adaptability, and 3) integrated multifunctional design, providing prospective insights for next-generation energy storage devices are outlined.

This review explores the latest advancements in microporous material-based membranes, focusing on their applications in hydrocarbon separation, molecular sieving, and ion separation. It highlights the innovative membrane design methods and membrane separation performance, along with current challenges and perspectives on the future directions in the field of microporous membranes.

Abstract

Advancements in membrane-based separation hinge on the design of materials that transcend conventional limitations. Microporous materials, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent–organic frameworks (COFs), macrocycles, and porous organic cages (POCs) offer unprecedented control over pore architecture, chemical functionality, and transport properties, making them promising candidates for next-generation membrane technologies. The well-defined and tunable micropores provide a pathway to directly address the permeability-selectivity trade-off inherent in conventional polymer membranes. Here, this review explores the latest advancements in these four representative microporous membranes, emphasizing their breakthroughs in hydrocarbon separation, liquid-phase molecular sieving, and ion-selective transport, particularly focusing on their structure-performance relationships. While their tailored structures enable exceptional performance, practical adoption requires overcoming hurdles in scalability, durability, and compatibility with industrial processes. By offering insights into membrane structure optimization and innovative design strategies, this review provides a roadmap for advancing microporous membranes from laboratory innovation to real-world implementation, ultimately supporting global sustainability goals through energy-efficient separation processes.

This work introduces an ultrathin ion-conducting membrane (ICM) to enhance interfacial stabilization in anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs). This ICM enhances charge separation, builds stable anion-derived solid electrolyte interphases (SEI), and inhibits dendritic growth by guiding lithium lateral deposition through ionic nano-channels. Therefore, this design achieves exceptional Coulombic efficiency (99.82%) in Li||Cu cells and long-term stability (80.72% capacity retention over 100 cycles) in Li||NCM811 cells, offering a promising path for high-performance, safe battery systems.

Abstract

Anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs) are promising due to ultrahigh energy density, reduced manufacturing costs, and enhanced safety through active lithium elimination. However, their practical implementation remains challenged by unstable electrode-electrolyte interfaces and the resulting rapid active species depletion. Herein, an ultrathin ion-conducting membrane (ICM) is designed, featuring uniformly distributed rigid benzenesulfonimide anionic groups and flexible lithiophilic groups containing ether oxygen groups. The constrained benzenesulfonimide anions enable exceptional charge separation and reduced spatial resistance, boosting lithium-ion mobility, while the integrated lithophilic network directs lateral lithium deposition through ionic nanochannels. This ICM layer effectively promotes the enrichment of anions at the interface and constructs stable anion-derived solid electrolyte interphases (SEI). Meanwhile, ICM layers with electron-insulating and ion-conducting properties can further prevent side reactions, and suppress dendritic Li growth acting as a natural shield, resulting in seamless lithium deposition. Specifically, the Li||Cu coin cells with ICM achieve 99.82% Coulombic efficiency. The AFLMBs assembled with ICM-coated copper foil (ICM Cu) and NCM811 deliver an energy density of 495 Wh kg−1 with 80.72% capacity retention after 100 cycles. The interphasial chemistry design strategy provides insights into the precise interfacial engineering to realize high-performance, high-safety battery systems and facilitates their development for practical applications.

Formalizing Fermat: an update

I have been “officially” formalizing Fermat’s Last Theorem for 6 months now, and unofficially I’ve been doing so for around a year. In this talk I’ll give you an update on where we are, how it’s going, and what I’ve learnt so far. More precisely, I’ll talk about infrastructure (what we’ve settled on, the problems that we’ve had, and how we solved them). I’ll talk about what the goals of the project are, what we have achieved, and where we’re going. And I’ll talk about what were (to me) some unexpected consequences of the formalization procedure, namely some old mathematics which we’ve poked holes in, and some new mathematics which has come out of the project. Finally I want to stress that I will not be assuming that the audience knows anything at all about the details of the proof! The talk will be suitable for a general scientific audience.

=== Hybrid talk ===

Join Zoom Meeting https://cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/87143365195?pwd=SELTNkOcfVrIE1IppYCsbooOVqenzI.1

Meeting ID: 871 4336 5195

Passcode: 541180

• Speaker: Kevin Buzzard (Imperial College London)
• Thursday 01 May 2025, 17:00-18:00
• Venue: MR14 Centre for Mathematical Sciences.
• Series: Formalisation of mathematics with interactive theorem provers ; organiser: Anand Rao Tadipatri.

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE01316J, Paper Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.Huimin Wang, Mingzi Sun, Yongqiang Yang, Junhua Zhou, Lingtao Fang, Qiyao Huang, Bolong Huang, Zijian Zheng
Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) offer a safe and sustainable solution for large-scale energy storage, but the freezing of electrolytes prevents AZBs from working at low temperatures. Recent research shows...
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Nature Energy, Published online: 25 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01780-2

Author Correction: H2 and CO2 network strategies for the European energy system

Nature Energy, Published online: 25 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01764-2

Understanding the mechanisms of improvements in energy technologies can inform efforts to drive further innovation. Now, researchers evaluate the role of research and development, along with technology spillovers, in the improvement of light-emitting diodes.

Nature Energy, Published online: 25 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01757-1

From 2003 to 2020, the efficiency of white light-emitting diodes rose from 6% to 39%, while costs fell by 96%. Weinold et al. explore the drivers of such rapid progress to formulate lessons for future clean energy innovation.

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00485C, Paper Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.Yi Yuan, Zixuan Li, Rongyu Deng, Shengda D. Pu, Marc Walker, Mingzhi Cai, Feixiang Wu, Peter G. Bruce, Alex Robertson
Zn-ion batteries for practical applications face several challenges, some of which arise from the inevitable degradation of the Zn metal anode. The intrinsic thermodynamic instability of Zn metal anodes in...
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Metastability Properties of the Earth's Climate: a Multiscale Viewpoint

The ultralow frequency variability of the Earth’s climate features an interplay of typically long periods of stasis accompanied by critical transitions between qualitatively different regimes associated with metastable states. Such transitions have often been accompanied by massive and rapid changes in the biosphere. Multiple transitions between the coexisting warm and snowball climates occurred more than 600 Mya and eventually led to conditions favourable to the development of multicellular life. The coexistence of such states is due to the instability associated with the positive ice-albedo feedback, Yet, this behaviour repeats itself across a wide range of timescales, spatial domains, and physical processes. Building on Hasselmann’s program, we propose here to interpret the time-evolution of the Earth system as a trajectory taking place in a dynamical landscape, whose multiscale features describe a hierarchy of metastable states and associated tipping points. We introduce the concept of climatic Melancholia states, saddle embedded in the boundary between the basins of attraction of the stable climates and explain under which conditions they act as gateways of noise-induced transitions. Using a hierarchy of numerical models, we discuss in detail the dichotomy between warm and snowball climate by bringing together the deterministic and stochastic viewpoint on the related global stability properties. We then discuss the paleoclimatically-relevant case where multiple competing climatic states are present and show the relevance of our angle for interpreting proxy data. Finally, if time allows, we will present some very recent results suggesting that our viewpoint might explain some intriguing aspects of the dynamical features of the tipping points of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.

Key References V. Lucarini and T. Bodai, Transitions across Melancholia States in a Climate Model: Reconciling the Deterministic and Stochastic Points of View, Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 158701 (2019) G. Margazoglou et al., Dynamical landscape and multistability of a climate model, Proc. R. Soc. A.477 210019 (2021) V. Lucarini, M.D. Chekroun, Theoretical tools for understanding the climate crisis from Hasselmann’s programme and beyond, Nature Reviews Physics 5 (12), 744-765 (2023) D. D. Rousseau et al., A punctuated equilibrium analysis of the climate evolution of cenozoic exhibits a hierarchy of abrupt transitions. Sci Rep 13, 11290 (2023) J. Lohmann et al., Multistability and Intermediate Tipping of the Atlantic Ocean Circulation, Sci. Advances 10 DOI : 10.1126/sciadv.adi4253 (2024)

• Speaker: Prof Valerio Lucarini, University of Leicester
• Friday 09 May 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: MR2.
• Series: Fluid Mechanics (DAMTP); organiser: Professor Grae Worster.

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Milner Seminar June 2025 - Focus on cardiovascular research

Join us for the June Milner Seminar. Presentations will include time for Q&A and will be followed by refreshments and networking.

4:00pm

Namshik Han, CardiaTec Biosciences and Milner Therapeutics Institute – “Integrating human-centric multi-omics and AI for cardiovascular therapeutics”

4:30pm

Sanjay Sinha, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge – “Application of iPSC-based cardiovascular systems for disease modelling, drug discovery and genomic medicine”

If you’d like to attend this event, please register at: https://milner.glueup.com/event/milner-seminars-focus-on-cardiovascular-research-139525/

• Speaker: Namshik Han, CardiaTec Biosciences and Milner Therapeutics Institute and Sanjay Sinha, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge
• Wednesday 04 June 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Lecture Theatre, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre.
• Series: Milner Seminar Series; organiser: Mary-Jane Roebuck.

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE01104C, Paper Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.James Han Zhang, Rohith Mittapally, Abimbola Oluwade, Gang Chen
Evaporation fluxes from porous evaporators under sunlight have been reported to exceed the solar-thermal limit, determined by relating the incoming solar energy to the latent and sensible heat of water,...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE05129G, Paper Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.Marc Escribà-Gelonch, Jose Luis Osorio-Tejada, Le Yu, Bart Wanten, Annemie Bogaerts, Volker Hessel
This study combines for the first time techno-economic and life-cycle assessment metrics to evaluate the economic and environmental viability of plasma-assisted dry reforming of methane (DRM) for producing syngas from...
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Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Professor Yang Hao, Queen Mary University of London
• Friday 10 October 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: Department of Engineering - tbc.
• Series: Engineering - Mechanics Colloquia Research Seminars; organiser: div-c.

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