Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have developed a new building material that removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it produces. The advance pertains a material called enzymatic structural material (ESM). It is designed to be strong, long-lasting, and recyclable, while requiring far less energy to make than traditional construction materials. The research team created ESM using an enzyme that helps turn carbon dioxide into solid mineral particles. These particles are then bonded together and cured under gentle conditions. The process allows the material to be shaped into structural components within hours. Conventional concrete must be produced at very high temperatures and can take weeks to fully cure. In contrast, ESM forms quickly and leaves a much smaller environmental footprint. ESM combines fast curing with adjustable strength and full recyclability. These qualities make it well suited for practical applications such as roof decks, wall panels, and modular building systems. The material can also be repaired, which may lower long-term construction costs and significantly reduce how much waste ends up in landfills. Beyond standard construction, the material could support affordable housing, climate-resilient infrastructure, and disaster recovery efforts. Lightweight components that can be produced quickly may help speed rebuilding after extreme events. Because ESM relies on low-energy manufacturing and renewable biological inputs, it also supports broader goals tied to carbon-neutral infrastructure and circular manufacturing systems.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260121034148.htm

Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) believe they’ve found signs of a rare triplet superconductor, a material that could send both electricity and spin signals with zero energy loss. Such a breakthrough could pave the way for ultra-fast quantum computers that run on almost no power. Scientists believe so called triplet superconductors could open the door to the most energy efficient technologies ever developed. Researchers around the world are eager to confirm the existence of such materials. If verified, the finding would represent a major step forward for quantum science. The research focuses on quantum materials and their potential use in spintronics and advanced quantum devices. Spintronics relies on spin, a fundamental property of electrons, to carry and process information in ways that differ from today’s conventional electronics. Spin can also play an important role in quantum technology, especially when paired with superconductors. However, one of the biggest obstacles has been instability. Traditional superconductors allow electricity to flow without measurable resistance. In practical terms, this means electrical current can move without losing energy as heat. While extremely useful, conventional superconductors have limitations. Conventional superconductors are known as ‘singlet superconductors’. In simple terms, this means the superconducting particles do not carry spin. Triplet superconductors are different because their superconducting particles do carry spin. So why does that matter? “The fact that triplet superconductors have spin has an important consequence. We can now transport not only electrical currents but also spin currents with absolutely zero resistance,” explained a researcher Linder. That ability could make it possible to transmit information using spin without any energy loss. In turn, extremely fast computers could operate using almost no electricity at all. The researchers demonstrated that the material NbRe exhibits properties consistent with triplet superconductivity. NbRe is a niobium-rhenium alloy, and both elements are rare metals. Their experimental research demonstrates that the material behaves completely differently from what we would expect for a conventional singlet superconductor. Another advantage of this material is that it superconducts at a relatively high temperature. Here, ‘high temperature’ refers to 7 Kelvin (K), just above absolute zero at -273.15 degrees Celsius. In the world of superconductivity, that is comparatively warm. Other potential triplet superconductors require temperatures close to 1K, making 7K far more practical and attainable. Taken together, the findings from NTNU suggest that the long sought triplet superconductor may finally be within reach.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000252.htm

MIT engineers have created a new aluminum alloy that can be 3D printed, tolerates extreme heat, and reaches strength levels far beyond conventional aluminum. Tests show the material is five times stronger than aluminum made using standard manufacturing techniques. The alloy is produced by combining aluminum with several other elements, chosen through a process that blends computer simulations with machine learning. This approach dramatically narrowed the search for the right recipe. Traditional methods would have required evaluating more than 1 million possible material combinations, but the machine learning model reduced that number to just 40 promising options before identifying the optimal formula. When the researchers printed the alloy and put it through mechanical testing, the results matched their predictions. The printed metal performed on par with the strongest aluminum alloys currently produced through traditional casting. The team believes the new printable aluminum could lead to stronger, lighter, and more heat-resistant components, including fan blades for jet engines. Today, those blades are typically made from titanium — which is more than 50 percent heavier and can cost up to 10 times more than aluminum — or from advanced composite materials. The class focused on using computational simulations to design high-performance alloys. Alloys are made by combining multiple elements, and the specific mix determines strength and other key properties. Aluminum’s strength depends heavily on its microstructure, particularly the size and density of tiny internal features called “precipitates.” Smaller, more closely packed precipitates generally result in a stronger metal. Students used simulations to test different combinations of elements and concentrations, attempting to predict which mixtures would produce the strongest alloy. Despite extensive modeling, the effort did not outperform existing printable aluminum designs. That outcome prompted researchers to consider a different approach. In the new study, the team applied machine learning methods to search for a stronger aluminum alloy. These tools sifted through data on elemental properties to uncover patterns and relationships that traditional simulations often miss. By analyzing only 40 candidate compositions, the machine learning system identified an alloy design with a much higher proportion of small precipitates than previous attempts. This structure translated directly into greater strength, surpassing results obtained from more than 1 million simulations conducted without machine learning. To actually create the alloy, the researchers turned to 3D printing rather than conventional casting, which involves pouring molten aluminum into a mould and allowing it to cool slowly. Longer cooling times allow precipitates to grow larger, which reduces strength. The team showed that additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, allows the metal to cool and solidify much faster. They focused on laser bed powder fusion (LBPF), a process in which layers of metal powder are selectively melted by a laser and rapidly solidify before the next layer is added. This rapid freezing preserves the fine precipitate structure predicted by the machine learning model. To validate their design, the researchers ordered a batch of printable metal powder based on the new alloy formula. The powder — made from aluminum combined with five additional elements — was sent to collaborators in Germany, who printed small test samples using their LPBF equipment. Those samples were then shipped back to MIT for mechanical testing and microscopic analysis. The results confirmed the machine learning predictions. The printed alloy was five times stronger than a cast version of the same material and 50 percent stronger than aluminum alloys designed using conventional simulations alone. Microscopic imaging revealed a dense population of small precipitates, and the alloy remained stable at temperatures up to 400 degrees Celsius — an unusually high threshold for aluminum-based materials. The research team is now applying the same machine learning techniques to refine other properties of the alloy.

Source: https://sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251226045316.htm

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed an innovative, green, and sustainable method to recover valuable metals from electronic waste (e-waste) using environmentally-friendly solvents derived from natural compounds. This breakthrough could pave the way for safer and more eco-efficient e-waste recycling practices that protect the environment while supporting India’s circular economy goals. E-waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, contains a wealth of recoverable metals such as copper, gold, and iron. Yet, conventional recycling methods rely on harsh chemicals that produce toxic effluents and often yield metals in impure forms requiring further processing. To overcome these challenges, the IIT Madras research team explored the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) — special liquid mixtures made from biodegradable natural substances that can dissolve metals without harming the environment. In their study, the team developed a green solvent from thymol (derived from thyme) and capric acid, which effectively dissolved copper metal. The dissolved copper was then safely extracted using trisodium citrate, a non-toxic chemical, and subsequently used to synthesise copper nanoparticles — materials with significant industrial and technological applications. By adjusting the pH of the solution, the researchers could produce different forms of copper, such as copper oxide nanoparticles and pure copper metal. The process was also successfully extended to recover iron from real e-waste samples like printed circuit boards and copper sheets.
Unlike conventional acid-based extraction techniques, this method is biodegradable, non-toxic, and water-efficient, generating no hazardous waste. Its ability to recover multiple metals and directly produce valuable nanomaterials makes it more versatile and sustainable than other existing approaches. This green recovery process can significantly reduce pollution and environmental damage caused by e-waste while minimizing the demand for virgin metal mining. For society, the innovation promises safer recycling systems, cleaner ecosystems, and efficient use of natural resources. Currently, the research has shown successful laboratory-scale results, validating its potential across multiple metals and real e-waste samples. The next phase will focus on scaling up the process for industrial applications, improving solvent recyclability, and testing cost-effective alternatives to enhance economic viability. IIT Madras is also exploring collaborations with industry and recycling companies for pilot-scale implementation, with possibilities of technology transfer and licensing to enable real-world adoption.

Source: https://www.iitm.ac.in/happenings/press-releases-and-coverages/iit-madras-researchers-pioneer-green-method-recover

Researchers achieve record 3.4-volt performance using graphene-based electrodes, enhancing energy density and durability. Scientists have developed a high-voltage super-capacitor, which is a high-capacity, electrochemical energy storage device, that can facilitate applications like solar panels and also provide electric vehicles with increased range and faster acceleration. Conventional electrolytes used in commercial super-capacitors can operate between 2.5-3.0 volts and begin to decompose or face safety issues such as flammability at higher voltages. Bridging the gap between conventional capacitors and rechargeable batteries, they store energy electrostatically via ions on high-surface-area electrodes, enabling incredibly fast charging and discharging, high power density and a long lifespan of millions of cycles. Researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), used dual-functional porous graphene carbon nanocomposite (PGCN) electrodes to reach an unprecedented 3.4 volts overcoming the 3.0-volt limitation of conventional super-capacitors along with significantly improved energy storage. “This innovation addresses electrolyte instability, doubling energy density to provide electric vehicles with increased range and faster acceleration while simplifying module design through reduced cell stacking,” a statement read. The enhanced performance originates from the engineered surface of the PGCN material, which is both water-repellent and highly compatible with organic electrolytes. This dual functionality suppresses water-induced degradation and enables rapid electrolyte penetration into the porous structure, improving ion transport and electrochemical efficiency. As a result, the super-capacitor delivers 33 percent higher energy storage, high power output, and excellent long-term stability, making it suitable for electric vehicles, grid-scale storage, and portable electronics, according to the researchers. The higher operating voltage reduces the need for stacking multiple low-voltage cells, enabling more compact and efficient energy-storage modules. The PGCN electrodes are produced through an eco-friendly process. Conducted at 300 degrees Celsius for 25 hours in a sealed vessel, the process eliminates the use of harsh chemicals and external gases, minimizes environmental impact and is scalable from laboratory to industrial production. “Consistent performance is ensured through precise control of synthesis parameters. Compared with commercial carbon-based electrodes, the PGCN electrode simultaneously enhances operating voltage and power output. PGCN-based super-capacitor stores 33 percent more energy than conventional devices and retains 96 percent of its performance after 15,000 charge-discharge cycles, demonstrating exceptional durability,” the researchers said. The research supports India’s clean energy goals and self-reliance initiative by strengthening indigenous capabilities in advanced energy-storage technologies a statement said.

Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/science-technology/new-super-capacitor-to-provide-electric-vehicles-with-increased-range-and-faster-acceleration/

Scientists have developed a novel lead-free, eco-friendly photo-detector with self-powered operation that delivers strong and stable performance that can be useful for consumer electronics, industrial monitoring, security systems and biomedical imaging. Modern cameras, environmental sensors and smart wearables rely on photo-detectors, the devices that convert light into electrical signals. Many high-performance versions currently utilise lead-based materials, which raise toxicity concerns and degrade easily in real-world conditions. To overcome this drawback, researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) have developed a lead-free, eco-friendly photo-detector based on the crystal material called ‘perovskite’ that delivers strong and stable performance. Unlike conventional designs that rely on costly metal contacts and additional hole-transport layers, which often necessitate the use of glove boxes or vacuum fabrication tools, this device utilises low-cost carbon electrodes and is fabricated entirely at room temperature using a simple one-step coating method. The device architecture naturally supports efficient charge separation, enabling self-powered operation without any external voltage. The new photo-detector exhibits a strong response to visible light and demonstrates excellent reliability under practical operating conditions. “The device retained its responsivity for more than 60 days when stored under ambient conditions without encapsulation. With its simplified architecture and carbon electrode, it exhibits excellent photo-response and resilience under harsh conditions, demonstrating its potential in addressing the lead toxicity and stability issues in photo-detectors,” the researchers said. The combination of a lead-free material system, simple ambient-processed fabrication, low-cost components and strong operational stability makes this technology highly attractive for consumer electronics, industrial monitoring security systems and biomedical imaging. It also aligns with India’s goals in sustainable materials, green manufacturing and self-reliance in next-generation electronics.

Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/new-lead-free-device-offers-better-performance-for-consumer-electronics-and-security-systems/

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on December 24, 2025 successfully launched a next-generation US communication satellite BlueBird Block-2 onboard its heaviest vehicle LVM3-M6 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Station at 8:55 AM Indian Standard Time. After a flight journey of about 15 minutes, the spacecraft Bluebird Block-2 was separated from the vehicle and it was successfully placed into its intended orbit. Speaking on the occasion, ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan has hailed the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile, calling it the heaviest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil using an Indian launcher. He highlighted that the satellite was injected into its intended orbit with precision, marking a significant achievement for ISRO. The Bluebird Block-2 mission is part of a global LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite. This constellation would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. The mission was undertaken as part of the commercial agreement signed between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). NewSpace India Ltd is the commercial arm of ISRO. The LVM3-M6 is the sixth operational flight of LVM3 and the third dedicated commercial mission to launch the Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft. The LVM3 has a spectacular pedigree of completing eight consecutive successful launches, including the ambitious Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.

Source: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/isro-to-launch-bluebird-block-2-satellite-on-lvm3-m6-mission-today/

In a major advancement for sustainable energy storage, researchers have developed a novel cathode material that significantly enhances the performance and stability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), potentially strengthening large-scale renewable energy integration. Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru—an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)—have synthesised sulphur vacancy-induced 1T-phase Molybdenum Disulfide (1T-MoS₂), a material that could address long-standing challenges in zinc-based battery systems. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries, which use water-based electrolytes, are considered safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives for storing renewable energy from solar and wind sources. Zinc metal, used directly as the anode, offers high theoretical capacity and abundant availability. However, the lack of durable, high-capacity cathode materials has limited their commercial scalability. The research team employed a controlled hydrothermal synthesis process to develop sulphur-deficient 1T-phase MoS₂ nanoflakes. The metallic-phase material exhibits high surface area and improved electrical conductivity, enabling faster electrochemical reactions and enhanced charge storage capacity. A key highlight of the study was the optimisation of the battery’s electrochemical potential window. The team identified an ideal operational range between 0.2 and 1.3 volts (vs. Zn²⁺/Zn), ensuring stable performance and improved durability. Performance testing revealed that the fabricated zinc-ion battery retained 97.91% of its initial capacity after 500 continuous charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹. It also demonstrated a Coulombic efficiency of 99.7%, reflecting highly reversible zinc-ion insertion and extraction with minimal side reactions. The researchers successfully powered a commercial LCD timer using a coin-cell prototype, highlighting its practical applicability. The breakthrough is expected to accelerate the development of affordable, safe, and efficient battery systems capable of storing large volumes of renewable energy for grid-scale applications.

Source: https://solarquarter.com/2026/02/20/cens-develops-advanced-cathode-to-boost-grid-scale-renewable-energy-storage/

Scientists at the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have developed a solar-powered energy storage device that can both capture and store energy in a single unit, marking a major step towards clean, self-sustaining storage systems. Unlike conventional solar systems that require separate units for energy harvesting and storage, the new technology can do both functions, reducing cost and energy losses during conversion, it said. The device known as photo-rechargeable supercapacitor was developed by researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru under DST. The new technology paves way for efficient, low cost, and eco-friendly power solutions for portable, wearable, and off grid technologies, it said. Conventional hybrid systems relied on additional power management electronics to regulate voltage and current mismatches between the energy harvester and the storage unit. The resultant system complexity and device footprint was detrimental for miniaturized and autonomous devices, the statement said. The innovation used the help of binder-free use of nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo2O4) nanowires, which have been uniformly grown on nickel foam using a simple in situ hydrothermal process. “These nanowires, only a few nanometres in diameter and several micrometres long, form a highly porous and conductive 3D network that efficiently absorbs sunlight and stores electrical charge. This unique architecture allowed the material to act simultaneously as a solar energy harvester and a supercapacitor electrode,” as said in the statement issued. When tested for real-world applications, the device delivered a stable output voltage of 1.2 volts, maintained 88 per cent of its capacitance retention even after 1,000 photo-charging cycles. Further, it operated efficiently under varying sunlight conditions-from low indoor illumination to intense sunlight. This stability indicates that the nanowire structure can endure both mechanical and electrochemical stress over extended periods of use, the statement noted. The self-charging power system can function anywhere even in remote regions without access to an electrical grid and can substantially reduce dependence on fossil fuels and conventional batteries.

Source: https://www.thehansindia.com/hans/young-hans/scientists-develop-single-unit-device-to-capture-save-solar-energy-1044802

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have successfully developed and tested ramjet-propelled artillery shells designed to dramatically extend the range of conventional gun systems. This marks a significant milestone in the indigenous development of defence technology. The IIT Madras innovation integrates a ramjet engine into an existing 155 mm artillery shell, replacing the conventional base-bleed unit. Unlike rocket-assisted projectiles or incremental aerodynamic improvements, this approach enables sustained propulsion after the shell exits the barrel, significantly extending its reach while preserving the shell’s destructive effectiveness on target. A ramjet is a type of engine that uses the vehicle’s high speed to compress incoming air, mix it with fuel, and generate thrust without moving parts like turbines. In artillery systems, ramjets allow shells to travel much farther after being fired, extending range without changing the gun itself. This gives armed forces greater reach and flexibility while keeping costs and complexity low. The research addresses one of the most persistent challenges in modern artillery — increasing firing range without sacrificing mobility, deployability or lethality. While missiles offer long-range strike capability, they are expensive and complex. Artillery guns remain the backbone of battlefield firepower due to their simplicity, survivability and cost-effectiveness, but have traditionally faced hard technological limits on range. The researchers said “If fully realised, this technology could allow Indian artillery units to engage targets at nearly 50 % more distances, offering commanders greater tactical flexibility, deeper strike options and enhanced deterrence — without the need for new gun platforms or costly missile systems. Importantly, the design ensures that the extended range does not dilute battlefield impact, maintaining the lethality required for frontline operations. As expressed the same technology when adopted to rockets can enhance the range significantly. Some projects in this direction are already underway. The project, initiated in 2020 in collaboration with the Indian Army, has progressed through multiple stages of testing. Early trials using a 76 mm gun developed at IIT Madras validated the core concept, followed by scaled testing on 155 mm artillery guns. Subsequent trials conducted in September 2025 at the School of Artillery, Deolali, successfully demonstrated clean gun exit, stable flight and ramjet ignition, validating both internal and external ballistics. Further field trials in December 2025 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range marked another critical step, with the shell exiting the gun cleanly at higher operational zones. Ongoing refinements are addressing remaining technical challenges, paving the way for full operational capability.Beyond defence applications, the project showcases the potential of indigenous, mission-driven research to deliver real-world outcomes. By reimagining how existing systems can be upgraded rather than replaced, IIT Madras’s work offers a scalable and cost-efficient pathway for modernising artillery forces. The ramjet artillery programme stands as a compelling example of how academic innovation, when closely aligned with operational needs, can directly strengthen national security and position India at the forefront of global defence research.

Source: https://www.iitm.ac.in/happenings/press-releases-and-coverages/iit-madras-develops-ramjet-assisted-artillery-shells-extend