TiNb₂O₇ represents an up-and-coming anode material for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries, but its practicalities are severely impeded by slow transfer rates of ionic and electronic especially at the low-temperature conditions. Herein, we introduce crystallographic engineering to enhance structure stability and promote Li⁺ diffusion kinetics of TiNb₂O₇ (TNO). The density functional theory computation reveals that Ti⁴⁺ is replaced by Sb⁵⁺ and Nb⁵⁺ in crystal lattices, which can reduce the Li⁺ diffusion impediment and improve electronic conductivity. Synchrotron radiation X-ray 3D nano-computed tomography and in situ X-ray diffraction measurement confirm the introduction of Sb/Nb alleviates volume expansion during lithiation and delithiation processes, contributing to enhancing structure stability. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectra results verify that crystallographic engineering also increases short Nb-O bond length in TNO-Sb/Nb. Accordingly, the TNO-Sb/Nb anode delivers an outstanding capacity retention rate of 89.8% at 10 C after 700 cycles and excellent rate performance (140.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 C). Even at −30 °C, TNO-Sb/Nb anode delivers a capacity of 102.6 mAh g⁻¹ with little capacity degeneration for 500 cycles. This work provides guidance for the design of fast-charging batteries at low-temperature condition.

A research team led by Hiroshima University and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have proposed a neuroendocrine mechanism in bony fish that signals ovulation from the ovaries to the brain, using the medaka fish as a model; the first step to elucidate the neural circuits for facilitation of sexual receptivity in female teleosts. 

U.S. nuclear energy faces fuel supply chain vulnerabilities, with tight uranium supplies, geopolitical risks, and rising costs threatening both existing reactors costs and advanced reactor development.

The uranium conversion stage represents a major bottleneck, with only five large-scale facilities worldwide, shrinking stockpiles, and companies hesitant to expand capacity without long-term contracts that buyers are reluctant to sign at current high prices.

Next-generation reactors will require significantly more mined uranium per ton of fuel, potentially tightening supplies for the existing nuclear fleet, which is already facing high fuel costs.