Mechanochemistry using a ball mill demonstrates versatility for generating academically and industrially significant organolithium compounds.

Intercalation has been considered as an effective method to explore innovative two-dimensional (2D) materials. But the question remains: How does intercalation concentration affect the atomic structure and properties of two-dimensional materials? And what fine-tuning of growth conditions is required to synthesize the desired intercalation phase with precision?  In National Science Review, researchers have revealed the general rule for the effect of self-intercalation ratio on the atomic arrangements, and delved into the intricate relationship between structure and properties.

Scientists have developed a new class of chiral metal-organic frameworks (CMOFs) featuring exceptional stability, ultrahigh surface areas, and cost-effective synthesis. These materials show great promise in asymmetric catalysis, offering scalable solutions for industrial applications.

Professor Can Wang from Tianjin University and Professor Zhurui Shen from Nankai University have achieved significant results in their collaborative research. In this study, monolayer Ti₃C₂T_x was prepared by etching and exfoliating Ti₃AlC₂, and then TiO₂/monolayer Ti₃C₂T_x (T/mT) was synthesized. The surface functional groups enhance the hydrophilicity and surface energy, and a Schottky heterojunction is formed with TiO₂, which improves the photocatalytic activity. Meanwhile, the hybrid material can closely bind to Escherichia coli cells and has a high affinity for cell membrane proteins. Experiments show that it has a high charge separation and transfer efficiency, a strong photocurrent signal, and low impedance. In the photocatalytic reaction device, the sterilization efficiency of T/mT reaches 3.3 log in only 12.8 seconds, far exceeding that of TiO₂. The various components and chemical bonds of cells have been damaged to varying degrees by active substances. This achievement points the way for the molecular structure design of photocatalytic air disinfection technology and is of far-reaching significance for promoting the progress of air disinfection technology.

Rubidium could be the next key player in oxide-ion conductors. Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have discovered a rare rubidium (Rb)-containing oxide-ion conductor, Rb₅BiMo₄O₁₆, with exceptionally high conductivity. Identified through computational screening and experiments, its superior performance stems from low activation energy and structural features like large free volume and tetrahedral motion. Its stability under various conditions offers a promising direction for solid oxide fuel cells and clean energy technologies.

Scientists have now mapped the forces acting inside a proton, showing in unprecedented detail how quarks—the tiny particles within—respond when hit by high-energy photons. The international team includes experts from the University of Adelaide who are exploring the structure of sub-atomic matter to try and provide further insight into the forces that underpin the natural world.