SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3833-1
Developing plasmonic nanomaterials with compositions beyond noble metals is crucial for expanding their applications. Transition metal nitrides, such as titanium nitride (TiN), exhibit excellent plasmonic optical properties and photothermal conversion efficiency, showing promise in catalysis, photothermal therapy, and seawater desalination. However, the structure-property relationship governing their plasmonic optical properties remains unclear. Here, we constructed Au@TiN core-shell nanostructures and systematically investigated the tunability of their geometry, composition, and optical properties. By varying the Au core size and TiN shell thickness, we achieved precise control over the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) from visible to near-infrared wavelengths. Single-particle scattering spectroscopy revealed distinct plasmon hybridization modes, with experimental spectra matching theoretical simulations. The Au@TiN nanostructures exhibited enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 78.5%) under 808 nm laser irradiation, significantly outperforming pure TiN nanoparticles (η = 45.2%). This work demonstrates multi-factor control over plasmonic effects in TiN, providing insights for designing TiN-based plasmonic nanomaterials for catalysis and sensing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3325-6
The urgent need for renewable energy has driven rapid advancements in hydrogen production technologies. Among these, water electrolysis for green hydrogen, recognized for its significant environmental benefits, has garnered increasing attention and emerged as a critical technology for achieving carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions targets. Currently, the mainstream electrolyzers include alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE), proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEM), and anion exchange membrane electrolyzers (AEM). However, these technologies face significant challenges in large-scale industrial applications, including high costs, limited hydrogen production efficiency, and insufficient durability. Consequently, the development of innovative electrolyzers that combine high efficiency, low cost, and long lifespan has become imperative. In this review, the innovative design of bipolar membrane electrolyzers is first introduced. Subsequently, several types of advanced electrolyzers are summarized, including semi-vapor electrolyzers, electrolyzers employing flow-engineered three-dimensional electrodes, quasi-gas-phase electrolyzers, and bioinspired structural electrolyzers, and their specific advantages and potential applications are discussed in detail. Following this, this review delves into two key strategies for achieving membrane-free electrolyzers, analyzing their design principles and practical applicability. Last but not least, the challenges faced by the further development of electrolyzers were analyzed, and potential solutions were proposed, aiming to promote breakthrough advancements in hydrogen production through water electrolysis.