The world is on the cusp of a revolution in hydrogen fuel production. Researchers at Tohoku University have made a groundbreaking discovery that could finally bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and large-scale commercial production. The breakthrough involves a surface reconstruction strategy that utilizes non-noble metal-based cathodes to accelerate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

The HER is a crucial process for creating clean hydrogen fuel, which has the potential to alleviate our climate change crisis. However, scaling up this reaction from lab to factory has been a daunting challenge due to its inefficiency and slowness. The researchers’ findings, published in Advanced Energy Materials on April 3, 2025, offer a promising solution.

By examining transition metal phosphides (TMPs), the research team discovered that adding fluorine (F) to the CoP lattice allows for P-vacancy sites to form on the surface. This leads to an increase in active sites, which speed up the HER reaction. The resulting F modified CoP cathode demonstrated exceptional performance, maintaining approximately 76 W for over 300 hours.

“This is a significant advancement in HER catalyst research,” says Heng Liu from the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR). “Our calculated cost of using this method is just $2.17 per kgH2-1 – mere cents over the current production target set for 2026.”

The researchers’ experiment extended beyond lab-scale testing, applying their findings to commercial-scale PEM electrolyzers. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for the rational design of non-noble metal-based cathodes.

“We’re always thinking about the end goal, which is for research to make its way into everyday life,” says Liu. “This advancement brings us one step closer to designing more realistic options for commercial PEM application.”

The world is shifting towards renewable energy sources, and hydrogen-based technologies are gaining attention. However, a new study suggests that the conventional thinking on single atom catalysts (SACs) might be limiting their potential. Researchers have found that the metal site in SACs can be improved by pushing the limits of design, optimizing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and addressing the poisoning effects of HO* and O*. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy storage or hydrogen production.

Single atom catalysts are catalytically active metal sites distributed at the atomic level to enhance catalytic activity. However, hydroxyl radical (HO*) and oxygen radical (O*) poisoning can alter molecules and degrade performance. In contrast, sites where hydrogen molecules don’t readily accumulate can lead to an enhancing effect of the catalyst.

Researchers have discovered that HO* poisoning, realistic H* adsorption strengths at active metal sites, and the potential HER activity at coordinating N-sites are crucial factors to consider for accurate descriptor development. By effectively modifying these factors, more efficient catalysts can be developed to improve HER activity while not relying on conventional design of metal binding sites.

The study found that hydrogen binding energy (HBE) calculation under a realistic representation of accumulated molecules (adsorption) can serve as a good predictor of HER activity. Additionally, the combination of using HBE and Gibbs free energy as descriptors for SACs provides new guidelines for those working with this catalyst design.

This work addresses the long-lasting debate on HER descriptors and provides new methods to break out of conventional limitations put on by using just hydrogen binding energy as a solo descriptor. The researchers aim to further address the limitations of HO poisoning and develop novel single- and dual-atom catalysts for different pH conditions, especially in alkaline environments.

In conclusion, this study opens up new possibilities for SACs, highlighting the importance of pushing design limits, optimizing HER, and addressing poisoning effects. By doing so, researchers can unlock the full potential of SACs and contribute to more efficient energy storage or hydrogen production.

Crime scene investigation is about to get a significant boost thanks to a groundbreaking new method for detecting gunshot residues. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam have developed a technique that converts lead particles found in gunshot residue into a light-emitting semiconductor, making it faster, more sensitive, and easier to use than current alternatives.

When a gun is fired, it leaves behind a trail of tiny lead particles on surrounding surfaces, including clothing and skin. This innovative method uses perovskite technology to detect these lead particles, producing a bright green glow that can be seen with the naked eye. The researchers have also developed a special reagent that reacts specifically with lead atoms in gunshot residue, making it an ideal tool for forensic investigations.

Forensic experts at the Amsterdam police force are already testing this new method in actual crime scene investigations. Bente van Kralingen, a forensic expert at the Amsterdam Police, explains: “Obtaining an indication of gunshot residue at the crime scene is a major advantage, helping us answer key questions about shooting incidents.”

The researchers conducted controlled experiments to validate the effectiveness of this method, using standard 9mm full metal jacket bullets and firing them from two different pistols at cotton cloth targets placed at various distances. The results revealed well-defined luminescent patterns that were clearly visible to the naked eye, even at extended distances.

This new method has significant implications for forensic investigations, as it remains effective even after extensive washing of the shooter’s hands. It also provides valuable pieces of the puzzle when reconstructing a shooting incident. However, a positive test needs to be carefully interpreted, as it does not automatically mean that you fired a gun.

The researchers believe this new method will be especially beneficial to first responders, such as police officers, who can use it to rapidly screen potential suspects and witnesses to secure crucial evidence. Beyond forensic applications, the team is also exploring the potential of this light-emitting method to detect lead contamination in environmental samples such as water and soil.

Since lead is toxic and harmful to the environment, this research could have broader implications for environmental monitoring and public health. With this new tool, investigators can now gather crucial evidence more efficiently, leading to better outcomes in real-world investigations.