News from China
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 23-Dec-2025 13:11 ET (23-Dec-2025 18:11 GMT/UTC)
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityTwist-engineered acoustic plasmon nanocavities enable deep-nanoscale terahertz molecular fingerprinting
Chinese Society for Optical EngineeringPeer-Reviewed Publication
Researchers from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China have developed a twisted double-layer graphene plasmonic metasurface that achieves unprecedented confinement of terahertz waves into nanoscale volumes, theoretically enabling fingerprint detection of molecular monolayers as thin as 1 nm. This system overcomes the critical challenge in terahertz sensing where the long wavelength (hundreds of micrometers) weakly interacts with nanoscale molecules. By engineering acoustic plasmon nanocavities through precise twist angles between graphene layers, the team demonstrated a mode volume as small as 10⁻¹³λ₀³ and sensitivity 48 times higher than conventional single-layer graphene and non-twist double-layer graphene structures. The platform provides a new insight for ultra-strong light-matter interaction at terahertz frequencies and opens possibilities for single-molecule spectroscopy and on-chip biosensing applications.
- Journal
- PhotoniX
Gas-driven micro/nanomotors in biomedicine: How do these self-powered 'smart missiles' overcome pathological barriers?
Tsinghua University PressMicro/nanomotors (MNMs) have become a transformative force in biomedical engineering, playing a pivotal role in advancing next-generation drug delivery systems. These tiny propulsion systems are categorized by their actuation mechanisms, with gas-driven MNMs standing out due to their ability to harness chemically generated micro/nano-scale thrust for autonomous motion. By leveraging their dynamic self-propulsion and unique bio-interactive behaviors, gas-driven MNMs can efficiently navigate complex biological barriers, offering groundbreaking therapeutic solutions for cancer treatment, thrombolysis, and targeted drug delivery. This review first examines the fundamental propulsion mechanisms of gas-driven MNMs, then highlights their latest breakthroughs in overcoming physiological obstacles. Finally, it evaluates their future potential and clinical advantages, providing critical insights to drive innovation and accelerate their translation into real-world medical applications.
- Journal
- Nano Research
Ultra-low cost and high Coulombic efficiency aqueous zinc-ion battery
Tsinghua University PressLarge-scale electrochemical energy storage systems (EESs) based on rechargeable batteries play a crucial role in mitigating the intermittency of renewable energy sources. Their safety and costs arouse wide concern. A novel Fe²⁺/FeOOH·0.5H₂O deposition/dissolution mechanism and a stable ZFH electrolyte eliminates expensive cathode materials, leveraging abundant Fe and Zn for affordability and safety. This breakthrough offers a scalable, sustainable solution for grid-scale energy storage, supporting renewable integration.
- Journal
- Nano Research
Oxidative etching and regrowth strategy enables high-yield synthesis of icosahedral gold nanocrystals for efficient CO₂ reduction
Tsinghua University PressResearchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University and Soochow University have developed an innovative oxidative etching and regrowth method for the controlled synthesis of icosahedral gold (Au) nanocrystals. This approach enables the production of nanocrystals with tunable sizes ranging from 12 to 43 nm and a high yield of approximately 90%. The resulting icosahedral Au nanocrystals exhibit significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performance for the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO), achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 97.5%. The study offers a promising route for designing high-performance electrocatalysts through strain engineering.
- Journal
- Nano Research
High toughness MXene/ANF-CZIF67/ANF 'magnetic–electric' Janus film for multifunctional low reflection electromagnetic interference shielding
Tsinghua University PressCurrently, the development of low-reflection electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composite materials for mitigating secondary electromagnetic wave pollution has become a major research focus. However, achieving thinness, high toughness, low reflectivity, and multifunctionality in flexible EMI shielding films remains a challenge. To address this issue, Benliang Liang and Luting Yan from Beijing Jiaotong University, in collaboration with Lan Zhang from Luoyang Institute of Science and Technology, have introduced a "magnetic-electric" Janus structure EMI shielding composite film composed of MXene nanosheets, carbonized ZIF67 (CZIF67) nanoparticles and aramid nanofibers (ANF), balancing thinness(80 μm), high-strength-toughness composite film (110±7 MPa tensile strength, 21% strain, 14.91±0.9 MJ·m⁻³ toughness), (4.3–4.5 dB in 8.2–9.6 GHz) with 44.8 dB SET in the X-band. In addition, This multifunctional material simultaneously integrates electrothermal/photothermal conversion, fire-alarm response, and infrared stealth capabilities, demonstrating exceptional potential for next-generation wearable electronics and harsh-environment applications.
- Journal
- Nano Research
Machine learning-enabled one-step fabrication of targeted emodin liposomes via novel micromixer: A breakthrough for ulcerative colitis therapy
Tsinghua University PressUlcerative colitis (UC), a prevalent chronic inflammatory bowel disease, faces limitations in current treatments due to poor efficacy and side effects. Emodin (EMO), a natural anti-inflammatory compound, shows promise but is hindered by low solubility and bioavailability. A research team led by Prof. Xueye Chen from Ludong University developed a novel micromixer combined with machine learning to enable one-step synthesis of targeted emodin liposomes (Apt-EMO@Lip), significantly enhancing therapeutic efficiency and paving new avenues for UC treatment.
- Journal
- Nano Research
Why do Tibetan pigs accumulate fat more easily than Duroc pigs?
Higher Education PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
Adipose tissue is a crucial energy-regulating organ in mammals, responsible not only for storing excess energy but also participating in body temperature maintenance and metabolic balance.
- Journal
- Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering
Dual built-in electric field engineering in heterostructure nickel-cobalt bimetallic composites for boosted electromagnetic energy dissipation
Higher Education PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
Researchers have developed a novel Nickel-Cobalt bimetallic nanocomposite material. Its built-in dual electric field significantly enhances electromagnetic energy dissipation, achieving ultra-wideband absorption.
- Journal
- Advanced Powder Materials