IUCrJ 13 (2026): 282–290 

https://doi.org/10.1107/S2052252526002782

Understanding structure at the atomic scale is fundamental for understanding the functioning and the development of materials with improved properties. Compared with other probes providing atomic resolution, electrons offer the strongest interaction in combination with minimal radiation damage, which makes them an ideal tool for investigating very small and radiation-sensitive samples [Henderson (1995), Q. Rev. Biophys. 28, 171–193]. However, these benefits are often offset by the laborious preparation of nanometre-sized samples that are not visible using a light microscope, and the fact that experiments are largely restricted to ultra-high vacuum [Duyvesteyn et al. (2018), Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 115, 9569–9573; Gruene et al. (2021), Nat. Rev. Chem. 5, 660–668]. Here, we report the successful implementation of MeV electron diffraction for ab initio 3D structure determination of the quasi-2D material muscovite and the quantum material 1T-TaS2 at atomic resolution. By employing ultrashort electron pulses from the REGAE (Relativistic electron gun for atomic exploration) accelerator, we obtained high-quality diffraction datasets suitable for structural refinements based on dynamical scattering theory, enabling precise localization of even hydrogen atoms. The increased penetration depth of MeV electrons significantly expands the applicable thickness range of samples, overcoming previous restrictions associated with traditional electron diffraction. These findings establish MeVelectron diffraction as a viable approach for investigating a broad range of materials, including nanostructures and radiation-sensitive compounds, and open up new opportunities for in situ and time-resolved experiments [Chao et al. (2023), Chem. Rev. 123, 8347–8394; Filippetto et al. (2022), Rev. Mod. Phys. 94, 045004].

Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 398 (2025): 113832

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2025.113832

The recent synthetic accessibility of aluminosilicate and all-silica zeolites with extremely large pore sizes opens new opportunities in materials science. Beyond their catalytic applications, these novel materials uniquely enable the adsorption of very large molecules—a capability previously unrealized with conventional zeolites due to pore size restrictions, which consequently hindered adsorption studies of such compounds. This work explores new use cases for these materials by investigating the adsorption of various antibiotics, with molar masses up to 900 g/mol, in hydrophobic extra-large pore zeolites. We highlight the significant potential of these advanced zeolites for critical applications, like the removal of antibiotics from wastewater and the development of novel drug delivery systems. Employing classical forcefield-based simulations, we explain the main molecular structure-topology relationships that govern the formation of strongly interacting combinations between specific antibiotics and extra-large pore zeolite frameworks.

 © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.

npj Microgravity 11 (2025): 1-9

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00521-9

The long-term goal of establishing a sustained human presence on Mars requires the capacity to produce essential consumables on-site. To this end, we develop strategies for processing inorganic oxidic powders and biomass into highly particle-filled composites using direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing. Our approach relies on a simulant of a Martian regolith unit rich in hydrated clay minerals and food-grade spirulina, used as proxies for local regolith and cyanobacterial biomass, respectively. The composites are further reinforced through crosslinking with the plant-based molecule genipin. Detailed rheological analysis was performed for the 3D printing feedstocks, while the printed composites were characterized using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), surface area porosity analysis (BET), microscopy and mechanical tests. Dissolution tests demonstrated that genipin effectively crosslinks the cyanobacterial biomass. The outcome is a highly porous, lightweight material with adaptable, complex morphology, which has significant potential for use in the resource-constrained environments of long-duration Mars missions.

 © 2025 The Author(s)