electrochemistry

Lithium-ion batteries power smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles and many other devices. However, their ability to hold energy slowly declines with repeated charging and discharging. Scientists have now developed an electrolyte additive that could help these batteries last much longer by strengthening a protective layer inside them. The research was led by Professor Noriyoshi Matsumi at […] Th…

Nature Chemistry, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41557-026-02243-1 Electrochemical CO2 reduction is typically constrained by proton-coupled electron transfer, which couples CO2 conversion with competing H2 evolution. Now it has been shown that a Janus palladium membrane electrode enables selective formate production through heterogeneous hydride transfer, providing access to el…

Nature Catalysis, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01609-5 Achieving efficient electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CO to high-value multi-carbon products remains a major challenge. Now, plasma activation is coupled with electrocatalysis on copper to enable unexplored reaction pathways, enhancing the production rates of C3+ hydrocarbons and oxygenates.

Nature Catalysis, Published online: 07 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41929-026-01605-9 Understanding the role of nickel surface species in the hydrogen evolution reaction under alkaline conditions is crucial for developing precious-metal-free water electrolysers. Now, by systematically studying well-defined Ni surfaces, the authors dissect the contribution of NiO, NiHx and Ni(OH)2 species to the h…

Nature Communications, Published online: 05 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-77516-x Direct electrochemical upgrading of dilute CO2 from flue gas is attractive but limited by poor local CO2 availability and selectivity. Here, the authors report interfacial engineering strategies to enrich local CO2 and improve selectivity, supported by technoeconomic and life-cycle assessments.

Nature Communications, Published online: 05 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-77519-8 Understanding catalytic dynamics at electrochemical interfaces is important, while reactions at individual particles remain difficult to observe. Here, the authors report an operando electrochemiluminescence microscopy approach to visualize nitrate reduction processes and monitor apparent kinetics.

If anyone could defeat the “man of steel,” it would be a “man of stainless steel.” However, even stainless steel has its electrochemical kryptonite. Scientists have now created a new version of stainless steel that can withstand conditions only a “man of titanium” typically could, and without the cost, paving the way for more cost-effective green hydrogen production. Continue Reading Category: En…

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a pivotal inflammatory cytokine whose abnormal expression is associated with autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer. Herein, a signal-off electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor was developed by integrating catalytic signal amplification with oriented antibody immobilization. An amino-functionalized vertically ordered mesoporous silica film (NH2-VMSF) wa…

Admiral Instruments presents five more notable electrochemistry-related facts & stories for September 2026!