Quantum mechanics and gravity are two fundamental theories in physics that govern the natural world. However, uniting these two principles into the single theory of “quantum gravity” has yet to be done. Now, researchers have developed a theoretical framework that outlines what observations can distinguish between classical and quantum descriptions of gravity. The framework provides researchers a roadmap for designing experiments to find answers to one of the most sought-after theories in modern science.

A new self-healing polymer electrolyte that repairs itself within 30 minutes under mild heating, enabling lithium-metal batteries to achieve excellent electrochemical performance. The self-healing polymer electrolyte restores more than 98% of its original ionic conductivity after damage, offering a promising solution to the long-standing interface instability and dendrite growth problems in solid-state batteries.

Azo compounds are widely used in many applications, and photoelectrochemical synthesis provides a promising green route for producing them under mild conditions. Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China reported that Cs⁺-induced surface reconstruction of BiVO₄ photoanodes can stabilize the electrode interface, accelerate charge transfer, and promote efficient photoelectrochemical synthesis of azobenzene under illumination.

A new framework for cross-scale Raman thermometry enables precise temperature mapping from the micrometer to the single-molecule scale. By mastering non-equilibrium energy statistics and decoupling probe interference, this work paves the way for the intelligent thermal design of next-generation semiconductors at their ultimate physical limits.

Oxidative addition is often carried out using transition metals and is challenging to perform at centers of more abundant main-group elements, particularly group 13 elements. Researchers at The University of Osaka, led by Takuya Kodama, achieved oxidative addition of an aryl iodide to a group 13 (gallium) center. The reaction is initiated by visible light. The reaction proceeds via a novel mechanism, photoinduced disproportionation, whereby photoexcited gallium exchanges electrons with ground-state gallium.

Chemist Focuses on Developments Paving the Way to the Quantum Internet – European Research Council is Founding “Hilbert Molecules” Project with roughly EUR 2.5 million

Two-dimensional (2D) perovskites have emerged as promising optoelectronic materials. However, their practical and rational design is hindered by poor understanding of the relationship between the screening environment and excitonic properties. In a new study, researchers developed a new method to isolate the effects of the screening environment, offering a new predictive model for excitonic properties of 2D perovskites. This will contribute to more stable and tunable optoelectronic technologies.