Unsatisfied initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and structure collapse are two problems still hindering the practical applications of silicon anodes. Hybriding Si with other metallic components can effectively improve the structural stability but is still not suitable to achieve high ICE. A high proportion of hybrid metallic components is essential for desired structural stability, yet it severely impairs the reversibility of lithiation and delithiation. Here, a 5 at%-vanadium hybriding strategy to stabilize Si film anode to deliver a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 92.1% with a discharge capacity of 2434.9 mAh g^-1 and a desirable capacity retention of 80% after 100 cycles at 1 A g^-1. Physical and electrochemical analysis demonstrates the Li_xPO_yF_z-rich inorganic SEI and the low film internal strain are two advantageous factors for the desirable Li-ion storage reversibility and stability.

A research team from the National University of Defense Technology successfully constructed a dual local electric field (LEF) system with a graded electron concentration profile by anchoring platinum Pt_SA onto ordered vacancy clusters on the surface of CeO₂. This design introduces a thermally activated electric-field switching mechanism, enabling rapid response (within 12 seconds) and long-term stability (over 75 days) for NO₂​detection across an ultrabroad temperature range from -50 to 800^oC. This work provides a new paradigm for the design of intelligent sensors for extreme environments.

The implementation of reflective white roofs and new urban parks can significantly reduce temperatures in cities and decrease population vulnerability to heat waves, although these measures are not sufficient to counteract the projected increase of more than 6 °C by 2100. This is demonstrated by a recent study led by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), Spain.