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Direct Observation of Surface-Bound Intermediates During Methanol Oxidation on Platinum Under Alkaline Conditions

A comprehensive mechanism for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline media is presented, and it is shown that the MOR proceeds via two different pathways (via COad or H3C–Oad intermediates). The latter dominates the overall MOR current, suggesting that the H3C–Oad oxidation could be a viable pathway to accelerate the MOR in alkaline systems. Read more »

Interface Sensitivity in Electron/Ion Yield X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy: The TiO2–H2O Interface

To understand corrosion, energy storage, (electro)catalysis, etc., obtaining chemical information on the solid–liquid interface is crucial but remains extremely challenging. Here, x-ray absorption spectroscopy is used to study the solid–liquid interface between TiO2 and H2O. This result highlights the potential of electron-yield XAS to obtain chemical and structural information with a high sensitivity for the species at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Read more »

Laser-Induced Cooperative Transition in Molecular Electronic Crystal

The cooperative tuning of a supramolecular electronic crystal enables access to a long-lived hidden conducting phase with a broad temperature range. Researchers demonstrate a dynamic and cooperative phase in K-TCNQ, with the control of pulsed electromagnetic excitation. A dedicated charge–spin–lattice decoupling is required to activate and subsequently stabilize the non-equilibrium phase. Read more »

Coulombically-stabilized oxygen hole polarons enable fully reversible oxygen redox

We investigate oxygen redox in layered Na2−xMn3O7, a positive electrode material with ordered Mn vacancies. Our results establish a complete picture of redox energetics by highlighting the role of coulombic interactions across several atomic distances and suggest avenues to stabilize highly oxidized oxygen for applications in energy storage and beyond. Read more »

Extreme Ultraviolet Second Harmonic Generation Spectroscopy in a Polar Metal

Berger et al. utilize extreme ultraviolet, second-harmonic generation (XUV-SHG) spectroscopy to investigate the polar metal phase of lithium osmate (LiOsO3), where the coexistence of polarity and metallicity is unexpected. As the first demonstration of XUV-SHG spectroscopy around a phase transition, these results pave the way for using nonlinear XUV methods to investigate broken symmetry from an element-specific perspective. Read more »

Conformational Dynamics in the Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease with Human Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 Protein

The image depicts the complex formed between SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and human interferon-stimulated gene 15 protein. Small-angle scattering elucidated the structural details of this complex providing insight into its role in suppressing the innate immune response and also potential routes for development of therapeutics to combat COVID-19. Read more »