Materials

Discovering new catalysts to power hydrogen production often involves a time-consuming trial-and-error process. Not only that, but materials scientists often have to comb through troves of scientific data and experimental data. Yet these days may be over thanks to a new AI-powered platform that enables researchers to identify new catalysts for methane pyrolysis— a promising technology for producing hydrogen with lower carbon emissions.

Cryo-electron transmission microscopy helps scientists observe biological specimens in a state that closely resembles their natural environment, especially those dispersed in water. But applying the technique outside of aqueous systems has proved relatively difficult. However, researchers at Tohoku University have created a new technique that enabled cryo-TEM to be applied to frozen methanol, opening a new avenue for studying materials in a wider variety of natural states.

Mechanoluminescent materials, which convert mechanical energy into light, are great for self-powered sensors. However, they have traditionally been made using rare earth materials or complex material compositions, making them relatively expensive to manufacture. Now, a research team has developed a zinc oxide material that not only possesses highly sensitive mechanoluminescence but is made from cheap, earth-abundant materials.

An exciting new strategy involving a specially designed iron-based catalyst can speed up the reaction that powers next-gen zinc-air batteries. This means cleaner, more efficient energy for everyone.

An international research collaboration, including OMU, IJS, NIST and AUT, has unveiled a robust metallic state in the molecular material ytterbium cesium fulleride (Yb₂CsC₆₀) that directly tests conventional theories of electron behavior. Normally, strong interactions between electrons are expected to suppress their movement and turn materials into insulators through a process called a Mott transition. However, Yb₂CsC₆₀ represents a case where metallicity survived, suggesting that the material’s electrons were continuing to move collectively, stabilized by a different mechanism. The discovery is of relevance to future research in fields such as superconductivity, quantum matter, and next-generation electronic technologies.

Researchers innovated artificial photosynthesis technology by optimizing the electrolyzer part of the system. This tweak enables the continuous production of solar fuel, even with fluctuations in sunlight intensity.

New “GMBU” procedure reveals band structures in finite, curved nanomaterials, linking nano‑ARPES and theory for next‑generation device design.

Exciting new research at Tohoku University’s Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) explains how to transform decades of scattered literature data into design rules for catalysts.

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed novel kirigami structures with periodic parallel inclined cuts. Stretching these materials longitudinally causes them to twist and rotate. Thus, these structures provide a mechanism for coupling tension and rotation. The mechanical deformation of these structures can be characterized in terms of a geometrical property, the chirality. Some of the developed chiral structures were auxetic, longitudinal stretching resulting in lateral expansion, instead of contraction. The findings have applications in soft robotics and soft actuators.

Scientists found that certain chemical impurities, such as hydrogen and oxygen, help amorphous carbon form graphite-like, ultralow-friction interfaces under mechanical stress. The findings reveal how impurities can enable self-forming lubricating surfaces, offering a new strategy for designing durable, energy-efficient materials.

Wrinkles or dents appearing on material surfaces are often regarded as signs of damage or deformation. In a recent collaborative review paper published in the internationally recognised journal Nano-Micro Letters and titled Harnessing Surface Instabilities for Functional Materials: Mechanics, Morphology, and Emerging Applications, researchers from Lingnan University propose that naturally formed surface textures in materials could in future be combined with artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted design to develop novel functional materials. The technology would potentially support applications in intelligent anti-counterfeiting, artificial organs, and stretchable batteries.

On 19 May 2026, a delegation led by Prof Wei Zhiqiang, President of Qingdao University, visited Lingnan University, and was warmly received by Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, and other University representatives. Prof Qin and Prof Wei signed a university-level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) witnessed by representatives from both institutions to further coordinate development and reinforce collaboration between higher education institutions in Shandong and the Hong Kong SAR.

A remarkable new method of distinguishing chiral (mirror-image) molecules could eventually detect distortions inside quantum and soft materials, find abnormal protein aggregates linked to disease, and more.

Researchers at Tohoku University used state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication technologies to demonstrate how we could be ready for large-scale spintronic p-computers.

- Prof. Hyuk-Jun Kwon’s team at DGIST develops a high-performance photodetector (light-sensing sensor) in a two-dimensional semiconductor material using a single laser process - Expected to enable next-generation flexible and image sensor applications without complex stacking or transfer processes - Published in the international journal Advanced Optical Materials

Spin waves are a promising way to reduce the energy-consumption of computing. New research shows that sending spin waves along a zig-zag path boosts the signal over 5,000 times compared to previous methods.

A research team led by Professor Steven Wang, Associate Vice-President (Resources Planning) and Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and School of Energy and Environment, has designed a revolutionary capillary structure that can trigger the Leidenfrost effect, offering a practical solution for the temperature-regulated Leidenfrost effect without requiring complex surface engineering.

A newly designed magnesium-tin alloy is bringing magnesium batteries a step closer to reality. The new alloy design improves both stability and magnesium-ion transport inside solid-state batteries, helping address one of the long-standing challenges in next-generation battery technology.

From temporary pits drawn in sand to finely crafted wooden boards, pallanguzhi has been played across South India for generations. Associated especially with women’s leisure and festival gatherings, the game reflects traditions of strategy, arithmetic, and social exchange, alongside possible links to older mancala traditions circulating across the Indian Ocean trade routes.

Researchers from Tohoku University have developed a new kind of filter that overcomes a long-standing challenge, creating a special material that makes separating CO2 from other gases both fast and highly accurate.

What if some of the most important scientific discoveries are already hidden in data collected years ago? Researchers at Tohoku University are exploring how AI and data-driven science can reveal new insights from past experiments and scientific literature. Their review highlights how old data could help accelerate discoveries in chemistry and materials science.

Studying molecules in liquid solution is notoriously difficult. However, this just got easier thanks to a new X-ray technique developed by an international group of scientists. The technique can capture ultrafast molecular changes in extremely dilute liquid samples.

Researchers at Tohoku University have uncovered a new principle that could help accelerate the development of cheaper and more efficient fuel cells. The team discovered that dual-atom catalysts follow a previously unknown “dual-Sabatier optima” pattern, overturning long-standing assumptions in catalyst science and opening new possibilities for clean energy technologies.

Engineered carbon-based nanomaterials can interfere with the aggregation of misfolded proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases, offering a new direction for future therapeutic exploration.

A tiny change to the arrangement of organic molecules in nanoparticle systems can result in a massive change to material properties. By synthesizing gold nanoparticles coated with two different types of organic molecules, a research team has uncovered new insights into this phenomenon.

Solid electrolyte particle sizes affect ion pathways

Many secrets lie deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Researchers from Tohoku University uncovered one of them when they discovered a hidden natural lubricant inside an active fault. Their findings may explain why the Atotsugawa Fault System produces surprisingly few large earthquakes despite being located in a tectonically active region.

Dolphin secrets, Iron-rich Moon, Squeezing diamonds, Sweat the small stuff, Muonic molecules. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus: SciCom Coffee speaker.

Researchers at National Taiwan University developed bioinspired composites that mimic bone and bamboo structures to improve strength and toughness simultaneously. Using artificial intelligence, simulations, and 3D printing, the team discovered how soft layers near cracks can prevent catastrophic failure.

Stubborn cancer tumors were completely (and safely) eliminated in a mouse model with a small but mighty treatment method using nanoparticles, controlled drug release in stages, and light from lasers.