Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, being more affordable and safer. However, zinc-anodes in ZIBs suffer from undesirable side reactions and sharp dendritic growth, affecting cycling performance and stability. In a new study, researchers developed a new zinc-bonded polyacrylic acid (ZHP) layer that prevents dendritic growth and stabilizes the anode. The resulting ZHP-coated zinc anode demonstrates excellent cycling performance and stability, supporting the development of next-generation ZIBs with enhanced stability.

In a study published in Frontiers of Engineering Management, researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology present an online hidden Markov model (OHMM) for predicting geological risks during tunnel excavation.  Applied to a tunnel excavation project in Singapore, the OHMM outperformed conventional methods, accurately forecasting geological risks ahead of the tunnel boring machine using minimal historical data.

Macrocyclic compounds exhibiting narrowband emission are pivotal for advancing wide-gamut displays. Researchers report a BN-embedded cyclophane (BN-CP) possessing Multiple Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (MR-TADF) character, synthesized efficiently via a one-pot triple intramolecular Bora-Friedel-Crafts reaction from an aza[14]cyclophane precursor. X-ray crystallographic analysis and DFT calculations demonstrate that cyclization-induced conformational rigidity significantly narrows the emission spectrum. Leveraging the synergistic MR effects of its three B/N centers, BN-CP achieves deep-blue emission with a remarkably narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 24 nm. Corresponding OLED devices exhibit a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 23.3%, ranking among the highest reported for deep-blue MR-OLEDs.