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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE06091A, PaperSongyang Chang, Wentao Hou, Angelica Del Valle-Perez, Irfan Ullah, Xiaoyu Du, Lisandro Cunci, Gerardo Morell, Xianyong Wu
Aqueous multivalent metal batteries represent an attractive option for energy storage. Currently, various metals have been attempted for aqueous battery operation, ranging from divalent metals (zinc, iron, nickel, manganese) to...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00132C, Paper Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.Kun Zhang, Yijia Yuan, Gang Wang, Fangzheng Chen, Li Ma, Chao Wu, Jia Liu, Bao Zhang, Chenglin Li, Hongtian Liu, Changan Lu, Shibo Xi, Xing Li, Keyu Xie, Junhao Lin, Kian Ping Loh
Rechargeable aqueous zinc metal-based batteries present a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries due to their lower operating potentials, higher capacities, intrinsic safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. However, the use...
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Cambridge RNA Club - ONLINE

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Dr. Arash Latifkar (Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, MIT, Cambridge, USA), TBA
• Thursday 17 July 2025, 17:00-19:00
• Venue: Online (Zoom).
• Series: Cambridge RNA Club; organiser: Bianca Pierattini.

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Cambridge RNA Club - IN PERSON

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Dr. Ana Tufegdzic Vidakovic (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, UK), TBA
• Thursday 19 June 2025, 17:00-19:00
• Venue: Perham Seminar Room - Department of Biochemistry, Sanger Building.
• Series: Cambridge RNA Club; organiser: cambridgeRNA.

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Cambridge RNA Club - IN PERSON

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Dr. Paul Donlin-Asp (Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK), Dr. Aikaterini Gatsiou (Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK)
• Thursday 22 May 2025, 17:00-19:00
• Venue: Perham Seminar Room - Department of Biochemistry, Sanger Building.
• Series: Cambridge RNA Club; organiser: cambridgeRNA.

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Surgical data using LLMs

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Speaker to be confirmed
• Friday 21 March 2025, 17:00-17:45
• Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Computer Laboratory, William Gates Building.
• Series: Foundation AI; organiser: Pietro Lio.

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE05668J, PaperMinkang Wang, Han Su, Yu Zhong, Chuming Zhou, Guoli Chen, Xiuli Wang, Jiangping Tu
All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) are emerging as next-generation energy storage systems, offering enhanced energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, the breakdown of the ion-conducting network within sulfur cathode limits their...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE05669H, Communication Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.Craig Burdis, Romain Tort, Anna Winiwarter, Johannes Rietbrock, Jesús Barrio, Maria Magdalena Titirici, Ifan E.L. Stephens
To introduce the potential for tuneability of the cathode in lithium mediated ammonia synthesis, we report a carbon cathode which produces ammonia at a Faradaic efficiency of 37 %. This...
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Title to be confirmed

Peter C. Collins joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Iowa State University in July, 2015. Dr. Pete Collins received his undergraduate degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, and his MS and PhD from The Ohio State University in Materials Science and Engineering. Prior to joining ISU , Dr. Collins served as a faculty member and undergraduate coordinator in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas. Dr. Collins has also spent time standing-up a not-for-profit 501-3© manufacturing laboratory, and regularly engages with both industry and the government. His experiences and interests involve the practical and theoretical treatments of microstructure-property relationship, with an extension into composition-microstructure-property relationships derived for complex multi-phase, multi-component engineering alloys. He has extensive experience in participating in large industrial programs, has conducted studies into novel metal matrix composites, and has significant research experience with additive manufacturing techniques, and combinatorial materials science. Dr. Collins is an active member of TMS , past chairman of the ICME committee, member of the Titanium committee, and a member of the Materials Processing and Manufacturing Division. In recent years, Collins and his group have been actively involved in developing and building new types of instrumentation and experiments. These include developing the first 3D SRAS (spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy) microscope, bicombinatorial techniques, reduced-cost wire-fed metal AM systems, and other techniques aimed at characterizing defects in additive manufactured materials.

• Speaker: Dr Peter C. Collins, Iowa State University
• Friday 13 June 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: Oatley 1 Meeting Room, Department of Engineering.
• Series: Engineering - Mechanics and Materials Seminar Series; organiser: div-c.

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Democratizing Carbon Markets: A Blockchain-Based Emission Trading System for Small and Large-Scale Stakeholders in Brazil

Abstract

The integration of blockchain technology into carbon markets offers a unique opportunity to create more transparent, inclusive, and efficient trading mechanisms. This presentation introduces a novel Blockchain Emission Trading System (BETS) model designed to align with Brazil’s new carbon market legislation (Law 15042/2024), ensuring that both large landholders and small rural producers can participate fairly. Our approach leverages official land registries, such as SICAR , to create spatially and temporally verifiable carbon credits, preventing fraud and double counting while enabling greater accessibility for smaller stakeholders who often struggle to enter regulated markets. By decentralizing the issuance and trading of carbon credits, our model aims to reduce intermediaries, lower costs, and promote broader participation, ultimately fostering a more equitable environmental and economic transition. Through a systematic mapping study, we identify key challenges and research directions for blockchain-based carbon markets and propose a framework that ensures compliance with national and international standards while prioritizing social and economic inclusivity.

Bio

Jean is a professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in Brazil, specializing in information security, blockchain technology, and electronic documents. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge, where his research focused on cryptographic protocols and secure execution of code. Over the years, he has worked extensively on the development of blockchain-based solutions, particularly in the areas of digital identity, electronic signatures, and regulatory compliance. His recent work explores the use of blockchain to improve transparency, security, and inclusivity in digital ecosystems, including its application in carbon markets and sustainable finance.

• Speaker: Jean Martina, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
• Friday 28 March 2025, 13:00-14:00
• Venue: GS15, William Gates Building. Zoom link: https://cl-cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/4361570789?pwd=Nkl2T3ZLaTZwRm05bzRTOUUxY3Q4QT09&from=addon .
• Series: Energy and Environment Group, Department of CST; organiser: lyr24.

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Advanced Materials, EarlyView.

A functionalized photochromic material based on spiro-indoline naphthoxazine is applied to halide perovskite materials and the corresponding solar cells, demonstrating photoinduced transformation by a combination of techniques. This results in improvements in photovoltaic performances and operational stabilities, highlighting the potential of dynamic photochromic strategies in photovoltaics.

Abstract

The application of perovskite photovoltaics is hampered by issues related to the operational stability upon exposure to external stimuli, such as voltage bias and light. The dynamic control of the properties of perovskite materials in response to light could ensure the durability of perovskite solar cells, which is especially critical at the interface with charge-extraction layers. We have applied a functionalized photochromic material based on spiro-indoline naphthoxazine at the interface with hole-transport layers in the corresponding perovskite solar cells with the aim of stabilizing them in response to voltage bias and light. We demonstrate photoinduced transformation by a combination of techniques, including transient absorption spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy. As a result, the application of the photochromic derivative offers improvements in photovoltaic performance and operational stability, highlighting the potential of dynamic photochromic strategies in perovskite photovoltaics.

Two regioisomeric COFs incorporating the thieno[3,2-b]thiophene moiety are synthesized for photocatalytic H2O2 production. The β-isomer exhibits exceptional performance compared to the α-isomeric counterpart due to optimized electron distribution, enhance charge transfer efficiency, and precise alignment of excited-state electrons with the ORR active site, demonstrating the great potential of leveraging regioisomerism in COF design.

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are emerging as a transformative platform for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production due to their highly ordered structures, intrinsic porosity, and molecular tunability. Despite their potential, the inefficient utilization of photogenerated charge carriers in COFs significantly restrains their photocatalytic efficiency. This study presents two regioisomeric COFs, α-TT-TDAN COF and β-TT-TDAN COF, both incorporating thieno[3,2-b]thiophene moieties, to investigate the influence of regioisomerism on the excited electron distribution and its impact on photocatalytic performance. The β-TT-TDAN COF demonstrates a remarkable solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 1.35%, outperforming its α-isomeric counterpart, which is merely 0.44%. Comprehensive spectroscopic and computational investigations reveal the critical role of subtle substitution change in COFs on their electronic properties. This structural adjustment intricately connects molecular structure to charge dynamics, enabling precise regulation of electron distribution, efficient charge separation and transport, and localization of excited electrons at active sites. Moreover, this finely tuned interplay significantly enhances the efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction. These findings establish a new paradigm in COF design, offering a molecular-level strategy to advance COFs and reticular materials toward highly efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion.

This study presents RuNPs-RuCrAPs-N-C, a novel electrocatalyst incorporating Ru nanoparticles (RuNPs), single atoms, and Ru–Cr atomic pairs (RuCrAps) on nitrogen-doped carbon, exhibiting exceptional alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. RuCrAPs modify the electronic structure of RuNPs as active sites through the optimised electronic metal support interaction (EMSI) and enhanced water adsorption and dissociation.

Abstract

Precisely optimizing the electronic metal support interaction (EMSI) of the electrocatalysts and tuning the electronic structures of active sites are crucial for accelerating water adsorption and dissociation kinetics in alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, an effective strategy is applied to modify the electronic structure of Ru nanoparticles (RuNPs) by incorporating Ru single atoms (RuSAs) and Ru and Cr atomic pairs (RuCrAPs) onto a nitrogen-doped carbon (N–C) support through optimized EMSI. The resulting catalyst, RuNPs-RuCrAPs-N-C, shows exceptional performance for alkaline HER, achieving a six times higher turnover frequency (TOF) of 13.15 s⁻¹ at an overpotential of 100 mV, compared to that of commercial Pt/C (2.07 s⁻¹). Additionally, the catalyst operates at a lower overpotential at a current density of 10 mA·cm⁻2 (η10 = 31 mV), outperforming commercial Pt/C (η10 = 34 mV). Experimental results confirm that the RuCrAPs modified RuNPs are the main active sites for the alkaline HER, facilitating the rate-determining steps of water adsorption and dissociation. Moreover, the Ru–Cr interaction also plays a vital role in modulating hydrogen desorption. This study presents a synergistic approach by rationally combining single atoms, atomic pairs, and nanoparticles with optimized EMSI effects to advance the development of efficient electrocatalysts for alkaline HER.

In situ magnetism measurement is employed to investigate the magnetic/electronic structure evolution in the Li-rich cathode. The magnetization changes demonstrate that charge storage behavior originates from synergistic transition metal spin-state variation and π-to-σ interaction evolution, and further elucidate the internal origin of capacity decay during cycling. The Mn─O orbital model provides potential criteria for oxygen redox, guiding rational design of anionic redox-based cathodes.

Abstract

Oxide ions in lithium-rich layered oxides can store charge at high voltage and offer a viable route toward the higher energy density batteries. However, the underlying oxygen redox mechanism in such materials still remains elusive at present. In this work, a precise in situ magnetism measurement is employed to monitor real-time magnetization variation associated with unpaired electrons in Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 cathode material, enabling the investigation on magnetic/electronic structure evolution in electrochemical cycling. The magnetization gradually decreases except for a weak upturn above 4.6 V during the initial charging process. According to the comprehensive analyses of various in/ex situ characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the magnetization rebound can be attributed to the interaction evolution of lattice oxygen from π-type delocalized Mn─O coupling to σ-type O─O dimerization bonding. Moreover, the magnetization amplitude attenuation after long-term cycles provides important evidence for the irreversible structure transition and capacity fading. The oxygen redox mechanism concluded by in situ magnetism characterization can be generalized to other electrode materials with an anionic redox process and provide pivotal guidance for designing advanced high-performance cathode materials.

This work proposed an efficient Yb3+-doped PEA2Cs2Pb3Br10 quasi 2D layered metal halide perovskites (2D-LMHPs) film and revealed the microscopic energy transfer process of the complex system. Moreover, an efficient and super-stable 990 nm NIR PeLED with the external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 8.8% and a record operational lifetime of 1274 min is obtained. These findings will expand the optical properties and application potential of quasi 2D-LMHPs materials.

Abstract

Quasi 2D layered metal halide perovskites (2D-LMHPs) with natural quantum wells (QWs) structure have garnered significant attention due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. Doping rare earth (RE) ions with 4f n inner shell emission levels can largely expand their optical and optoelectronic properties and realize diverse applications, but has not been reported yet. Herein, an efficient Yb3+-doped PEA2Cs2Pb3Br10 quasi 2D-LMHPs is fabricated and directly identified the Yb3+ ions in the quasi 2D-LMHPs at the atomic scale using aberration electron microscopy. The interaction between different n phases and Yb3+ ions is elucidated using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy and luminescent dynamics, which demonstrated efficient, different time scales and multi-channel energy transfer processes. Finally, through phase distribution manipulation and surface passivation, the optimized film exhibits a photoluminescence quantum yield of 144%. This is the first demonstration of quantum cutting emission in pure Br-based perovskite material, suppressing defect states and ion migration. The efficient and stable near-infrared light-emitting diodes (NIR LED) is fabricated with a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 8.8% at 990 nm and the record lifetime of 1274 min. This work provides fresh insight into the interaction between RE ions and quasi 2D-LMHPs and extend the function and application of quasi 2D-LMHPs materials.

Artificial antiferromagnetically coupled multilayered heterostructures with tailored interlayer exchange interactions and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy hold great promise for applications such as magnetic random-access memory, magnetic sensors, and spintronics. Voltage-driven ion migration (i.e., magneto-ionics) enables post-synthesis tuning of these magnetic stacks, allowing significant modulation of the various switching events and transitions between antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferrimagnetic (FiM) states.

Abstract

Voltage-driven ion motion offers a powerful means to modulate magnetism and spin phenomena in solids, a process known as magneto-ionics, which holds great promise for developing energy-efficient next-generation micro- and nano-electronic devices. Synthetic antiferromagnets (SAFs), consisting of two ferromagnetic layers coupled antiferromagnetically via a thin non-magnetic spacer, offer advantages such as enhanced thermal stability, robustness against external magnetic fields, and reduced magnetostatic interactions in magnetic tunnel junctions. Despite its technological potential, magneto-ionic control of antiferromagnetic coupling in multilayers (MLs) has only recently been explored and remains poorly understood, particularly in systems free of platinum-group metals. In this work, room-temperature voltage control of Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida (RKKY) interactions in Co/Ni-based SAFs is achieved. Transitions between ferrimagnetic (uncompensated) and antiferromagnetic (fully compensated) states is observed, as well as significant modulation of the RKKY bias field offset, emergence of additional switching events, and formation of skyrmion-like or pinned domain bubbles under relatively low gating voltages. These phenomena are attributed to voltage-driven oxygen migration in the MLs, as confirmed through microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. This study underscores the potential of voltage-triggered ion migration as a versatile tool for post-synthesis tuning of magnetic multilayers, with potential applications in magnetic-field sensing, energy-efficient memories and spintronics.

This study fabricates a large-area multicolor rare-earth afterglow film via electrospinning, integrating ZnS and tricolor rare-earth phosphors to achieve ultra-long afterglow (>30 h) and tunable emissions. The film exhibits thermoluminescence, environmental stability, and light-capturing capabilities, enabling applications in fire-rescue gear, greenhouses, and energy-efficient tunnel/garage lighting. Its scalable production and cost-effectiveness advance energy-saving technologies in agriculture, safety, and urban infrastructure.

Abstract

Rare-earth afterglow materials, with their unique light-storage properties, show great promise for diverse applications. However, their broader applicability is constrained by challenges such as poor solvent compatibility, limited luminescent efficiency, and monochromatic emissions. In this study, these limitations are addressed by blending ZnS with various rare-earth phosphors including (Sr0.75Ca0.25)S:Eu2+; SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ and Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+, Dy3+ to modulate deep trap mechanisms and significantly enhance both the afterglow and light capture capabilities. Using electrospinning, a large-area (0.4 m × 3 m) afterglow film is successfully fabricated with tunable colors and an extended afterglow duration exceeding 30 h. This film demonstrates thermoluminescence, enabling potential integration into fire-rescue protective clothing for enhanced emergency visibility. In greenhouse settings, it effectively supports chlorophyll synthesis and optimizes conditions for plant growth over a 24-h cycle. For tunnel and garage applications, the film captures and stores light from vehicle headlights at distances of up to 70 meters. The scalability and cost-effectiveness of this afterglow film underscore its considerable potential for real-world applications across multiple fields, marking a significant advancement in sustainable illumination technology.

A natural binary electrolyte additive is designed to achieve an enhanced interfacial molecule adsorption layer for Zn protection via reshaping the electric double-layer structure. Consequently, the hydrogen evolution reaction is suppressed and a robust inorganic solid electrolyte interphase is constructed for dendrite-free Zn plating. The zinc ion hybrid capacitor with binary additive demonstrates an exceptional lifespan of over 100 000 cycles.

Abstract

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) face challenges due to the limited interface stability of Zn anode, which includes uncontrolled hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and excessive dendrite growth. In this study, a natural binary additive composed of saponin and anisaldehyde is introduced to create a stable interfacial adsorption layer for Zn protection via reshaping the electric double layer (EDL) structure. Saponin with rich hydroxyl and carboxyl groups serves as “anchor points”, promoting the adsorption of anisaldehyde through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Meanwhile, anisaldehyde, with a unique aldehyde group, enhances HER suppression by preferentially facilitating electrocatalytic coupling with H* in the EDL, leading to the formation of a robust inorganic solid electrolyte interphase that prevents dendrite formation, and structural evolution of anisaldehyde during Zn deposition process is verified. As a result, the Zn||Zn symmetric cells present an ultra-long cycling lifespan of 3 400 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 700 h at 10 mA cm−2. Even at the current density of 20 mA cm−2, the cells demonstrate reversible operations for 450 h. Furthermore, Zn-ion hybrid capacitors exhibit a remarkable lifespan of 100 000 cycles. This work presents a simple synergetic strategy to enhance anode/electrolyte interfacial stability, highlighting its potential for Zn anode protection in high-performance AZIBs.

RuNi composites are constructed on surface-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and demonstrated as a multifunctional electrocatalyst for both alkaline hydrogen and oxygen electrolysis. The exceptional catalytic activity and multifunctionality of the catalyst composites across all key reactions enable a regenerative fuel cell system to achieve high round-trip efficiency at industrial-level current densities.

Abstract

Regenerative fuel cells hold significant potential for efficient, large-scale energy storage by reversibly converting electrical energy into hydrogen and vice versa, making them essential for leveraging intermittent renewable energy sources. However, their practical implementation is hindered by the unsatisfactory efficiency. Addressing this challenge requires the development of cost-effective electrocatalysts. In this study, a carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported RuNi composite with low Ru loading is developed as an efficient and stable catalyst for alkaline hydrogen and oxygen electrocatalysis, including hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, hydrogen oxidation, and oxygen reduction reaction. Furthermore, a regenerative fuel cell using this catalyst composite is assembled and evaluated under practical relevant conditions. As anticipated, the system exhibits outstanding performance in both the electrolyzer and fuel cell modes. Specifically, it achieves a low cell voltage of 1.64 V to achieve a current density of 1 A cm− 2 for the electrolyzer mode and delivers a high output voltage of 0.52 V at the same current density in fuel cell mode, resulting in a round-trip efficiency (RTE) of 31.6% without further optimization. The multifunctionality, high activity, and impressive RTE resulted by using the RuNi catalyst composites underscore its potential as a single catalyst for regenerative fuel cells.