We publish papers in which some of the authors are researchers affiliated with our center.
Battery and Cell Materials Field
Kunie Ishioka, Gerson Mette, Steven Youngkin, Andreas Beyer, Wolfgang Stolz, Kerstin Volz, Christopher J Stanton, Ulrich Höfer, JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER 38, 175001-1-175001-15 (2026). "Robust coherent phonon mode at GaP/Si(001) heterointerface"
DOI:10.1088/1361-648X/ae60d8
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, we investigated the influence of a two-step growth process of GaP on Si(001) on ultrafast carrier and phonon dynamics, and demonstrated that the 2 THz interfacial phonon mode is stable against high-temperature overgrowth. Its amplitude depends on coupling with interfacial electronic transitions and atomic-scale structural reorganization, providing insights into the interaction of carrier and phonon dynamics and interface design during the growth process.
Deep Singh, Masatoshi Yanagida, Yasuhiro Shirai, Sudhanshu Mallick, Dhruba B. Khadka, SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS 301, 114322-1-114322-9 (2026). "Unraveling perovskite solar cell degradation via interfacial surface recombination and ion migration by analytical and drift–diffusion modeling"
DOI:10.1016/j.solmat.2026.114322
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the degradation mechanism of perovskite solar cells was clarified by combining physical modeling and drift–diffusion simulations. It was shown that increased ionic concentration promotes trap-assisted recombination, a major factor in efficiency decline, and the synergistic effects of surface recombination, charge transport, and mobile ions were revealed. Strategies to suppress these effects for stabilization were also indicated. This research contributes to the design of high-efficiency PSCs.
Kazuhiro Nemoto, Cong Zhang, Daiki Kido, Daniel Limouchi, Masaki Takeguchi, Hong-Tao Sun, Naoto Shirahata, CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS 38, 3486-3495 (2026). "Tailored Pnictogen Precursor Chemistry Enables Metal-Hydride-Free Selective Synthesis of InP₁₋ₓSbx Quantum Dots"
DOI:10.1021/acs.chemmater.5c03273
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, a method was developed for selectively synthesizing InSb and InP₁₋ₓSbₓ quantum dots without using metal reductants, by controlling the coordination environment of SbCl₃. This enabled precise regulation of precursor reactivity and alloy formation, and the obtained quantum dots showed excellent emission properties in the SWIR region. This research provides a general principle for the design of colloidal III–V quantum dots.
Naoya Ishida, Keigo Kubota, Toshikatsu Kojima, Toshihiko Mandai, Shin Kiyohara, Yu Kumagai, Tetsu Ichitsubo, Journal of Materials Chemistry A 14, 11057-11064 (2026). "Cathode properties of MgV₂O₄ spinel for magnesium rechargeable batteries: effect of synthesis route on structure and electrochemical performance"
DOI:10.1039/d5ta09602b
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the crystal structure and properties of MgV₂O₄ cathodes were compared, revealing that disorder induced by mechanical milling, particularly V occupancy at the 16c site, hinders Mg²⁺ transport and lowers reversibility. Conversely, the ordered structure obtained by the solvothermal method achieves high capacity and good reversibility. This research provides guidelines for designing high-performance cathodes for Mg rechargeable batteries.
Yiyi Zheng, Jiapei Li, Tian Zhang, Qiaohui Duan, Shuyu Dong, Zhiqiang Guan, Dewu Lin, Wenjun Zhang, Denis Y.W. Yu, JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE 713, 140177-1-140177-10 (2026). "A weak-solvation strategy for modulating Li ion solvation sheath to enable fast-charging Li-ion batteries"
DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2026.140177
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, fast-charging performance was greatly improved by combining a graphite anode with a LiFSI–FEMC–MA weakly solvating electrolyte, optimizing Li⁺ desolvation energy and SEI structure. High capacity and stability were demonstrated even at high charging rates, with good compatibility in LiFePO₄ full cells. This research provides new guidelines for electrolyte design for high-power lithium-ion batteries.
Ryuto Eguchi, Ayako Hashimoto, APL Materials 14, 011108-1-011108-9 (2026). "Multiscale structural analysis of defective graphene in transmission electron microscopy images using persistent homology"
DOI:10.1063/5.0305461
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the persistent homology approach was used to quantitatively analyze TEM images of defective graphene, enabling quantification of local carbon polygon structures and their connectivity. Electron irradiation increased non-hexagonal polygons and distortion, and the number and connectivity of polygons within defect clusters could be evaluated automatically, clarifying the process of defect cluster growth. This research provides a novel analytical guideline for graphene material design.
Arghya Dutta, Takashi Kameda, Taiga Ozawa, Anna Myojin, Minako Nishioka, Wei Yu, Hirotomo Nishihara, Shoichi Matsuda, Advanced Science 13, e19091-1-e19091-10 (2026). "Interconnected Hierarchically Porous Graphene-Based Membrane Electrode for High-Power and Long-Cycle Lithium–Oxygen Battery"
DOI:10.1002/advs.202519091
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, a graphene electrode with highly interconnected macropores was developed to reduce tortuosity, thereby improving oxygen transport and achieving both high energy and power performance in LOBs. Even under lean-electrolyte conditions, high capacity, high rate capability, and long cycle life were demonstrated. This work shows that rational electrode architecture is effective for enhancing LOB performance.
Manai Ono, Misato Takahashi, Ryo Tamura, Shoichi Matsuda, ACS Applied Energy Materials 9, 1405-1411 (2026). "Unveiling Electrolyte Design Principles for Sodium-Ion Batteries Using Combinatorial Electrochemistry and Machine Learning-Assisted Analysis"
DOI:10.1021/acsaem.5c03028
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the effects of NaFSI concentration, DMC/EMC ratio, and FEC content on SIB performance were evaluated using machine learning with a variety of electrolyte compositions. Particularly, high NaFSI, EMC-rich, and FEC-containing electrolytes showed high reversibility, long cycle life, and formed stable NaF-rich interphases. This research provides useful insights for SIB electrolyte design and demonstrates the utility of machine learning.
Tsukasa Iwama, Ryosuke Sugimoto, Raimu Endo, Tsuyoshi Ohnishi, Masakazu Haruta, Takayuki Doi, Takuya Masuda, Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 17, 2181-2190 (2026). "Electrochemical Lithiation and Delithiation of Amorphous Non-stoichiometric Silicon Oxide Thin-Film Electrode Studied by Operando X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy"
DOI:10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c04065
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the lithiation/delithiation mechanism of a nonstoichiometric SiOx thin-film electrode was analyzed using operando XPS. It was clarified that initially LiySi and lithium silicates are formed at the interface, then lithiation progresses into the bulk, extending the ionic conductive pathway. The LiySi peak reversibly changes with the charge/discharge state, demonstrating uniform reaction across the thin film. This research contributes to understanding the reaction processes in SiOx-based electrodes.
Naoto Tanibata, Naoki Nonaka, Daisuke Urushihara, Hayami Takeda, Ryo Kobayashi, Naoaki Kuwata, Masanobu Nakayama, Advanced Electronic Materials 12, e00688-1-e00688-9 (2026). "High-Throughput Screening and Characterization of Non-Flammable Na-Cl Solid Electrolytes"
DOI:10.1002/aelm.202500688
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, ionic conductivities of Na-Cl compounds were systematically evaluated via calculations and experiments, revealing that Na₃La₅Cl₁₈ possesses both high thermal stability and high ionic conductivity. The presence of a one-dimensional conduction pathway along the c-axis and a high ignition temperature were also confirmed, providing new guidelines for designing safe and high-performance all-solid-state batteries. This study contributes to enhanced safety and performance of ASSBs.
Masahiko Shimizu, Katsuaki Nakazawa, Hisashi Shima, Hajime Matsumoto, Takahiko Takewaki, Kazutaka Mitsuishi, Ayako Hashimoto , CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS 62, 3260-3264 (2026). "Atomic-scale insights into the Cu ion distribution in zeolites used for ammonia selective catalytic reduction during early hydrothermal degradation"
DOI:10.1039/D5CC06274H
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the initial hydrothermal degradation behaviors of Cu-SSZ-13 and Cu-SSZ-39 zeolites were compared and clarified using electron ptychography and multiscale structural analysis. Cu-SSZ-39 showed higher hydrothermal stability due to its lower Cu occupancy at eight-membered rings. These findings demonstrate that differences in atomic-scale Cu distributions are a key factor in improving hydrothermal durability and provide important guidelines for the design of SCR catalysts.
Arghya Dutta, Takashi Kameda, Junji Takada, Yuuka Nakajima, Takahiro Morishita, Shoichi Matsuda, Advanced Science 13, e14406-1-e14406-14 (2026). "Quantitative Porosity Engineering of Carbon Electrode in Lithium–Oxygen Batteries with Cell-Level Gravimetric Energy Density Over 1500 Wh kg⁻¹"
DOI:10.1002/advs.202514406
AI-Generated Summary:This study, through simulations and experiments, demonstrated that optimization of carbon electrode pore volume and electrolyte amount is essential for achieving high energy density and long life in LOBs. By adjusting electrode mass loading and pore structure, a practical cell-level energy density exceeding 1500 Wh kg⁻¹ and stable cycling characteristics were both achieved. This research provides key guidelines for pore design in LOB positive electrodes.
Hongbo Yuan, Kaori Sugii, Gen Hasegawa, Yu Meng, Yoshitaka Matsushita, Hirofumi Akamatsu, Naoaki Kuwata, Kazunari Yamaura, Yoshihiro Tsujimoto, CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS 38, 1457-1468 (2026). "Flux Crystal Growth of Ruddlesden-Popper Titanium Oxysulfides LiLnTiO₃S (Ln = La–Gd): Lithium-Ion Mobility in Li₁−xNd(Ti₁−xNbx)O₃S (x = 0–0.25)"
DOI:10.1021/acs.chemmater.5c02924
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the synthesis and structure of Ruddlesden–Popper-type LiLnTiO₃S single crystals with mixed oxygen and sulfur anions were reported. Substitution of Ti with Nb introduced lithium vacancies and greatly enhanced the ionic conductivity of LiNdTiO₃S, with a notably low activation energy also observed. This research indicates a new direction for the design of solid electrolytes.
Masahiko Shimizu, Katsuaki Nakazawa, Hisashi Shima, Masakazu Koike, Hajime Matsumoto, Takahiko Takewaki, Kazutaka Mitsuishi, Ayako Hashimoto, ChemistrySelect 11, e03562-1-e03562-9 (2026). "Visualizing Hydration-Induced Cu Migration in SSZ-13 Zeolite Through Electron Ptychography"
DOI:10.1002/slct.202503562
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, hydration-induced migration of Cu ions in Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite was directly visualized at the atomic level by electron ptychography. Under catalytic conditions, Cu ions migrated from d6r to eight-membered ring sites, generally agreeing with theoretical predictions while also suggesting the presence of previously unrecognized sites. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamics and local structure of Cu active sites, contributing to improved SCR catalyst performance and the design of new zeolite catalysts.
Sihao Xing, Gen Hasegawa, Prince Sharma, Daisuke Ito, Kazuhiro Kamiguchi, Kazunori Takada, Naoaki Kuwata, ACS Energy Letters 11, 1889-1896 (2026). "Operando Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Visualization of Reversible and Irreversible Reactions in Oxide-Based Solid-State Batteries"
DOI:10.1021/acsenergylett.5c03610
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, operando TOF-SIMS was used to visualize the electrode reaction distribution in all-solid-state batteries, clarifying reaction inhomogeneity in the NCA positive electrode and uniformity in the LTO negative electrode. It was shown that solid electrolyte infiltration improves reactivity and that ion intensity changes correspond to the state of charge. This research provides guidelines for optimizing electrode structures by elucidating reaction distribution and irreversible capacity in SSBs.
Miao Wang, Wenqin Peng, Andrey Lyalin, Nattamon Suwannaharn, Takuya Tsuji, Daiju Matsumura, Tetsuro Morooka, Tomoaki Kumeda, Tetsuya Taketsugu, Tadakatsu Ohkubo, Takuya Masuda, Taisuke T. Sasaki, Ken Sakaushi, Journal of Physical Chemistry C 130, 931-941 (2026). "Nanointerface Coupling Activates Earth-Abundant Elements for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Electrode Process"
DOI:10.1021/acs.jpcc.5c06544
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, it was clarified that a slight compositional change in MnFeNi-based OER catalysts can modulate the rate-determining step via stabilization of intermediates, drastically enhancing activity through synergistic interactions between elements. Both experimental and theoretical approaches indicate that compositional tuning governs catalytic reaction kinetics, providing new guidelines for next-generation materials design.
Akihiro Nomura, Kimihiko Ito, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS 27, 2658329-1-2658329-15 (2026). "An air-electrode with hierarchically continuous pore architecture: a step toward “true” lithium–air batteries working with atmospheric oxygen"
DOI:10.1080/14686996.2026.2658329
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, a CNT-with-CP air electrode with hierarchical pores was developed, achieving uniform ORR and high power operation without pore clogging even under atmospheric O₂. The LAB demonstrated 1.6 Ah and an energy density of 740 Wh kg⁻¹, marking an important step toward realizing “true” LABs. This research provides new design guidelines for air electrodes.
Hideyuki Yasufuku, Tsuyoshi Ohnishi, Shigenori Ueda, Yoshiyuki Yamashita, Hiroshi Shinotsuka, Hideki Yoshikawa, Shigeo Tanuma, Satoshi Kawada, Yoshitaka Matsushita, Surface Science Spectra 33, 014001-1-014001-10 (2026). "Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) Cr Kα and XPS Al Kα measurements of bulk lithium metal"
DOI:10.1116/6.0004962
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the electronic states of bulk lithium were analyzed by HAXPES and XPS using Cr Kα and Al Kα radiation sources. Li 1s, O 1s, and F 1s spectra were obtained, enabling detailed evaluation of the bulk state. This research provides useful fundamental data for lithium electronic structure analysis.
Kei Nishikawa, Akitoshi Hayashi, Kazunori Takada, Yukiko Matsui, Masashi Ishikawa, Masayoshi Watanabe, Shuji Nakanishi, Kohei Shimokawa, Toshihiko Mandai, Tetsu Ichitsubo, Kiyoshi Kanamura, 韓国セラミックス協会 63, 336-356 (2026). "Research and development of next generation batteries in the ALCA-SPRING project (JST)"
DOI:10.1007/s43207-025-00557-3
AI-Generated Summary:This study introduces the outline and achievements of the ALCA-SPRING next-generation battery project led by JST. The development of new materials and application to cells have accelerated commercialization of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, and lithium-metal batteries. On the other hand, many challenges remain for oxide-based all-solid-state batteries and others, confirming the importance of fundamental research. This research provides guidelines for next-generation battery development.
Akihiro Nomura, Shota Azuma, Fumisato Ozawa, Morihiro Saito, ACS Applied Energy Materials 9, 827-841 (2026). "Rational Engineering of Amide-based Electrolytes for “True"-Lithium-Air Batteries Working by Atmospheric Oxygen"
DOI:10.1021/acsaem.5c02972
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, using low-viscosity amide-based electrolytes enabled the realization of high-power, high-energy LABs operating even under atmospheric oxygen. Particularly, the DMF-LiNO₃ electrolyte achieved high discharge power of 2200 W kg⁻¹, while the DMA-based cells showed good cycle stability. Anion mixing suppressed volatilization and side reactions, providing important guidance for the practical use of LABs under air atmosphere.
Hydrogen Technology Materials Field
Taku T. Suzuki, Isao Sakaguchi, Soshi Iimura, Tomoaki Nishimura, Bun Tsuchiya, SURFACE SCIENCE 769, 122967-1-122967-10 (2026). "Combined energy and TOF analyses of low-energy elastic recoil detection for analyzing the topmost surface of atomic deuterium-irradiated rutile TiO₂(001) crystals"
DOI:10.1016/j.susc.2026.122967
AI-Generated Summary:This study demonstrated that issues in surface hydrogen analysis by low-energy ERDA can be overcome by simultaneously using TOF and energy analysis. TOF+EA enabled the rapid and sensitive detection of deuterium on TiO₂(001) surfaces and clarified the incorporation into specific occupancy sites and the existence of Ti and D interstitials. This work contributes to the advancement of surface hydrogen isotope analysis methods.
Tomoyuki Yamasaki, Keiga Fukui, Soshi Iimura, Shunsuke Tsuda, Hiroshi Mizoguchi, Takahisa Omata, Hideo Hosono, Journal of the American Chemical Society 148, 11393-11402 (2026). "Amphoteric Behavior of Hydrogen in Lanthanum Oxyhydrides: Correlation with Electrochemical Properties"
DOI:10.1021/jacs.6c01849
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the electrochemical window and amphoteric properties of the hydride conductor LaH₃–₂ₓOₓ were systematically analyzed on an electronic energy scale. Electromotive force measurements using a hydrogen concentration cell revealed the presence of both H⁻ and H⁺ conduction, contributing to a unified understanding of hydrogen ion conductors. This research provides design guidelines for utilizing the amphoteric nature of hydrogen.
Yukihiro Yasuda, Osamu Oki, Shohei Shimozato, Kazuho Goto, Natsumi Noguchi, Shin-ichi Ito, Miwa Hikichi, Ryuki Tsuji, Yuki Nakahira, Reina Utsumi, Hiroyuki Saitoh, Satoshi Nakano, Shunsuke Naka, Ikutaro Hamada, Shin-ichi Orimo,Takahiro Kondo, ACS Nano 20, 9951-9960 (2026). "Interlayer Hydrogen–Hydrogen Spacing Regulates the Formation of Molecular Hydrogen in Hydrogen Boride Nanosheets"
DOI:10.1021/acsnano.5c20691
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the multimodal hydrogen desorption mechanism of hydrogen boride nanosheets was clarified. It was shown through theoretical calculations and experiments that, in the low-temperature range, the distribution of interlayer H···H distances governs H₂ desorption behavior, and that selective hydrogen depletion occurs while the bonding configuration remains unchanged. This research provides valuable insights into the design of two-dimensional hydrogen carrier materials.
Mohamed G. Gado, Tsuyoshi Shirai, Yusuke Yoshida, Akira Uchida, Takashi Hirayama, Takenori Numazawa, Kyohei Natsume, Koji Kamiya, CRYOGENICS 158, 104347-1-104347-13 (2026). "Experimental assessment and comparative analysis of active magnetic regenerative refrigeration for hydrogen liquefaction using HoAl₂ and ErAl₂"
DOI:10.1016/j.cryogenics.2026.104347
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, an AMR refrigeration system using HoAl₂ was developed and experimentally evaluated, demonstrating high-efficiency hydrogen liquefaction performance at 2 T and around 22–29 K. At 5 T, a cooling capacity of 55 W, COP of 1.0, and 3.99 kg hydrogen liquefaction per kg HoAl₂ could be achieved. ErAl₂ is more suitable for lower temperature ranges and is promising for next-generation technologies such as slush hydrogen production.
Takashi Hirayama, Yutaro Koike, CRYOGENICS 156, 104296-1-104296-5 (2026). "Experimental observation of friction factor variation in regenerators at cryogenic temperatures"
DOI:10.1016/j.cryogenics.2026.104296
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, a new system was developed to measure the friction factor of regenerators in regenerative cryocoolers at cryogenic temperatures, and experiments were conducted using zinc spheres. The friction factor at cryogenic temperatures differed from that at room temperature, which is considered to be due to changes in porosity. This study provides fundamental verification for applying room-temperature friction factor correlations to cryogenic regenerators.
Hiroshi Mizoguchi, Yuichi Shirako, Shusaku Shoji, Hideki Abe, Takeshi Fujita, Hideo Hosono, Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 17, 3701-3705 (2026). "Exploring Ortho–Para Hydrogen Conversion Catalysts Based on Surface Electric Field Gradient"
DOI:10.1021/acs.jpclett.6c00357
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, based on the hypothesis that an inhomogeneous electric field on the surface of highly ionic oxides promotes ortho-to-para hydrogen conversion, new conversion catalysts were explored using lattice energy as an indicator. Highly efficient conversion was achieved by combining oxides such as SiO₂ with 3d transition metal cocatalysts, exhibiting superior activity compared to conventional catalysts. This study provides important insights for catalyst design.
Akiyoshi Matsumoto, Shuuichi Ooi, Satoshi Hata, Taiki Wada, Ryo Teranishi, Yuji Tsuchiya, IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON APPLIED SUPERCONDUCTIVITY 36, 6602004-1-6602004-4 (2026). "Microstructure and superconducting properties of Yttrium barium copper oxide thin film with patterned substrates for ultra-fine multi-filaments"
DOI:10.1109/TASC.2026.3655686
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, to realize multifilamentary YBCO superconducting thin film conductors, stripe structures were patterned on substrates and evaluated using various materials. Non-superconducting stripes separated the superconducting regions, and TEM analysis confirmed differences in crystal orientation and impurity phase formation. This study provides design guidelines contributing to reduced AC losses through multifilamentation and the advancement of superconductor applications.
Akiyoshi Matsumoto, Akimitsu Ishii, Rei Kawasaki, Takahiro Hosokawa, Akiyasu Yamamoto, IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON APPLIED SUPERCONDUCTIVITY 36, 6200304-1-6200304-4 (2026). "Development of Premix Internal-Magnesium-Diffusion MgB₂ Wire Using a Data-Driven Approach"
DOI:10.1109/TASC.2026.3652546
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, Bayesian optimization was applied to optimize the fabrication conditions for MgB₂ superconducting wires, efficiently searching for heat-treatment conditions that maximize the engineering critical current density (Je). In addition to conventional conditions, new optimal conditions were identified through process informatics, resulting in reduced experimental iterations and improved wire performance. This research demonstrates a useful method for streamlining and accelerating superconducting wire development.
Mohamed Abdul Basith Mydeen Pitchai, Shigeki Nimori, Nobuya Banno, Journal of Alloys and Compounds 1050, 185509-1-185509-10 (2026). "Zn-alloying-driven modulation of diffusion kinetics and flux pinning in Cu-matrix Nb₃Sn superconductors"
DOI:10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.185509
AI-Generated Summary:This study demonstrated that Zn alloying in internally-tinned Nb₃Sn superconducting wires is effective in promoting phase formation and enhancing flux pinning characteristics. Specifically, the highest pinning force and upper critical field were achieved at around 15 wt% Zn addition, and a combined pinning mechanism arising from grain boundary composition control was clarified. This research proposes a new method for the design of high-performance Nb₃Sn wires.
T. Wada, H. Fujimoto, Y. Kawahara, A. Matsumoto, S. Ooi, M. Tachiki, R. Teranishi, Materials Today Communications 50, 114552-1-114552-9 (2026). "Cross-sectional microstructure observation of YBa₂Cu₃O₇-δ multifilament films fabricated on Nb stripes"
DOI:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.114552
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, a bottom-up approach was used to achieve multifilamentation by forming YBCO thin films on Nb stripes, aiming to reduce AC losses. Microstructural analysis confirmed the formation of Y–Cu–O and Cu–O particles, voids, and Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅ on the Nb stripes. This research provides useful insights for the design of multifilamented YBCO thin films and measures to reduce AC losses.
Miao Wang, Wenqin Peng, Andrey Lyalin, Nattamon Suwannaharn, Takuya Tsuji, Daiju Matsumura, Tetsuro Morooka, Tomoaki Kumeda, Tetsuya Taketsugu, Tadakatsu Ohkubo, Takuya Masuda, Taisuke T. Sasaki, Ken Sakaushi, Journal of Physical Chemistry C 130, 931-941 (2026). "Nanointerface Coupling Activates Earth-Abundant Elements for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Electrode Process"
DOI:10.1021/acs.jpcc.5c06544
AI-Generated Summary:This study clarified that the enhanced OER activity in multicomponent MnFeNi materials is due to synergistic interactions among the constituent elements, achieved by tuning intermediate binding through minor compositional adjustments to shift the rate-determining step. This work provides understanding of how compositional control affects complex electrocatalytic kinetics and offers new guidelines for material design.
Hiroki Fujii, CRYOGENICS 154, 104259-1-104259-11 (2026). "Low-temperature sintering of ex situ processed MgB₂ tapes under various hydrogen partial pressures"
DOI:10.1016/j.cryogenics.2025.104259
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, MgB₂/Fe tapes were sintered under controlled hydrogen partial pressures, and pure H₂ atmosphere enabled a reduction of sintering temperature as well as improvements in Jc and Tc. High Jc was obtained at 530℃, making it possible to fabricate lightweight Al-sheathed conductors. The effect of Sn addition depends on the atmosphere and does not enhance Jc under pure H₂. This study contributes to improving the performance and expanding applications of MgB₂ conductors.
Yasuaki Takeda, Tomoko Eguchi, Ariane Keiko Albessard, Gen Nishijima, IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON APPLIED SUPERCONDUCTIVITY 36, 8800205-1-8800205-5 (2026). "Evaluation of Microstructure, Resistance, and Critical Current of REBCO Superconducting Joints Fabricated by Slurry Process"
DOI:10.1109/TASC.2025.3649135
AI-Generated Summary:In this study, the characteristics of REBCO superconducting tape joints fabricated by the slurry process were evaluated. The joining layer adhered well to the REBCO layer, and extremely low joint resistance allowed persistent current at 4 K and 77 K. In contrast, weak links in the joining layer caused decreased critical current and hysteresis in an applied magnetic field. This study clarified the fundamental properties of slurry-processed joints.
