[Image above] Credit: ACerS
ENERGY
Review of metals for battery anodes
University of Houston researchers published a review that highlights the similarities and differences in monovalent metals, such as lithium, sodium, and potassium, and multivalent metals, including magnesium, calcium, and aluminum, as alternatives to graphite for battery anodes.
How voltage impacts EV efficiency, performance, and cost
An EV Engineering & Infrastructure article explores how voltage selection impacts power conversion systems and why high-voltage inverters are key to unlocking the next generation of mobility.
New prediction model could improve the reliability of fusion power plants
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers developed a prediction model that could improve the safety and reliability of tokamak fusion reactors. The approach combines physics and machine learning to avoid damaging disruptions when powering down tokamak fusion machines.
The most important mineral for clean energy isn’t what you think
University of Queensland researchers estimated that the raw materials for concrete could make up as much as 70% of mineral needs for the renewable energy push. Despite this overwhelming volume, projections for energy transition needs rarely feature sand, gravel, and limestone as they are often seen as abundant, low-value, and locally available.
ENVIRONMENT
New generation of compact and efficient water treatment systems
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS developed compact foam ceramics with functional coatings that use photocatalytic oxidation to effectively break down pollutants.
Neutrons reveal how reefs responded to past climate changes
Researchers in Australia pioneered a new method based on neutron computed tomography to study fossilized coral, which will improve scientists’ ability to reconstruct how reefs and oceans responded to changes in Earth’s climate thousands of years ago.
Winds on Mars are faster than we thought
New research offers a clearer understanding of Mars’ climate and dust cycle. The speed of the dust devils was determined by analyzing satellite images of the planet’s surface from the High Resolution Stereo Camera on board the European Space Agency’s Mars Express Orbiter and the Color and Stereo Surface Imaging System on the agency’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter.
MANUFACTURING
One-step method uses clever precursor molecule to make graphene with regular irregularities
Researchers from the University of Warwick and the University of Nottingham developed a one-step chemical vapor deposition process to introduce defects directly into graphene during growth. It employs azupyrene, a precursor molecule designed to mimic the topology of a Stone–Wales defect.
New 3D printing method ‘grows’ ultrastrong materials
Researchers at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne pioneered a 3D printing method that grows metals and ceramics inside a water-based gel, resulting in exceptionally dense yet intricate constructions.
OTHER STORIES
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to MOFs
Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of metal–organic frameworks.
First optical device based on ‘optical thermodynamics’
Researchers at the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering created a new breakthrough in photonics: the design of the first optical device that follows the emerging framework of optical thermodynamics.
Record-low signal loss with hollow core fiber technology
University of Southampton researchers developed a hollow core optical fiber that demonstrates significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and data capacity. The design was developed with collaboration from Microsoft Azure Fiber researchers.
First 2D–silicon hybrid flash chip achieves record speed and 94% memory yield
Fudan University researchers merged ultrafast 2D flash memory with mature silicon-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. The device supports eight-bit instruction operations and 32-bit high-speed parallel operations with random access, achieving a 94.3% memory cell yield.
The oldest human construction ever discovered is 3X older than Egypt’s Great Pyramid
In Thessaly, central Greece, archaeologists uncovered a stone wall inside the theopetra cave dating back approximately 23,000 years. This dating makes it the oldest known human-made structure, predating the famous pyramid of Khufu, which was built around 6,600 years ago.