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Disordered rocksalts with lithium excess (DRX) offer a new direction in Li-ion cathode design beyond conventional Ni- and Co-based materials. This review highlights the design principles, synthesis strategies, and performance optimization of DRX oxides and oxyfluorides for energy-dense, sustainable batteries using Earth-abundant transition metals and tailored cation disorder.

Abstract

To address the growing demand for energy and support the shift toward transportation electrification and intermittent renewable energy, there is an urgent need for low-cost, energy-dense electrical storage. Research on Li-ion electrode materials has predominantly focused on ordered materials with well-defined lithium diffusion channels, limiting cathode design to resource-constrained Ni- and Co-based oxides and lower-energy polyanion compounds. Recently, disordered rocksalts with lithium excess (DRX) have demonstrated high capacity and energy density when lithium excess and/or local ordering allow statistical percolation of lithium sites through the structure. This cation disorder can be induced by high temperature synthesis or mechanochemical synthesis methods for a broad range of compositions. DRX oxides and oxyfluorides containing Earth-abundant transition metals have been prepared using various synthesis routes, including solid-state, molten-salt, and sol-gel reactions. This review outlines DRX design principles and explains the effect of synthesis conditions on cation disorder and short-range cation ordering (SRO), which determines the cycling stability and rate capability. In addition, strategies to enhance Li transport and capacity retention with Mn-rich DRX possessing partial spinel-like ordering are discussed. Finally, the review considers the optimization of carbon and electrolyte in DRX materials and addresses key challenges and opportunities for commercializing DRX cathodes.

In this work, by synergistically modulating carrier dynamics, both the separation efficiency and the quantity of electrons and holes transferred to ferroelectrics are optimized in parallel. As a result, the highest apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 5.78% at 365 nm for overall water splitting among ferroelectric materials is achieved and reported to date.

Abstract

Ferroelectric materials, known for their non-inversion symmetry, show promise as photocatalysts due to their unique asymmetric charge separation, which separates hydrogen and oxygen evolution sites. However, the strong depolarized field induces a relaxed surface structure, which in turn directly leads to slow hole charge transfer dynamics, hindering their efficiency in water splitting. In this study, a fundamental breakthrough in dramatically enhancing the overall water-splitting activity is presented, through the synergistically regulating of the surface behaviors of photogenerated carriers, resulting in nearly perfect parallel dynamics and balanced amounts. By depositing atomic layers of TiO2 onto the surface of PbTiO3, surface vacancies are effectively passivated, significantly prolonging the hole lifetime from 10−6 to 10−3 s. Spatially resolved transient photovoltage spectroscopy showed that improved hole dynamics led to a 180° phase shift between photogenerated electrons and holes, indicating nearly identical extraction dynamics. Notably, hole and electron concentrations increased to equivalent levels. This leads to a nearly 578-fold increment in the apparent quantum yield, resulting in significantly increased overall water-splitting rates, with a quantum yield of 5.78% at 365 nm. The strategy is also effective with Al2O3 and SiO2, demonstrating its versatility across varied materials, providing a valuable method for creating high-performance ferroelectric photocatalysts.

This work fabricates abundant vacancy defects on the MXene surface for anchoring neighboring metal single atoms, to construct atomically dispersed sub-metallene (Pd ADSM) on the nanoscale. Pd ADSM combines the advantages of 2D structures, single atoms, and metal bonds, which makes it excellent and active in alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions and room-temperature hydrogen sensing.

Abstract

Despite the metal coordination and single-atom catalyst (SAC) have been extensively investigated in surface science over the past decade, their overall activity in involving multi-step reactions remains unsatisfactory owing to the metal bond and single atom being irreconcilable. Here, a stable atomically dispersed Pd sub-metallene (Pd ADSM) layer supported on the 2D MXene (Mo2TiC2) is reported, which combines the advantages of 2D structures, single atoms, and metal bonds. Pd ADSM shows covalent structures along the z-coordination and highly coordinated metal bonds in the 2D direction. During the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), Pd ADSM shows 7- and 112-times higher mass activity than the SAC (Pd SAC) and commercial Pt/C at the overpotential of −108 mV, respectively. Operando characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the Pd─Pd interface not only makes the adsorbed water form a flexible hydrogen-bonded skeleton closer to the catalytic center but also reduces the energy barrier for the HER rate-determining step. Moreover, the moderate adsorption energy of Pd─Pd bonds in ADSM can rapidly activate, dissociate, and desorb hydrogen molecules at room temperature, resulting in record-high hydrogen sensing performances (Response time, Recovery time, and Sensitivity for 100 ppm H2 are 4.8, 1.6 s, and 43.5%, respectively).

The 3D self-assembled SiO2@SiO2/C nanorods crosslinked nitrogen-doped carbon fiber (SSA/NCF) networks are prepared by electrostatic spinning to promote the preferential deposition of (101) crystalline surfaces to obtain dense and flat zinc anodes. Uniform zinc ion transport and enhanced ion transfer kinetics are also achieved toward flexible, binder-free, and high-performance APLs.

Abstract

Owing to the low redox potential, abundant nature, and widespread availability, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted extensive investigation. Nevertheless, the commercialization of the batteries is severely hindered by negative side reactions, catastrophic dendrite growth, and uneven Zn2+ diffusion. Here, 3D self-assembled necklace-like nanofibers are developed by a simple electrospinning technique, in which SiO2@SiO2/C nanospheres are sequentially aligned on interconnected nitrogen/carbon networks (SSA/NCF) to achieve binder-free, high-performance, and dendrite-free growth of APLs. The design structure combines excellent interfacial ion transfer, corrosion resistance, and unique planar deposition regulation. The protective layer of SSA/NCF paper exhibits a high affinity for Zn2+, thereby reducing the nucleation barrier of Zn2+ and ensuring a more homogeneous Zn deposit. More importantly, this multifunctional interfacial layer induces preferential crystalline (101) oriented electroplating growth and promotes oriented dense Zn deposition. Consequently, the SSA/NCF paper layer endowed the cell with remarkable cycling stability, achieving an extended cycle life of 3000 h at 5 mA cm−2/1.25 mAh cm−2. This study offers novel insights into the development of high-performance zinc anodes.

A mesoporous-dominant carbon nanoreactor is designed with dimensions in the range of 15–43 nm with edge-rich defective atomic Zn sites. The crystal size and pore diameter of this carbon nanoreactors can be precisely adjusted to enable tunable mass diffusion pathways and porosities. The hydrophobic nature of 25 nm nanoreactors maximizes the nonkinetic advantages of active site exposure and rapid O2 mass transfer at the triple-phase interface.

Abstract

High-active nonplatinum group metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts have great potential to improve fuel cell and metal–air battery performance due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, a fundamental understanding of their size-dependent structure–performance relationships remain elusive. Here a mesoporous-dominant carbon nanoreactor with dimensions in the range of 15–43 nm with edge-rich defective atomic Zn sites is designed. The crystal size and pore diameter of this carbon nanoreactors can be precisely adjusted to enable tunable mass diffusion pathways and porosities. Importantly, the hydrophobic nature of 25 nm nanoreactors maximizes the nonkinetic advantages of active site exposure and rapid O2 mass transfer at the triple-phase interface. The developed Zn-N-P/NPC catalysts delivers outstanding alkaline and acidic ORR performance with half-wave potentials of 0.92 and 0.80 V, respectively, as well as excellent zinc–air battery performance with charge/discharge over 400 h under 20 mA cm−2. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations indicate that the enhanced ORR catalytic activity of Zn-N-P/NPC stems from the introduction of P atoms and edge carbon defects effectively exciting the localized electronic asymmetric distribution of Zn species. The findings provide new perspectives on the size effect of porous carbon supports for the development of efficient cathodes catalysts with multifunctionality.

This study presents a novel approach room-temperature ultrasound assisted atomic ordering method using to fabricate multi-grained NiPt nanoalloys with an intermetallic Ni3Pt5 phase. The resulting catalyst exhibits state-of-the-art durability and activity in all operational condition of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Structural and electrochemical analyses reveal direct the role of atomic ordering in mitigating metal dissolution, ensuring long-term stability.

Abstract

Rational design of catalytic nanomaterials is essential for developing high-performance fuel cell catalysts. However, structural degradation and elemental dissolution during operation pose significant challenges to achieving long-term stability. Herein, the development of multi-grained NiPt nanocatalysts featuring an atomically ordered Ni3Pt5 phase within intragrain is reported. Ultrasound-assisted synthesis facilitates atomic transposition by supplying sufficient diffusion energy along grain boundaries, enabling unprecedented phase formation. The Ni3Pt5 embedded nanocatalysts exhibit outstanding proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance under both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle conditions, with significantly reduced Ni dissolution. Under light-duty vehicle conditions, the catalyst achieves a mass activity of 0.94 A mgPt −1 and a 421 mA cm−2 current density (@ 0.8 V in air), retaining 78% of its initial mass activity after long-term operation. Under heavy-duty vehicle conditions, the multi-grained nanocrystal demonstrates only an 8% decrease in Pt utilization, a 5% power loss, and a 13 mV voltage drop, surpassing U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) durability targets. This study underscores the critical role of the atomically ordered Ni3Pt5 phase in stabilizing multi-grained NiPt nanocrystals, enhancing both durability and catalytic activity. These findings establish Ni3Pt5 embedded nanocatalysts as promising candidate for next-generation PEMFC applications, addressing key challenges in long-term operation.

Cellular Responses to Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of numerous human diseases and is often accompanied by changes in metabolic flux, mitochondrial morphology, and proteostatic signalling. In patients, such dysfunction is associated with conserved adaptive responses involving proteome remodeling, altered autophagy, and disruption of mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism. While many of these changes act as compensatory mechanisms, their chronic activation may ultimately impair cellular function. To identify modifiers of mitochondrial genome instability, we performed a genetic screen in Drosophila melanogaster expressing a proofreading-deficient mtDNA polymerase (POLγexo-). We identified critical pathways involved in nutrient sensing, insulin signalling, mitochondrial protein import, and autophagy that rescue the lethal phenotype of POL γexo- flies. Notably, hemizygosity for dilp1, atg2, tim14, or melted restored autophagic flux and proteasome activity, and supported metabolic adaptation. While mtDNA mutation frequencies remained high in most rescued lines, melted-rescued flies showed a reduction, suggesting early developmental action. Our findings further identify the nucleation step of autophagy as a key therapeutic target in mitigating mitochondrial genome instability.

• Speaker: Professor Anna Wredenberg, Karolinska Institute, Finland
• Friday 16 May 2025, 15:00-16:00
• Venue: MRC MBU, Level 7 Lecture Theatre, The Keith Peters Building, CB2 0XY.
• Series: MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit Seminars; organiser: Lisa Arnold.

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Long-Term Dynamics of the Iceland Mantle Plume

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Callum Pearman
• Friday 09 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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Masking: the fine line between fitting in and exhaustion

Neurodivergent people, in particular Autistic and ADHD individuals are known for their masking abilities. This can allow them to be able to fit in to a range of social and emotional situations. However, at what price? Masking can cause Autistic and ADHD people to present with inaccurate personality traits which can lead to difficulties in relationships and careers. Furthermore, the very act of masking can be physically and mentally exhausting and can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns.

Is masking a superpower or a curse?

• Speaker: Andrew Whitehouse, SEND Network
• Wednesday 14 May 2025, 11:30-13:00
• Venue: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87076030035?pwd=XUpJuh8jiR0mae1AhkV79qbg8MtlSM.1.
• Series: ARClub Talks; organiser: Simon Braschi.

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00282F, PaperWeihong Jiang, Xianshu Wang, Xuerui Yang, Yun Zhao, Jun Yao, Xiaoping Yang, Wei Luo, Liang Luo, Jianguo Duan, Peng Dong, Yingjie Zhang, Baohua Li, Ding WANG
Residual lithium compounds (RLCs) on the surface of high-nickel layered oxides aggravate battery capacity decay, irreversible phase transformation and safety hazards, hindering the development of high-energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)....
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Krasovskii Passivity Based Approaches to Control Design of Power Systems

In this talk, we introduce a new passivity concept, Krasovskii passivity and present novel control techniques built upon it. In particular, we propose a stabilizing controller which is applicable to distributed voltage regulation in networks of boost converters. Also, we develop an output consensus protocol and an input consensus protocol to address distributed control design for supply–demand balancing in networks of buck converters and swing equations, respectively.

The seminar will be held in JDB Seminar Room, Department of Engineering, and online (zoom): https://newnham.zoom.us/j/92544958528?pwd=YS9PcGRnbXBOcStBdStNb3E0SHN1UT09

• Speaker: Yu Kawano, Hiroshima University
• Thursday 08 May 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: JDB Seminar Room, Department of Engineering and online (Zoom).
• Series: CUED Control Group Seminars; organiser: Fulvio Forni.

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Nature Materials, Published online: 06 May 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02214-w

Ultrasound-induced differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons using piezoelectric nanostickers achieves injury repair and effective restoration of physiological functions of rats with traumatic brain injury.

Nature Materials, Published online: 06 May 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02222-w

A class of moiré quasiperiodic crystals with unexpected electronic properties is presented, exhibiting flat bands and correlation-induced gaps that signal the emergence of correlated quantum states.

The successor representation, its neural substrate, and behavioural consequences.

Breaking the mould of purely model free (MF) or model based (MB) reinforcement learning methods, the successor representation (SR) (Dayan, 1993) is a unique factorisation of the value function that bridges MB and MF approaches. At the start of the talk, Puria Radmard will discuss the mathematical formalism behind the SR, and provide a live demo of how such a representation is iteratively learned. In the second part, Daniel Kornai will present two papers. In “The hippocampus as a predictive map” (Stachenfeld et. al 2017 Nature Neuroscience), the authors show how many properties of place fields and grid fields can be recapitulated by a model that assumes that place cells encode the SR, and grid cells encode a low dimensional representation of the SR. In “The successor representation in human reinforcement learning” (Momennejad et. al 2017 Nature Human Behaviour), the authors show how human performance under continual reinforcement learning tasks is most consistent with a hybrid SR model.

• Speaker: Puria Radmard; Daniel Kornai
• Tuesday 06 May 2025, 15:00-16:30
• Venue: CBL Seminar Room, Engineering Department, 4th floor Baker building.
• Series: Computational Neuroscience; organiser: .

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An integrated computational physics approach for magnetically confined plasma

The physics governing magnetic plasma confinement in tokamaks involves complex interacting nonlinear processes spanning disparate temporal and spatial scales, and as a result their computational modelling is challenging. In this talk we present a mathematical formulation and a numerical algorithm suitable for the three-dimensional simulation of the complete plasma field (from core to the first wall, including the edge and scrape off layer) and its electromagnetic interaction with the first wall. We then employ the algorithm to study transient magnetohydrodynamic events (edge localized modes and vertical displacements). The study reveals gaps in the underlying mathematical knowledge which will benefit from a synergy between continuum- and atomic-scale computational physics.

• Speaker: Prof. Nikos Nikiforakis (Cambridge)
• Thursday 08 May 2025, 14:00-15:30
• Venue: Seminar Room 2, RDC.
• Series: Theory of Condensed Matter; organiser: Bo Peng.

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d-elliptic loci and quasi-modular forms

Let N_{g,d} be the locus of curves of genus g admitting a degree d cover of an elliptic curve. For fixed g, it is conjectured that the classes of N_{g,d} on M_g are the Fourier coefficients of a cycle-valued quasi-modular form in d. A key difficulty is that these classes are often non-tautological, so lie outside the reach of many known techniques. Via the Torelli map, the conjecture can be moved to one on certain Noether-Lefschetz loci on A_g, where there is accesss to different tools. I will explain some evidence for these conjectures, gathered from results of many people, some of which are joint with François Greer and Naomi Sweeting.

• Speaker: Carl Lian, Tufts University.
• Wednesday 14 May 2025, 14:15-15:15
• Venue: CMS MR13.
• Series: Algebraic Geometry Seminar; organiser: Dhruv Ranganathan.

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE01081K, Paper Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.Manman Qi, Michael J. Zachman, Yingxin Li, Yachao Zeng, Sooyeon Hwang, Jiashun Liang, Mason Lyons, Qian Zhao, Yu Mao, Yuyan Shao, Zhenxing Feng, Ziyun Wang, Yong Zhao, Gang Wu
Carbon-supported, atomically dispersed, nitrogen-coordinated metal sites (e.g., Fe and Ni) are arguably the most promising catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO due to their unique catalytic properties...
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Advanced Materials, Volume 37, Issue 18, May 5, 2025.

Liquid Metal Photothermal Actuators

In article number 2416991, Xingyou Tian, Xian Zhang, and co-workers present a novel design for programmable liquid metal photothermal actuators using laser etching, overcoming the trade-off between load-carrying capacity and response speed. Featuring high stability, rapid oscillation, and robust performance, these actuators show promise in advanced robotics, enabling versatile smart devices like photothermally actuated robotic dogs for diverse terrains.

Potassium-Ion Batteries

In article number 2502894, Shaoming Huang, Wei Zhang, and co-workers reveal a novel self-catalytic conversion reaction mechanism of N-doped CoTe2 composites (N-CoTe2/LTTC) incorporating 3D low-tortuosity tunneling structure, self-catalytic N-Co bonds, and heterojunction. Acting as the anode in potassium-ion batteries, the N-CoTe2/LTTC composite accelerates the catalytic conversion kinetics of potassium polytellurides (K5Te3 and K2Te) and achieves an ultralong-lifespan potassium storage performance over 25000 cycles.