Protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) have attracted significant interest due to their efficiency and environmental sustainability in energy conversion. However, their commercial application is hindered by the absence of effective and robust electrodes capable of performing in harsh environments, such as those characterized by high vapor or CO₂ concentrations. In this study, we developed a stable steam electrode composed of PrBaMn₂O_5+δ (PBM) and the durable proton conductor BaZr_0.85Y_0.15O_3-δ (BZY), enhanced with the deposition of PrO_x nano-catalysts. The composite electrode exhibited a low polarization resistance (~0.34 Ω·cm² at 600 °C), comparable to conventional cobalt-based electrodes. Additionally, extensive testing over hundreds of hours under severe conditions revealed exceptional durability without significant degradation. Notably, the electrode composited with cube-shaped BZY microcrystals and PBM showed a higher proton conductivity of 2.15×10⁻⁵ S·cm⁻¹ at 500 °C, representing an entire order of magnitude increase compared to the electrode composited with irregular nanosized BZY. Besides, the single cell achieved a superior electrolysis current of 2.0 A cm^-2 at 700°C and 1.3 V. These findings demonstrate the superiority of constructing an innovative interface between the mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) and the proton conductor. Our work presents a promising strategy for the design of durable steam electrodes for PCECs through a rational compositing approach.

This study unveiled the role of Lrrk2 gene in regulating macrophage polarization and immune response. This finding provides significant insights into the role of Lrrk2 in M1 macrophage modulation, potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets for immune-related diseases.

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) offers distinct advantages, including low equipment cost, high deposition efficiency, and suitability for fabricating large-scale components. 921A steel (10CrNi3MoV) is widely used in the offshore industry and shipbuilding. Therefore, the application of WAAM technology to 921A steel structure manufacturing and component repair is of great significance. In order to understand the melt pool heat transfer flow and microstructural evolution during the WAAM process of 921A steel, a multi-scale model combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and cellular automata (CA) methods was developed. The model successfully predicted the temperature and flow fields, as well as the microstructural evolution within the deposition layer.

Researchers have developed an innovative hydrogel electrolyte that dramatically enhances the performance of sodium-zinc hybrid ion batteries. This breakthrough material offers exceptional ionic conductivity and an expanded electrochemical stability window, addressing key challenges in energy density and safety. With its impressive properties, the hydrogel electrolyte opens new possibilities for large-scale energy storage systems, promising more efficient and reliable solutions for future energy demands.

Hydrogen sourced from coke oven gas, a byproduct of steel production, is currently the most economically viable option as an input for “calcium looping”, a type of carbon capture, at least until the price of hydrogen sourced from cleanly powered electricity significantly drops, researchers have concluded.

A study in Forest Ecosystems shows that particulate organic carbon (POC) dominates surface soils, while mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) prevails in deeper soils across eastern China’s forests. The research highlights how microbial activity influences carbon storage, with increased microbial processing of organic carbon in warmer, lower-latitude regions.

A research team has published a review summarizing synthetic design strategies for developing high-performance photocatalysts.

In a major advancement for energy storage, researchers have developed an innovative in situ polymerized quasi-solid polymer electrolyte (DS-QSPE) that addresses critical challenges in room-temperature sodium-sulfur (Na-S) batteries. This breakthrough technology effectively mitigates common issues such as void-filled interfaces and the polysulfide shuttle effect, which have long hindered the practical application of Na-S batteries. By significantly enhancing ionic conductivity and sodium-ion transference, the DS-QSPE extends the lifespan and boosts the electrochemical performance of these batteries, offering a promising solution for large-scale energy storage and paving the way for more reliable and efficient energy systems.