A new study shows that a retrieval-augmented generation-based intelligent learning companion can significantly enhance students’ practical skills and flow experience in analog circuit laboratory instruction. While the system does not replace teachers in conceptual or emotional guidance, it provides highly accurate, real-time support that strengthens hands-on learning and engages students more deeply during experiments.

Counterintuitively, despite the ongoing fuel crisis and the over two decades since the global phaseout of leaded gasoline, toxic lead still lingers in Metro Manila’s air.

Direct air capture (DAC) is an emerging technology aimed at mitigating global warming. However, conventional DAC technologies and the subsequent utilization processes are complex and energy-intensive. An integrated system of direct air capture and utilization (IDACU) via in-situ catalytic conversion to fuels and chemicals is a promising approach, although it remains in the early stages of development. This review examines the current technical routes of IDACU, including solid-based dual-functional materials (DFMs) through thermo-catalysis, IDACU using liquid sorbents with thermo-catalysis, and non-thermal conversion methods. It covers the basic principles, reaction conditions, main products, material types, and the existing problems and challenges associated with these technical routes. Additionally, it discusses the recent advancements in solid-based DFMs for IDACU, with particular attention to the differences in material characteristics between carbon capture from flue gases (ICCU) and DAC. While IDACU technology holds significant promise, it still faces numerous challenges, especially in the design of advanced materials.

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power system fueled by NH₃ is considered one of the most promising solutions for achieving ship decarbonization and carbon neutrality. This paper addresses the technical challenges faced by NH₃ fuel SOFC ship power system, including slow hydrogen (H₂) production, low efficiency, and limited space. It introduces an innovative a NH₃-integrated reactor for rapid H₂ production, establishes a safe and efficient all-electric SOFC all-electric propulsion system adaptable to various sailing conditions. The system is validated using a 2 kW prototype experimental rig. Results show that the SOFC system, designed for a target ship, has a rated power of 96 kW and an electrical efficiency of 60.13%, meeting the requirements for rated cruising conditions. Under identical catalytic scenarios, the designed reactor, with highly efficient heat transfer, measuring 1.1 m in length, can achieve complete NH₃ decomposition within 2.94 s, representing a 35% reduction in cracking time and a 42% decrease in required cabin space. During high-load voyage conditions, adjusting the circulation ratio (CR) and ammonia-oxygen ratio (A/O) improves system efficiency across a wide operational range. Among these adjustments, altering the A/O ratio proves to be the most efficient strategy. Under this configuration, the system achieves an efficiency of 55.02% at low load and 61.73% at high load, allowing operation across a power range of 20% to 110%. Experimental results indicate that the error for NH₃ cracking H₂ is less than 3% within the range of 570–700 °C, which is relevant to typical ship operation scenarios. At 656 °C, the NH₃ cracking H₂ rate reaches 100%. Under these conditions, the SOFC produces 2.045 kW of power with an efficiency of approximately 58.66%. The noise level detected is 58.6 dB, while the concentrations of CO₂, NO, and SO₂ in the flue gas approach zero. These findings support the transition of the shipping industry to green, clean systems, contributing significantly to future reductions in ocean carbon emissions.

The photocatalytic efficiency of lead-free Bi-based halide perovskites, such as Cs₃Bi₂X₉ (X = Br, I) for CO₂ reduction is often hindered by self-aggregation and insufficient oxidation ability. In this work, a visible-light-driven (λ > 420 nm) Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst composed of 0D Cs₃Bi₂I₉ nanoparticles on 1D WO₃ nanorods for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and water oxidation is synthesized using an in situ growing approach. The resulting 0D/1D Cs₃Bi₂I₉/WO₃ Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst exhibits a visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO₂ reduction performance for selective CO production, achieving a selectivity of 98.7% and a high rate of 16.5 (µmol/(g·h), approximately three times that of pristine Cs₃Bi₂I₉. Furthermore, it demonstrates decent stability in the gas-solid photocatalytic CO₂ reduction system. The improved performance of Cs₃Bi₂I₉/WO₃ is attributed to the formation of the 0D/1D Z-scheme heterojunction, which facilitates charge transfer, reduces charge recombination, and maintains the active sites of both 0D Cs₃Bi₂I₉ for CO₂ reduction and 1D WO₃ for water oxidation. This work provides valuable insights into the potential of morphological engineering and the design of simultaneous Z-scheme heterojunction for lead-free halide perovskites.

Scientists looking for the causes of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s generally focus on the buildup of aberrant proteins in the brain that impede normal neural connections. New research from Binghamton University and Drexel University looks at a different, lesser-studied issue that also hurts patients and their quality of life: how Parkinson’s affects the human vascular system.

Electromagnetic waves are extensively utilized in many fields such as communication and medicine. Excessive electromagnetic waves will cause electromagnetic pollution. Electromagnetic pollution may lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which will interfere sensitive electronic devices. Furthermore, electromagnetic pollution is harmful to human health and may potentially cause information leakage. The development of lightweight and flexible EMI shielding materials with high mechanical strength and excellent flame retardant properties is currently a hot and difficult research topic.