Inspired by the dynamic coupling of moto-neurons and physical elasticity in animals, this work explores the possibility of generating locomotion gaits by utilizing physical oscillations in a soft snake by means of a low-level spiking neural mechanism. To achieve this goal, we introduce the Double Threshold Spiking neuron model with adjustable thresholds to generate varied output patterns. This neuron model can excite the natural dynamics of soft robotic snakes, and it enables distinct movements, such as turning or moving forward, by simply altering the neural thresholds. Finally, we demonstrate that our approach, termed SpikingSoft, naturally pairs and integrates with reinforcement learning. The high-level agent only needs to adjust the two thresholds to generate complex movement patterns, thus strongly simplifying the learning of reactive locomotion. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed architecture significantly enhances the performance of the soft snake robot, enabling it to achieve target objectives with a 21.6% increase in success rate, a 29% reduction in time to reach the target, and smoother movements compared to the vanilla reinforcement learning controllers or Central Pattern Generator controller acting in torque space.

Rare-earth zirconates (RE₂Zr₂O₇, RE = rare earth elements) are considered as promising thermal barrier coating (TBCs) materials. However, their thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) is relatively low comparing with that of either the state-of-the-art TBCs material Yttria-stabilized Zirconia (YSZ), or the metallic bond-coat. In present research, Cerium was introduced as the substitution of Zirconium to improve the TEC of rare-earth zirconates. A series of Yb₂(Zr_1−xCe_x)₂O₇ solid solutions were synthesized and investigated. Experimental results revealed that their TEC is remarkably increased with the Cerium substitution content. Meanwhile, their thermal conductivity shows no obvious increase compared with that of Yb₂Zr₂O₇due to the phonon scattering effect.

Water-purifying materials are of vital importance for providing sanitary water, especially in epidemic and disaster areas and for wilderness survival. Here, we report a novel inorganic composite with a fast, reusable, and pleiotropic water purification ability. The composite of heterogeneous Ni-La₂O₃ nanofibers was developed using an easy, low-cost, and large-scale production process, i.e., an electrospinning technique. Because of the unique heterostructure formed by introducing nickel nanoparticles into the La₂O₃ host, the nanocomposite fibers can rapidly remove various detrimental micropollutants with absorption rate constants hundreds of times greater than those of inorganic materials and activated carbons. In addition, the nanocomposite can be recycled by a soft washing procedure at ambient temperature and demonstrates a much more stable performance than the state-of-the-art activated carbon materials. Furthermore, the nanofibers have an excellent germicidal effect against the high-risk human pathogen Escherichia coli. Our work introduces a promising inorganic absorbent suitable for purifying life-sustaining water supplies in emergency situations and alleviating worldwide water shortages.

Pyrochlore-related compound Sm₂FeTaO₇ was synthesized and investigated. It is shown that the thermal conductivity values are approximately half of the Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) over the temperature range of 25–1000 °C. Especially, thermal conductivity at high temperature is close to that of minimum thermal conductivity, as predicted by theoretical investigation, signifying better heat insulation capabilities. Considering lower Young modulus, improved fracture toughness, and better high-temperature phase stability, Sm₂FeTaO₇ compound can be a promising material for thermal insulating applications, such as thermal barrier coatings.