100% CO2 to Ch4 conversion achieved with non-precious Co@ZnO catalyst in hot water

Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center

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• The combination of solar energy and underground hydrothermal environment supports the sustained and efficient CH4 production from CO2.
• Nanosheets of honeycomb ZnO were formed in-situ on the Co surface, resulting in a new motif (Co@ZnO catalyst) that inhibits Co deactivation through ZnO-assisted CoOx reduction.
• The stabilized Co and interaction between Co and ZnO inhibited unwanted side reaction pathways via CO production, ensuring formic acid formed as an intermediate, leading to 100% CH4 yield.

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Credit: Yang Yang, Xu Liu, Daoping He, Fangming Ji.

The efficient conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable hydrocarbons is a critical step towards sustainable energy solutions. Now, researchers from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, led by Professor Daoping He and Professor Fangming Jin, have developed a novel hydrothermal CO2 methanation process using a non-precious Co@ZnO catalyst. This innovative approach achieves a remarkable 100% conversion of CO2 to methane (CH4) under optimized conditions, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for CO2 utilization.

Why This Research Matters

• High Efficiency: The Co@ZnO catalyst enables a complete conversion of CO2 to CH4, with no detectable by-products such as CO or higher hydrocarbons.
• Non-Precious Metals: The use of cobalt (Co) and zinc (Zn) as catalyst components avoids the need for expensive noble metals, making the process more cost-effective.
• Sustainable Energy: This method leverages solar energy and hydrothermal conditions, providing a green pathway for CO2 reduction and methane production.

Innovative Design and Features

• Co@ZnO Catalyst: The catalyst features a unique structure where honeycomb-like ZnO nanosheets grow in situ on the Co surface. This structure stabilizes Co in its metallic state and enhances its catalytic activity.
• Hydrothermal Process: The reaction is conducted in a hydrothermal environment, where Zn is oxidized to produce hydrogen, which then reduces CO2 to formic acid and ultimately to CH4.
• Stable and Selective: The Co@ZnO catalyst maintains its activity over multiple cycles, with no significant leaching of Co, ensuring long-term stability and high selectivity for CH4 production.

Experimental and Practical Validation

• Reaction Mechanism: In situ hydrothermal Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms that formic acid is an intermediate in the CO2 methanation process. The Co@ZnO catalyst effectively converts formic acid to CH4 without forming CO.
• Optimization: The study identifies optimal conditions for maximum CH4 yield, including reaction temperature, duration, and the ratio of Zn to Co.
• Energy Efficiency: The process is energetically favorable, with the energy released from the reaction compensating for the energy input required to heat the reactants after just three moles of reaction.

Future Outlook

This groundbreaking work presents a simple, sustainable, and highly efficient approach for CO2 methanation. By using abundant and non-precious metals, this method offers significant potential for practical applications in CO2 utilization and sustainable energy production. Further research could explore the scalability and integration of this process with renewable energy systems.

Stay tuned for more innovative solutions from Professor Daoping He and Professor Fangming Jin at Shanghai Jiao Tong University!

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Journal

Nano-Micro Letters

DOI

10.1007/s40820-025-01711-6 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Article Title

100% Conversion of CO2–CH4 with Non-Precious Co@ZnO Catalyst in Hot Water

First named Pterosaur from Japan sheds light on ancient flying reptiles

Newly identified Nipponopterus mifunensis highlights international collaboration and Japan's rich prehistoric heritage

Kumamoto University

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Nipponopterus mifunensis, a newly identified pterosaur known from a single neck vertebra, once soared through the ancient skies of what is now Japan.

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Credit: Zhao Chuang

A team of researchers from Japan, China, and Brazil has announced the discovery of a new species of pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Japan, marking the first time a pterosaur has been named based on body fossils found in the country.

The species, Nipponopterus mifunensis, was identified from a partial neck vertebra originally discovered in the 1990s in the Mifune Group geological formation in Kumamoto Prefecture, located on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. After a detailed reassessment using advanced CT scanning provided by Kumamoto University and subsequent phylogenetic analysis, the research team concluded that the specimen represents a new genus and species within the Azhdarchidae family—a group known for containing some of the largest flying animals that ever lived. The fossil is now on public display at the Mifune Dinosaur Museum in Kumamoto Prefecture, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Japan’s ancient skies.

“This is a major step forward for Japanese paleontology,” said Dr. Naoki Ikegami from the Mifune Dinosaur Museum, “Until now, no pterosaur had been formally named from skeletal remains found in Japan. This discovery provides crucial new insight into the diversity and evolution of pterosaurs in East Asia.”

Interestingly, Nipponopterus may have had a wingspan approaching 3 to 3.5 meters and lived during the Turonian–Coniacian stages of the Late Cretaceous, making it one of the earliest known members of its lineage.

The newly identified sixth cervical vertebra (neck bone) of Nipponopterus mifunensis reveals a set of striking features not seen in any previously known species. Most notably, it has a prominent, elevated dorsal keel that runs along the back of the bone—extending not just over the epipophysis but across the entire postexapophyseal peduncle. Additional distinctive traits include a long groove running along the underside (ventral sulcus), a subtriangular-shaped condyle, and unusually positioned postexapophyses that project outward to the sides. These characteristics set Nipponopterus mifunensis apart from all other known azhdarchid pterosaurs. Phylogenetic analysis places it within the Quetzalcoatlinae subfamily, identifying it as a close relative of both the mysterious “Burkhant azhdarchid” from Mongolia and the giant Quetzalcoatlus of North America.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Cretaceous Research, the study was the result of an international collaboration involving researchers from Shihezi University in China, the Zoology Museum at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, and a team in Japan from the Mifune Dinosaur Museum, Kumamoto University, and Hokkaido University. Researchers worked closely together, combining expertise in fossil analysis, imaging technology, analytical modeling and evolutionary studies. “It's a beautiful example of how science transcends borders,” noted Professor Toshifumi Mukunoki from the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University.

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Journal

Cretaceous Research

DOI

10.1016/j.cretres.2024.106046 

Method of Research

Imaging analysis

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Reassessment of an azhdarchid pterosaur specimen from the Mifune Group, Upper Cretaceous of Japan

Article Publication Date

31-Mar-2025

COI Statement

Rodrigo Vargas Pêgas reports financial support from the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo. The other authors declare no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this study.

 

Could new technology save your daily cup of coffee?

Edith Cowan University

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Could new technology save your daily cup of coffee? 

New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) could potentially save your daily cup of coffee. The research has identified a new and quicker method to detect infections in coffee berries, which has the potential to save coffee crops around the world.  

The global coffee industry suffered a loss of more than $1 billion in 2023 from the coffee berry borer – a detrimental pathogen that destroys coffee berries.  

With early detection key, ECU researchers used colour and shape separation via L-systems software – an image processing method which mimics human vision – to identify infection quickly. 

ECU Lecturer Dr David Cook said instead of looking for the pest itself, drones flying over coffee crops would look to find what the coffee berry borers leave behind. 

“Coffee berry borers are very difficult to identify. They're tiny little insects that are very difficult to see with the naked eye,” Dr Cook said. “However, instead of looking for the coffee berry borer itself, we looked for what it did.  

“If you imagine when you drill into a piece of wood you see little bits of sawdust gather around the outside of the hole. In the same way, when a borer bores into a coffee berry, they leave an enormous amount of debris, called frass and this is much easier to identify.” 

With the speed of identifying a coffee berry borer critical, this research could help farmers to act swiftly and save harvests. 

“The problem with the coffee berry borer is if it's not recognised, it spreads through the various berries from bunch to bunch then bush to bush, and it can destroy an entire crop,” Dr Cook said. “This allows farmers to make very quick decisions about which parts of a crop might be infested with this particular pathogen and begin treating immediately.” 

ECU Senior Lecturer and co-author Dr Leisa Armstrong said it could have a huge economic benefit for farmers in coffee producing countries. 

“This coffee berry bora effects coffee in South America as well as through Indonesia and parts of Africa. So, for the three major producing areas for coffee, it's a big thing,” she said. “Coffee is a high value crop. If you can eradicate the infection and save a crop rather than losing a percentage of the harvest, then it's a financial improvement. 

“If there is more high-quality coffee, then from an economics perspective that should mean coffee isn’t quite so expensive. I’m not sure it’s going to drop the price, but it might prevent it from going up dramatically if there is a coffee shortage.” 

The software system developed by Masters student Chris Napier uses coloured lattice squares to discover the size, shape and number of berries as part of the anomaly-detection procedure - something that could lead to the technology being used in other crops. 

“With a lot of farmers now relying on drone technology, they can fly over a particular crop and with this software, they can very quickly identify areas effected by a range of different pathogens,” he said.  

“We can adapt this to many different agricultural crops. This could be used for detecting infestation when you need to look at the understory of the plant rather than just on top, so it could be very useful in crops that have bunches and groups, such as grapes.”  

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Journal

BIO Web of Conferences

DOI

10.1051/bioconf/202516705003 

Method of Research

Imaging analysis

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Coffee Berry pathogen anomaly detection using colour and shape separation via L-systems

Does coffee fight ageing? What the science really shows about it being good for your health

Copyright Canva

By Gabriela Galvin

Published on 11/06/2025 - 

Coffee comes with some health benefits, but that doesn’t mean aficionados should drink as much as they want.

Coffee-drinkers around the world scored a win last week after scientists concluded that women who drink coffee in midlife are more likely to age healthily.

Their analysis, presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, found that over 30 years of follow-up, women who drank around three small cups of caffeinated coffee per day were more likely to be physically active and free of chronic health issues or cognitive problems later in life.

“These results, while preliminary, suggest that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health,” Sara Mahdavi, one of the study’s authors and an adjunct professor of nutritional science at the University of Toronto, said in a statement.

Other studies have identified a range of other perks for coffee drinkers – lowering their risk of everything from type 2 diabetes to dying of bowel cancer.

• 
  
• Want to live better in old age? Scientists advise following these eating habits

That means the new findings are in line with “old consensus” on coffee’s health benefits, according to Bertil Fredholm, who researched how caffeine affects the body at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

“In moderation, coffee has, for the majority, more positive than negative health effects,” Fredholm told Euronews Health.

But how solid is the science on those benefits, really? And does the type of coffee, when you drink it, or even who you are matter?

Here’s what the latest evidence says about what coffee does for your health – and how to know when to put down the mug.

Where do coffee’s health benefits come from?

Coffee is rich in compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as chlorogenic acid, which is also found in kale and apples. 

These compounds may improve our metabolisms and how our bodies regulate insulin levels, according to the World Cancer Research Fund.

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• If you can finish a meal in 20 minutes or less, it might be time to slow down. Here's why

“Coffee contains antioxidation ingredients and may also lower inflammation, stimulating blood circulation,” Dr Lu Qi, director of the Tulane University Obesity Research Center in the US, told Euronews Health.

It’s also possible that some of this comes from caffeine, which neutralises adenosine – another molecule in the body that makes people feel tired throughout the day or after a difficult task.

“Other caffeine sources, such as tea, have similar effects,” Qi added.

But not all caffeinated drinks are the same, and loading your coffee with sugar and milk may offset any benefits.

In Mahdavi’s study, for example, each additional small glass of soda was tied to a 20 per cent to 26 per cent lower likelihood of healthy ageing.

Does timing matter?

Taking your coffee break earlier in the day could maximise the health benefits, Qi found in a study published this year in the European Heart Journal.

People who drank coffee in the morning had lower rates of death, including from heart problems, than those who drank it all day or not at all, according to the analysis of nearly 41,000 people.

Related

• Diets rich in ultra-processed foods linked to higher risk of early death, new study warns

Later coffee consumption may disrupt the circadian rhythm, or the internal body clock, which helps regulate people’s metabolisms and how much they eat, the study suggests.

But the findings have some limitations, namely that outside factors might influence the results. For example, morning coffee drinkers could be more likely to have jobs that make it easier to stay healthy, independently of their caffeine habits.

“We can't eliminate the possible impact” of other factors, Qi said. “While waiting for further studies, our study supports a 'morning-type' drinking”.

Are there any health risks from coffee – and how much is too much?

For years, the World Health Organization (WHO) thought coffee might cause cancer. However, after reviewing more than 1,000 studies, it concluded in 2016 that there isn’t enough evidence to suggest coffee is carcinogenic.

But at the time, the WHO warned people against drinking very hot coffee – or any other beverages – because high temperatures could increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.

That doesn’t mean coffee-lovers should double down, though. Researchers don’t know exactly where coffee’s benefits taper off, or at what point healthy consumption turns into overkill.

Related

• Scientists have discovered a new health benefit from the world's most consumed drink

“There is not a clear line,” Qi said, but he suggests people stick to “moderate” levels of two to three cups per day.

The type of coffee also matters. Unfiltered coffee, such as Swedish boiled coffee and espresso, contains diterpenes, which are substances that raise people’s cholesterol. But filter coffee is free of them, according to the Karolinska Institute.

Is coffee good for everyone?

In a word, no. Qi said people with high blood pressure or sleep problems may want to reconsider their caffeine intake, because “coffee addiction may adversely affect certain systems such as cardiovascular and sleep disorders”.

Doctors also recommend that pregnant women limit their caffeinated coffee intake to reduce the risk of miscarriage and poor birth outcomes.

Related

• Should you eat before, during, or after exercising? Experts weigh in

Caffeine lingers in the blood for much longer during pregnancy, and some studies indicate that too much of it could be tied to low birth weight, preterm birth, or stillbirth.

Meanwhile in another study, Mahdavi found that genetics can play a role in how coffee affects people’s health, meaning those with lower caffeine tolerance may want to hold off on drinking too much.

What’s the bottom line?

Most people can savour their morning cup of coffee, knowing it is safe and maybe even a healthy part of their routine.

But if someone doesn’t already drink coffee, the evidence doesn’t suggest they should pick up the habit for health reasons.

And even if coffee does offer some perks, they don’t compare to the benefits of a nutritious diet and regular exercise, Mahdavi said.

“The benefits from coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits,” she said.

 

Trisulfur radicals: A game changer for lithium–sulfur batteries

Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center

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• The review emphasizes the formation of trisulfur radicals in solid-state lapis lazuli analogs and the role of high donor number solvents and/or their co-solvents in stabilizing trisulfur radicals.
• The detection techniques are also discussed for monitoring the generation of trisulfur radicals, which are critical for understanding their behavior and optimizing the design of lithium–sulfur batteries.
• The strategies involving both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts are summarized to increase the generation of trisulfur radicals and enhance catalytic reactions in lithium–sulfur batteries for practical applications.

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Credit: Junfeng Wu, Bohai Zhang, Zhiqi Zhao, Yuehui Hou, Yufeng Wang, Ruizheng Zhao, Hao Zhang, Jiandong Hu, Ke Yang, Bin Tang, Zhen Zhou.

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are on the brink of transforming energy storage with their remarkable theoretical energy density and cost-effective materials. However, several challenges, including the notorious shuttle effect, electrode passivation, and slow reaction kinetics, have impeded their widespread adoption. Now, researchers from the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering at Zhengzhou University and the Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry  at Nankai University, led by Professor Zhen Zhou, present a comprehensive review titled “Breaking Boundaries: Advancing Trisulfur RadicalMediated Catalysis for HighPerformance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries.” This work offers valuable insights into how trisulfur radicals (TRs) can act as powerful catalysts to significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of LSBs.

Why Trisulfur Radicals Matter

• Enhanced Sulfur Utilization: TRs serve as critical intermediates in the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR), facilitating the full conversion of elemental sulfur (S8) to lithium sulfide (Li2S) and thereby maximizing sulfur utilization.
• Accelerated Reaction Kinetics: By providing additional reaction pathways, TRs significantly speed up the electrochemical reactions, reducing the overpotential associated with Li2S oxidation and improving overall battery efficiency.
• 3D Li2S Deposition: TRs enable three-dimensional deposition of Li2S, which mitigates the formation of insulating Li2S films on the electrode surface. This not only prevents electrode passivation but also maintains high conductivity, leading to better cycle stability and performance.

Innovative Strategies for TRs Generation and Stabilization

• High Donor Number (DN) Solvents: Solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with high DN values (29.8 kcal/mol) significantly enhance the dissociation of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) into TRs. However, these solvents can corrode the metallic lithium anode. To address this, co-solvent strategies that blend high-DN solvents with traditional ether-based solvents have been developed. These co-solvents balance TRs stabilization with lithium anode compatibility, improving both cycling stability and sulfur utilization.
• Metal Compound Catalysts: Materials such as oxygen-deficient tungsten oxide (WO3-x) and sulfur-deficient vanadium disulfide (VS2-x) have shown exceptional catalytic activity. These compounds not only promote the formation and stabilization of TRs but also enhance the adsorption and conversion of LiPSs, thereby suppressing the shuttle effect and improving overall battery performance.
• Carbon-Based Catalysts: Heteroatom-doped carbon materials, such as nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) and N/O co-doped carbon nanosheets (UN/O-CNS), provide abundant active sites for anchoring TRs. These materials effectively suppress the shuttle effect by stabilizing TRs and facilitating rapid charge transfer, leading to enhanced sulfur conversion efficiency and cycling stability.

Detection and Characterization of TRs

• Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Spectroscopy: Known for its high precision and sensitivity, ESR is a powerful tool for directly detecting low-concentration TRs. It allows for detailed studies of TRs' generation and transformation mechanisms under various conditions.
• UV–Vis and Raman Spectroscopy: These techniques offer real-time in situ and in operando monitoring capabilities, enabling researchers to dynamically track the formation and behavior of TRs during battery operation. Although their sensitivity and photostability are relatively lower compared to ESR, they provide complementary insights into the reaction kinetics and structural changes of TRs.
• X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS): XAS provides atomic-level resolution, revealing the electronic structure and chemical environment of TRs. By analyzing the X-ray absorption spectra, researchers can gain insights into the coordination environment and oxidation states of sulfur species, which are crucial for understanding TRs' role in LSBs.

Future Outlook

• Stability and Compatibility: Future research should focus on developing advanced materials that can stabilize TRs while ensuring long-term compatibility with the lithium anode. This includes exploring new solvent systems, additives, and protective coatings.
• Mechanistic Insights: Integrating computational models and machine learning with experimental techniques will help elucidate the complex mechanisms of TRs in LSBs. By understanding the interplay between TRs, LiPSs, and electrode materials, researchers can design more efficient and durable LSBs.
• Practical Applications: Optimizing LSBs for high energy density, long cycle life, and fast charging capabilities is essential for their practical deployment. This involves balancing TRs stabilization with other performance metrics and addressing challenges related to scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Trisulfur radicals are poised to transform the landscape of lithium–sulfur batteries, making them more efficient, stable, and sustainable. Stay tuned for exciting breakthroughs from Professor Zhen Zhou and the team at Zhengzhou University and Nankai University!

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Journal

Nano-Micro Letters

DOI

10.1007/s40820-025-01710-7 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Article Title

Breaking Boundaries: Advancing Trisulfur Radical‑Mediated Catalysis for High‑Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries