High-entropy carbides are promising noble-metal-free catalysts for hydrogen evolution, yet the nanocrystals reported so far have all been dense solids, and their metallic constituents have been drawn mainly from groups IVB–VIB metals. Recently, a team of materials scientists led by Wen Ma from Inner Mongolia University of Technology, China, reported the first synthesis of hollow rare-earth-containing high-entropy carbides via a one-pot electroreduction process in molten salt at 800 °C. Simply changing the carbon source tailors the architecture from solid to hollow. In 1.0 M KOH, the dual-rare-earth carbide (HfNbTaTiZrCeY)C delivers an overpotential of 167 mV at 10 mA·cm^-2, a Tafel slope of 58.8 mV·dec^-1 and a charge-transfer resistance of 2.7 Ω, outperforming its single-rare-earth counterparts. This work provides a novel strategy for the design of high-performance non-noble metal-based catalysts.

How a layered boride behaves depends on both its atomic structure and the way it is made. A comprehensive review of MAB phases connects those factors with reported mechanical and functional properties, including oxidation-assisted crack healing and magnetocaloric behavior. It also examines how certain parent compounds yield two-dimensional MBenes. The review describes current limits in synthesis, product identification and testing as researchers explore structural ceramics and functional devices.

The simultaneous achievement of ultra-high quality factor (Q×f) and near-zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) remains a critical challenge for microwave dielectric ceramics in 5G/6G systems. Rare-earth vanadate zircon (AVO₄) ceramics are promising for high-frequency applications owing to their intrinsically low dielectric constant, and chemical stability. This work resolves the persistent dilemma between high Q×f and thermal stability in microwave dielectric ceramics, offering a reliable design framework and laying the essential material foundation for advanced microwave components in 5G and 6G networks.

Researchers from Shenzhen Polytechnic University, the University of California, Riverside, and Tsinghua University evaluated real-world emissions from China V and China VI heavy-duty diesel trucks using portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS). The study found that compliant China VI trucks can substantially reduce NO_x and particle number (PN) emissions, but some vehicles still showed severe emission exceedances under real driving conditions, highlighting the importance of in-use monitoring and after-treatment system performance.

Researchers from McGill University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), and the University of Luxembourg have developed MILD, an AI-powered mediator system that helps drivers and automated vehicles better understand each other. By combining driver-state monitoring, traffic-scene understanding, and explainable decision-making, the system aims to improve trust, safety, and collaboration in partially automated driving.