We report a detailed morphological and structural characterization of iron/iron oxide core-shell nanoparticles with x-ray diffraction and x-ray absorption spectroscopy performed at both the Fe and O $K$ edges. Core-shell nanoparticles with core size ranging from 7 to 21 nm were synthesized using the inert gas condensation technique followed by 12 h of controlled surface oxidation. Rietveld analysis of diffraction patterns shows the presence of α-Fe nanoparticles surrounded by a 2–3 nm-thick oxide layer with a disordered cubic spinel structure. Magnetite $\left({\mathrm{Fe}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_4\right)$ and maghemite $(\gamma -{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3),$ two different iron oxides, share this lattice structure, but x-ray diffraction was not able to distinguish between the two. An analysis of the Fe and O x-ray absorption spectra in both the near-edge and the extended energy regions is described. The analysis of the extended spectra was performed using the ab initio calculation of all significant contributions to the absorption cross section. We show that there are size-dependent changes in the local structure and oxidation state of the oxide shell, the relative fraction of maghemite increasing at the expense of magnetite as the core dimensions decrease. This size/structure correlation has been explained in terms of morphological and structural disorder arguments

Ocean acidification is predicted to impact ecosystems reliant on calcifying organisms, potentially reducing the socioeconomic benefits these habitats provide. Here we investigate the acclimation potential of stony corals living along a pH gradient caused by a Mediterranean CO₂ vent that serves as a natural long-term experimental setting. We show that in response to reduced skeletal mineralization at lower pH, corals increase their skeletal macroporosity (features >10 μm) in order to maintain constant linear extension rate, an important criterion for reproductive output. At the nanoscale, the coral skeleton’s structural features are not altered. However, higher skeletal porosity, and reduced bulk density and stiffness may contribute to reduce population density and increase damage susceptibility under low pH conditions. Based on these observations, the almost universally employed measure of coral biomineralization, the rate of linear extension, might not be a reliable metric for assessing coral health and resilience in a warming and acidifying ocean.

Hydrides based on magnesium and intermetallic compounds provide a viable solution to the challenge of energy storage from renewable sources, thanks to their ability to absorb and desorb hydrogen in a reversible way with a proper tuning of pressure and temperature conditions. Therefore, they are expected to play an important role in the clean energy transition and in the deployment of hydrogen as an efficient energy vector. This review, by experts of Task 40 ‘Energy Storage and Conversion based on Hydrogen’ of the Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme of the International Energy Agency, reports on the latest activities of the working group ‘Magnesium- and Intermetallic alloys-based Hydrides for Energy Storage’. The following topics are covered by the review: multiscale modelling of hydrides and hydrogen sorption mechanisms; synthesis and processing techniques; catalysts for hydrogen sorption in Mg; Mg-based nanostructures and new compounds; hydrides based on intermetallic TiFe alloys, high entropy alloys, Laves phases, and Pd-containing alloys. Finally, an outlook is presented on current worldwide investments and future research directions for hydrogen-based energy storage.