Infinite dilution activity coefficient is a key thermodynamic parameter in solvent design for chemical processes. Although conductor-like screening model for segment activity coefficient exhibits strong prior predictive capabilities, its estimations are sometimes only qualitative rather than quantitative. Another limitation of COSMO-SAC arises from the reliance on time-intensive quantum chemistry calculations, which restricts its scalability for large-scale solvent screening. To overcome these issues, this study integrates COSMO-SAC with machine learning for accurate infinite dilution activity coefficient prediction of binary mixtures. By bypassing the necessity for quantum chemistry calculations, the multi-task machine learning model could rapidly predict the surface charge density distribution and molecular cavity volume of molecules and ions, while accurately distinguishing isomers. Four adjustable parameters of COSMO-SAC are optimized using more than 20000 experimental data points of infinite dilution activity coefficient, and residual systematic errors are further corrected with the boosting ensemble strategy to improve the model performance. The resulting hybrid model reduces the mean absolute error from 0.944 to 0.102, representing an 89% improvement, while preserving the physicochemical interpretability of model.

Addressing the growing challenge of oil pollution, this study presents a green and efficient strategy for fabricating biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/talc composite foams with high volume expansion ratio, excellent compression resilience, and superior oil absorption performance via synergistic melt blending and supercritical CO₂ batch foaming. By strategically incorporating PBAT and talc into the PLA matrix, and by optimizing the foaming temperatures, the melt strength and crystallization behavior were effectively tailored. The resultant foam achieved a volume expansion ratio exceeding 45 and an open-cell content of 85%. Remarkably, the foam exhibited equilibrium oil absorption capacities of 22.2 g·g⁻¹ for silicone oil and 13.4 g·g⁻¹ for cyclohexane, retaining over 85% of its initial absorption capacity after 10 consecutive cycles.

 A rotating gliding arc device driven by synergistic flow and magnetic fields was developed for enhanced nitrogen fixation. A uniform tangential inlet improved arc stability, suppressed reverse breakdown, and extended the operating range of the rotating gliding arc. At an air flow rate of 3 L·min⁻¹, the device achieved an NOₓ concentration of 7623 ppm, with an energy cost as low as 3.6 MJ·mol⁻¹. Increasing magnetic field strength improved efficiency up to 200 mT, and an N₂/O₂ ratio of 6:4 yielded optimal nitrogen fixation performance.

Metal-organic networks have gained much attention due to their high surface areas and tunable structures, which underpin their potential for gas adsorption and separation. However, the stability issue remains a significant bottleneck that severely restricts their broader practical deployment. Here, researchers highlight recent advances in combining metal-organic networks with polymers through surface polymerization, an approach that effectively enhances stability without sacrificing porosity. Beyond stability, polymer incorporation imparts additional functions, including improved gas separation and photoresponsiveness that are inaccessible to the individual components.

A growing body of research suggests that biochar, a charcoal-like material made from plant and agricultural waste, could play a major role in improving soil health and supporting more resilient forests. A new review study brings together over two decades of research to evaluate how biochar affects soil quality and tree-based crops, while also highlighting important risks and knowledge gaps.

A growing body of research highlights a global agricultural challenge that often goes unnoticed beneath our feet: soil acidification. Affecting billions of hectares worldwide, acidic soils reduce crop productivity, disrupt soil ecosystems, and threaten long-term food security. Now, a new review study sheds light on how biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass, could provide an effective and sustainable solution.

A new study reveals how a simple, low-cost material could significantly boost the production of clean hydrogen fuel from waste. Researchers have demonstrated that biochar, a carbon-rich material made from biomass, can overcome one of the biggest challenges in biological hydrogen production: product inhibition.

A new study reveals how tailoring biochar with minerals and heat can influence soil bacteria and dramatically improve carbon storage in agricultural soils, offering new strategies to combat climate change.

A new study reveals how pairing biochar with beneficial soil bacteria could significantly improve phosphorus availability in soils, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers and helping support global food production.