material science

Green hydrogen—hydrogen produced via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy—emerges as a cornerstone of a decarbonized future. It serves as both an energy carrier and a raw material, enabling industries to transition away from fossil fuels. By relying on electricity generated from solar or wind farms, green hydrogen production can be nearly climate-neutral. However, large-scale deployment faces a persistent challenge: the need for efficient, low-cost catalysts to drive the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at both electrodes of an electrolyzer. Until recently, precious metals such as iridium and platinum were the benchmarks for catalytic activity. Their scarcity and exorbitant cost impede the widespread adoption of green hydrogen. Consequently, research efforts have pivoted toward catalysts comprised of earth-abundant elements.

PsiQuantum, a U.S.-based startup with significant Australian investment, has announced a major milestone in quantum computing: the ability to produce millions of quantum chips at the volume necessary to make commercially viable machines. This breakthrough addresses one of the most significant challenges in quantum computing—the mass manufacturing of quantum chips.

A team of Australian researchers has made a major breakthrough in understanding flexible crystalline materials, paving the way for stronger, more adaptable building materials and advanced technologies. The study, conducted by scientists from The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), was published in Nature Materials.