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Published Research PapersFiltered: Year 2026 • Vol. 32 • Issue 1

Showing 196 of 200 peer-reviewed papers with full Graphical Abstracts.

Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4363-6• Jan 15, 2026

Ammonium Vanadate Cathodes in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Design Strategies and Research Progress

Authors: Yan Ran, Xu Li, Huaping Zhao, Yong Lei

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) offer a compelling combination of high safety, environmental compatibility, and abundant zinc resources, positioning them as viable candidates for grid-scale energy storage. Their practical deployment, however, is constrained by cathode materials that suffer from structural degradation, sluggish Zn2+ diffusion, and inadequate electronic conductivity. Ammonium vanadates (AVOs) have emerged as high-performance cathodes owing to their layered or tunneled frameworks, which accommodate reversible Zn2+ (de)intercalation with diffusion coefficients superior to conventional vanadium oxides. This review systematically examines recent advances in AVO cathodes for AZIBs, correlating morphological variations—including nanowires, nanobelts, and microflowers—with electrochemical characteristics. The analysis establishes structure–performance relationships that govern capacity retention, rate capability, and cycling stability. Key optimization strategies are critically assessed: defect engineering to enhance electronic conductivity and active site density, interlayer spacing modulation via pre-intercalated cations or structural water to facilitate Zn2+ transport, and composite construction with conductive carbonaceous or polymeric matrices to mitigate dissolution and improve mechanical integrity. Despite these advances, challenges persist in achieving long-term cycling stability (>10,000 cycles) and high areal mass loading (>10 mg cm-2) required for commercial viability. The review concludes by outlining future research directions, including operando characterization of degradation mechanisms and scalable synthesis routes for AVO cathodes in practical AZIB configurations.

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Ammonium Vanadate Cathodes in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Design Strategies and Research Progress

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4346-y• Jan 15, 2026

Microenvironment-responsive therapeutic platforms: Innovations for spinal cord injury repair

Authors: ZHAO Yiqing, ZHANG Qi, WU Di

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to the complex, dynamic lesion microenvironment that impedes axonal regeneration and functional recovery. This highlight examines a microenvironment-responsive therapeutic platform integrating microneedle delivery, ferroptosis modulation, and hydrogen therapy. The platform leverages the pathological hallmarks of SCI—oxidative stress, iron dyshomeostasis, and lipid peroxidation—to achieve spatiotemporally controlled cargo release. By combining microneedle arrays for minimally invasive intraparenchymal administration with hydrogen-releasing biomaterials, the system addresses the dual bottlenecks of poor drug penetration across the blood-spinal cord barrier and insufficient neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Ferroptosis inhibition is achieved through iron chelation and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) stabilization, while hydrogen gas scavenges hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. This multimodal strategy attenuates secondary injury cascades, reduces glial scar formation, and promotes neural stem cell differentiation. The work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82574518) and the Talent Cultivation Project of Paring Academicians with Young Talents in higher education institutions in Zhejiang. The authors declare no conflict of interest. This highlight underscores the translational potential of microenvironment-responsive platforms for SCI repair, emphasizing the need for rigorous preclinical validation and scalable manufacturing.

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Microenvironment-responsive therapeutic platforms: Innovations for spinal cord injury repair

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4500-8• Jan 15, 2026

Dual-Site Adsorption over Phosphorus-Doped Copper Oxide for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to Ethylene

Authors: HUANG Hui, LUO Yuxin, XU Airong, LIU Mengyuan, ZHANG Lanyue, HU Longfei, ZHANG Yuchen, LIU Dong, LIU Xiaokang, YAO Tao, DING Tao

Electroreduction of CO2 to ethylene offers a promising route for renewable electricity storage, yet achieving high ethylene selectivity at industrial current densities remains challenging due to the large energy barrier for C–C coupling. Here, we report a “MOF-assisted in situ doping” strategy to introduce the oxophilic nonmetal phosphorus (P) into the copper oxide (CuO) lattice, constructing a localized Cu–P dual-site adsorption configuration for the key *OCCHO intermediate. The optimized catalyst delivers an impressive Faradaic efficiency of 64.6% for ethylene with a partial current density of 646 mA cm-2. Comprehensive structural characterizations demonstrate that P mainly occupies Cu sites, generating abundant lattice defects and oxygen vacancies. In situ synchrotron infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that P doping modulates the electronic structure of Cu, optimizes the binding energies of *CO and *CHO, and stabilizes *OCCHO via P–O/Cu–C dual-site adsorption, thereby significantly lowering the asymmetric C-C coupling energy barrier to 0.74 eV. This work highlights a dual-site microenvironment regulation strategy for CO2-to-ethylene electroreduction.

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Dual-Site Adsorption over Phosphorus-Doped Copper Oxide for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to Ethylene

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4419-1• Jan 15, 2026

Hydrophilic Single-Atom Interface Unlocks Low-Potential CO Removal on Pt in PEMFCs

Authors: WANG Kangcheng, WEI Kai, GAO Siming, YANG Tongtong, TANG Meijian, HOU Lina, GE Junjie

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) fed with reformate hydrogen suffer severe anode poisoning by trace CO, necessitating high CO electrooxidation potentials that degrade performance and durability. This work introduces a Pt@CrSA-N-C anode catalyst featuring a hydrophilic Cr single-atom interface that simultaneously weakens CO adsorption on Pt via electronic regulation and promotes water activation, thereby lowering the CO oxidation onset potential to approximately 0.13 V vs. RHE. The onset potential was determined by two independent methods: the first potential at which the background-corrected current exceeds 0 mA cm-2 during CO oxidation reaction tests in a three-electrode system, and the potential at which the forward scan current exceeds the N2 background current in CO-stripping voltammetry. The catalyst achieves a maximum power density under 100 ppm CO that surpasses reported advanced catalysts, as compiled in Table S5. Structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical characterizations collectively establish a coherent rationale for the hydrophilic single-atom interface strategy. This approach addresses the longstanding trade-off between CO tolerance and Pt utilization, offering a viable route for low-potential CO removal in practical PEMFC anodes.

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Hydrophilic Single-Atom Interface Unlocks Low-Potential CO Removal on Pt in PEMFCs

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4304-5• Jan 15, 2026

An Ionoelastomer-Based Bioinspired Wearable Electronics with Tele-Perception and Tactile Sensation for Machine Learning-Assisted Rehabilitation Management

Authors: HUANG Jinhui, LIU Hao, JIN Ang, XIE Hui, ZHOU Shaobing

Comprehensive assessment of rehabilitation efficiency is essential for designing appropriate training programs for better musculoskeletal functional recovery. Existing contact-receptor-dependent rehabilitation assessment systems mostly focus on assessing the restoration of muscle function by evaluating grip strength or joint flexion angle; however, parameters reflecting neuromuscular synergistic function are always overlooked. Herein, we develop an ionoelastomer-based soft artificial electroreceptor (SAER) that integrates tele-perception and tactile sensation to track the rehabilitation process, collecting signals related to approaching speed and grip strength sequentially. The SAER uses polyurethane ionoelastomer incorporated with quasi-solid conductive salt as the electric field receptor, and is integrated on a rehabilitation-training ball after assembly to establish an untethered detection device; this enables the remote capture of hand approaching parameter within a 9 cm range, followed by the quantification of grip strength when contacting and grasping. Furthermore, a data-driven assessment system is established by integrating machine learning, which accurately classifies rehabilitation efficiency into six levels; it supports for rehabilitation evaluation and training programs adjustment. Overall, the SAER-based rehabilitation management system establishes a paradigm that synergistically evaluating parameters corresponding to neuromuscular functional restoration and holds strong potential for home-based active rehabilitation for minimizing dependence on frequent clinical supervision.

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An Ionoelastomer-Based Bioinspired Wearable Electronics with Tele-Perception and Tactile Sensation for Machine Learning-Assisted Rehabilitation Management

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4436-0• Jan 15, 2026

Microwave-Absorbing Materials with Strong Environmental Adaptability for Corrosion Protection, Anti-Icing, and Thermal Management

Authors: CAO Yayue, TIAN Jiahong, SUN Kai, LEI Yanhua, SELIEM Amal F., HOU Hua, IBRAHIM Mohamed M., EL-BAHY Zeinhom M., GUO Zhanhu

Microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs) deployed on naval vessels, aerospace vehicles, and critical electronic systems face coupled electromagnetic, marine salt-spray corrosion, and extreme-temperature loads that legacy single-function absorbers cannot withstand. This review consolidates progress on three environmentally adaptive MAM classes: corrosion-protective, anti-icing, and thermal-management absorbers. The electromagnetic loss and impedance-matching fundamentals are first established, then the synergistic mechanisms, design strategies, and characterization protocols for each class are examined against representative material systems and their measured performance. The analysis identifies a shared design logic—multiscale hierarchical architecture, interfacial polarization engineering, and multifunctional phase integration—while distinguishing the divergent protection mechanisms: barrier and passivation effects for corrosion, surface-energy and latent-heat regulation for anti-icing, and phonon–electron transport decoupling for thermal management. Persistent bottlenecks include the trade-off between impedance matching and protective-layer density, the absence of standardized coupled-field test protocols, and the scarcity of long-term salt-spray and thermal-cycling durability data. Future directions are delineated: intelligent self-adaptive absorbers, multiphysics-coupled simulation frameworks, and environmentally benign multifunctional integration. The review provides a theoretical and technical basis for the design, construction, and engineering scale-up of next-generation high-performance absorbers for aerospace, electronic, and marine equipment.

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Microwave-Absorbing Materials with Strong Environmental Adaptability for Corrosion Protection, Anti-Icing, and Thermal Management

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4435-9• Jan 15, 2026

Design Strategies and Research Advances in 3D-Printed Organic Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Materials

Authors: LU Shuaishuai, BAO Shengwen, HE Sheng, MENG Sichen, LI Zhongyu, YE Wenyan, SUN Deli, LIU Ying, YE Danfeng, ZHU Liangliang

Organic room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials exhibit large Stokes shifts, high signal-to-noise ratios, and long emission lifetimes, positioning them as promising candidates for advanced anti-counterfeiting, bioimaging, sensing, and display technologies. Despite significant progress in molecular design—including radical-based systems, crystal engineering, host-guest doping, polymer matrix confinement, and supramolecular assembly—the integration of these materials with 3D printing remains in its infancy. This review critically examines the design strategies and research advances in 3D-printed organic RTP materials, focusing on the fundamental photophysical processes of intersystem crossing and suppression of non-radiative transitions. We analyze how printing parameters, matrix rheology, and layer-by-layer deposition influence phosphorescence quantum yields and lifetimes. Key challenges such as oxygen quenching, thermal degradation during extrusion, and poor interlayer adhesion are discussed with quantitative benchmarks. The review highlights that current 3D-printed RTP systems achieve lifetimes up to 1.2 s and quantum yields of 12% under ambient conditions, but scalability beyond 100 cm² remains limited by nozzle clogging and slow curing kinetics. By mapping material formulation to printability, we identify operational windows for extrusion-based and vat photopolymerization techniques. This work provides a roadmap for engineers to transition RTP materials from laboratory-scale demonstrations to industrial fabrication of complex 3D architectures with persistent luminescence.

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Design Strategies and Research Advances in 3D-Printed Organic Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Materials

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4406-y• Jan 15, 2026

Dimensionally Programmable Covalent Organic Frameworks via Reversible Coordination-Directed Clip-off Strategy and Its Application in Uranium Extraction

Authors: Long Yu, Xishi Tai, Xiangke Wang

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising adsorbents for uranium extraction from complex aqueous environments due to their tunable pore structures and customizable functionalities. However, conventional bottom-up assembly routes yield frameworks with fixed dimensionality, where internal pores and buried functional sites remain inaccessible, limiting dynamic optimization for uranium capture. This study introduces a reversible coordination-directed clip-off strategy that enables dimensional programming of COFs through silver-nitrogen coordination bonds and thiosulfate/silver ion regulators. The approach allows controlled cleavage and reconstruction of coordination bonds, dynamically exposing hidden binding sites and adapting the framework to uranium extraction requirements. While the strategy demonstrates high-efficiency uranium extraction, it faces challenges including increased material and operating costs from silver-based regulators, potential structural fatigue from repeated cleavage-reconstruction cycles, and limited validation beyond laboratory scale. The reversible dimensional programming is generalizable to other reticular frameworks such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), enabling stimuli-responsive smart materials, controlled-release carriers, and adaptive separation membranes. Integration with machine learning and computational screening could accelerate rational design of functional active sites. This interdisciplinary approach offers a pathway toward intelligent, dimensionally morphing materials for energy and environmental sustainability, though optimization of regulating components and structural durability is required for practical scalability.

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Dimensionally Programmable Covalent Organic Frameworks via Reversible Coordination-Directed Clip-off Strategy and Its Application in Uranium Extraction

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4286-4• Jan 15, 2026

Self-Assembled Metal-Amino Acid Coordination Networks on Drug Nanocrystals for Potent Antitumor Therapy via Synergistic Enhancement of Disulfidptosis and Apoptosis

Authors: AN Jingtong, GAO Xintao, YU Han, CHEN Xiangyan, XU Qishan, LI Yantao, LI Zhibo

Multifunctional nanoplatforms capable of efficiently regulating both emerging and classical cell death mechanisms, thereby overcoming the adaptive resistance of malignant cells to certain cell death modalities, remain a significant challenge. Herein, we propose a new concept for the self-assembly of zinc-cystine coordination networks on curcumin (Cur) drug nanocrystals (DNCs) to construct Cur@PDA@GOx/Zn-Cys (CPGZC) nanoplatforms, enabling enhanced antitumor therapy through multicomponent synergistic modulation of both newly identified disulfidptosis and classical apoptosis. At tumor site, GOx-mediated glucose depletion reduces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels, which can impair the intracellular conversion of cystine to cysteine. Combined with the exogenous cystine delivered by CPGZC NPs, rapid intracellular disulfide accumulation strongly activates disulfidptosis. Simultaneously, the reduction in NADPH levels inhibits GSH biosynthesis, augmenting the intracellular ROS levels elicited by Cur DNCs within the CPGZC nanoplatforms. Moreover, the elevated oxidative stress, in synergy with the excessive Zn2+ introduced, aggravates mitochondrial damage, thereby further amplifying apoptosis. Consequently, the synergistic modulation of disulfidptosis and apoptosis induces a potent antitumor response, as validated by comprehensive in vitro and in vivo investigations. This study opens new avenues for the development of multifunctional nanoplatforms for enhanced cancer therapy through the effective integration of both emerging and classical cell death mechanisms, which may serve as a promising strategy to advance our comprehension of synergistic utilization of various cell death mechanisms and combat with complex cancers.

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Self-Assembled Metal-Amino Acid Coordination Networks on Drug Nanocrystals for Potent Antitumor Therapy via Synergistic Enhancement of Disulfidptosis and Apoptosis

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4312-8• Jan 15, 2026

Polymer-templated Molecular Ordering of Hole Transport Layers Enables High Efficiency and Stable Organic Photovoltaics

Authors: SUN Xiaokang, JIA Mengda, DING Xiaoman, CHE Jiaxu, WANG Yufei, ZHANG Guangye, FONG Patrick W. K., REN Zhiwei, YUAN Bo, HU Qin, LI Gang, HU Hanlin

Carbazole phosphonic acid-based self-assembled molecules (SAMs) serve as effective hole-selective contacts in organic solar cells (OSCs), yet their molecular packing and aggregation behavior during solution processing remain difficult to control, limiting hole transport and device durability. This study introduces a polymer-templated self-assembly strategy to regulate molecular organization by one-step spin-coating a blend of [2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (2PACz) and PEDOT:PSS. The polycationic PEDOT+ framework acts as a template, providing supplementary anchoring interactions that promote ordered molecular arrangement and suppress unfavorable agglomeration. Pronounced face-on orientation and enhanced structural coherence of 2PACz within the polymer matrix are evidenced. The templated ordering improves vertical charge transport, interfacial homogeneity, and film morphology. In binary OSCs based on PM6:BTP-eC9, the hybrid hole transport layers (HTLs) yield a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.26%, with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.874 V, a short-circuit current (JSC) of 28.97 mA cm-2, and a fill factor (FF) of 80.02%. Devices incorporating hybrid HTLs exhibit exceptional operational stability, retaining over 90% of initial PCE (T90) after 405 h of continuous operation at the maximum power point (MPP). This work establishes polymer-directed SAM assembly as a scalable route to simultaneously optimize nanoscale molecular packing, interfacial energetics, and long-term device stability for high-performance OSCs.

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Polymer-templated Molecular Ordering of Hole Transport Layers Enables High Efficiency and Stable Organic Photovoltaics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4279-0• Jan 15, 2026

Inkjet Printing Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

Authors: YAN Yiheng, LIU Xu, ZHU Jingjing, SHI Changchun, SUN Changli, SUN Yingjun, LIU Cheng-Fang, CHENG Tao, LAI Wen-Yong

Inkjet printing has emerged as a viable additive manufacturing route for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), offering drop-on-demand patterning, high material utilization, and compatibility with large-area flexible substrates. This review critically examines the formulation science, printhead physics, and drying kinetics that govern the quality of inkjet-printed organic layers. We analyze the rheological window required for stable jetting, typically 1–20 mPa·s viscosity and 25–45 mN/m surface tension, and the dimensionless Ohnesorge number (0.1 < Z < 1) that defines satellite-free droplet formation. The coffee-ring effect, driven by capillary flow and solvent evaporation gradients, remains the dominant failure mode for pixel non-uniformity; binary solvent systems and substrate temperature control (40–60 °C) mitigate this. We survey recent progress in printed hole-transport, emissive, and electron-transport layers, with particular attention to cross-linkable hole-transport materials that resist interlayer dissolution. Device performance metrics from printed OLEDs now reach external quantum efficiencies of 15–20% for fluorescent emitters and >25% for phosphorescent systems, with operating lifetimes (T95) exceeding 1,000 hours at 1,000 cd/m². We identify remaining bottlenecks: nozzle clogging from aggregated nanoparticles, film thickness variation across large panels, and the absence of standardized ink formulations. The review concludes with a roadmap for industrial adoption, emphasizing in-line metrology and closed-loop process control as prerequisites for yield parity with vacuum-deposited OLEDs.

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Inkjet Printing Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4439-4• Jan 15, 2026

Multi-crosslinking and Topological Entanglement Enable Silk Fibroin Hydrogels with Sustained Mechanical Softness for Neural Regeneration

Authors: TIAN Yuan, HOU Danni, JIANG Junzhong, LIU Xiaoyin, LIU Yu, WU Xiaoyang, XIAO Jiamei, WU Chengheng, WEI Dan, SUN Jing, CHERNOZEM Roman, DING Jie, ZHOU Liangxue, FAN Hongsong

Silk fibroin (SF) hydrogels are promising for neural regeneration but suffer from progressive stiffening due to excessive β-sheet assembly, limiting their use in traumatic brain injury (TBI) repair. This study introduces a dopamine (DA)-mediated synergistic topological entanglement strategy to construct an SF-DA/gelatin-DA composite hydrogel (SG). The system integrates covalent cross-linking, net cationic electrostatic repulsion, hydrogen bonding, and π-π stacking to regulate SF assembly dynamics at the molecular level. The resulting SG hydrogel maintains stable mechanical softness over extended periods, with a storage modulus of approximately 1.2 kPa after 28 days, compared to a 5-fold increase in pure SF hydrogels. The sustained softness promotes neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation, with a 2.5-fold increase in βIII-tubulin expression and a 1.8-fold increase in GFAP expression after 14 days. In a rat TBI model, SG hydrogel implantation reduced glial scar formation by 40% and improved neurological function scores by 30% at 8 weeks. The hydrogel degrades at a rate of 12% per week, matching tissue regeneration. This multi-crosslinking approach offers a clinically translatable strategy for neural tissue engineering, addressing the critical bottleneck of mechanical instability in SF-based biomaterials.

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Multi-crosslinking and Topological Entanglement Enable Silk Fibroin Hydrogels with Sustained Mechanical Softness for Neural Regeneration

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4384-9• Jan 15, 2026

Nanovesicle-hybridized hydrogels: construction, functionalization, and biomedical applications

Authors: LI Qiwen, PAN Boyue, CHANG Haimo, XU Ziqiang, WU Feng, PANG Yan

Nanovesicle-hybridized hydrogels constitute a class of bioactive materials that integrate the structural stability of polymer networks with the intrinsic biological functions of nanoscale vesicles. Conventional hydrogels suffer from swelling-induced mechanical degradation, uncontrollable cargo release, and an inability to integrate multiple bioactivities. Hybridization with nanovesicles provides a robust solution to these limitations. This review systematically delineates the evolution of construction strategies, transitioning from simple physical entrapment to advanced chemical crosslinking involving noncovalent supramolecular interactions and covalent conjugation. We elucidate how these integration methods fundamentally enhance mechanical strength, enable spatiotemporally controlled release of vesicles and their cargos, and endow composite systems with multifaceted bioactivities. The diverse biomedical applications of these hybridized platforms in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and disease therapy are thoroughly discussed. Current technical hurdles in clinical translation and promising future directions are identified, providing a roadmap for the next generation of intelligent biomimetic materials. The review emphasizes that the shift from physical doping to chemical crosslinking represents a paradigm change, yielding composites with superior mechanical resilience and programmable release kinetics. By critically assessing the trade-offs between crosslinking density, vesicle integrity, and payload retention, this work offers a framework for designing hybrid systems with tailored properties. Key challenges include scalable manufacturing, long-term stability, and regulatory hurdles. The analysis underscores that clinical translation demands standardized protocols for vesicle isolation, crosslinking efficiency, and sterility assurance. This review serves as a benchmark for researchers and engineers aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale fabrication and industrial production of nanovesicle-hybridized hydrogels.

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Nanovesicle-hybridized hydrogels: construction, functionalization, and biomedical applications

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4472-0• Jan 15, 2026

Thumb-Sized Liquid Metal System for Robust Dynamic Electrocardiography Monitoring Against Motion Artifacts

Authors: QIU Weiling, WANG Yue, YAO Jiang, LI Xiaoyan, YANG Gengxiao, LIU Guijiang, WEI Yujie, LI Ka, WANG Zhiming, PAN Liang

Dynamic electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring during physical activity remains compromised by motion artifacts that corrupt signal fidelity, particularly with conventional gel electrodes whose impedance rises sharply under deformation. This work presents a thumb-sized liquid metal system integrating gallium-based epidermal electrodes with a self-adhesive elastomeric matrix to sustain robust ECG acquisition against motion. The electrodes exploit the fluidic compliance of eutectic gallium–indium to maintain continuous skin contact, while the adhesive formulation ensures stable interfacial coupling without additional fixation. The system achieves low motion artifact levels, preserving waveform morphology and R-peak detectability during ambulation. The compact form factor enables unobtrusive wearability, and the materials architecture addresses the trade-off between adhesion and conformability that limits existing dry electrodes. The study establishes a materials and device pathway for clinical-grade dynamic ECG in ambulatory and point-of-care settings, with implications for continuous cardiac monitoring where patient movement is unavoidable.

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Thumb-Sized Liquid Metal System for Robust Dynamic Electrocardiography Monitoring Against Motion Artifacts

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4464-9• Jan 15, 2026

Vortex-mediated piezoelectric enhancement in bulk ferroelectrics

Authors: Jie Tu, Linxing Zhang

Topological polarization textures have transitioned from theoretical predictions to experimental observations over two decades, yet their stabilization has remained largely confined to low-dimensional architectures where geometric confinement balances depolarization, strain, and gradient energies. Extending these textures into bulk ferroelectrics and quantitatively linking them to macroscopic electromechanical properties constitutes a persistent challenge. Wu et al. address this by engineering vortex and antivortex domains in bulk rhombohedral 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 (PMN-30PT) crystals. Phase-field simulations reveal that increasing vortex core density from 6 to 27 μm⁻² enhances the dielectric constant (ε33/ε0) and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) by approximately 3.5-fold and 3.4-fold, respectively, correlating with increased polarization curl. Experimentally, a mechanically assisted direct-current poling (MDCP) strategy elevates vortex core density from 0.01 to 21 μm⁻², boosting d33 from 1380 to 1820 pC·N⁻¹ and ε33/ε0 from 4,630 to 6,230. This mechanically driven approach enables controllable manipulation of topological domain architectures in bulk crystals without nanoscale confinement, offering a scalable route for functional optimization. The work establishes bulk ferroelectrics as a platform for topology-mediated electromechanical design, introducing an additional degree of freedom for enhancing piezoelectric performance in three-dimensional crystals.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4433-5• Jan 15, 2026

Designer Entropy Enables Negative and Zero Thermal Expansion beyond 1000 K

Authors: CHEN Xin, HU Tongtong, ZHAO Kaiyue, LIU Yijia, QIAO Yongqiang, GAO Qilong, CHEN Jun

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) and zero thermal expansion (ZTE) materials are technologically relevant for precision engineering, yet their practical deployment is constrained by narrow operating temperature windows. This study introduces an entropy-designing strategy to regulate the thermal expansion behavior in the AⅠBⅡCⅢMo3O12 system, specifically K0.4(Mg0.25Mn0.25Co0.25Ni0.25)0.4Sc1.6Mo3O12 (CE0.4MO) and related CExMO compositions (x = 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0). By tuning configurational entropy, the operating temperature windows for both NTE and ZTE are significantly broadened, with the ZTE region shifting to higher temperatures. Among single-phase compositions, CE0.4MO exhibits the lowest configurational entropy and demonstrates NTE from 100 to 830 K and ZTE up to 1100 K, surpassing most reported ZTE materials. Systematic analyses of structural evolution, lattice dynamics, and electronic structure reveal that reduced configurational entropy suppresses structural evolution, directly correlating with decreased structural flexibility. Higher atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) of oxygen in CE1.0MO provide experimental evidence for enhanced flexibility. Raman spectroscopy shows that the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of peaks in the 750–900 cm-1 range positively correlates with configurational entropy, indicating reduced lattice disorder, while modes within 750–1050 cm-1 blue-shift as entropy decreases, confirming lattice stiffening. Electron localization function (ELF) and charge density analyses indicate that Mg/Mn/Co/Ni/Sc–O bonds are ionic, with ionicity weakening as configurational entropy decreases, thereby enhancing constraints on atomic vibrations and reducing structural flexibility. This work establishes a theoretical foundation for designing thermal expansion materials with wide operating temperature ranges.

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Designer Entropy Enables Negative and Zero Thermal Expansion beyond 1000 K

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4320-4• Jan 15, 2026

Surface Fluorination and Liquid-Bridge Assembly of Perovskite Quantum Dots for High-Resolution Displays

Authors: ZHU Baisheng, YANG Qinglin, YAO Hongbin

Colloidal lead halide perovskite quantum dots (Pe-QDs) have achieved external quantum efficiencies exceeding 20% in red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), yet their integration into high-resolution displays is impeded by two persistent bottlenecks: the intrinsic ionic lability of Pe-QDs, which compromises structural and environmental stability, and the absence of mild, high-fidelity patterning techniques that avoid ligand detachment and surface defect formation. This work addresses both obstacles through a dual strategy. First, a ligand-fluoride co-stabilization method yields shape-defined, colloidally stable rhombic dodecahedral CsPbBr3 Pe-QDs; subsequent fluorine surface reconstruction using tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) enhances ligand binding affinity, producing BHOA+F CsPbBr3 Pe-QDs with a photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 94.6%. Accelerated ageing, ultraviolet irradiation, and thermal cycling tests confirm improved structural and environmental stability. Second, capillary liquid-bridge confined assembly enables reproducible, scalable fabrication of pixelated Pe-QDs with in-plane long-range order, vertical confinement, and precise spatial patterning. The resulting pixelated Pe-QDs LEDs exhibit high efficiency, sufficient brightness, and long operational stability, with the approach generalizable across red, green, and blue Pe-QDs for wide color gamut displays. This combination of surface fluorination and liquid-bridge assembly represents a landmark achievement in high-resolution display technology.

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Surface Fluorination and Liquid-Bridge Assembly of Perovskite Quantum Dots for High-Resolution Displays

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4479-8• Jan 15, 2026

In-Memory and In-Sensor Neuromorphic Computing with 2D Ferroelectrics

Authors: ZHANG Qirui, CAO Guiming, PAN Er, YANG Fan, WANG Xuemei, CHEN Jiangang, WEN Zhixing, LIU Qing, LUO Xiao, LIU Fucai

The von Neumann architecture is increasingly constrained by energy consumption and data-transfer efficiency as artificial intelligence and data-intensive applications expand. Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the human brain's information-processing mechanisms, offers an alternative paradigm. Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric materials are promising candidates due to their intrinsic non-volatility, atomic-scale thickness, ultra-low power consumption, excellent fatigue endurance, and dangling-bond-free surfaces. This review examines recent advances in 2D ferroelectric materials and associated device architectures for neuromorphic applications. It first introduces ferroelectric mechanisms and representative 2D ferroelectrics, then surveys key device architectures including ferroelectric tunnel junctions, diodes, transistors, and photovoltaic devices. Their applications in in-memory computing and in-sensor neuromorphic systems are discussed, with emphasis on artificial neural networks, spiking neural networks, reservoir computing, and neuromorphic perception for efficient information processing and intelligent sensing. The unique properties of 2D ferroelectrics enable integrated sensing, memory, and computing functionalities, demonstrating potential for future neuromorphic and brain-inspired intelligent systems.

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In-Memory and In-Sensor Neuromorphic Computing with 2D Ferroelectrics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4505-9• Jan 15, 2026

Ce-induced dynamic electron buffering to regulate controllable surface reconstruction of Co for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction

Authors: ZHAN Yiqin, GONG Ruixue, YANG Tao, LIU Shuang, ZHOU Linlin, WANG Kang, CAO Sheng, WANG Hongyang, HOU Xinmei

Transition metal hydroxides are promising oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for alkaline water electrolysis. This study reports Ce-doped Co(OH)2 electrocatalysts synthesized via one-step electrodeposition, where the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio is precisely controlled by deposition temperature. The optimized Ce-Co(OH)2 catalyst, obtained at 40°C, exhibits an overpotential of 236 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and maintains stability for 200 h. In an anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE), the Ce-Co(OH)2 anode achieves a cell voltage of 2.04 V at 1 A cm-2 and operates for over 500 h at 500 mA cm-2. Mechanistic analysis reveals that Ce3+/Ce4+ dynamic electron buffering regulates surface reconstruction: during OER, electron transfer direction reverses (Ce → O → Co), with Ce donating electrons to Co sites to prevent over-oxidation and structural collapse. This work establishes a versatile strategy for balancing surface reconstruction and structural stability in Co-based OER catalysts, providing a foundation for designing high-performance, durable alkaline water oxidation electrocatalysts.

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Ce-induced dynamic electron buffering to regulate controllable surface reconstruction of Co for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4467-x• Jan 15, 2026

Ultra-flexible Transparent Self-powered Triboelectric Sensors for Eyelash-Guided Human-Machine Interaction

Authors: DAI Jingyun, LI Long, LYU Jiayang, SHEN Yifan, GUO Yanming, DU Lingfeng, ZHOU Xiongtu, ZHANG Yongai, GUO Tailiang, WU Chaoxing

Conventional eye-movement interaction systems depend on video capture, infrared tracking, and image recognition, which impose inherent constraints on accuracy, response latency, and stability. This study introduces an eyelash-guided signal interaction system based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (PF-TENG) using PDMS-FDTS thin films. The system employs eyelash movements as interactive inputs, eliminating the need for complex optical acquisition devices. A CNN-LSTM hybrid neural network classifies distinct eyelash movement patterns with a classification accuracy exceeding 98.5%. The PF-TENG device exhibits ultra-flexibility and transparency, enabling seamless integration onto eyeglasses without obstructing the user's field of view. Experimental validation demonstrates real-time monitoring of ocular states for driving fatigue detection, accurately identifying fatigue signs and enhancing application potential in intelligent driving. The system offers a natural, comfortable input modality and significant advantages for human-machine interaction, with broad prospects in eye-movement control and intelligent transportation.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4343-7• Jan 15, 2026

Large intrinsic piezoelectricity in intramolecular modified relaxor ferroelectric polymers near the morphotropic phase boundary

Authors: Ze Yuan, Yuquan Liu, Zekai Fei, Yutie Gong, Zhigao Huang, Yang Li, Chenyi Li, Yun Zhang, Huamin Zhou, Yang Liu

Piezoelectric materials interconvert mechanical and electrical energy, but piezoceramics are brittle while PVDF-based ferroelectric polymers exhibit low piezoelectric coefficients (d33 ≈ -30 pC N-1). Chemical modification via morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) engineering has raised d33 in P(VDF-TrFE) to -63.5 pC N-1, and to -69 pC N-1 with stretching, but intrinsic piezoelectricity in relaxor terpolymers remains limited. Here, relaxor ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) with varying C=C double bond (DB) content is synthesized via dehydrochlorination. Structural and electrical characterization reveals that increasing DB content stabilizes long-range ferroelectric order while suppressing short-range relaxor characteristics, forming a trans/helix phase boundary. At a critical DB content of 2.0 mol%, a markedly enhanced intrinsic d33 of -129.0 pC N-1 is achieved, outperforming previous MPB approaches. This finding addresses the fundamental bottleneck of low piezoelectric response in flexible ferroelectric polymers and provides a viable route for high-performance wearable electromechanical devices.

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Large intrinsic piezoelectricity in intramolecular modified relaxor ferroelectric polymers near the morphotropic phase boundary

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4371-6• Jan 15, 2026

Crumpled and Multi-Scale Porous Fe−N−C Catalyst with Enhanced Site Accessibility and Mass Transport in Oxygen Reduction

Authors: HE Guanchao, LIU Jingjing, YAN Minmin, LIU Jianbin, LU Zhixiu, YOUNUS Hussein A., YE Gonglan, FEI Huilong

The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) necessitates platinum-based catalysts, but their high cost and scarcity drive the search for platinum-group metal-free (PGM-free) alternatives. Fe−N−C catalysts with atomically dispersed Fe−N4 sites are promising, yet their practical performance is limited by buried active sites and poor mass transport. Here, a crumpled, multi-scale porous Fe−N−C catalyst (Fe−N−PCG) is synthesized via spray pyrolysis coupled with high-temperature metal etching. The crumpled morphology, formed by capillary compression during rapid solvent evaporation, and in-plane mesopores from Fe nanoparticle etching, synergistically enhance site accessibility and mass transport. Fe−N−PCG achieves a site density (SD) of 2.74×10^19 sites g−1 and Fe utilization (UFe) of 51.7%. As a gas diffusion electrode, it delivers a mass transport overpotential (ηmt) of 67 mV at 800 mA cm−2. In zinc-air batteries, Fe−N−PCG exhibits a peak power density of 296.1 mW cm−2 at 500 mA cm−2, outperforming Pt/C (241 mW cm−2 at 438 mA cm−2). At 50 mA cm−2, it delivers a discharge voltage of 1.19 V and a specific capacity of 815 mAh g−1, surpassing Pt/C (1.13 V, 715 mAh g−1). These results demonstrate that morphology and porosity engineering can concurrently optimize intrinsic activity, site utilization, and mass transport, offering a rational design strategy for high-performance PGM-free catalysts.

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Crumpled and Multi-Scale Porous Fe−N−C Catalyst with Enhanced Site Accessibility and Mass Transport in Oxygen Reduction

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4377-9• Jan 15, 2026

Strain-Resilient Bioelectronics Enabled by Coupled Material-Circuit Design

Authors: YU Aoxi, HU Xiaoguang, ZHAO Qiang

Continuous molecular monitoring on dynamic biological tissues demands electrochemical interfaces that maintain charge transport and reactivity under large mechanical strain. Existing stretchable platforms based on conductive elastomer composites or serpentine metal interconnects suffer from strain-induced disruption of percolation networks, active area fluctuation, and interfacial charge-transfer kinetic degradation, producing baseline drift and signal distortion that preclude reliable operation on skin, stomach, or intestine. Xu et al. (Science, 2026, 392) introduced SIRES, an intrinsically stretchable electrochemical interface that couples a strain-resilient liquid-metal elastomeric architecture with a Randles-circuit-informed design strategy. The platform preserves stable charge transport and electrochemical reactivity during large deformation, enabling high-fidelity multiplexed molecular sensing across diverse dynamic biological surfaces. This highlight analyzes the material-circuit co-design framework, evaluates its performance limits against conventional stretchable electrodes, and identifies remaining barriers in fabrication scalability, encapsulation reliability, and system-level integration. The work establishes a universal design paradigm for soft bioelectronics, with direct implications for wearable and implantable diagnostic translation.

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Strain-Resilient Bioelectronics Enabled by Coupled Material-Circuit Design

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4318-5• Jan 15, 2026

Crystal-Phase Engineering of 4H-Phase High-Entropy Alloy Core–Shell Nanowires for Durable Acidic Water Electrolysis

Authors: HE J, HSIAO Y C, WU C Y, et al.

The development of high-entropy alloy (HEA) electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is constrained by the thermodynamic instability of unconventional crystal phases and the trade-off between activity and durability under acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions. This work demonstrates that crystal-phase engineering, using Au nanowires (NWs) as a crystallographic template, stabilizes a 4H-phase HEA core–shell nanostructure (4H-Au@4H-IrPtNiFeCo NWs) that is otherwise inaccessible via conventional synthesis. The 4H-phase HEA electrocatalyst achieves a current density of 3000 mA cm−2 at 1.90 V and maintains stable operation for over 1200 h at 1000 and 2000 mA cm−2 in a PEMWE device. These device-level metrics indicate that the advantage of the 4H-phase HEA extends beyond half-cell measurements, translating into improved PEMWE performance. The unique combination of unconventional atomic stacking, electronic modulation, multielement synergy, and enhanced thermal stability underpins the enhanced acidic water electrolysis performance. This study positions crystal phase, alongside composition, morphology, and surface structure, as a key design parameter for high-performance HEA catalysts in energy conversion and chemical transformation.

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Crystal-Phase Engineering of 4H-Phase High-Entropy Alloy Core–Shell Nanowires for Durable Acidic Water Electrolysis

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4249-2• Jan 15, 2026

Bioinspired Temperature-Responsive Anisotropic Cilia Surface for Flexible Manipulation of Underwater Bubbles

Authors: WU Xiaohu, LIU Huiting, ZHAO Zhihong, BEN Shuang, PENG Yun, NING Yuzhen, YU Cunming, LI Qiang, LIU Kesong, JIANG Lei

Underwater bubble manipulation is critical for water electrolysis, heat transfer, and mineral flotation, yet existing strategies relying on buoyancy or Laplace gradient forces from asymmetric surface geometries suffer from limited flexibility and narrow applicability. This work introduces a temperature-responsive anisotropic cilia surface (TRAS) that achieves bidirectional long-range bubble transport by modulating elastic modulus and stiffness. The TRAS enables precise control over the asymmetric three-phase contact line and viscous resistance, facilitating reversible bubble motion. Experimental validation using aqueous ethanol droplets with varying surface tensions (73.16 mN/m for 0 vol% to 22.27 mN/m for 100 vol%) on cilia with center-to-center spacings of 0.2–1.0 mm reveals that transport direction depends on both cilia spacing and liquid surface tension. Droplets of 0 vol% and 20 vol% ethanol exhibit sustained reverse transport on hard cilia, while 60 vol%, 80 vol%, and 100 vol% solutions show sustained forward transport. Notably, 40 vol% ethanol droplets display bidirectional transport at 0.6 mm spacing, reverse transport at 0.8 and 1.0 mm, and forward transport at 0.2 and 0.4 mm. These results demonstrate that tuning surface tension and cilia spacing provides a versatile platform for directional bubble manipulation, with promising applications in heat transfer, electrochemistry, and gas handling systems.

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Bioinspired Temperature-Responsive Anisotropic Cilia Surface for Flexible Manipulation of Underwater Bubbles

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4248-2• Jan 15, 2026

Selenonium-Catalyzed Dynamic Siloxane Exchange for PDMS-Vitrimer Coatings

Authors: CHEN Hong, AN Xiaowei, CHEN Sisi, XU Yiming, HE Hanliang, WEI Chunyang, LI Jiajia, ZHANG Wei, ZHANG Zhengbiao, ZHU Jian, PAN Xiangqiang

Marine biofouling imposes substantial operational penalties on maritime assets, yet commercial silicone foul-release coatings rely on static, non-adaptive networks that cannot be reprocessed or repaired. This work introduces selenonium-salt-catalyzed dynamic siloxane exchange as a route to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) vitrimer coatings. The authors incorporate A16Se+ organoselenium catalysts into PDMS networks at loadings designated A16Se+xPDMS, enabling thermally activated siloxane bond exchange that confers vitrimeric stress relaxation, reprocessability, and high-temperature self-healing. Antibiofouling performance is benchmarked against pristine PDMS using colony morphology assays for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, SEM imaging of bacterial adhesion after 3 h, Chlorella fluorescence adhesion quantification, zeta potential measurements, and 3-month seawater immersion panels. Reviewer 1 questioned the direct relevance of recyclability and high-temperature self-healing to marine antifouling and requested that surface elastic modulus and Pseudomonas antibacterial data be elevated to the main text. In response, the authors relocated scratch and self-healing results from Figure 5 to Supporting Information Figures S12 and S13, condensed the main-text discussion, and integrated surface elastic modulus data into Figure 4G and Pseudomonas antibacterial results into Figure 6A. The revised manuscript positions dynamic exchange as supporting evidence of network dynamics rather than as a primary antifouling metric, while foregrounding modulus and antibacterial performance as the application-relevant properties.

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Selenonium-Catalyzed Dynamic Siloxane Exchange for PDMS-Vitrimer Coatings

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4506-2• Jan 15, 2026

Opportunities for Plasmonic Organic Photovoltaics Using Nonfullerene Acceptors

Authors: Sobhan HAZRA, Wenzhi MA, Jun YAN

This review critically examines recent advances in plasmonic organic photovoltaics (OPVs) enabled by metal nanoparticles (MNPs), nanopatterns, and subwavelength nanogratings, with a specific focus on the transition from fullerene acceptor (FA) to nonfullerene acceptor (NFA) systems. When incorporated into hole transport layers (HTLs), electron transport layers (ETLs), active layers, or transparent electrodes, these nanostructures leverage localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) to enhance light absorption, exciton generation and dissociation, and charge transport. Broadband plasmonic designs extend spectral utilization and enable versatile device architectures. The net performance enhancement arises from a delicate balance: beneficial contributions such as electromagnetic field enhancement (ELEF), additional absorption via light scattering (AALS), and plasmon resonance energy transfer (PRET) increase photon harvesting and carrier generation, while parasitic processes including self-absorption (SET) and exciton quenching limit efficiency if not properly controlled. Despite substantial progress, challenges persist in precise control over nanoparticle size, shape, and dispersion to improve chemical and morphological stability. The mechanisms of exciton quenching and charge recombination at metal–organic interfaces require further investigation. Critically, most studies to date have focused exclusively on FA systems, where spectral mismatch and severe quenching have historically capped performance. NFAs offer unique advantages, including strong near-infrared absorption that aligns with plasmonic resonances, potentially unlocking enhancement mechanisms previously inaccessible. These insights provide a framework for understanding plasmonic effects in OPVs and highlight the prospective potential of plasmonic nanostructured designs to drive further performance improvements, particularly as the field shifts toward next-generation NFA-based OPV devices.

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Opportunities for Plasmonic Organic Photovoltaics Using Nonfullerene Acceptors

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4418-7• Jan 15, 2026

A Biomimetic Nanocomposite Co-delivering Carbon Dots and Indoximod for Synergistic Immunochemotherapy of Glioblastoma

Authors: YAN Haiyang, YAO Jinyu, DU Yuwei, HENG Liru, LI Li, MEI Qian, ZHANG Lixing

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most lethal primary brain tumor, with the blood-brain barrier (BBB) severely restricting effective treatment options. Immunotherapy has achieved remarkable success in cancers such as lung cancer and melanoma, yet its efficacy in GBM is constrained by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and a paucity of tumor-infiltrating T cells. This study developed a biomimetic nanocomposite for the co-delivery of an immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer and an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) inhibitor to overcome these challenges. Paclitaxel-derived carbon dots (PCDs), which induce ICD in tumor cells and promote the recruitment and activation of immune cells, were synthesized and assembled with Indoximod (an IDO-1 inhibitor) to form a nanocomposite (P-In). A biomimetic coating was subsequently applied to create M@P-In. This coating significantly enhanced BBB penetration and tumor cell uptake. The M@P-In nanocomposite efficiently induced ICD in tumor cells and inhibited IDO-1 activity via the released Indoximod, thereby reversing T-cell suppression and activating antitumor immune responses. Consequently, M@P-In demonstrated potent antitumor efficacy against glioblastoma in vivo with minimal systemic toxicity. This work presents a novel and promising strategy for immunochemotherapy against GBM by co-delivering a carbon dot-based ICD inducer and an IDO-1 inhibitor to the tumor site.

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A Biomimetic Nanocomposite Co-delivering Carbon Dots and Indoximod for Synergistic Immunochemotherapy of Glioblastoma

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4267-y• Jan 15, 2026

Unveiling Space-Charge-Regulated Etching in MAB Ceramics: A Novel Vacuum Molten Salt Strategy for Mo2AlB2

Authors: ZHANGJUE Wang, WEI Li, PENG Huang, WEIJIA Liu, WEI Yang, FAN Zhang, NANNAN Wang, CHEN Shen, CHUANMU Tian, HAILONG Wang, MI Tian, YANQIU Zhu, RUI Zhang, BINGBING Fan

The synthesis of two-dimensional MBenes from MAB-phase ceramics is impeded by uncontrolled etching kinetics that compromise structural integrity and yield. This study introduces a vacuum molten salt strategy to regulate space-charge accumulation during the selective removal of Al from Mo2AlB2, producing honeycomb-like architectures. The vacuum environment suppresses oxidative side reactions and modulates ionic transport, enabling precise control over etching depth and morphology. The resulting Mo2AlB2 exhibits exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption, with a minimum reflection loss of -56.3 dB at 2.4 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.8 GHz. These metrics surpass conventional etching-derived MBenes by a factor of 2.5 in attenuation capacity. The space-charge-regulated mechanism is elucidated through in situ spectroscopic and computational analyses, revealing that vacancy-induced charge redistribution governs the etching front propagation. This work establishes a scalable route for high-purity MBenes with tailored porosity, addressing critical bottlenecks in energy absorption and catalytic applications. The vacuum molten salt approach eliminates the need for hazardous HF, offering a safer and more environmentally benign pathway for industrial translation.

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Unveiling Space-Charge-Regulated Etching in MAB Ceramics: A Novel Vacuum Molten Salt Strategy for Mo2AlB2

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4428-0• Jan 15, 2026

Thermoelectric-based all-day solar thermal management

Authors: SUN Qi, DU Chunyu, CHEN Guangming

Passive radiative thermal management is reframed as a device-level engineering problem for thermoelectric generators (TEGs) rather than a spectral-material optimization exercise. The surface temperature difference (ΔT) generated by photothermal (PT) absorbers and passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) emitters is not equivalent to the effective junction ΔT that drives carrier transport under load; parasitic heat leakage, contact thermal/electrical resistance at electrodes and interfaces, and nonuniform heat spreading systematically degrade the usable gradient. Spectral selectivity sets the upper bound of attainable ΔT, while module architecture, interfacial resistance, and heat-transfer path matching determine whether that bound is preserved as continuous electrical output. The Perspective identifies a critical metrology gap: most reports cite surface ΔT or peak open-circuit voltage without reporting the ΔT-transfer ratio under load, obscuring where thermal losses occur. Because both open-circuit voltage and internal electrical resistance vary with ΔT, external load must be dynamically matched across day-night and weather cycles; night-time reversal of heat-flow direction through the PDRC/PT stack necessitates DC polarity-conversion circuitry, and compact energy storage must buffer intermittent output. The authors argue that fill-factor reduction can preserve junction ΔT by raising thermal resistance but simultaneously increases electrical resistance and suppresses current. Credible assessment criteria are proposed: outdoor 24 h energy density, load-matched power, day-night continuity, and cycle-to-cycle repeatability, rather than peak voltage alone. Near-term deployment targets building-envelope sensors, structural-health monitors, wearables, and distributed IoT nodes where wiring or battery replacement dominates lifetime cost.

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Thermoelectric-based all-day solar thermal management

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4328-2• Jan 15, 2026

Superstoichiometric Spinel Phosphor-in-Glass Films for Laser-Driven Ultrabroadband Near-Infrared Light Sources

Authors: ZHOU Yiran, ZHENG Guojun, WU Jianhong, LIAO Chuan, XIAO Wenge

Laser-driven broadband near-infrared (NIR) light sources are highly desirable for diverse non-visible optical applications. However, conventional phosphor-in-silicone converters will be rapidly invalidated under high-power laser excitation, and the poor structural stability of Cr3+ activated gallate/germanate phosphors makes them prone to interfacial reaction with silicate glass, leading to substantial deterioration in luminescence properties of phosphor-in-glass film (PiGF) converters. Herein, we report an efficient and stable ultrabroadband NIR PiGF with a high internal quantum efficiency of ≈ 94%, a long peak wavelength of 850 nm and an ultra-large full width at half maximum of 300 nm. The detrimental interfacial reactions with glass matrix are effectively suppressed by embedding the Cr3+ activated superstoichiometric MgO·1.75Al2O3 phosphor, which is attributed to the superior high-temperature structural stability of the aluminate spinels. Through effective thermal management by the sapphire plate and further a motor-driven rotating wheel, a high-performance laser-driven light source is further demonstrated, which can deliver high-brightness ultrabroadband NIR light with an output power exceeding 1.1 W, a light conversion efficiency of 26%, and a stable operation for over 15 hours. Our work provides an efficient, stable and cost-effective all-inorganic converter for the development of laser-driven NIR light sources.

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Superstoichiometric Spinel Phosphor-in-Glass Films for Laser-Driven Ultrabroadband Near-Infrared Light Sources

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4362-y• Jan 15, 2026

Precision design of asymmetric cobalt single-atom catalysts for high-performance zinc-air batteries

Authors: Jize Li, Xudong Peng, Renyi Li, Jiaye Li, Wenchao Hu, Hsingkai Chu, Ruiqin Zhong, Xiao Hai

The commercial viability of zinc-air batteries (ZABs) is constrained by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which necessitates robust, cost-effective catalysts. While cobalt-based single-atom catalysts (Co SACs) exhibit superior selectivity and stability relative to Fe-N-C counterparts, their intrinsic ORR activity remains limited by scaling relations among intermediates. This study alleviates these constraints by precisely engineering the coordination symmetry of Co SACs. Through a mild annealing strategy, boron was incorporated into the first and second coordination shells of Co centers, creating an asymmetric Co-N3B-O local environment. The first-shell B/O coordination modulates the electronic structure of the Co center, while hydrogen bonding between *OOH and the coordinated O atom stabilizes the key intermediate, synergistically enhancing ORR activity. The optimized Co-BCN-950 catalyst delivers a peak power density of 216 mW cm-2 in ZABs, a 43% enhancement over commercial Pt/C (151 mW cm-2), alongside an open-circuit voltage of 1.43 V and a specific capacity of 790 mAh g-1. These findings establish a paradigm for tailoring the local coordination of SACs, enabling next-generation high-stability energy storage systems.

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Precision design of asymmetric cobalt single-atom catalysts for high-performance zinc-air batteries

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4415-3• Jan 15, 2026

Electromagnetic Wave Absorbers Based on Nanofibers: Foundation, Preparation and Application

Authors: SUN Xiaotong, WU Ze, TAN Xiuli, LIU Lei

The escalating demands of military stealth platforms and the proliferation of electromagnetic pollution have intensified the need for high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. Nanofibers, characterized by high specific surface area and favorable composite compatibility, are engineered into absorbers with outstanding electromagnetic properties. This review consolidates the preparation and optimization strategies for nanofiber-based absorbers. The electromagnetic attenuation mechanisms are first outlined, followed by a systematic classification of nanofiber fabrication methods into two principal categories: in-situ synthesis and electrospinning-derived processes. Recent advances in optimization strategies for absorbers constructed from nanofibers with tailored electromagnetic characteristics are then examined. The review draws upon representative studies, including ultrathin and flexible electromagnetic interference shielding films via interface-confinement, design strategies for wave-absorbing polymer-based shielding materials, impedance-matchable 3D MXene sponge/NiFe@NC heterostructures with tunable pores, and the influence of fiber coating on SiCf/epoxy composites. These works collectively demonstrate the critical role of fiber architecture, interface engineering, and impedance matching in determining absorption performance. The analysis identifies persistent challenges in scalability, cost, and environmental stability, and outlines future prospects for nanofiber-based EMW absorbers. This review provides a foundational reference for researchers and engineers seeking to translate nanofiber absorber concepts into deployable stealth and pollution-mitigation technologies.

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Electromagnetic Wave Absorbers Based on Nanofibers: Foundation, Preparation and Application

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4499-9• Jan 15, 2026

Ferroelectric two-dimensional In-Se materials: a review on the structure, property and application

Authors: MENG Xianghao, LIU Hanyue, LIU Haining, XIE Liming

Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric materials have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation non-volatile memory and neuromorphic computing, yet their integration into commercial devices faces substantial hurdles. This review critically examines the structure, properties, and applications of ferroelectric 2D In-Se materials, with a focus on their potential to overcome the scaling and retention limitations of conventional ferroelectrics such as Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO). The manuscript synthesizes recent advances in In-Se ferroelectricity, including the mechanisms of polarization switching, modulation strategies, and device demonstrations. Key experimental benchmarks from the literature are analyzed, such as the high data retention and read endurance of 5-nm HZO ferroelectric FETs (IEEE Electron Device Lett, 2019, 40(3): 399-402) and the giant barrier height modulation in ferroelectric van der Waals heterojunctions (Nat Electron, 2020, 3: 466-472). The review also highlights the performance of sliding ferroelectric memories based on rhombohedral-stacked bilayer MoS2, which achieved non-volatile storage with low power consumption (Nat Commun, 2024, 15: 10796). Despite these advances, critical challenges remain: the scalability of In-Se synthesis, the control of domain dynamics at the nanoscale, and the cost parity with silicon-based technologies. By consolidating empirical data and identifying unresolved bottlenecks, this review provides a roadmap for researchers and engineers aiming to translate 2D ferroelectric In-Se from laboratory curiosities to manufacturable devices. The analysis underscores the need for standardized metrology and accelerated lifetime testing to validate industrial viability.

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Ferroelectric two-dimensional In-Se materials: a review on the structure, property and application

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4452-8• Jan 15, 2026

Efficient Ultranarrow-Band Red Eu³⁺ OLEDs Enabled by Modulated Energy Transfer and Charge Transport

Authors: YE Mingyu, HE Wei, TONG Kaining, LI Zehao, QIU Luhao, WU Chengcheng, CHEN Zuochang, XU Han, KANG Feiyu, WEI Jun, LI Jun, WEI Guodan

Europium(III) complexes offer intrinsically narrow red emission (full-width at half-maximum < 5 nm) that is highly desirable for ultrahigh-definition displays, yet their electroluminescence performance is severely limited by unbalanced charge transport and inefficient energy transfer. This work reports a molecular design strategy that modulates both energy transfer and charge transport in Eu³⁺ OLEDs. The synthesized complex, Cz-Eu, incorporates a carbazole-functionalized ancillary ligand to facilitate host–guest energy transfer and hole transport. The single-crystal structure was deposited (CIF: Cz-Eu-cif.cif) and subjected to PLATON validation, which flagged 3 type-1 alerts (CIF construction/syntax errors), 8 type-2 alerts (possible structural model deficiencies), 12 type-3 alerts (low structure quality), and 4 type-4 alerts (improvement suggestions), with no duplication detected. These crystallographic alerts indicate that the reported structure requires further refinement before it can be considered reliable. Nevertheless, the device metrics demonstrate a promising route: the optimized OLED achieves efficient ultranarrow-band red emission, with the potential for high color purity and reduced power consumption. The findings underscore the critical role of ligand engineering in balancing charge fluxes and fostering efficient energy transfer, providing a viable pathway for next-generation red emitters. However, the structural ambiguities highlighted by the PLATON analysis warrant cautious interpretation of the structure–property relationships and suggest that additional crystallographic and device stability studies are necessary to substantiate the claimed performance.

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Efficient Ultranarrow-Band Red Eu³⁺ OLEDs Enabled by Modulated Energy Transfer and Charge Transport

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4245-4• Jan 15, 2026

Single-component MXene-based sensor array generates independent and high-dimensional characteristics for discriminating volatile organic compounds

Authors: QU Danyao, LIU Taoping, WANG Zheng, JIANG Xue, REN Guancheng, WANG Jianjun, XIONG Chuqing, SU Chen, ZHANG Lu, YAO Mingshui, WANG Shaojie, ZHANG Yong, CHENG Bolang, SALIBA Walaa, HUANG Jin, HAICK Hossam, WU Weiwei

The discrimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at trace concentrations remains a critical challenge for environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and non-invasive disease diagnostics. Conventional electronic noses rely on sensor arrays comprising multiple chemically distinct receptors, which introduces fabrication complexity, calibration drift, and cross-sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate that a single-component Ti3C2Tx MXene (TM) sensor array, engineered through controlled surface chemistry and device architecture, generates independent and high-dimensional characteristics (IHC) sufficient for precise VOC pattern recognition. By exploiting the intrinsic heterogeneity of TM basal planes and edge sites, we achieve differential interaction motifs without expanding elemental composition. The array discriminates VOCs including acetone, ethanol, toluene, and hexane at concentrations down to 100 ppb with classification accuracy exceeding 95%. Principal component analysis reveals distinct clustering with cumulative variance of 92.3% captured by the first three principal components. The sensor exhibits a limit of detection of 50 ppb for acetone and response/recovery times of 12 s and 18 s, respectively. Long-term stability tests over 30 days show less than 5% signal degradation. This single-component strategy simplifies fabrication, reduces calibration overhead, and offers a scalable pathway for miniaturized, low-power VOC sensing platforms compatible with Internet of Things (IoT) deployment.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4358-y• Jan 15, 2026

Rational Design of Oxygen Electrocatalysts Guided by Reaction Intermediates

Authors: WANG Xihan, ZHANG Yuxin, LIU Yuxin, MENG Qingguo, CHI Jingqi, LIU Xiaobin, WANG Lei

Oxygen electrocatalysis underpins the viability of proton-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers and rechargeable Zn–air batteries, yet commercial deployment remains constrained by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which impose overpotentials exceeding 300 mV and accelerate catalyst degradation. This review, submitted to SCIENCE CHINA Materials (Manuscript ID SCMs-2026-1384.R1), synthesizes recent advances in rational catalyst design guided by the direct observation and theoretical treatment of reaction intermediates. The authors compile evidence from in situ characterization and computational modeling to establish that intermediate binding energies—particularly *OOH, *O, and *OH on Ru, Ir, Co, and Fe–N–C active sites—serve as predictive descriptors for activity and stability. Cited works demonstrate that 4f-modified Ru–O polarity, spin-balanced Janus Ir–Co magnetic atoms, and aligned d-orbital energy levels in dual-atom sites can shift rate-determining steps and lower activation barriers. The review further examines interfacial microenvironment engineering via anion adsorption, ligand functionalization, and S,N co-doped carbon confinement, which modulate local pH, water orientation, and mass transport. Emphasis is placed on dual-site mechanisms, including FeN6–CoN4 and Co-substituted Ni coordination polymers, where synergistic strong–weak adsorption coupling alters ORR pathways from adsorbate evolution to dissociation. The manuscript provides a critical assessment of descriptor reliability, noting that intermediate binding alone cannot capture dynamic reconstruction, electrolyte effects, or long-term operational stability. By integrating in situ spectroscopy with descriptor-based design, the review offers a framework for translating mechanistic insight into durable, cost-effective oxygen electrocatalysts for industrial electrolysis and metal–air batteries.

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Rational Design of Oxygen Electrocatalysts Guided by Reaction Intermediates

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4441-7• Jan 15, 2026

A Renal-Clearable Ultrasmall NIR-II Nanoprobe for Etiology-Independent Early Diagnosis of Kidney Injury

Authors: SU Wuyue, WANG Wumei, BAI Wenjing, SONG Shuangyan, REN Bingtao, SUO Yongkuan, ZHOU Haibing, CHENG Zhen, HONG Xuechuan, ZENG Xiaodong

Early detection of kidney injury remains difficult because routine clinical indicators often lag behind tissue damage. Here we report uNP-CH1055, an ultrasmall renal-clearable NIR-II fluorescent nanoprobe for non-invasive imaging of kidney injury in vivo. uNP-CH1055 formed stable nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic diameter of 3.3 nm, showed good photostability, enabled low-background imaging under a 1200 nm long-pass filter, and underwent rapid renal clearance after intravenous administration. It also exhibited favorable biocompatibility in both cellular and animal studies. In three mechanistically distinct models of renal injury, cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury, ischemia–reperfusion injury and unilateral ureteral obstruction, renal fluorescence increased with injury severity and closely paralleled biochemical and histological indicators, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, KIM-1 and TUNEL-based readouts. These results identify uNP-CH1055 as a renal-clearable NIR-II probe for early and quantitative assessment of kidney injury across different pathological settings.

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A Renal-Clearable Ultrasmall NIR-II Nanoprobe for Etiology-Independent Early Diagnosis of Kidney Injury

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4383-8• Jan 15, 2026

Engineering Multifunctional Nano-PROTACs Platforms for Precision Cancer Therapy

Authors: NING Yingyi, WU Yuanhao, SU Linzhu, LIU Jianfeng, HUANG Fan

Conventional cancer therapies remain constrained by undruggable oncogenic proteins and acquired resistance. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a transformative modality that harnesses the ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively degrade target proteins, offering advantages over traditional small-molecule inhibitors. However, clinical translation of PROTACs is impeded by intrinsic physicochemical limitations: high molecular weight, poor bioavailability, and lack of tumor-specific delivery. Integrating PROTACs with nanotechnology has yielded advanced nano-PROTACs platforms. Nanocarriers enhance solubility and stability, optimize pharmacokinetics, and enable spatiotemporally controlled drug release through passive or active targeting. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in engineering multifunctional nano-PROTACs for cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on design strategies by which nanoengineering enhances PROTAC performance. We evaluate how these platforms improve anticancer efficacy and minimize systemic toxicity while exploring their therapeutic potential in monotherapy and synergistic treatment settings. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future perspectives, providing a theoretical and technical foundation for next-generation nano-PROTACs as a precise and potent strategy in precision oncology.

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Engineering Multifunctional Nano-PROTACs Platforms for Precision Cancer Therapy

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4412-y• Jan 15, 2026

Local van der Waals gaps and resonant levels enhance thermoelectric performance of lead-free GeTe

Authors: ZHANG Wen, YAN Yu, SONG Hongda, LI Jiehua, WANG Xinghui, LIANG Jian, GUO Enyu, KANG Huijun, CHEN Zongning, CHEN Rongchun, ZHANG Shengnan, WANG Tongmin

GeTe-based thermoelectric materials are promising lead-free alternatives to PbTe, but their intrinsically high Ge vacancy concentration (~10^21 cm^-3) leads to excessive carrier density and degraded Seebeck coefficient. This study integrates resonant levels (RLs) via In doping and local van der Waals gaps via Sb/Bi alloying to decouple electron and phonon transport. The optimal composition Ge0.91Sb0.04Bi0.04In0.01Te exhibits a Seebeck coefficient of ~287.31 μV K^-1 at 323 K, more than double that of the In-free sample (~102.28 μV K^-1). The peak figure of merit zT reaches ~1.8 at 723 K, with an average zT of ~1.0 over 323–723 K. Vickers hardness is enhanced to ~224 HV, a ~93% improvement over pristine GeTe (~116 HV). X-ray diffraction reveals a structural evolution toward a pseudo-cubic phase with increasing In content, and the (202) peak shifts to lower angles, indicating lattice expansion. These results demonstrate that synergistic RLs and van der Waals gaps effectively optimize carrier concentration and suppress thermal conductivity, offering a viable route for high-performance, mechanically robust GeTe thermoelectrics.

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Local van der Waals gaps and resonant levels enhance thermoelectric performance of lead-free GeTe

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4457-y• Jan 15, 2026

Reconfigurable Radio-Frequency Microchips Enabled by Two-Dimensional Memristive Switches

Authors: WEN Yu, KIM Joondong, ZHOU Ye

The relentless scaling of wireless communication toward millimeter-wave (mmWave) and sixth-generation (6G) systems has exposed fundamental limitations in conventional radio-frequency (RF) switches based on field-effect transistors, p-i-n diodes, and microelectromechanical systems, which suffer from trade-offs among insertion loss, isolation, footprint, power consumption, actuation voltage, and integration complexity. Non-volatile memristive switches have emerged as attractive alternatives because their resistance states can be electrically programmed and retained without continuous power consumption. However, integrating such emerging switches into functional mmWave integrated circuits remains a major challenge. Pazos et al. reported a major step by co-integrating two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) memristive RF switches with a commercial gallium nitride (GaN) high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) platform. Au/hBN/Au memristors were introduced directly into the back-end-of-line (BEOL) while preserving the underlying GaN HEMTs and passive microwave circuitry. The active switching area is approximately 2 μm × 2 μm. The devices exhibited a pristine capacitance of approximately 24.5 fF and leakage currents below 100 fA at 4 V, with low-resistance states of only a few ohms after switching. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed a well-defined ~8-nm layered hBN structure before electrical stressing, and a filament-like pathway accompanied by Au penetration after switching to the low-resistance state. The work demonstrates competitive wideband switching performance, high-temperature non-volatility, transistor-assisted programming, continuous RF attenuation, selective signal routing, and frequency-reconfigurable resonators, establishing a new integration paradigm for programmable mmWave electronics.

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Reconfigurable Radio-Frequency Microchips Enabled by Two-Dimensional Memristive Switches

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4498-7• Jan 15, 2026

2D Porphyrin-Based Conjugated Hypercrosslinked Polymer Integrated with CuO for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction

Authors: Shan DONG, Fengling QIN, Haibing ZHANG, Yue ZHAO, Yihan ZHANG, Xinyue ZHANG, Li MA, Qingyin LI

Two-dimensional porphyrin-based hypercrosslinked polymers (TPP-HCPs) were synthesized via room-temperature interfacial polymerization using 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and 1,3,5-trioxane. The resulting TPP-HCPs exhibited a BET surface area of 548 m2 g-1 and a CO2 uptake of 7.97 wt% at 1 bar and 298 K. CuO/TPP-HCPs nanospheres were fabricated by thermal conversion of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O in DMF at 135 °C, using TPP-HCPs as dynamic templates. This in-situ strategy generated CuO nanoparticles within the conjugated porous matrix, facilitating electron transfer and enhancing CO2 access to catalytic centers. In CO2 electroreduction, the composite achieved a total gas Faradaic efficiency exceeding 90% at ~500 mA cm-2 (-1.4 V vs. RHE), with 40.9% for C2H4, 8.2% for CH4, 31.9% for CO, and 12.3% for H2. The catalyst maintained stability over 24 h in an H-cell. These results demonstrate that 2D conjugated polymer-templated catalysts can sustain high-rate CO2 conversion to value-added products, offering a viable route for industrial CO2 utilization.

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2D Porphyrin-Based Conjugated Hypercrosslinked Polymer Integrated with CuO for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4405-9• Jan 15, 2026

A Scalable Superhydrophobic Zero-Dimensional Hybrid Copper(I) Halide for Solid-State Lighting and Multifunctional X-Ray Imaging

Authors: Shifeng PAN, Ziyang ZHOU, Jialin ZHU, Hua TONG, Yuansheng WANG, Haibo LI, Wei LIU, Gangfeng OUYANG

Conventional metal-halide X-ray scintillators, including Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO), Cs(Na)I:Tl, and Lu1.8Y0.2SiO5:Ce (LYSO), suffer from hygroscopic decomposition, high-temperature fabrication, and mechanical rigidity, which restrict their deployment in harsh-environment radiography. This study reports a nontoxic zero-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid copper(I) halide, Cu2I2(C26H36NP)2 (Compound G), synthesized via a room-temperature solution route. The bulky phosphine ligands confer exceptional superhydrophobicity, with the material retaining 91.95% of its initial luminescence after 30 days of water immersion. A flexible scintillator screen fabricated from styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS) exhibits a light yield of ~32,500 photons MeV-1, a spatial resolution of 19.14 lp mm-1, and a detection limit of 0.8 μGyair s-1. The screen enables stable X-ray imaging under flexible, high-temperature, and underwater conditions, eliminating vignetting and distortion in nonplanar objects. These metrics demonstrate that the superhydrophobic copper(I) halide scintillator addresses the water-stability bottleneck of commercial scintillators while delivering competitive light output and resolution, offering a viable pathway for medical diagnosis, nondestructive inspection, security checking, and space exploration.

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A Scalable Superhydrophobic Zero-Dimensional Hybrid Copper(I) Halide for Solid-State Lighting and Multifunctional X-Ray Imaging

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4432-9• Jan 15, 2026

Medium Entropy Tuning Improved Multiple Electron Redox in Polyanion Cathode for High-Rate Sodium-Ion Battery

Authors: XIE Bin, ZHAO Qing-Yuan, DING Meng-Sha, ZHANG Feng, WANG Xiao-Feng, MA Xin, LING Wei, WU Xiong-Wei, ZENG Xian-Xiang

Sodium vanadium phosphate (Na3V2(PO4)3, NVP) with NASICON structure is a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries but suffers from low electronic conductivity and a high energy barrier for the V4+/V5+ redox couple, limiting practical energy density. A medium-entropy tuning strategy yields the multi-element substituted Na3.2V1.5Cr0.1Fe0.1Mn0.1Ni0.1Ti0.1(PO4)3 (ME-NVP). Entropy modulation tailors the microscopic electronic structure, enabling reversible V4+/V5+ redox at 4.0 V. Analyses reveal a synergistic diffusion mechanism that accelerates Na+ transport and enhances multiple-electron redox kinetics. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction confirms highly reversible structural evolution during cycling. The ME-NVP cathode delivers 116.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1C and retains 83.9% of initial capacity after 1000 cycles at 20C, with excellent performance from -12 to 50 °C. This work demonstrates that configurational entropy regulation unlocks high-energy polyanion cathodes for advanced sodium-ion batteries.

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Medium Entropy Tuning Improved Multiple Electron Redox in Polyanion Cathode for High-Rate Sodium-Ion Battery

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4448-y• Jan 15, 2026

Zero-Dimensional Hybrid Zinc Halides with Bright Self-Trapped Exciton Emission for Switchable Encryption and Decryption

Authors: Zimeng Yu, Da Liu, Yawen Zhou, Sihan Zeng, Peng Wang, Xinyi Liu, Shuang Yang, Yu Hou

Zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides are promising for optoelectronic displays, bioimaging, and anti-counterfeiting due to strong exciton localization and self-trapped exciton (STE) emission. However, low-toxicity, biocompatible zinc halides with blue emission remain scarce, hindered by structural isolation of [ZnBr4]2− tetrahedra, electron-phonon coupling, lattice distortion, and nonradiative relaxation. Here, we synthesize MPAZnBr4 (MPA = N-(3-aminopropyl) morpholine), a 0D zinc bromide halide. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a monoclinic P21/c space group with a = 6.65190 Å, b = 16.11210 Å, c = 13.79640 Å, β = 94.5700°, Z = 4, and a calculated density of 2.394 g/cm3. The isolated [ZnBr4]2− tetrahedra are hydrogen-bonded to MPA cations, with the shortest Br···Br contact of 4.76 Å indicating weak inter-cluster electronic coupling. Upon photoexcitation, MPAZnBr4 exhibits bright blue emission centered at 450 nm with a full width at half maximum of 135 nm. Wavelength-dependent emission mapping confirms a single radiative pathway, while temperature-dependent photoluminescence identifies triplet STE emission with a thermal quenching activation energy of 55 meV. The extensive hydrogen-bonding network imparts remarkable structural stability, showing negligible photoluminescence decay under prolonged excitation or storage. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate switchable and rewritable information encryption and decryption, enabling complex luminescent patterns. These findings provide a strategy for constructing highly stable, low-toxicity blue-emissive Zn-based 0D metal halides for advanced photonic and information-security applications.

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Zero-Dimensional Hybrid Zinc Halides with Bright Self-Trapped Exciton Emission for Switchable Encryption and Decryption

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4476-1• Jan 15, 2026

From Coil to Rotation: A Bat-Inspired Light-Driven Soft Robot with Self-Sustained Oscillation

Authors: CHEN He, CHEN Zhong, LIU Zonglin, FEI Teng, ZHAO Xu, YAN Qian, XUE Fuhua, ZHENG Haowen, LIAN Huanxin, CHEN Yunxiang, BAO Baiqiao, LI Han, LIU Shuo, PENG Qingyu, HE Xiaodong

Self-sustained oscillation in soft actuators enables autonomous, untethered robotic locomotion, yet existing light-driven systems suffer from low oscillation frequencies, rapid photothermal degradation, and reliance on external controllers. This work presents a bat-inspired soft robot that converts continuous near-infrared (NIR) irradiation into sustained rotational motion via a coiled MXene-based liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuator. The actuator integrates Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets as photothermal converters within an LCE matrix, achieving a photothermal conversion efficiency of 78.3% and a steady-state temperature of 142 °C under 1.5 W cm−2 NIR (808 nm). The coil geometry induces a self-shadowing effect that generates periodic light exposure, producing autonomous oscillation at 2.7 Hz with an amplitude of 45°. The robot demonstrates a rotational speed of 120 rpm and a specific power density of 3.2 W kg−1, outperforming previously reported light-driven oscillators by a factor of 2.5. Under continuous operation for 10,000 cycles, the actuator retains 92% of its initial oscillation amplitude, with a degradation rate of 0.008% per cycle. The bat-inspired wing morphology enables directional rotation and obstacle avoidance in confined spaces. This platform eliminates the need for external modulation, offering a scalable route to autonomous soft robotics for inspection, environmental monitoring, and micro-manipulation.

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From Coil to Rotation: A Bat-Inspired Light-Driven Soft Robot with Self-Sustained Oscillation

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4365-2• Jan 15, 2026

Gradient Conductivity Boosts Flexible Tactile Sensors to Record Sensitivity and Linear Range

Authors: WANG Xiangnan, ZHAI Wei, LIU Hu

The intrinsic trade-off between sensitivity and linear range in piezoresistive tactile sensors has constrained their adoption in high-fidelity flexible electronics. This study introduces a layer-by-layer gradient conductivity (LGC) architecture that decouples these competing metrics. Through sequential deposition of conductive layers with decreasing filler content, the LGC resistive layer establishes a monotonic resistance–pressure relationship. The optimized LGC0.4@3 sensor achieves a record sensitivity of 0.4 kPa⁻¹ and a linear range extending to 300 kPa, as evidenced by relative electrical response measurements (Figure 1d). Dynamic monitoring of ground slope changes and convexity/concavity features (Figure 1e,f) confirms real-time operational stability. The gradient design mitigates percolation saturation, enabling linear output across three orders of magnitude. This advance addresses a critical bottleneck in tactile sensing, offering a scalable pathway for robotic proprioception and wearable health monitors. The fabrication protocol is compatible with roll-to-roll processing, with potential for cost parity against commercial capacitive sensors. Industrial translation requires further validation under cyclic loading and environmental aging, but the demonstrated metrics position LGC sensors as a viable alternative for applications demanding both high sensitivity and broad dynamic range.

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Gradient Conductivity Boosts Flexible Tactile Sensors to Record Sensitivity and Linear Range

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4391-5• Jan 15, 2026

Simultaneous Modulation of Interfacial Dipole and Film Kinetics via Self-Assembled Monolayers for Low-Energy-Loss Organic Photovoltaics

Authors: CHEN Wei, QIU Shuwei, ZENG Xiaoya, ZHANG Qidi, ZHUANG Yunxiang, XIE Chen, YOU Peng, SHAN Tong, BAI Qing, CHEN Lu, LI Shunpu, JIA Tiekun, WANG Yufei, ZHANG Guangye

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) enable precise tuning of the ITO/active layer interfacial dipole, yet their impact on the crystallization kinetics of the overlying active layer remains poorly understood, limiting their potential in high-efficiency organic solar cells. This study introduces THPC, a self-assembling material with an extended carbazole core and heteroatom substitution, as a hole transport layer (HTL). Unlike the hydrophilic PEDOT:PSS, THPC exhibits low surface energy, providing a favorable template that extends the film formation kinetics of the PM6:L8-BO-X blend by nearly 1.4 times, mitigating the explosive nucleation prevalent in PM6-based active layers. This promotes a highly ordered fibrous morphology and enhances vertical phase separation. The deep work function of THPC (5.32 eV) increases the built-in potential, reduces interfacial trap density, and facilitates charge extraction. Consequently, non-radiative recombination loss decreases from 0.243 eV to 0.227 eV, and the open-circuit voltage rises from 0.866 V to 0.883 V, yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.19%, outperforming the PEDOT:PSS control (18.67%). This finding is confirmed across multiple Y-series acceptors, all approaching 20% PCE. Notably, the D18:L8-BO system achieves a PCE of 20.55%, demonstrating broad applicability.

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Simultaneous Modulation of Interfacial Dipole and Film Kinetics via Self-Assembled Monolayers for Low-Energy-Loss Organic Photovoltaics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4321-x• Jan 15, 2026

Lewis Acid and Hydroxyl Enabled PEO Electrolytes for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

Authors: WANG Rui-Qing, QIU Zhao-Dong, WANG Lin-Dong, FAN Yi-Qi, HU Zhi-Yi, ZHANG Xi-Kun, DENG Zhao, CHEN Li-Hua, LI Yu, SU Bao-Lian

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes are leading candidates for solid-state lithium metal batteries due to their flexibility, processability, and interfacial compliance. However, the strong crystallization tendency of PEO and limited lithium salt dissociation result in low ionic conductivity and low Li+ transference number, exacerbating concentration polarization and interfacial instability. Introducing metal-organic framework (MOF) fillers into PEO matrices has emerged as an effective route to regulate polymer-chain packing and promote salt dissociation via Lewis acid-base interactions. Yet, most studies focus on cubic ZIF-8, whose saturated Zn coordination environment limits intrinsic Lewis acidity and restricts its ability to immobilize TFSI- anions. Simultaneously, simple physical blending often leaves discontinuous interfacial transport regions in composite electrolytes, so improved salt dissociation does not automatically translate into fast Li+ transport. Here we report a PEO-based composite polymer electrolyte, denoted as PZS, that couples monoclinic ZIF-8 (M-ZIF-8) nanosheets with a thin SiO2 layer. The design combines two complementary functions: the under-coordinated Zn sites in M-ZIF-8 provide strong Lewis acid centers to adsorb TFSI- and promote LiTFSI dissociation, while the hydroxyl-rich SiO2 shell improves compatibility with the PEO matrix and helps construct continuous interfacial Li+ transport pathways. Benefiting from this synergy, the optimized PZS electrolyte delivers an ionic conductivity of 8.3 × 10-4 S cm-1 and a Li+ transference number of 0.57 at 60 ℃, together with an electrochemical stability window of 5.2 V. Li||Li symmetric cells remain stable for over 1200 h at 0.1 mA cm-2, and LFP||Li full cells retain 80% of their capacity after 400 cycles at 0.5 C.

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Lewis Acid and Hydroxyl Enabled PEO Electrolytes for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4347-9• Jan 15, 2026

Hollow Flower-Sphere TiO2 Nanoreactors: Enabling Ultrahigh-Loading and Speciation-Controlled Cu Sites for Solar H2 Evolution

Authors: Yeting Fang, Cheng Qian, Yulong Ying, Lvlv Ji, Tao Wang, Sheng Wang

Overcoming the intrinsic loading ceiling of oxide-supported single-atom catalysts remains a long-standing challenge, because oxide frameworks generally provide limited capacity for accommodating high densities of isolated metal species. Here, we report a hollow TiO2 nanoreactor that effectively addresses the long-standing loading limitation of oxide-supported catalysts by coupling high-capacity ion exchange with structural confinement. The multiscale framework is derived from a sodium titanate hollow flower-sphere assembled from ultrathin nanosheets. It enables broad accessibility of exchange sites and facilitates high Cu uptake prior to oxide formation. Subsequently, during Ar-assisted transformation into oxygen-vacancy-rich TiO2, the incorporated Cu species remain highly dispersed within the framework, while vacancy-mediated metal–support interactions further enhance their stability. As a result, controllable Cu speciation is achieved at ultrahigh loadings of 7.4 wt% as spatially isolated single atoms and 12.4 wt% as single-atom/subnanometer-cluster hybrids. The optimized hybrid catalyst delivers a hydrogen evolution rate of 28.8 mmol g−1 h−1 under simulated sunlight, surpassing conventional low-loading Cu/TiO2 systems under comparable conditions. This strategy is readily extendable to other transition metals (Fe, Co, and Ni), establishing a structural design principle for constructing high-density and speciation-controlled metal sites on oxide supports.

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Hollow Flower-Sphere TiO2 Nanoreactors: Enabling Ultrahigh-Loading and Speciation-Controlled Cu Sites for Solar H2 Evolution

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4351-8• Jan 15, 2026

Nonlinear optical response and broadband self-powered polarization-sensitive photoresponse in low-symmetric TeSe2

Authors: SUN Jiaqian, ZHAO Duo, CHEN Zhuoxuan, KANG Chenxu, ZHANG Su-Yun, HE Tingchao, RAMIERE Aymeric, ZENG Yu-Jia

Breaking intrinsic structural symmetry is a fundamental prerequisite for pronounced nonlinear optical responses. Low-symmetry semiconductors with inherent anisotropy enable self-powered optoelectronic conversion and polarization-sensitive functionalities. This work reports the synthesis of low-dimensional van der Waals chain TeSe2 crystals with intrinsic inversion and C3 symmetry breaking. Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy and second-harmonic generation measurements confirm crystalline anisotropy and nonlinear optical performance. Electrical transport studies reveal p-type conduction with a room-temperature field-effect mobility of 122 cm2 V-1 s-1. The TeSe2 photodetector achieves self-powered detection and linearly polarized light detection across 405–1064 nm, with a photoresponsivity of 77.3 mA/W at 532 nm. The linear photogalvanic effect response is effectively modulated by gate voltage. Density functional theory calculations attribute p-type doping to Te and Se vacancies, while the nonlinear optical origin is linked to strong Berry curvature. Applications in polarization encoding communication and polarization imaging are demonstrated, indicating potential for low-energy-consuming, highly sensitive, on-chip integrated linear polarized photodetectors.

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Nonlinear optical response and broadband self-powered polarization-sensitive photoresponse in low-symmetric TeSe2

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4310-4• Jan 15, 2026

Recent Advances in Electrically Actuated Functional Materials for Microrobot Locomotion

Authors: WANG Dongkai, ZHONG Junwen

Electrically actuated microrobots, typically defined as devices under 5 cm in length and 5 g in mass, offer distinct operational advantages over thermally, magnetically, or optically driven counterparts, particularly at the centimeter scale where external field-generation hardware imposes prohibitive cost and redundancy. This review systematically examines the intrinsic coupling mechanisms between the electromechanical performance parameters of functional materials and the resulting locomotion modes of microrobots. The central premise is that material-level electromechanical properties—actuation strain, blocking force, energy density, and drive voltage—directly govern critical system-level capabilities including obstacle-crossing ability and energy efficiency. The authors analyze how distinct material classes, such as dielectric elastomers, piezoelectric ceramics, and shape-memory alloys, map to specific locomotion modalities, thereby delineating the current performance boundaries of the field. The review identifies that power supply and control strategy remain the two dominant bottlenecks limiting autonomous operation and long-duration mission execution. By establishing a direct correlation between material selection and locomotion performance, this work provides a structured framework for researchers to set research directions and performance targets. The analysis concludes with a summary of challenges and future trends, emphasizing the need for materials that simultaneously satisfy low drive voltage, high strain, and high power density requirements for real-world deployment in unstructured environments.

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Recent Advances in Electrically Actuated Functional Materials for Microrobot Locomotion

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4473-9• Jan 15, 2026

Selective Ion Separation in Nanoporous Materials: Confinement Sieving, Chemical Recognition, and Dynamic Gating

Authors: DAI Chaoyang, XU Zhicheng, LUO Hao, ZHOU Tianyang, SHAO Yinzi, WU Tianhao, XIE Linghai, FENG Quanyou

Selective ion separation is critical for resource recovery, water treatment, lithium extraction from salt lakes, and nuclear waste management, yet the differences in size, solvation structure, and coordination behavior among ions are often minimal, and separation is further complicated by valence, interfacial charge, and competing ions. Nanoporous materials with tunable sub-nanometer channels and chemically active interfaces can regulate ion entry, solvation reorganization, interfacial partitioning, intrapore migration, and release. This review examines three mechanistic categories—size and solvation sieving, chemical recognition, and dynamic gating—from the perspective of confined transport and ion–pore interactions, and compares their roles and coupling in systems of monovalent–monovalent, divalent–divalent, heterovalent, and chemically similar multivalent ions. We further distinguish selective adsorption, membrane enrichment, and transmembrane transport, and discuss how selectivity definitions, ion flux, feed composition, driving force, and operating time affect performance evaluation. Current research faces three major challenges: lack of comparability of performance data across different test conditions, insufficient direct evidence of ion solvation, site occupancy, and migration under operating conditions, and the complexity of feed streams. By adopting a sequential ion transport process as a unified conceptual framework, this review systematically compares separation mechanisms across diverse nanoporous materials, including MOFs, COFs, zeolites, 2D materials, microporous polymer membranes, ion-exchange membranes, biomimetic nanochannels, organic–inorganic composites, functionalized porous carbons, and biochars. This transport-process-oriented framework provides a general and mechanistic perspective for understanding and comparing selective ion separation across diverse nanoporous platforms.

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Selective Ion Separation in Nanoporous Materials: Confinement Sieving, Chemical Recognition, and Dynamic Gating

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4471-6• Jan 15, 2026

Beyond direct excitation: advancing photochromism via triplet sensitization

Authors: DAI Jinghong, ZHU Enya, ZHANG Zhiwei, ZHANG Junji

Triplet sensitization, inspired in part by the natural management of triplet-state energy in photosynthetic systems, has emerged as a transformative strategy for overcoming the intrinsic photophysical limitations of photochromic systems driven by direct excitation, including rapid fatigue, inefficient photoconversion, and the stringent requirement for high-energy ultraviolet light. By exploiting triplet excited states and Dexter-type triplet–triplet energy transfer (TET), this strategy enables red-shifted activation and improved switching performance under milder irradiation conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in triplet-sensitized photochromism across two mechanistic platforms, E/Z isomerization (azobenzenes and overcrowded-alkene molecular motors) and electrocyclization (diarylethenes), examining the full range of triplet sensitizers employed to date, from metalloporphyrins, organic chromophores, and semiconductor quantum dots to metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) and charge-transfer complexes (CTCs). Finally, we examine the key challenges of directional control, structural organization, and efficient long-wavelength sensitization, while discuss emerging strategies that may promote triplet-sensitized photochromism as a versatile platform for next-generation photoresponsive materials and light-controlled biomedicine.

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Beyond direct excitation: advancing photochromism via triplet sensitization

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4420-7• Jan 15, 2026

Visualizing the evolution of atomic-scale Cu+ migration path in Cu2-xSe thermoelectric materials by in situ high-resolution neutron diffraction

Authors: Zhongyuan Huang, Taolve Zhang, Weiming Zhu, Hui Fang, Shuankui Li, Rui Wang, Kwanghee Cho, Masato Hagihala, Shuki Torii, Takashi Kamiyama, Ping Miao, Yinguo Xiao

Cu2-xSe is a leading p-type thermoelectric material owing to its phonon-liquid electron-crystal (PLEC) behavior, yet the atomic-scale mechanisms governing Cu+ migration remain unresolved. This study employs in situ high-resolution neutron diffraction coupled with maximum entropy method (MEM) analysis to map the temperature-dependent evolution of Cu+ nuclear density in β-Cu2Se and β-Cu1.95Se. At 398–423 K, intra-tetrahedral Cu 8c ↔ 32f <111> hopping emerges, with isosurface values of 0.505 fm Å-3 for β-Cu2Se and 0.484 fm Å-3 for β-Cu1.95Se. Above 448 K, inter-tetrahedral pathways form via Cu 32f ↔ 32f <100> or 32f ↔ 4b ↔ 32f <111> migration, as revealed by line scans along [1̅11̅] up to 723 K. The presence of Cu vacancies (x = 0.05) alters the onset and connectivity of these pathways, directly impacting phonon scattering and electron transport. These findings establish a structural basis for controlling Cu+ mobility, offering a rational route to mitigate Cu precipitation and enhance zT stability beyond 1.5 at 900 K. The work bridges microstructural dynamics and thermoelectric performance, providing critical guidance for defect engineering in superionic thermoelectrics.

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$Visualizing the evolution of atomic-scale Cu+ migration path in Cu2-xSe thermoelectric materials by in situ high-resolution neutron diffraction$

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4416-8• Jan 15, 2026

Efficient green carbene-copper(I)-amide complexes enabled by a pyrimidine-fused N-heterocyclic carbene ligand

Authors: Yihan Wang, Ao Ying, Jiaping Liu, Shaolong Gong

Copper(I)-based carbene-metal-amide (CMA) emitters offer an earth-abundant alternative to precious-metal phosphors for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), yet efficient green emission remains scarce due to limited π-extension and unbalanced charge-transfer characteristics of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. This work introduces a pyrimidine-fused NHC ligand (CF3PMI) with balanced π-accepting ability, synthesized via a one-pot protocol in good yields. The resulting Cu(I)-CMA complex CF3PMI-BFCF3 exhibits green thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) in doped thin films, with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 90% and a short emission lifetime of 1.16 μs. A vacuum-deposited OLED achieves green electroluminescence centered at 514 nm with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.7%. Furthermore, a hyperfluorescent OLED employing CF3PMI-BFCF3 as a sensitizer delivers an EQE of 21.8%, green emission at 537 nm, and a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 30 nm. These results establish a viable molecular design strategy for high-performance green-emitting Cu(I)-based TADF materials and provide a convenient synthetic route for Cu(I)-CMA emitters.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4425-4• Jan 15, 2026

Dynamically color-tunable electroluminescent fiber device achieving 131.07% sRGB color gamut coverage

Authors: Zihao ZHOU, Yichi ZHANG, Shuaici CHENG, Yuanyuan ZHENG, Zhengfeng ZHU, Jingxia WU, Bingjie WANG, Jiajun QIN, Huisheng PENG, Peining CHEN

Flexible and weavable alternating-current electroluminescent (ACEL) fiber devices are pivotal for wearable displays and human-computer interfaces, yet their intrinsic lack of color tunability restricts high-density information interaction. This study presents a dynamically color-tunable electroluminescent fiber device with a coaxial winding structure that integrates multiple fiber electrodes emitting the three primary colors. Through simple voltage driving, the device achieves a color gamut covering 131.07% of the sRGB standard, enabling arbitrary full-color tunability, including standard white light with CIE coordinates of (0.31, 0.33). The emission peak is continuously tunable over a 161.7 nm range, a 4-fold enhancement compared to previously reported ACEL fibers. The coaxial winding architecture is compatible with large-scale fabrication, yielding hundred-meter-scale fiber devices with a luminance variation of only 2.76%. The electroluminescent performance remains stable under stringent industrial standards: 10,000 friction cycles, 20 accelerated washing cycles, and 10-day storage at 105 °C and −20 °C. Integration into a smart textile watchband demonstrates real-time heart rate visualization via progress color changes and gesture-controlled color switching, validating its potential as an effective human-computer interface.

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Dynamically color-tunable electroluminescent fiber device achieving 131.07% sRGB color gamut coverage

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4490-y• Jan 15, 2026

Bioinspired Three-Dimensional Zn-Coordinated Organic Frameworks as Carbonic Anhydrase-Mimics for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Hydration Reactions

Authors: XU Wenjie, HE Chao, LI Shuang, SUN Shudong, WANG Mao, CHENG Chong, ZHAO Changsheng

The development of efficient enzyme mimics for CO2 hydration remains a critical challenge for industrial carbon capture. This study reports a bioinspired three-dimensional Zn-coordinated organic framework (Zn-SOF) synthesized via solvothermal assembly of a salen-based ligand with zinc ions. The resulting material exhibits a carbonic anhydrase-like active site with a Zn-N2O2 coordination environment, as confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The Zn-SOF demonstrates a CO2 hydration rate of 3.2 × 10^-3 s^-1 per active site, representing a 12-fold enhancement over the homogeneous Zn-salen complex and approaching 8% of native carbonic anhydrase II activity. The catalyst maintains structural integrity over 10 consecutive cycles with <5% activity loss and operates optimally at 25–40 °C and pH 7.4–9.0. Kinetic analysis reveals a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 28 mM for CO2 and a turnover number (kcat) of 4.1 s^-1, outperforming benchmark Zn-based mimics. The framework's hierarchical porosity (BET surface area: 620 m2 g^-1) facilitates substrate diffusion, while the hydrophobic pore environment enhances CO2 affinity. This work establishes a design paradigm for robust, recyclable enzyme mimics that bridge the gap between homogeneous catalysts and natural enzymes, offering a scalable route for post-combustion CO2 capture.

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Bioinspired Three-Dimensional Zn-Coordinated Organic Frameworks as Carbonic Anhydrase-Mimics for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Hydration Reactions

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4497-y• Jan 15, 2026

Construction of fully octahedral-coordinated Co3O4 for efficient acidic water electrolysis

Authors: Ying Yunyi, Shao Xiaodong, Jin Haiyan

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) enables green hydrogen production from renewable electricity but relies on scarce Ir/Ru catalysts for the kinetically sluggish and acid-stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Non-noble-metal oxides typically suffer rapid dissolution and structural collapse under acidic, high-current conditions. Conventional cubic spinel Co3O4 (C-Co3O4) contains both inactive tetrahedral Co and active octahedral Co sites; tetrahedral dissolution destabilizes the framework. A recently reported trigonal Co3O4 phase (Tri-Co3O4), synthesized via vacuum-mediated molten-alkali mechanochemical methods, consists entirely of edge-shared [CoO6] octahedra in a compact two-dimensional layered structure. This configuration eliminates tetrahedral sites and exposes abundant octahedral active centers. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction confirms strong (0001) and (0002) reflections, while Co K-edge EXAFS shows only Co-Cooct coordination without Co-Cotet signals. Tri-Co3O4 achieves 10 mA cm-2 at an overpotential of 269 mV, 181 mV lower than C-Co3O4 (450 mV), with low cobalt dissolution and 2500 h operation at 1.7 V in a practical PEMWE device. In situ XAFS reveals minimal Co oxidation-state change and nearly unchanged Co-O coordination during OER, confirming octahedral framework stability. DFT calculations identify the Tri-Co3O4 (10-10) facet as closest to the volcano apex, with balanced *OH and *O adsorption favoring the adsorbate evolution mechanism. Stability arises from coupled coordination, dimensional, and valence effects: outer-layer Co3+ provides high activity, middle-layer Co2+ stabilizes the lattice, and weak out-of-plane van der Waals interactions increase the energy barrier for Co removal. This highlight critically evaluates the mechanistic origins, unresolved questions regarding metastable phase generality, synthesis scalability, and long-term structural evolution under PEMWE operation.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4395-x• Jan 15, 2026

Iron-Induced Bidirectional Catalytic Effects for Sulfur Redox Reactions in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Authors: TANG Guobing, ZHANG Yiming, JIANG Luyao, WU Junxiong, MA Lianbo, ZHANG Zhiqi

Electrocatalysts in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries accelerate sulfur species redox reactions and restrict polysulfide shuttling, yet ideal electrocatalysts with remarkable bidirectional catalytic effects remain scarce. This work utilizes iron (Fe) to trigger bidirectional catalytic effects in a cobalt (Co) electrocatalyst, generating a metal alloy-based heterostructure of Co-Co7Fe3 dispersed homogeneously on carbon sheets (Co-Co7Fe3/CS). Electrochemical tests and in situ X-ray diffraction disclose significantly enhanced bilateral catalytic activity of Co-Co7Fe3 compared to bare Co, confirmed by self-discharge measurements. Post-cycling investigation validates protection of the Li metal anode from sulfur species corrosion. The Co-Co7Fe3/CS-modified coin cells deliver an exceptional rate capability of 603 mAh g–1 at 5.0 C and steady long-life cycling for 500 cycles at 1.0 and 2.0 C. Under high sulfur loadings and lean electrolyte conditions, an impressive areal capacity with stable cycling is realized. This work provides valuable insights for designing metal alloy-based heterostructures as advanced electrocatalysts in Li–S batteries.

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Iron-Induced Bidirectional Catalytic Effects for Sulfur Redox Reactions in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4417-x• Jan 15, 2026

A novel soft magnetic high-entropy alloy: Achieving synergy in mechanical properties, soft magnetic performance, and corrosion resistance

Authors: ZHOU Fengrui, DU Xiaoyi, WANG Mingliang, LU Yiping

Balancing mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and soft magnetic performance in structural-functional integrated materials remains a persistent metallurgical challenge. This study reports a face-centered cubic (FCC) Fe40Co35Ni15Al3Ta2Cr5 (at.%) high-entropy alloy (HEA) that achieves an unprecedented combination of these properties. The alloy exhibits a tensile strength of ~1200 MPa, total elongation of ~25%, saturation magnetization of 101.54 Am2·kg-1, and coercivity of 267.34 A·m-1. These values surpass most reported magnetic HEAs and conventional soft magnetic alloys. In a simulated 3.50 wt.% NaCl seawater environment, the alloy demonstrates a corrosion current density of 3.99 × 10-7 A·cm-2, comparable to 316L stainless steel. The synergy arises from nanoprecipitate engineering within the FCC matrix, which impedes dislocation motion while maintaining magnetic domain wall mobility and promoting a protective passive film. This work provides a design pathway for soft magnetic structural-functional materials suitable for corrosive marine environments, where simultaneous load-bearing and magnetic actuation are required.

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A novel soft magnetic high-entropy alloy: Achieving synergy in mechanical properties, soft magnetic performance, and corrosion resistance

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4480-1• Jan 15, 2026

Side-Chain-Engineered Guest Acceptor Synchronously Optimizes Vertical Phase Separation and Non-radiative Loss in Organic Solar Cells

Authors: CHEN Yue, CHEN Yali, MAO Haibo, HUANG Chuqiao, ZHANG Jiebin, ZHANG Jiayan, SONG Bohao, ZHOU Mingxu, MA Haisheng, HAO Xiaotao, CHEN Yu, YIN Penggang, KANG Jianxin, ZHOU Huiqiong, WOELLNER Cristiano Francisco, JIA Wenfeng, SUN Xiaobo, ZHANG Yuan, ZHANG Weichao

Ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) incorporating a structurally compatible guest acceptor (C7-Cl) into the PM6:BTP-eC9 host system are demonstrated. The low Flory-Huggins interaction parameter between host and guest acceptors facilitates intimate mixing, optimizing molecular packing and energy-level alignment. High-sensitivity sEQE and EQEEL analyses reveal a reduced non-radiative energy loss (KE3) of 0.216 eV in the ternary device. Consequently, the optimized ternary OSC achieves a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.02% and an improved T80 operational lifetime of 1065 h. This work establishes a feasible strategy via structurally compatible guest doping to simultaneously optimize vertical phase separation and suppress non-radiative loss, providing a facile and effective route toward high-performance and stable OSCs.

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Side-Chain-Engineered Guest Acceptor Synchronously Optimizes Vertical Phase Separation and Non-radiative Loss in Organic Solar Cells

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4494-9• Jan 15, 2026

Silver Disorder Enables Thermal Insulation in Both Crystalline and Amorphous Ag26I18W4O16

Authors: LIU Ziyue, LI Changyuan, BAI Qingyu, WU Linjie, YANG Long, LUO Jun, CHEN Zhiwei, PEI Yanzhong

Superionic conductors exhibit high cation mobility arising from weak binding and continuous transport pathways, atomistically characterized by extensive structural disorder and partial occupancy akin to amorphization. This disorder, whether confined to a cation sublattice or extended to full amorphization, strongly impedes lattice thermal transport, rendering these materials intrinsically ideal thermal insulators. This work investigates Ag26I18W4O16, a superionic conductor tunable from fully amorphous to single-crystalline states, as a model system to probe the impact of disorder and amorphization on thermal transport. Extensive Ag+ disorder, in both crystalline and amorphous phases, reduces thermal conductivity to approximately the theoretical lower bound of 0.16 W/m-K with virtually no temperature dependence, while concurrently achieving the lowest mean sound velocity ever recorded for a dense solid. Pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of synchrotron X-ray total scattering data indicates that short-range disorder (< 5 Å), rather than long-range periodicity, governs thermal insulation performance in both phases. These findings suggest a design strategy reconciling structural stability with glass-like thermal insulation.

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Silver Disorder Enables Thermal Insulation in Both Crystalline and Amorphous Ag26I18W4O16

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4466-3• Jan 15, 2026

Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Mechanical Coating of Cr Powders on 45 Steel for Superior Corrosion Resistance

Authors: CAO Bangliang, WU Boyang, BAO Wenzhe, ZHANG Yu, RUAN Wenqing, DONG Jie, PEI Chaoqun, YIN Cunhong, ZHANG Dabin, LIU Xiaodi, MA Jiang

Conventional surface coating technologies for 45 steel are constrained by high processing temperatures, limited material compatibility, and insufficient interfacial bonding. This study introduces ultrasonic vibration-assisted mechanical coating (UVAMC) as a low-temperature deposition route that mitigates these limitations. The process yields a chromium coating on 45 steel with a nanoscale elemental interdiffusion transition layer at the interface, achieving a bonding strength of 66.0 MPa. The coating delivers improved corrosion resistance in aggressive environments while preserving the substrate's original compressive and tensile strength. The method also demonstrates broad process adaptability, successfully depositing copper, aluminum, and 316 stainless steel powders, and forming complex shapes such as the "SZU" pattern. These results establish UVAMC as a viable surface functionalization strategy for metallic materials, combining efficient deposition with operational flexibility.

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Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Mechanical Coating of Cr Powders on 45 Steel for Superior Corrosion Resistance

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4447-3• Jan 15, 2026

Observation of Chargeable Photoconductivity in Bi0.85La0.15FeO3/Q2DEG-Based Multiferroic Heterostructure

Authors: Jun Zhang, Anpeng He, Run Zhao, Ju Gao, Yucheng Jiang

Chargeable photoconductivity, a non-volatile photoresponse phenomenon, was investigated in multiferroic heterostructures comprising Bi0.85La0.15FeO3 (BLFO) and a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (Q2DEG). Two device architectures, LSMO/BLFO/Q2DEG and Pt/BLFO/Q2DEG, were fabricated and characterized under varying electrical connection conditions between the top electrode and the Q2DEG during illumination and dark waiting stages. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements reveal that the heterostructures exhibit persistent photoconductivity after illumination, with the magnitude and retention dependent on the circuit configuration. Under open/open conditions, the photocurrent increases with illumination duration, and subsequent dark waiting leads to a gradual decay, indicating charge storage and release mechanisms. The LSMO/BLFO/Q2DEG heterostructure demonstrates superior chargeable photoconductivity compared to the Pt counterpart, attributed to the oxygen vacancy migration and interfacial polarization effects. These findings establish a foundation for oxide-based photoelectric memory devices with potential for low-power, non-volatile optoelectronic applications. The results provide critical insights into the interplay between ferroelectric polarization, oxygen vacancy dynamics, and charge trapping at the BLFO/Q2DEG interface, offering a pathway for designing advanced multiferroic optoelectronic devices.

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Observation of Chargeable Photoconductivity in Bi0.85La0.15FeO3/Q2DEG-Based Multiferroic Heterostructure

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4477-7• Jan 15, 2026

Macrocycle-Based Solid-State Lithium Electrolytes: Supramolecular Strategies and Ion-Transport Regulation

Authors: WANG Wenjie, GU Zhangjie, TIAN Jinya, LI Hongbing, CHAI Yongping, JIAO Zhaoyang, CHI Xiaodong

The rapid demand for high-energy-density lithium batteries necessitates advanced solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to overcome the safety and performance limitations of conventional liquid counterparts. Macrocyclic compounds, with their well-defined cavities, programmable binding sites, and tunable self-assembly, have emerged as powerful molecular regulators for designing next-generation SSEs. This review examines recent advancements in macrocyclic compound-based SSEs by categorizing their functions into four fundamental supramolecular regulation paradigms: cation-centered regulation (e.g., crown ethers), anion-centered regulation (e.g., calixarenes and calixpyrroles), channel-dominated transport (e.g., cyclodextrins), and hybrid regulation (e.g., cucurbiturils). We elucidate how these macrocycles precisely control ion coordination, modulate migration dynamics, and reshape interfacial chemistry, leading to enhanced ionic conductivity, improved Li+ transference numbers, suppressed lithium dendrite growth, and superior interfacial stability. While each paradigm offers distinct advantages, the most promising SSEs often leverage synergistic combinations of these strategies. Finally, we highlight the remaining challenges, including synthetic complexity and multi-objective performance trade-offs, and propose future research directions for developing highly efficient and durable macrocycle-based solid-state lithium batteries.

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Macrocycle-Based Solid-State Lithium Electrolytes: Supramolecular Strategies and Ion-Transport Regulation

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4311-y• Jan 15, 2026

A Dual-Window NIR-Responsive High-Entropy Oxide Nanozyme for Photothermal-Catalytic Synergistic Therapy of Drug-Resistant Bacterial Wounds

Authors: CAI Shuang, DENG Xue, DING Xin, MIAO Hu, YUAN Zhuohao, ZHU Yuquan, HU Yan-Jun

Chronic infections caused by biofilms of drug-resistant bacteria pose a significant challenge in clinical treatment. Traditional NIR-I photothermal therapy has limitations, including restricted tissue penetration and potential damage to normal tissues due to high temperatures. While NIR-II light offers deeper penetration, there remains a scarcity of materials capable of simultaneously responding to both NIR-I and NIR-II wavelengths and integrating multiple sterilization mechanisms under mild conditions. In this study, a Fe-based high-entropy spinel oxide (HEOs) was designed and synthesized. Benefiting from lattice distortion induced by the high-entropy effect and the hybridization of multiple metal d-orbitals, the material achieves cooperative optimization of its electronic band structure. Consequently, it exhibits efficient broad-spectrum photothermal properties across both NIR-I and NIR-II regions alongside excellent peroxidase-like (POD) activity. Under dual-wavelength laser irradiation, the material enables mild yet efficient photothermal conversion (<50 °C) while simultaneously catalyzing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate abundant hydroxyl radicals (·OH), thereby constructing a synergistic antibacterial system combining dual-window photothermal therapy and enzymatic catalysis. In vitro experiments confirmed that the HEOs possesses potent bactericidal and biofilm eradication capabilities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In a mouse model of drug-resistant bacterial wound infection, the material, assisted by either NIR-I or NIR-II laser irradiation, effectively cleared the infection, reduced inflammation, and promoted collagen deposition and angiogenesis, thereby significantly accelerating wound healing. This work not only provides a novel strategy for developing dual-window-responsive antibacterial materials for deep-tissue infections but also deepens the understanding of the structure-activity relationship in high-entropy materials at the electronic structure level.

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A Dual-Window NIR-Responsive High-Entropy Oxide Nanozyme for Photothermal-Catalytic Synergistic Therapy of Drug-Resistant Bacterial Wounds

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4288-1• Jan 15, 2026

Unveiling the Oxidation Mechanism of Y2O3-Doped Cr2AlC: From Grain Boundary Diffusion Blocking to Interfacial Strengthening

Authors: XU Cheng, LI Chao, YANG Jin, CHEN Xunlei, HU Junhao, ZHAI Ruixiong, FENG Jing

The high-temperature oxidation resistance of Cr2AlC MAX phase ceramics is severely compromised by rapid Al depletion and the formation of a brittle sub-surface Cr7C3 layer. This study elucidates how trace Y2O3 doping (0.25 and 0.5 wt.%) modulates the oxidation behavior of Cr2AlC at 1100 °C. The incorporation of 0.5 wt.% Y2O3 significantly suppresses the parabolic rate constant compared to undoped counterparts. This kinetic suppression is attributed to the Reactive Element Effect (REE), where Y3+ segregation at α-Al2O3 grain boundaries inhibits outward Al3+ diffusion, shifting the scale growth mechanism to inward oxygen diffusion control. Consequently, this retarded Al consumption prevents the decomposition of the Cr2AlC substrate into Cr7C3. While undoped specimens fail due to volume contraction and Kirkendall voiding associated with the Cr7C3 interlayer, specimens with the most effective doping content within the investigated range maintain a stable, atomically sharp α-Al2O3/Cr2AlC interface devoid of voids and decomposition products. The superior adhesion of this interface is attributed to three synergistic factors: the elimination of volumetric mismatch induced by phase transformation, the mechanical interlocking provided by Y-rich oxide pegs, and the intrinsically higher interfacial bonding strength of the α-Al2O3/Cr2AlC system as confirmed by DFT calculations. These findings provide a mechanistic framework for designing oxidation-resistant MAX phase ceramics via reactive element doping.

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Unveiling the Oxidation Mechanism of Y2O3-Doped Cr2AlC: From Grain Boundary Diffusion Blocking to Interfacial Strengthening

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4404-7• Jan 15, 2026

Stabilizing High-Entropy Substrates and Tailoring Interfacial Water: High-Valent Pt Single Atoms Drive Durable Propylene Epoxidation

Authors: Shaojian Jiang, Lan Yao, Yuhang Liu, Kai Deng, Ziqiang Wang, You Xu, Liang Wang, Hongjie Yu, Hongjing Wang

Electrochemical propylene epoxidation offers a sustainable route to propylene oxide (PO), but achieving high selectivity and stability under industrial current densities remains challenging. Herein, we report a high entropy amorphous CoFeNiCrMnBOx borate loaded with high valence Pt single atoms catalyst (a-Pt-HEBO) for stable bromine radical-mediated propylene epoxidation reaction (BrPOR). The high-entropy amorphous structure reshapes the interfacial hydrogen-bonding network and enriches free water, substantially lowering the energy barrier for water dissociation. Meanwhile, the strong electronic interactions between the coordinatively unsaturated, high-valence single Pt atoms and the substrate effectively prevent transition metal dissolution at high anodic potentials. The catalyst achieved 82.1% Faraday efficiency of PO at an industrial grade current density of 100 mA cm-2, and demonstrated excellent industrial application stability in up to 500 h of continuous test and within a scaled-up electrolyzer (4 × 4 cm2). This work provides a design for high-entropy catalysts in halogen-mediated electrosynthesis and a viable pathway toward carbon-neutral PO production.

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Stabilizing High-Entropy Substrates and Tailoring Interfacial Water: High-Valent Pt Single Atoms Drive Durable Propylene Epoxidation

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4309-8• Jan 15, 2026

Potential-Dependent Stability of Iridium–Cobalt Oxide Nanosheets for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

Authors: LI Xinlong, CHEN Hai-Qiang, WU Jiashun, SUN Xiandi, LIU Hang, CHENG Sheng, XIONG Wen, LI Xiaoning, HE Jian-Bo, ZHANG Chuan-Ling, WANG Zhenbin, ZHENG Ya-Rong

Iridium-doped cobalt oxide nanosheets derived from a ZIF template were evaluated as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Residual carbon was removed via a post-synthetic treatment to isolate intrinsic catalytic behavior. The Ir0.23Co0.77Ox catalyst exhibited enhanced activity and durability relative to commercial IrO2 in a practical PEMWE device. Potential-dependent, stage-resolved characterization combined with theoretical calculations probed catalyst stability under different operating voltages, revealing degradation mechanisms tied to applied potential. Contact angle measurements showed that the Ir0.23Co0.77Ox membrane electrode assembly (MEA) had water and air contact angles of 126° and 143°, respectively, compared to 126° and 143° for an IrO2 MEA at identical Ir loading, indicating improved wettability and gas release behavior. The work provides a framework for understanding potential-dependent stability in acidic OER catalysts and demonstrates a viable route to reduce Ir loading while maintaining PEMWE performance.

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Potential-Dependent Stability of Iridium–Cobalt Oxide Nanosheets for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4483-x• Jan 15, 2026

Narrow-Bandgap Acceptors with Low Energetic Disorder Achieve over 21% Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells

Authors: TAO Jing, ZHANG Chen, ZHAO Qiang, et al.

The referenced literature comprises five peer-reviewed studies published between 2025 and 2026 in Nature Materials, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Nature Communications, and Science China Materials. These works collectively address the persistent trade-off between open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current density (Jsc) in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Tao et al. (Nat Mater, 2026) demonstrate that narrow-bandgap nonfullerene acceptors engineered to exhibit low energetic disorder achieve power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 21%, primarily by suppressing non-radiative recombination losses. Westbrook et al. (JACS, 2025) establish that solid-state packing motifs govern exciton delocalization and photophysics in nonfullerene acceptors, providing a structural handle for reducing energetic disorder. Jiang et al. (Nat Commun, 2025) show that photoluminescent delocalized excitons in donor polymers facilitate efficient charge generation, linking exciton coherence to device performance. Zhang et al. (Nat Commun, 2026) employ synergistic steric hindrance and chlorination to realize binary OSCs with low energy loss, achieving high Voc without sacrificing photocurrent. The cumulative findings indicate that molecular design strategies targeting low energetic disorder and controlled solid-state packing can overcome the longstanding efficiency ceiling of ~20% in OPVs. These results have direct implications for the commercial viability of solution-processed, lightweight, and flexible solar cells, though scalability and long-term stability remain to be validated under industrial manufacturing conditions.

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Narrow-Bandgap Acceptors with Low Energetic Disorder Achieve over 21% Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4313-7• Jan 15, 2026

Janus Interface Materials: Reshaping Liquid-to-Vapor Mass Transfer through Asymmetry

Authors: Xiao-Jie Liu, Yu-Ting Huang, Yi-Zhou Chen, Ting Shen, Hao-Cheng Yang, Zhi-Kang Xu

Liquid-to-vapor mass transfer is central to energy and environmental processes. Conventional distillation relies on vapor-liquid equilibrium and device-level optimization, with materials playing passive structural roles. Non-boiling processes such as membrane distillation and interfacial solar evaporation localize phase change at confined interfaces, making mass transfer a materials-mediated transport phenomenon where interfacial structure and chemistry dictate evaporation kinetics, vapor escape, and solute rejection. Janus interface materials, featuring spatially separated hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains, introduce architectural asymmetry to regulate liquid-to-vapor mass transfer. This review summarizes recent advances, highlighting mechanisms including the cooperative pump-valve effect, nanoconfinement-enhanced transport, and mitigation of fouling and scaling. Representative applications in membrane distillation, solar-driven evaporation, and personal thermal-moisture management are systematically discussed. Key challenges and future opportunities are outlined, particularly in advancing fundamental understanding, scalable fabrication, and practical implementation.

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Janus Interface Materials: Reshaping Liquid-to-Vapor Mass Transfer through Asymmetry

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4324-4• Jan 15, 2026

Water-Mediated Highly Reversible Mg-O2 Batteries

Authors: ZHENG Shifan, JIANG Long, ZHOU Jing, CHEN Yumin, LIN Ju, WAN Yulong, TIAN Yonghao, WANG Lie

Magnesium-oxygen (Mg-O2) batteries offer high theoretical energy density and low-cost earth-abundant magnesium, yet practical deployment has been impeded by poor cycling stability and low energy efficiency, primarily due to the sluggish decomposition of conventional MgOx discharge products. Here we demonstrate that trace water in the electrolyte redirects the cathodic reaction to form chemically reactive Mg2(OH)3Cl·4H2O as the main discharge product, enabling a new reversible pathway: 8Mg2+ + 4Cl- + 3O2 + 22H2O ⇋ 4Mg2(OH)3Cl·4H2O. This water-mediated chemistry significantly enhances redox reversibility compared with the MgOx route. The resulting Mg-O2 battery delivers over 324 stable cycles at 1000 mA·g-1 with a capacity of 500 mAh·g-1 and an energy efficiency of 92%, surpassing all previously reported Mg-O2 systems. The electrolyte comprises 0.25 M magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI)2) and 0.5 M magnesium chloride (MgCl2) in ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME) with a trace amount of water. These findings establish a general strategy for reversible Mg-O2 electrochemistry and provide a new design paradigm for practical magnesium-based energy storage.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4488-x• Jan 15, 2026

Ultra-anti-freezing and thermally stable hydrogel-derived liquid-based smart window for all-climate energy-efficient buildings

Authors: WANG Kai, CHEN Xiaoliang, CHEN Wanping, HUANG Jianying, HE Mingliang, YAO Xi, LAI Yuekun

Thermochromic smart windows based on hydrogels suffer from inevitable freezing at subzero temperatures and dehydration at elevated temperatures, severely limiting their year-round applicability. This study reports a hydrogel-derived liquid (HDL) smart window that circumvents these limitations through a solvent-exchange strategy. The HDL is synthesized by polymerizing a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) network in a water-glycerol binary solvent, followed by complete removal of the water phase via vacuum-assisted evaporation. The resulting anhydrous liquid exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 32 °C, with a solar modulation ability (ΔTsol) of 63.2% and a luminous transmittance (Tlum) of 88.1% in the clear state. Critically, the HDL remains optically switchable after 1000 hours at -40 °C and 1000 hours at 80 °C, with no observable phase separation or freezing. The smart window prototype demonstrates a 12.3% reduction in indoor cooling energy consumption in a simulated tropical climate and a 9.8% reduction in heating energy in a cold climate, compared to a commercial low-E glass. The liquid-state formulation enables facile large-area fabrication via roll-to-roll processing, with a demonstrated 30 cm × 30 cm prototype retaining 95% of the initial ΔTsol after 500 bending cycles. This work establishes a viable pathway for all-climate energy-efficient building envelopes.

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Ultra-anti-freezing and thermally stable hydrogel-derived liquid-based smart window for all-climate energy-efficient buildings

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4468-6• Jan 15, 2026

Liquid Metal-Modified MXene Composite Films for Electromagnetic-Multispectral Compatibility

Authors: LIU Zhijie, YAN Huying, XIAO Zhenyang, WANG Chang, CHEN Jingyu, TIAN Haobo, YIN Liang-Jun, PENG Bo, DENG Longjiang

The proliferation of multispectral detection platforms demands materials that simultaneously satisfy electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and infrared (IR) camouflage without compromising radio-frequency (RF) transmission. Conventional MXene films exhibit exceptional EMI shielding (>40 dB) but suffer from high IR emissivity and severe RF reflection, precluding integration with wave-transmitting arrays. This work introduces liquid metal (LM)-modified MXene composite films engineered via structural patterning to decouple optical, IR, and RF responses. The LM phase, dispersed within the MXene interlayer galleries, reduces free-electron density and tailors the dielectric loss, while a periodic array architecture creates impedance-matched windows for RF transmission. The resulting films achieve an EMI shielding effectiveness of 36 dB at 510 µm thickness, with a low IR emissivity of 0.36 and an RF transmittance exceeding 80% in the X-band. The patterning strategy suppresses surface current continuity, mitigating the trade-off between shielding and transmission. These metrics represent a 20% improvement in IR camouflage and a 15% enhancement in RF transparency relative to pristine MXene films. The composite films also demonstrate mechanical flexibility, retaining 95% of initial conductivity after 1,000 bending cycles. This work establishes a scalable route for multispectral-compatible materials critical for next-generation stealth and communication systems.

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Liquid Metal-Modified MXene Composite Films for Electromagnetic-Multispectral Compatibility

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4426-y• Jan 15, 2026

Advances toward stress-assisted degradation of biomedical Mg alloys

Authors: XU Daoxiang, JIANG Xueqi, DING Junjie, ZHOU Xingxing, QIAN Kun, BA Zhixin, ZHANG Xiaobo, BAI Jing, YAN Kai, DONG Qiangsheng

Biomedical Mg alloys are candidate biodegradable metals for orthopedic and cardiovascular implants, yet their in vivo service life is governed by coupled mechanical-chemical attack that accelerates loss of mechanical integrity. This review consolidates recent advances in stress-assisted degradation of Mg alloys under physiological conditions, focusing on stress corrosion cracking (SCC), flow-induced corrosion, and corrosion fatigue. Biomechanical-chemical coupling test methods are assessed for their capacity to reproduce physiological loading, fluid shear, and electrolyte chemistry. Mechanistic pathways are analyzed, including anodic dissolution, hydrogen-induced cracking, passivation film rupture, and flow-induced shear stress. Modification strategies for enhancing resistance to stress-assisted degradation are categorized into alloying design, microstructure regulation, and surface treatments. The review further evaluates computer-aided predictive models and multi-physics coupling frameworks that link pit-to-crack transitions, phase-field damage localization, and mechano-chemical peridynamics. Empirical data from the cited literature demonstrate that SCC and corrosion fatigue in chloride-containing media reduce fatigue strength by 40–70% relative to air, while flow-induced shear stresses above approximately 1 Pa disrupt protective films and elevate degradation rates. These findings establish quantitative benchmarks for alloy design and surface engineering. The review concludes that integrating multi-physics modeling with physiologically relevant testing is essential for predicting implant service stability and accelerating clinical translation of high-performance biomedical Mg alloys.

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Advances toward stress-assisted degradation of biomedical Mg alloys

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4263-3• Jan 15, 2026

Anisotropic Strain Tunable Near-Infrared Exciton Emission in Phosphorene

Authors: Yao Yun, Song Jiexi, Xuan Fengyuan, Zhang Shuo, Wang Dong, Zhang Quanlong, Wang Xiaoran, Wang Xiangyi, Xu Jing, Xu Junsheng, Zhang Junrong, Wang Junyong, Zhang Kai

Monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene) exhibits a direct bandgap and strong in-plane anisotropy, making it a promising candidate for near-infrared (NIR) optoelectronic devices. However, the precise modulation of its excitonic emission via anisotropic strain remains insufficiently understood, particularly regarding the contrasting strain responses of phosphorene versus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Here, we combine experimental characterization with tight-binding (TB) modeling to elucidate the strain-dependent bandgap evolution in phosphorene. Using a four-band TB model, we derive the bandgap at the Γ point as E_g^BP = 4t1 + 2t2 + 4t3 + 2t5, with hopping parameters t1 = -1.220 eV, t2 = 3.665 eV, t3 = -0.205 eV, t4 = -0.105 eV, and t5 = -0.055 eV. Under tensile strain along the zigzag (ZZ) direction, the interatomic distance associated with t1 increases, reducing the magnitude of |t1|. Since t1 is negative, the bandgap increases, contrary to the behavior of monolayer MoS2, where tensile strain decreases the bandgap due to positive hopping parameters t11, t22, and t12. This anisotropic strain response enables selective tuning of NIR exciton emission. Our findings provide a quantitative framework for strain engineering in phosphorene-based NIR devices, highlighting the critical role of hopping parameter signs in determining bandgap modulation.

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Anisotropic Strain Tunable Near-Infrared Exciton Emission in Phosphorene

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4165-1• Jan 15, 2026

Electronic Structure Tailoring of COFs Photocatalysts via Triazine Moieties for Efficient H2O2 Generation and Water Decontamination

Authors: Yan LIN, Ziyan DU, Xin WU, Ziyi CHEN, Yanxia YANG, Xin PENG, Chunping YANG, Shenglian LUO

Developing efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthesis is vital for sustainable chemistry, yet optimizing the electronic structure of triazine-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) through precise spatial engineering remains a challenge. In this work, we constructed four model COFs to systematically decode how the spatial arrangement and incorporation level of triazine moieties regulate the electronic structures and H2O2 production efficiency. Combined experimental and theoretical analyses revealed that FB-AT achieved an optimal donor-acceptor architecture via rational spatial arrangement of triazine and benzene moieties. This configuration established an intramolecular potential gradient, which not only promoted charge separation by suppressing the exciton binding energy but also enriched the electron density at triazine sites. These electron-rich active centers significantly facilitated the oxygen reduction reaction by lowering the thermodynamic energy barrier for *OOH intermediate formation. Consequently, FB-AT exhibited a remarkable H2O2 production rate of 11055 μmol g-1 h-1 in pure water, along with a superior solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 1.16%. Additionally, FB-AT enabled complete degradation of phenol, tetracycline, and rhodamine B within 5–15 min of visible light irradiation. This work provides crucial guidance for the rational design of advanced COF photocatalysts for sustainable H2O2 production and water decontamination.

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Electronic Structure Tailoring of COFs Photocatalysts via Triazine Moieties for Efficient H2O2 Generation and Water Decontamination

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4177-3• Jan 15, 2026

Phototherapeutic Efficacy and Cell Death Pathways of Atomically Precise Chiral Au25 Nanoclusters in Tumor Therapy

Authors: AI Liu, JIAZHU Zheng, ZIYAN Zhao, YIMING Wang, YAN Sun, AFANG Dai, ZUNFU Hu, YUNQIANG Sun, ZIBAO Gan, XIUWEN Zheng

Chirality profoundly influences tumor therapy by regulating key physiological processes, yet the link between chirality and therapeutic properties of atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) remains poorly understood. Atomically precise Au25 NCs protected by chiral cysteine ligands (L-Au25(cys)18, D-Au25(cys)18, and Rac-Au25(cys)18) were constructed and systematically investigated to elucidate the association between chirality and tumor therapeutic performance. Although no significant difference in enzyme-like activity was observed among the three NCs, Rac-Au25(cys)18 exhibited enhanced reactive oxygen species generation under 808 nm laser irradiation, achieving superior phototherapeutic effects in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models. The chiral Au25 NCs induced distinct cell death pathways: L-Au25(cys)18 primarily triggered ferroptosis, D-Au25(cys)18 induced both ferroptosis and apoptosis, and all three NCs activated disulfidptosis. In vivo, tumor inhibition rates for L-Au25, D-Au25, and Rac-Au25 groups were 46.7%, 42.5%, and 68.3%, respectively, with no significant body weight fluctuations and minimal hepatorenal toxicity. Hematological and histopathological analyses confirmed favorable systemic biocompatibility. This work clarifies the correlation between chiral structures and tumor therapeutic performance of gold NCs, providing experimental insights and theoretical support for the design of novel chiral nanomaterials and optimization of precise tumor phototherapeutic strategies.

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Phototherapeutic Efficacy and Cell Death Pathways of Atomically Precise Chiral Au25 Nanoclusters in Tumor Therapy

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4283-0• Jan 15, 2026

Viologen-Based Multi-Responsive Ionogels for Thermal Regulation Smart Windows and Encrypted Data Storage

Authors: HAN Zhikang, GUO Yifei, ZHANG Heng, WANG Xinyu, SUN Siyu, YAN Ni, MA Wenqiang, ZHANG Yueyan, HE Gang

Smart windows are critical for building energy conservation, yet existing technologies cannot simultaneously satisfy the diverse requirements of light transmission, thermal insulation, and privacy protection across varying scenarios, such as daytime transparency and nighttime heat retention with opacity. Herein, we report a thermo- and electro-responsive ionogel fabricated via one-step photopolymerization, integrating the electrochromic viologen derivative (Pa-PhV)(TFSI)2 with a thermoresponsive matrix. The (Pa-PhV)(TFSI)2 delivers excellent electrochromic performance, featuring dual-band light modulation, a high coloration efficiency of 433.6 cm2 C-1, and a fast coloration time of 2.52 s. The ionogel exhibits three stable switchable states under thermal and electrical regulation, fulfilling core practical demands for full-spectrum photothermal management. Model house tests verify its excellent seasonal adaptability, with a maximum indoor temperature reduction of up to 15 °C in a simulated summer environment. Furthermore, the ionogel enables dual-encrypted data storage via UCST and voltage triggering. This work broadens the application scope of viologen derivatives and offers a competitive strategy for multifunctional smart windows and encrypted data storage.

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Viologen-Based Multi-Responsive Ionogels for Thermal Regulation Smart Windows and Encrypted Data Storage

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4482-6• Jan 15, 2026

Letting Polymer Semiconductors Crystallize Along Their Self-Templates: A Self-Templated Gradient Assembly Strategy for Multi-Scale Structural Ordering and Ultrahigh Charge Carrier Mobility

Authors: Yinan Huang, Liqiang Li

Polymer semiconductors offer solution processability, mechanical flexibility, and molecular tunability for flexible displays, wearable devices, and the Internet of Things, yet their charge transport properties remain substantially inferior to inorganic semiconductors. Efficient charge transport demands simultaneous structural order across molecular conformation, aggregate connectivity, and macroscopic orientation, but these length scales are strongly coupled: primary aggregates in solution, secondary nucleation during solvent evaporation, and final film solidification intertwine, rendering structural control dependent on empirical trial and error. Prior approaches—molecular design, solvent additives, thermal annealing, and shear coating—have improved crystallization and orientation, but two interrelated issues persist. First, enhancing aggregation does not guarantee higher mobility: insufficient aggregation yields small, loosely connected structures, while excessive aggregation causes premature nucleation, fiber twisting, and large grain boundaries. Second, direct observation of how solution aggregates evolve across molecular, mesoscopic, and macroscopic scales into solid films is often lacking. The fundamental challenge is not whether to promote crystallization, but how to cooperatively control aggregate type/size, internal order, connectivity, and assembly pathway, and to transform empirical solvent selection into predictive design rules. Zhao et al. report a self-templated gradient assembly (STGA) strategy that couples solubility parameters with vapor pressure to regulate both solution-state aggregation and assembly kinetics. Unlike conventional anti-solvent approaches that trigger rapid nucleation, STGA operates within mutually compatible solvent mixtures that retain polymer solubility and generate a continuous decline in solvent quality during evaporation. Preformed ordered aggregates become endogenous templates for subsequent assembly and crystallization rather than transient intermediates. Using a newly designed linear donor–acceptor polymer, PFIDTO-BT, and the relative energy difference (RED) index, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy confirmed that primary aggregates systematically enlarge as solvent quality decreases. Vapor pressure provides a second dimension, defining a solvent-selection matrix. For low-solubility, low-volatility components, the selectivity toward side chain/backbone parameter Ratio (S/B) further distinguishes aggregation pathways induced by different poor solvents. This framework connects solvent selection to hierarchical polymer organization through a semi-quantitative, experimentally testable methodology, enabling single-crystal-like polymer semiconductors with ultrahigh charge carrier mobility.

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Letting Polymer Semiconductors Crystallize Along Their Self-Templates: A Self-Templated Gradient Assembly Strategy for Multi-Scale Structural Ordering and Ultrahigh Charge Carrier Mobility

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4487-1• Jan 15, 2026

Electronic structure modulation of NiIr(OH)6 perovskite hydroxide for chlorine-resistant electrolytic seawater

Authors: LI Feidie, SUN Qiming, ZHANG Xia, HUMAYUN Muhamad, WANG Hua, LI Kongzhai, LI Zhishan

Direct seawater electrolysis offers a cost-effective route to clean hydrogen, but the competitive chlorine evolution reaction (CER) and electrode corrosion impede practical deployment. A NiIr(OH)6 perovskite hydroxide catalyst was synthesized via one-step co-precipitation. In alkaline seawater, it requires only 330 mV overpotential to reach 100 mA cm-2 and sustains 190 h in multi-current step testing. In situ Raman spectroscopy shows that Ir species promote the formation of active NiOOH phases, accelerating oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Ir doping modulates the electronic structure of Ni and Ir sites, strengthening OH adsorption (-2.09 eV) and suppressing Cl- adsorption (-1.38 eV), thereby enhancing OER selectivity. An overall seawater electrolyzer with NiIr(OH)6 || Pt/C delivers 100 mA cm-2 at 1.63 V and operates stably for over 100 h. This work provides a rational design strategy for high-efficiency, corrosion-resistant electrocatalysts for seawater electrolysis.

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Electronic structure modulation of NiIr(OH)6 perovskite hydroxide for chlorine-resistant electrolytic seawater

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4275-3• Jan 15, 2026

Titanous Coordination Stabilized Zero-Valent Ruthenium for Triboelectric Nanogenerator Driven Electrochemistry Chlorination of Ballast Water

Authors: WANG Yujie, YU Wanqiang, NI Yingjuan, ZHENG Yang, YU Jiayuan, CHANG Bin, LI Xiaoyi, LIU Hong, ZHOU Weijia

Electrochemical in-situ production of active chlorine (AC) via chlorine evolution reaction (CER) can alleviate hull corrosion and residual chlorine overage, which is a highly reliable disinfectant for sewage and ballast water. Nonetheless, the primarily competitive oxygen evolution reaction and gradual anode passivation hinder its practical application. Herein, we employed the in-situ hydrothermal strategy to synthesize Ru/TiO2-x to realize high activity and selectivity of CER. The robust interaction of Ru sites and TiO2-x achieved via a one-step hydrothermal synthesis strategy, the structural and valence state characterizations confirm that Ti3+ stabilizes Ru solely in the metallic state (Ru0) via structural confinement effects, effectively inhibiting catalyst oxidation. As a result, the Ru/TiO2-x requires only an overpotential of 33 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2, and possess strong catalytic durability, sustaining continuous operation for 100 h with negligible current decay. Further integration with a triboelectric nanogenerators successfully realizes the generation of AC, which demonstrates a >99.9% inactivation efficiency against Escherichia coli in simulated seawater environments, while also effectively degrading ammonia nitrogen and urea contaminants in domestic wastewater.

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Titanous Coordination Stabilized Zero-Valent Ruthenium for Triboelectric Nanogenerator Driven Electrochemistry Chlorination of Ballast Water

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4491-3• Jan 15, 2026

Electrically Controlled Multi-State Memory Magnetic Tunnel Junctions Based on Multiferroic Tunneling Barriers

Authors: HU Yixuan, XIE Wenhao, ZHANG Shichen, LIU Fangqi, XIONG Rui, LIU Yong, ZHU Sicong, WANG Ziyu

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with multiferroic tunneling barriers offer a pathway to fully electrically controlled multi-state memory, addressing the high energy costs and scalability limits of magnetically controlled counterparts. In this work, we propose a theoretical design achieving four or ten distinct resistance states via electrical control, with a giant tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio of 1.1×10^4% (11000%). This value surpasses all previously reported MTJs, including experimental systems such as CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB (TMR 65%, 4 states) and theoretical systems like Ga2O3/MgO/Ga2O3 (TMR 1120%, 2 states). The multiferroic barrier enables simultaneous control of ferroelectric and magnetic order parameters, allowing reversible switching between multiple resistance levels without external magnetic fields. Our first-principles calculations reveal that the high TMR arises from spin-dependent tunneling through the barrier, modulated by the ferroelectric polarization direction and magnetization configuration. The device operates with low write energy and exhibits non-volatile retention, making it suitable for high-density storage and in-memory computing. This work establishes a new benchmark for electrically controlled MTJs and provides a practical route to overcome the limitations of current spintronic memory technologies.

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Electrically Controlled Multi-State Memory Magnetic Tunnel Junctions Based on Multiferroic Tunneling Barriers

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4486-7• Jan 15, 2026

Magnetoelectric microrobots: wireless, non-invasive actuation & stimulation for spinal cord injury repair

Authors: DUAN Wenwei, LU Huiping, WEI Wei

Severe spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to the limited self-renewal capacity of endogenous nerve cells. Neural progenitor cell (NPC) therapies offer promise but are hindered by poor post-transplantation viability, unpredictable lineage commitment, and inadequate functional integration. Biochemical inducers suffer from rapid clearance and systemic side effects, while traditional electrical stimulation requires invasive electrode implantation. To address these bottlenecks, Ye and co-workers developed biohybrid microrobots termed 'NPCbots' by integrating human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs with core-shell cobalt ferrite@barium titanate (CoFe2O4@BaTiO3, CFO-BTO) magnetoelectric nanoparticles via a bidirectional microfluidic lab-on-a-chip device. The CFO-BTO nanoparticles feature a ~99.4 nm magnetostrictive core and a ~7 nm piezoelectric shell, enabling wireless magnetoelectric coupling under an alternating magnetic field (AMF) of 20 mT at 1.18 kHz. This non-invasive stimulation induces localized electrical signals that promote rapid neural differentiation and structural reconnection. The microfluidic fabrication achieved high cell viability (>85%) while preserving stem cell multipotency. In preclinical models, NPCbots accelerated functional motor recovery. This work establishes a minimally invasive paradigm for spinal cord reconstruction, unifying microfluidic biofabrication, magnetoelectric nanomaterials, precise micro-positioning, and wireless electro-stimulation, with broad implications for neuro-engineering and bioelectronic medicine.

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Magnetoelectric microrobots: wireless, non-invasive actuation & stimulation for spinal cord injury repair

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4495-3• Jan 15, 2026

Appropriately Rigid Ionic Confinement for Dynamic Organic Room-Temperature Phosphorescence via Triplet Exciton Competition

Authors: Yanhua Gao, Xiang-Chun Li, Ruirui Li, Senyu Zhang, Huifang Shi, Zhongfu An, Wenpeng Ye, Wen-Yong Lai

Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) has attracted substantial interest for applications in smart optoelectronics, yet the development of dynamic RTP systems remains intrinsically challenging. Here, we report an appropriately rigid confinement strategy based on NaCl ionic crystals formed in situ via cation-anion exchange, which simultaneously suppresses non-radiative decay and retains sufficient structural flexibility for external stimulation. In the TPN/NaCl and DPB/NaCl systems, dynamic phosphorescence is realized exclusively upon sequential thermal activation and ultraviolet irradiation. Mechanistic investigations reveal that residual water and triplet oxygen initially quench triplet excitons, and their gradual removal enables a competitive evolution between triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) and phosphorescence pathways. This work establishes a general design principle for constructing stimulus-responsive dynamic RTP systems and resolves the long-standing conflict between rigidity and responsiveness in organic phosphorescent materials.

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Appropriately Rigid Ionic Confinement for Dynamic Organic Room-Temperature Phosphorescence via Triplet Exciton Competition

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4272-3• Jan 15, 2026

Rare Earth Dilute Alloys Unlock Fast Water Dissociation for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution

Authors: ZHAO Jinyuan, LI Ziang, ZHAO Yan, ZHONG Ziyun, JIANG Yong, FU Hao, SAREN Qinggele, ZHANG Bin, LI Yiqun, ZHANG Jiwen, DU Yaping

Ruthenium (Ru)-based alloys are promising alternatives to commercial Pt/C catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to their low cost and favorable hydrogen adsorption properties. However, the sluggish water dissociation on Ru catalysts remains a major kinetic bottleneck in alkaline solutions. Herein, we report a rare earth (RE) dilute alloy strategy by incorporating a trace amount of cerium (Ce, ~1 at%) into a RuCu alloy to promote interfacial water activation. The oxophilic Ce sites strengthen H2O adsorption and reduce the energy barrier for water dissociation, thereby accelerating the Volmer step during alkaline hydrogen evolution. Consequently, the RuCuCe catalyst delivers 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of only 18 mV in 1.0 M KOH and maintains stable operation for over 100 h at 500 mA cm−2 in a membrane electrode assembly. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and pH-dependent measurements verify the facilitated Volmer process induced by Ce incorporation. Temperature-dependent analysis further shows that the apparent activation energy decreases from 47.4 kJ mol−1 for RuCu to 26.4 kJ mol−1 for RuCuCe, consistent with enhanced water dissociation kinetics. This work establishes RE dilute metal alloys as an effective platform for boosting the intrinsic activity of Ru-based alloy catalysts, in which RE incorporation promotes water dissociation while inducing charge redistribution in the alloy matrix.

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Rare Earth Dilute Alloys Unlock Fast Water Dissociation for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4294-4• Jan 15, 2026

Intrinsically Crosslinked Self-Assembled Long-Lived Polymeric Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Microspheres

Authors: ZHENG Yan, WANG Chao, YANG Yuxi, YANG Chaolong, WU Limin

Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) polymer materials are attractive for flexible electronics and information encryption due to their tunability and processability. However, achieving polymeric RTP systems that simultaneously exhibit high thermal sensitivity, reversible multicolor emission, and long phosphorescence lifetime (τPhos) with high quantum yield (ΦPhos) remains challenging. Here, we report an in-situ cross-linked self-assembly strategy that converts flexible polymers into rigid polymer microspheres, yielding long τPhos, high ΦPhos, and thermally and time-dependent tunable RTP. The resulting microspheres (PM0.1-0.01-1) exhibit a maximum τPhos of 1754 ms and ΦPhos of 42.83%, markedly superior to previously reported intrinsic polymer RTP materials. At 77 K, they display ultralong green emission with a lifetime of 6019 ms and visible afterglow lasting up to 99 s. The cross-linked microspheres enable time-dependent, continuously tunable RTP and thermally responsive color switching, while maintaining excellent phosphorescence stability in aqueous and high-temperature environments. This provides a versatile platform for dynamic information encryption, full-color afterglow LEDs, and temperature sensing. The strategy establishes a general design principle for developing multidimensional, controllable, and stable high-performance polymer RTP materials.

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Intrinsically Crosslinked Self-Assembled Long-Lived Polymeric Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Microspheres

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4238-2• Jan 15, 2026

AlGaS3: A Wide Band Gap Ternary Diamond-Like Infrared Nonlinear Optical Material with High Laser-Induced Damage Threshold

Authors: Shi Yunfei, Wang Hongshan, Chu Yu, Su Xin, Li Zhenglong, Lu Juanjuan, Li Junjie, Abudurusuli Ailijiang, Pan Shilie

Infrared nonlinear optical (IR NLO) materials are critical for laser frequency conversion, yet their performance is often constrained by a trade-off between second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency and laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). Here, we report a new ternary diamond-like compound, AlGaS3, which successfully balances these competing demands. AlGaS3 crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric structure composed of wide HOMO-LUMO gap [AlS4] tetrahedra and NLO-active [GaS4] tetrahedra. The compound exhibits a wide experimental optical band gap of approximately 3.38 eV, which is significantly larger than that of the benchmark AgGaS2 (AGS, ~2.70 eV). This wide band gap contributes to a high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of approximately 6.0 times that of AGS, as determined by powder-based measurements. Notably, AlGaS3 also demonstrates a phase-matching SHG response of approximately 0.5 times that of AGS at a fundamental wavelength of 2.09 μm, with particle size-dependent behavior confirming phase-matchability. The combination of wide band gap, high LIDT, and moderate SHG response positions AlGaS3 as a promising candidate for high-power IR NLO applications. This work provides a viable strategy for designing IR NLO materials with enhanced laser damage resistance by incorporating wide-gap tetrahedral units.

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AlGaS3: A Wide Band Gap Ternary Diamond-Like Infrared Nonlinear Optical Material with High Laser-Induced Damage Threshold

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4502-1• Jan 15, 2026

Thermal-enhanced near-infrared-II luminescence from Sb3+/Er3+ co-doped Cs3GdCl6 microcrystals

Authors: LIU Junxiang, MA Zimeng, ZHANG Wei, HUANG Ping, SHAO Zhiqing, HU Yaqiong, YANG Guangyao, ZHENG Wei, CHEN Xueyuan

Near-infrared-II (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) luminescent materials are pivotal for deep-tissue bioimaging and optical communication, yet their performance is often limited by low quantum yields and thermal quenching. Here, we report a thermal-enhanced NIR-II luminescence in Sb3+/Er3+ co-doped Cs3GdCl6 microcrystals synthesized via a modified Bridgman method. Under ultraviolet excitation, the co-doped microcrystals exhibit intense NIR-II emission centered at 1532 nm corresponding to Er3+: 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition, with a maximum relative sensitivity of 1.2% K−1 at 303 K. Notably, the integrated NIR-II emission intensity increases by 2.3-fold from 298 K to 373 K, demonstrating anomalous thermal enhancement. This behavior is attributed to the thermally activated energy transfer from Sb3+ sensitizers to Er3+ activators, as confirmed by temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra and decay kinetics. The energy transfer efficiency reaches 86% at room temperature and further improves with rising temperature. The microcrystals also show excellent photostability, retaining 95% of initial intensity after 120 min continuous UV irradiation. Furthermore, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept wireless optical communication link using the microcrystals as a NIR-II phosphor, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio of 30 dB at 400 Hz modulation frequency. These findings provide a new strategy for designing thermal-enhanced NIR-II luminescent materials and expand their potential in temperature sensing and optical communication.

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Thermal-enhanced near-infrared-II luminescence from Sb3+/Er3+ co-doped Cs3GdCl6 microcrystals

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4299-9• Jan 15, 2026

Orchestrating Band Structures via Synergistic B and S Doping to Construct S-scheme g-C3N4 Homojunctions for Boosted Photocatalytic H2 Production

Authors: ZHANG Yueting, SONG Changhui, FAN Jipeng, FANG Zhijie, WANG Haitao, MO Man, ZOU Jing

A dual-doping strategy incorporating boron (B) and sulfur (S) into graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was employed to engineer band structures and construct an S-scheme homojunction (BSCN) for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution. The BSCN catalyst exhibited an interwoven architecture of porous nanotubes and nanosheets, providing a large specific surface area and abundant active sites. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed an S-scheme charge transfer mechanism at the BCN/SCN interface, driven by a built-in electric field that facilitates efficient spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Photoelectrochemical measurements confirmed improved light harvesting and charge separation. DFT simulations indicated near-thermoneutral hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔGH* = 0.12 eV) at S-doped sites, favorable for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics. The optimized BSCN achieved an exceptional H2 evolution rate of 14.409 mmol g−1 h−1, approximately 75-fold and 3.4-fold higher than pristine BCN and SCN, respectively. This work establishes a rational doping-mediated approach for designing high-efficiency g-C3N4 homojunctions and provides mechanistic insights into S-scheme charge transfer for solar-driven H2 production.

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Orchestrating Band Structures via Synergistic B and S Doping to Construct S-scheme g-C3N4 Homojunctions for Boosted Photocatalytic H2 Production

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4493-8• Jan 15, 2026

Perovskite Solar Cells: From Lab to Real-World Application and Challenges

Authors: LI Chaoxiang, TU Yibo, YU Hantao, PANG Shuting, YAN Wensheng

Metal halide perovskite photovoltaics have achieved power conversion efficiencies rivaling crystalline silicon, yet their transition from laboratory-scale devices to commercial deployment requires a paradigm shift toward application-specific engineering and macroscopic system integration. This review systematically evaluates the customized deployment of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) across diverse operational theaters, including building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), portable Internet of Things (IoT) systems, agricultural photovoltaics (Agri-PV), vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV), utility-scale tandems, and extreme space environments. Despite these opportunities, critical challenges persist in translating laboratory achievements into industrial-scale production. We critically evaluate primary bottlenecks hindering gigawatt-scale commercialization, focusing on the performance gap inherent in large-area manufacturing. Additionally, we analyze intrinsic material instabilities driven by dynamic ion migration and multi-scale lattice strain under realistic outdoor conditions. To conclude, we outline a strategic roadmap for overcoming these barriers, emphasizing lattice strain regulation, rigorous dynamic environmental testing protocols, and comprehensive sustainable lifecycle management. By synergizing mechanistic insights with scalable manufacturing and ecological assessments, this review provides a holistic framework to accelerate the ubiquitous commercialization of customizable, stable, and high-efficiency perovskite energy systems.

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Perovskite Solar Cells: From Lab to Real-World Application and Challenges

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4273-3• Jan 15, 2026

Emergent Strain Engineering of Freestanding Oxide Membranes

Authors: Guo Zhangyuan, Tao Zhengwei, Dong Guohua, Liu Ming

Freestanding membranes have driven a profound evolution of strain engineering by fundamentally overcoming the substrate clamping effect. This structural degree of freedom enables the introduction of spatially complex, reversible, and giant strain fields into the membranes via mechanical manipulations such as stretching, bending, and interfacial twisting, ultimately facilitating the modulation of diverse physical properties. This review systematically discusses recent experimental and theoretical advances in the field, highlighting the modulation of physical properties via uniaxial/biaxial strain, strain gradients, and oxide twist. These mechanical strain strategies substantially broaden the range of achievable material properties, furthermore provide fundamentally new pathways for realizing unconventional mechanical behaviors, inducing emergent polar topological structures, and exploring correlated electronic states. Finally, this review summarizes current methodologies for implementing emergent strain engineering of oxide membranes, delves into the profound impacts of spatially complex strain on the fundamental physical properties of freestanding oxides, and offers a forward-looking perspective on the tremendous opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.

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Emergent Strain Engineering of Freestanding Oxide Membranes

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4298-x• Jan 15, 2026

High-Performance All-Solid-State Artificial Muscles Enabled by Double-Network Hydrogel Electrolytes

Authors: DENG Bingbing, WANG Xiaobo, WANG Jiaqi, WANG Xiaona, DI Jiangtao

Conventional electrochemical artificial muscles rely on liquid electrolytes, which suffer from poor encapsulation processability, high leakage risks, and inadequate biocompatibility, limiting their application in bionic medicine, wearable exoskeletons, and humanoid robots. To address these bottlenecks, we fabricated a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid (PVA-PAA) double-network hydrogel electrolyte and integrated it with twisted carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns via ultraviolet curing, constructing an all-solid-state artificial muscle unit. The unit maintained structural integrity and actuation performance after mechanical deformation treatments such as weaving and knotting. Experimentally, it achieved a maximum contractile stroke of 16% at −1 to 1.8 V and generated an isometric force of approximately 500 mN at −1 to 2 V. The solid-state artificial muscles exhibited excellent mechanical properties, compact size, and high flexibility, offering new opportunities for applications in bionic medical devices and intelligent robots.

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High-Performance All-Solid-State Artificial Muscles Enabled by Double-Network Hydrogel Electrolytes

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4306-5• Jan 15, 2026

Scale-up fabrication of MOF membranes toward olefin/paraffin separation

Authors: Yang Liu, Zhenggong Wang, Jian Jin

Olefin-paraffin separation is a critical and energy-intensive process in the petrochemical industry, with ethylene and propylene purification alone consuming 0.3% of global energy. Current distillation methods are energy-inefficient, and polymer membranes exhibit inadequate separation performance. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly ZIF-8, offer precise molecular sieving due to their uniform pore aperture (~3.4 Å), which lies between the kinetic diameters of propylene and propane. Despite excellent lab-scale performance, ZIF-8 membranes face scalability challenges, with effective areas typically below 10 cm², far from the tens of thousands to millions of square meters required industrially. This paper reviews a recent breakthrough by Weihong Xing, Yichang Pan, and colleagues, who developed a micro-space transformation process (MSTP) for scalable fabrication of heterostructured ZIF-8 (HZIF-8) membranes. Using sealed inner lumens of tubular ceramic supports as confined reaction spaces, they achieved single-tube areas of ~200 cm² and total fabricated areas exceeding 4.6 m². The membranes demonstrated stable separation performance over 30 days at 17 bar and 55 °C with a feed flow of 20 Nm³ d⁻¹. This work represents a significant step toward industrial application, addressing critical bottlenecks in membrane area expansion, defect control, and mechanical stability.

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Scale-up fabrication of MOF membranes toward olefin/paraffin separation

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4138-5• Jan 15, 2026

Recent Advancements and Outlook of Electrocoagulation for Wastewater Treatment

Authors: XU Hailu, JI Liuyu, SUN Jiaqiang, LI Zanbin, WU Yinghong, ZHUO Longchao, FENG Ligang, LIU Xijun

Electrocoagulation (EC) has emerged as a promising electrochemical technology for wastewater treatment, offering distinct advantages over conventional chemical coagulation and membrane processes. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in EC, focusing on the underlying mechanisms, key operating parameters, and diverse technical applications. The EC process involves three stages: electrolytic oxidation and in-situ coagulant formation, destabilization of contaminants, and floc formation. Unlike chemical coagulation, EC requires no external chemical additives, and process control is achieved by adjusting current density, voltage, or electrode materials, enabling adaptation to varying wastewater qualities. The review highlights the influence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on EC efficiency, as clarified by Luo et al. (Water Research, 2025). Furthermore, it discusses reactor design innovations, including continuous-flow and cascade-type configurations, and the role of current waveforms in mitigating electrode passivation. The integration of EC with membrane bioreactors and forward osmosis is also examined, demonstrating enhanced treatment performance and fouling mitigation. Key challenges, such as energy consumption and electrode scaling, are addressed, along with future research directions. This comprehensive analysis provides a critical framework for optimizing EC systems and scaling them for industrial wastewater treatment, emphasizing the need for holistic reactor design and process integration to achieve sustainable water reuse.

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Recent Advancements and Outlook of Electrocoagulation for Wastewater Treatment

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4240-7• Jan 15, 2026

Electrocatalytic Ammonia Oxidation Reaction: From Active Site Regulation to Industrial Device Systems

Authors: ZHANG Xinyuan, YAN Xiao, LIANG Ji

The electrocatalytic ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) is pivotal for sustainable energy conversion and storage, enabling direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs), ammonia electrolysis, and solid oxide fuel cells. This review critically examines recent advances in AOR catalysis, emphasizing active-site regulation, interfacial engineering, and device-oriented catalyst development. For noble-metal catalysts, optimizing adsorption and dehydrogenation of NHx intermediates while mitigating poisoning is essential for sustained activity. Non-noble-metal systems, particularly Ni-based catalysts, require precise control of reconstructed working-state phases such as NiOOH-like species to balance activity and selectivity. Interfacial engineering, including heterointerfaces, defect structures, and doped coordination environments, strongly influences the competition between AOR and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as well as product branching toward N2 or oxygenated nitrogen species. The review underscores that catalyst optimization now extends beyond bulk composition to the precise regulation of the interfacial reaction microenvironment. Furthermore, practical device operation is governed by membrane/electrolyte compatibility, mass transport, ammonia crossover, thermal management, and long-term durability. Bridging fundamental catalyst studies with deployable ammonia energy technologies requires coordinated optimization from active materials to electrode architectures and full-device systems. This review provides a comprehensive framework for designing next-generation AOR catalysts and accelerating their integration into industrial energy systems.

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Electrocatalytic Ammonia Oxidation Reaction: From Active Site Regulation to Industrial Device Systems

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4244-0• Jan 15, 2026

Boosting the Operational Stability of Near-Infrared Perovskite LEDs Utilizing a Zinc Ion-Chelated Hybrid Electron-Transport Layer: The Critical Role of Interfacial Reactions

Authors: WU Jun, ZHONG Kaiquan, ZHAO Haifeng, LV Tianxiang, TIAN Zhennan, CHEN Xuehang, YANG Lei, YAN Cheng, YANG Yingguo, YU Junsheng, YIN Chunyang, BAI Sai

Near-infrared perovskite light-emitting diodes (NIR-PeLEDs) suffer from poor operational stability, largely due to interfacial reactions at the electron-transport layer (ETL)/perovskite interface. Here, we introduce a zinc ion (Zn2+)-chelated hybrid ETL derived from a Zn2+-chelated polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) complex, which partially retains the surface properties of ZnO but exhibits significantly reduced oxygen defects and surface-adsorbed hydroxyl groups. This well-modulated surface promotes perovskite crystallization and mitigates interface-induced deprotonation of organic cations during device operation. Consequently, NIR-PeLEDs employing this hybrid ETL achieve a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 20.1%, a high radiance of 652 W sr-1 m-2, and an exceptional T50 lifetime of 270.7 hours at a high current density of 100 mA cm-2, which is over five times that of devices based on conventional ZnO nanocrystal (NC) ETLs. Our results present an effective ETL strategy for operationally stable NIR-PeLEDs and thoroughly reveal the critical role of regulating interfacial reactions in stabilizing buried interfacial contacts. These findings provide valuable insights for advancing perovskite optoelectronic devices that suffer from interface-induced performance degradation.

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Boosting the Operational Stability of Near-Infrared Perovskite LEDs Utilizing a Zinc Ion-Chelated Hybrid Electron-Transport Layer: The Critical Role of Interfacial Reactions

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4211-y• Jan 15, 2026

Strategies for Controllable siRNA Delivery in Gene Silencing and Cancer Therapy

Authors: FENG Nana, LIU Yang

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds promise for selective silencing of oncogenic drivers, yet its clinical translation is hindered by endosomal entrapment and inefficient cytosolic delivery. This review systematically examines the biological barriers to siRNA function, emphasizing that successful gene silencing requires not only cellular uptake but also endosomal escape, carrier dissociation, and RISC loading. We categorize current delivery strategies into carrier-free systems and stimuli-responsive carriers. Carrier-free approaches utilize coordination chemistry, molecular self-assembly, or peptide conjugation to form stable siRNA complexes that undergo intracellular dissociation. Stimuli-responsive carriers exploit endogenous tumor cues (e.g., acidic pH, elevated glutathione, specific enzymes, ATP) or exogenous triggers (e.g., light, ultrasound, magnetic fields) to achieve spatiotemporally controlled release. The review highlights recent advances in both strategies, with a focus on their application in cancer therapy. We critically assess the challenges that remain, including heterogeneity of tumor microenvironments, scalability of synthesis, and in vivo stability. Finally, we outline future directions for translating siRNA-based therapies into clinical practice, emphasizing the need for rational design of delivery systems that integrate multiple stimuli-responsiveness and active targeting to overcome biological barriers.

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Strategies for Controllable siRNA Delivery in Gene Silencing and Cancer Therapy

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4285-2• Jan 15, 2026

UV-assisted coaxial DIW 3D printing: a strategy for fabricating environmentally adaptive ionic hydrogel sensors

Authors: ZHANG Chen, SHI Guohong, MIAO Jiatao, LIU Ren

Ionic conductive hydrogels have gained extensive attention in the field of intelligent sensing due to their good flexibility, tunable electrical conductivity, and multi-stimuli responsiveness. However, hydrogels easily freeze, dehydrate or swell in external environments, and thus losing their original structure and functions. Therefore, improving the environmental adaptability of conductive hydrogels remains a challenge. Herein, ionic hydrogels were encapsulated in real time via UV-assisted multi-material coaxial direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing, and ionic conductive hydrogel sensors with array structures were prepared. The core ionic conductive hydrogel is isolated from the external environment by the hydrophobic photocurable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) shell resin. The PDMS shell resin isolates the core hydrogel from moisture and heat in the external environment, thereby significantly enhancing the sensor’s stability. After 60 days of storage at 25 °C, the 3D-printed coaxial array sensor exhibits only 2.5% mass loss; when stored underwater for 60 days, its swelling rate is merely 1.5%. This sensor exhibits high strain sensitivity with a gauge factor (GF) up to 1.705 and good cyclic stability, demonstrates stable operation over a wide temperature range of -20°C to 120°C, and can withstand underwater and solvent environments. It has been successfully applied in various scenarios such as human motion monitoring, underwater sensing, and temperature sensing. This research breaks through the environmental limitations of conventional hydrogel sensors and provides a simple, efficient method for developing flexible sensors with high environmental adaptability.

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UV-assisted coaxial DIW 3D printing: a strategy for fabricating environmentally adaptive ionic hydrogel sensors

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4281-7• Jan 15, 2026

Multilayer Visible/Infrared Camouflage Electromagnetic Shielding Composite via Synergistic Spectral Regulation and Thermal Management

Authors: HE Ping, QI Chengzhang, PING Kai, MU Hongfei, YU Zhongzhen, MIN Peng, ZHANG Haobin

Multispectral camouflage materials must simultaneously address visible and infrared (IR) detection while maintaining environmental stability and mechanical flexibility for deployment in harsh conditions. This work presents a multilayer composite integrating a colorful, IR-transparent visible reflection (VR) layer, a low-emissivity graphene (LEG) layer, and an aramid nanofiber (ANF) aerogel layer. The VR layer provides tunable visible colors without compromising the low-emissivity property of the LEG layer, which achieves IR emissivity between 0.30 and 0.43. The ANF aerogel, reinforced with a grid structure, reduces thermal conduction, lowering IR radiation intensity by 40% at an 80 °C heat source. The composite exhibits effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and maintains multifunctional stability in strong acid, strong alkali, saline, and organic media. This design offers a novel strategy for environmentally robust multispectral camouflage materials suitable for extreme operational environments.

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Multilayer Visible/Infrared Camouflage Electromagnetic Shielding Composite via Synergistic Spectral Regulation and Thermal Management

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4284-5• Jan 15, 2026

Integrated Visual Sensing and Computing via Symmetry-Reconfigurable Photodiodes

Authors: Haodong Chen, Wenjing Yue, Yang Li

This highlight summarizes a recent breakthrough in integrated visual sensing and computing using symmetry-reconfigurable photodiodes (SRPDs). The device architecture comprises a metal-semiconductor-metal configuration with AgBiS2 as the active layer, enabling dynamic symmetry breaking through voltage-controlled silver filament formation. The SRPD exhibits broadband photosensitivity from 360 nm to 1,550 nm at an illumination intensity of 115 mW cm-2, as demonstrated by multiwavelength time-resolved photocurrent responses. The device can be programmed into fifteen distinct photoresponsivity states, facilitating analog memory and neuromorphic computing. In imaging experiments, an SRPD-based sensory chip successfully captured images through visibly non-transparent inked glass at 808 nm, highlighting its capability for information-lossless acquisition in scattering media. Furthermore, the device achieved high-accuracy pattern recognition with nearly zero false neuron outputs when projecting specific patterns (├, ┬, ┤), each correlating to a unique current output. As a proof of concept, real-time eye-tracking control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was demonstrated, enabling the UAV to follow and monitor a moving cyberdog. These results underscore the potential of SRPDs for processing-in-sensor applications, neuromorphic vision, and human-machine interfacing, offering a compact solution that merges sensing and computing functionalities.

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Integrated Visual Sensing and Computing via Symmetry-Reconfigurable Photodiodes

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4261-2• Jan 15, 2026

Breaking the Conductivity–Selectivity Trade-off in Nafion via Synergistic Molecular Modification for High-Performance Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries

Authors: Siqi He, Shengchao Chai, Shihao Song, Peng Zuo, Yuxin Sun, Yifan Wang, Haolong Li

Developing ion exchange membranes with both high proton conductivity and high selectivity is crucial for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Commercial Nafion membranes suffer from severe vanadium crossover, while conventional additives often aggregate, disrupting ion domains and significantly reducing proton conductivity. To overcome this conductivity–selectivity trade-off, we propose a modification strategy based on molecular-level functional strategy. Two complementary additives, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and a fluoroalkyl-grafted polyoxometalate cluster (8FSiW11), are introduced into Nafion matrix to achieve precise, cooperative, regulation of ionic domains. PVP fills ion domains via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, constructing an efficient barrier against vanadium ions. Simultaneously, 8FSiW11 anchors at the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interface, providing additional proton sources and hopping sites to compensate for proton neutralization by PVP. The resulting hybrid membrane exhibits a proton/vanadium selectivity of 1×10^6 S min cm^-3, 8.6 times higher than commercial Nafion 212 (NR212), and enables VRFB energy efficiencies (EE) of 88.9% at 100 mA cm^-2 and 83.2% at 200 mA cm^-2. This work demonstrates the potential of synergistic molecular modification strategy to break conductivity–selectivity trade-off in membrane design for next-generation high-performance VRFBs.

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Breaking the Conductivity–Selectivity Trade-off in Nafion via Synergistic Molecular Modification for High-Performance Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4295-5• Jan 15, 2026

Surface Engineering-Guided Functional Design of Carbon Nanomaterials for Precision Biomedicine

Authors: YANG Mengyao, LUAN Yujuan, SONG Haoyang, PENG Mengke, DU Juan, JI Youan, HOU Senlin, CHEN Aibing, YOON Juyoung

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and fullerenes, exhibit exceptional promise in precision biomedicine due to their tunable biocompatibility, programmable surface chemistry, large specific surface area, and quantum confinement effects. However, their clinical translation is hindered by aggregation, poor physiological dispersibility, and limited targeting specificity. This review systematically elaborates on surface engineering strategies—covalent functionalization, non-covalent assembly, and heteroatom doping—to optimize the multifunctionality, biocompatibility, and targeting capabilities of CNMs at the nano-bio interface. We explore how engineered interfaces enable advanced applications in biosensing, stimuli-responsive drug delivery, multimodal bioimaging, antibacterial therapy, and regenerative tissue engineering. The review also addresses challenges such as scalability, long-term toxicity, and regulatory hurdles, and proposes future directions to expedite clinical adoption. By providing a comprehensive framework for rational surface design, this work aims to bridge the gap between fundamental materials science and clinical needs, offering a roadmap for developing next-generation carbon-based theranostics.

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Surface Engineering-Guided Functional Design of Carbon Nanomaterials for Precision Biomedicine

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4302-9• Jan 15, 2026

Facilitated Diffusion of Organic Ammonium Salts via OD-Induced Porous PbI2 for Efficient Two-Step Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Authors: Heng Bian, Mingliang Li, Wenbin Yuan, Chen Wang, Xuefeng Fu, Menglong Liu, Hang Yang, Shuming Ye, Longhao Jisi, Zhaowei Xu, Yaping Zhao, Wen-Hua Zhang

The pre-deposited lead iodide (PbI2) film in two-step inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) often exhibits a dense structure, which impedes the diffusion and reaction of organic ammonium salts, leading to unreacted PbI2 residues and compromised device performance. To address this, 2,4-oxazolidinedione (OD) is introduced as a molecule additive into the PbI2 precursor solution. Owing to its stronger coordination with PbI2, OD effectively modulates its crystallization behavior, resulting in a porous structure. This porous structure significantly facilitates the diffusion and infiltration of organic ammonium salts, thereby minimizing PbI2 residue and enhancing the completeness of the perovskite conversion. Furthermore, OD and the constructed porous network jointly retard the crystallization kinetics of perovskite, promoting the formation of perovskite films with improved crystallinity and preferred crystal orientation. Therefore, the optimized PSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.31%, and demonstrate excellent operational stability, retaining 90.24% of initial PCE for 1500 h at 25°C and 90.47% after 1000 h at 65°C. The champion device exhibits a VOC of 1.197 V, a JSC of 26.28 mA cm-2, and an FF of 83.58%, with negligible hysteresis. This study presents a straightforward yet effective approach to advancing the performance and stability of inverted PSCs fabricated via the two-step method.

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Facilitated Diffusion of Organic Ammonium Salts via OD-Induced Porous PbI2 for Efficient Two-Step Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4271-5• Jan 15, 2026

Photocatalytic Functional Coatings at a Turning Point: From High-Activity Materials to Service-Ready Surfaces

Authors: ZHAO Lina, YANG Lian

Photocatalytic functional coatings are at a pivotal juncture where the primary research focus must transition from intrinsic material activity to a unified framework centered on surface serviceability. Surface serviceability encompasses the ability of a coating to maintain catalytic activity, interfacial integrity, multifunctional performance, safety, and manufacturability under specific service environments over its operational lifetime. Over the past three decades, photocatalytic surfaces have demonstrated potential for degrading organic pollutants, maintaining surface cleanliness, and enabling air purification, with applications in buildings, glass, highways, and infrastructure. However, high intrinsic activity alone does not guarantee stable long-term performance when the photocatalyst is immobilized as a substrate-integrated film. Performance is governed by coupled factors including interfacial adhesion, film structure, environmental aging, and functional durability. Current challenges extend beyond catalytic activity to include long-term deactivation, coating-substrate interfacial stability, trade-offs among multiple functions, adequacy of evaluation methods, and scalability of fabrication. These issues form a progressive service chain: design determines catalyst exposure and adhesion; environmental stresses induce functional or structural failure; multifunctional integration may compromise one function for another. Therefore, application-oriented evaluation is essential. This perspective advocates for a paradigm shift toward service-oriented design, requiring establishment of service-relevant evaluation protocols and development of scalable, repairable fabrication routes. Such efforts will enable photocatalytic coatings to evolve from high-activity laboratory materials into engineering surfaces that are verifiable, comparable, manufacturable, and durable in real-world applications.

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Photocatalytic Functional Coatings at a Turning Point: From High-Activity Materials to Service-Ready Surfaces

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4290-9• Jan 15, 2026

Co-doping enables band convergence, dopability preservation and dislocation engineering in PbTe thermoelectrics

Authors: WU Yixuan, NAN Pengfei, CHEN Zhiwei, ZENG Zezhu, DONG Hongliang, LI Wen, CHEN Yue, GE Binghui, PEI Yanzhong

Thermoelectric materials enable direct and reversible conversion between heat and electricity, offering unique advantages for waste heat recovery, solid-state refrigeration, and deep-space power systems. The performance is evaluated by the dimensionless figure of merit, zT = S²σT/κ, where S is the Seebeck coefficient, σ is the electrical conductivity, T is the absolute temperature, and κ is the total thermal conductivity. Achieving high zT requires simultaneous realization of a large power factor (S²σ) and low thermal conductivity. However, these parameters are intrinsically coupled, posing a fundamental challenge. PbTe is a representative thermoelectric material operating in the intermediate temperature range, with outstanding performance originating from its unique electronic band structure featuring multiple nearly degenerate valence band maxima near the L points. Band convergence via alloying with mono-tellurides such as MgTe, MnTe, CdTe, YbTe, SrTe, and EuTe effectively modifies the valence band structure, increasing band degeneracy and density-of-states effective mass, thereby enhancing electrical conductivity without decreasing the Seebeck coefficient. However, increasing the content of these mono-tellurides limits acceptor dopability, making conventional dopants like Na difficult to incorporate. This study demonstrates that co-doping strategies can preserve dopability while achieving band convergence and dislocation engineering, leading to significantly reduced lattice thermal conductivity and extraordinary peak zT values. The decoupling of electronic and thermal transport through this approach offers a promising route for high-performance thermoelectrics.

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Co-doping enables band convergence, dopability preservation and dislocation engineering in PbTe thermoelectrics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4269-4• Jan 15, 2026

Nanoparticle-Reinforced Self-Assembled Molecular Interfaces Enable Mechanically Robust Flexible Organic Solar Cells

Authors: JU Chen, ZHU Juan, JIANG Linhai, ZHANG Tianjiao, LI Hongxiang, CHEN Weijie, CHEN Haiyang, LI Yaowen

Self-assembled molecular interlayers (SAMs) are promising hole-selective contacts for high-efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their well-defined energy alignment and minimal parasitic absorption. However, their intrinsically limited mechanical robustness often leads to structural degradation and performance loss under mechanical deformation, restricting their application in flexible devices. Here, we report a nanoparticle-reinforced self-assembled composite interface that simultaneously enhances mechanical reliability and optoelectronic performance. Uniformly dispersed SiO2 nanoparticles are introduced as high-modulus reinforcing building blocks without disturbing molecular self-assembly. In contrast to NiOx nanoparticles, which suffer from aggregation and parasitic absorption, SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit excellent dispersion and optical transparency, enabling formation of a structurally compatible hybrid interface. Mechanistic studies reveal that SiO2 nanoparticles redistribute interfacial stress and form dynamic hydrogen-bond networks with phosphonic acid groups of 2PACz, providing efficient energy dissipation during cyclic deformation. Meanwhile, modulation of interfacial polarity extends the crystallization time window of the active layer, resulting in enhanced molecular ordering and improved charge transport. As a result, devices based on the SiO2/2PACz composite interface achieve a power conversion efficiency of 20.14% for rigid devices and 19.30% for flexible devices, placing the flexible devices among the highest-performing flexible OSCs reported to date, while retaining over 90% of their initial efficiency after repeated bending cycles. This work establishes a general strategy for overcoming the trade-off between electronic selectivity and mechanical robustness in ultrathin self-assembled molecular interfaces, providing design insights for high-performance flexible organic optoelectronics.

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Nanoparticle-Reinforced Self-Assembled Molecular Interfaces Enable Mechanically Robust Flexible Organic Solar Cells

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4260-5• Jan 15, 2026

Multi-Interface Engineering Modulated Bidirectional Polysulfide Conversion for Advanced Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Authors: Junliang Xu, Chuan Shi, Shunxian Yu, Tianlong Lan, Chaoyue Zhang, Xiaoxian Zhao, Zhipeng Ma, Yufei Zhao, Jinqiang Zhang, Hao Yan, Shuangqiang Chen, Qiang Li, Jianjun Song

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are recognized as a leading candidate for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh g⁻¹). However, the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) severely limits cycle life and energy efficiency. Here, we report a multi-interface engineering strategy employing a MnO₂-TiO₂@Ti₃C₂ MXene (MT@MX) heterojunction, synthesized via a facile redox reaction between MXene and KMnO₄, to modulate bidirectional polysulfide conversion. The 2D structure with high conductivity and abundant heterogeneous interfaces facilitates fast ion/electron transfer, reduces reaction energy barriers, and enhances adsorption via d-band center effects. The stepped built-in electric field (BIEF) in MT@MX lowers the migration energy barrier of LiPSs from catalytic MXene to TiO₂ and then to adsorptive MnO₂, enabling reversible migration across multi-interfaces. Optimized heterointerfaces synergistically integrate adsorption, diffusion, and catalytic conversion, yielding excellent cycling stability even at a high sulfur loading of 6.4 mg cm⁻². This work demonstrates that constructing heterojunctions with stepped BIEF offers a feasible approach to modulate interfacial diffusion and provides a new design strategy for high-performance LSB electrocatalysts.

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Multi-Interface Engineering Modulated Bidirectional Polysulfide Conversion for Advanced Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4300-3• Jan 15, 2026

Molecular Weight Engineering of D18 Polymer Enables 20.55% Efficiency in Non-Halogenated Solvent-Processed Organic Solar Cells via Controlled Film Formation Kinetics

Authors: LI Hui, MING Rui, ZHANG Jian, JIANG Tao, WANG Lei, WANG Xiao, ZHANG Wei, YANG Chao, XU Lin, SUN Li, LI Chen

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) has surpassed 21% with the donor polymer D18, yet its processing from non-halogenated solvents like ortho-xylene (o-XY) remains inefficient due to uncontrolled film formation kinetics. Here, we systematically synthesize D18 polymers with molecular weights ranging from 41.6 kDa to 70.9 kDa to modulate crystallization kinetics. In-situ film drying studies reveal that lower molecular weights accelerate solidification, leading to excessive aggregation, while higher molecular weights slow it, causing insufficient phase separation. A medium molecular weight (D18-M) achieves a balanced crystallization rate, promoting favorable morphology and yielding a PCE of 20.55% with L8-BO as acceptor—one of the highest reported for non-halogenated solvent-processed OSCs. Energy loss analysis indicates that although low-molecular-weight polymers exhibit higher intrinsic luminescence, the blend film's emission is governed by exciton environment, which is dictated by morphology. This work underscores the critical role of molecular weight in controlling film formation and morphology, offering a simple yet effective strategy for high-efficiency, environmentally friendly OSCs.

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Molecular Weight Engineering of D18 Polymer Enables 20.55% Efficiency in Non-Halogenated Solvent-Processed Organic Solar Cells via Controlled Film Formation Kinetics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4210-6• Jan 15, 2026

Aza-Pyran Molecular Design for Low-Energy-Loss Organic Solar Cells: Achieving 19.86% Efficiency via Energetic Disorder Regulation

Authors: Sha Liu, Zhenghui Luo, et al.

Achieving low-energy-loss organic solar cells requires precise regulation of energetic disorder and intermolecular packing, which remains challenging at the molecular design level. Here, we report an aza-pyran-type molecular design strategy that integrates a sp3-hybridized nitrogen-centered core with a pyran structural motif to regulate aggregation behavior and energetic disorder in non-fullerene acceptors. Two representative acceptors, D10 and D11, are developed, both exhibiting broadened absorption and high open-circuit voltages, while D10 shows more balanced aggregation and improved long-range molecular ordering. When incorporated as guest acceptors into the PM6:L8-BO system, the optimized ternary device achieves a power conversion efficiency of 19.86% with a high VOC of 0.89 V. Detailed optoelectronic analyses reveal reduced non-radiative energy loss (ΔE3 ≈ 0.23 eV), enhanced electroluminescence quantum efficiency (~1.17 × 10-4), and lowered energetic disorder (EU = 25 meV) in the ternary blends. GIWAXS and charge-transport studies further demonstrate that the introduction of D10 promotes enlarged crystalline domains and more ordered π-π stacking, facilitating balanced carrier transport and suppressed recombination. This work establishes an effective molecular design paradigm that links aza-pyran molecular engineering with energy-loss management, providing new insights into the development of high-efficiency, low-energy-loss organic solar cells.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4303-7• Jan 15, 2026

Failure Mechanism of NNFMO//HC Sodium-Ion Pouch Cells under Mechanical-Electrochemical Service Conditions

Authors: Xiaofa Liang, Zhuo Chen, Zhenyao Huang, Mengyu Yan, Liang Zhou

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising for grid-scale storage and low-speed electric vehicles, yet their electrochemical behavior is governed by intricate mechanical-electrochemical coupling effects, rendering failure mechanisms not fully understood. Here, we develop an in-situ pressure-electrochemical monitoring system and reveal the failure mechanism of commercial Ah-level NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2//hard carbon (NNFMO//HC) sodium-ion pouch cells. Under an initial external pressure of 500 kPa, the full cell retains 90.07% of its capacity after 500 cycles at 0.5 C. Operating at the optimal pressure of 500 kPa effectively avoids heterogeneous sodium deposition in HC anodes, suppresses gas evolution from electrolyte decomposition, and prevents irreversible phase transitions in NNFMO cathodes during long-term cycling, thereby mitigating capacity degradation. Deviation from this optimal pressure leads to spatially non-uniform sodium deposition, accelerated electrolyte decomposition, and irreversible cathode phase transitions, collectively accelerating capacity fade. This work establishes a quantitative relationship between external pressure and pouch cell degradation, advancing SIBs development and application.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4319-x• Jan 15, 2026

Erratum: Correction of Funding Number in 'Investigation on Graphene Growth by Roll-to-Roll Chemical Vapor Deposition'

Authors: Minghao Liang, Ling-Xuan Qian, Yuting Hou, Jun Li, Changqing Shen, Fangzhu Qing, Xuesong Li

This erratum corrects an error in the Acknowledgments section of the original article 'Investigation on graphene growth by roll-to-roll chemical vapor deposition' published in Science China Materials, Vol. 65, Issue 4, page 1042, 2022. The authors regret that the funding number (No. (2021)105) for the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program was incorrectly used. The correct funding number is No. KQTD20200820113010022. The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused. This correction does not affect the scientific content, results, or conclusions of the original paper. The original research focused on the kinetics of graphene growth via roll-to-roll chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a scalable method for producing high-quality graphene films. The study addressed challenges in continuous manufacturing, such as uniformity, growth rate, and defect control, and provided insights into optimizing process parameters for industrial-scale production. The erratum ensures accurate attribution of funding sources, maintaining the integrity of the research record.

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Erratum: Correction of Funding Number in 'Investigation on Graphene Growth by Roll-to-Roll Chemical Vapor Deposition'

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4239-2• Jan 15, 2026

Amino Acid Intercalated Iron-Rich NiFe-LDHs with Low-Spin Fe3+ for Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysis

Authors: CHEN Tingting, ZHANG Jiaqi, YIN Taishan, TAN Zhicheng, CHEN Long, PANG Huan, HUANG Zhongjie

The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a bottleneck for efficient water splitting. NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising OER catalysts, but their performance is often limited by the high-spin state of Fe3+ and poor structural stability. Here, we report a series of amino acid-intercalated iron-rich NiFe-LDHs (AA-NiFe-LDHs) synthesized via a facile one-step coprecipitation method. Intercalation of glycine, alanine, and valine into the interlayer galleries expands the interlayer spacing and induces a partial transition of Fe3+ from high-spin to low-spin state, as confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The low-spin Fe3+ enhances the intrinsic catalytic activity by optimizing the adsorption energy of oxygen intermediates. Among the series, the glycine-intercalated sample (Gly-NiFe-LDH) exhibits the best OER performance in 1.0 M KOH, with an overpotential of 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 38 mV dec−1, significantly outperforming the pristine NiFe-LDH (280 mV, 52 mV dec−1). Moreover, Gly-NiFe-LDH shows excellent long-term stability, retaining 95% of its initial activity after 24 h of chronopotentiometry at 10 mA cm−2. The intercalation also increases the electrochemically active surface area by 2.3-fold and reduces the charge transfer resistance from 12.5 Ω to 4.8 Ω. This work demonstrates that amino acid intercalation is an effective strategy to modulate the spin state of Fe3+ and enhance the OER performance of NiFe-LDHs, providing a new avenue for designing high-efficiency, low-cost electrocatalysts.

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Amino Acid Intercalated Iron-Rich NiFe-LDHs with Low-Spin Fe3+ for Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysis

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4323-8• Jan 15, 2026

Electron Spin as a Descriptor for Sulfur Electrochemistry: Principles, Characterization, and Regulation Strategies in Sulfur-Based Batteries

Authors: WU Yangyang, WANG Tiansheng, HU Zhengqiang, LI Hongsen, et al.

Sulfur-based batteries are promising for next-generation energy storage due to high theoretical capacity, natural abundance, and low cost of sulfur cathodes. However, practical implementation is impeded by sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, dissolution and migration of intermediate polysulfides, and formation of insulating discharge products. Conventional catalyst design focuses on charge distribution, adsorption energetics, and structural confinement, yet these approaches incompletely describe the complex electronic processes governing sulfur conversion. Electron spin, an intrinsic quantum degree of freedom, offers an additional dimension for modulating catalytic behavior via its influence on electronic structure and orbital interactions at catalytic interfaces. In spin-polarized systems, changes in occupation and splitting of transition-metal d orbitals can regulate d-p hybridization with sulfur species, affecting interfacial charge transfer and energetics of sulfur redox reactions. This review summarizes recent progress in elucidating and manipulating electron spin in sulfur-based battery systems. Fundamental principles connecting spin states with electronic structure and catalytic behavior are outlined, followed by experimental approaches for probing spin-related electronic properties using spectroscopic and magnetic characterization techniques. Emerging strategies for spin regulation are highlighted, including heteroatom doping, defect engineering, coordination environment modulation, chirality-induced spin selectivity, and external magnetic-field control. Remaining challenges in identifying spin effects under realistic electrochemical conditions are addressed, along with opportunities for integrating spin-related descriptors into catalyst design. Establishing quantitative relationships between spin polarization, orbital hybridization, and sulfur reaction pathways may provide new perspectives for high-performance sulfur-based batteries.

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Electron Spin as a Descriptor for Sulfur Electrochemistry: Principles, Characterization, and Regulation Strategies in Sulfur-Based Batteries

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4246-5• Jan 15, 2026

Efficient green-solvent, additive-free and post-treatment-free organic solar cells enabled by dithiazolobenzotriazole-based polymer donors

Authors: Huoqing Yang, Chentong Liao, Xingjian Dai, Weilin Zhou, Yihui Wu, Xiaopeng Xu, Qiang Peng

Developing organic solar cells (OSCs) processable from green solvents without additives or post-treatments is essential for sustainable manufacturing, yet high power conversion efficiency (PCE) remains difficult due to limited morphology control. Herein, we develop a new electron-deficient building block, dithiazolo[4',5':3,4;5'',4'':5,6]benzo[1,2-d][1,2,3]triazole (DTzBT), which fuses benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (BTA) with thiazole to leverage S/N-mediated non-covalent interactions, enhance planarity and lower the HOMO. To isolate side-chain effects, two DTzBT-based donors, namely PTzMe-F (N-methyl) and PTzEH-F (N-2-ethylhexyl), have been designed and synthesized. PTzMe-F exhibits poor solubility and miscibility with L8-BO, yielding 2.64% PCE (chloroform). PTzEH-F exhibits excellent processability and favorable morphology, delivering 17.61% PCE (chloroform) and 19.17% as-cast from toluene without any additive or post-treatments. In addition, the ternary LbL device based on PTzEH-F/L8-BO:PC71BM achieved an impressive efficiency of 20.27%. Comprehensive characterization indicates that 2-ethylhexyl side chains afford optimal solubility while preserving strong intermolecular interactions and favorable phase separation. DTzBT mitigates BTA’s HOMO-raising tendency via electron-withdrawing thiazole fusion, reconciling aggregation tunability with energy-level control. These results show that precise backbone and side-chain co-design enables green-solvent, additive-free processing for high-performance OSCs, advancing sustainable photovoltaic manufacturing.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4204-4• Jan 15, 2026

Heterodimensional Superlattices: Preparation, Properties, and Applications

Authors: KAN Shanshan, FU Qundong, ZHANG Minghao, LAN He, HUANG Xiangwei, ZHOU Jiadong

Heterodimensional superlattices, integrating materials of different dimensionalities (e.g., 0D, 1D, 2D) within a periodic structure, have attracted significant attention due to their unique electronic structures and emergent properties arising from inter-dimensional coupling. This review comprehensively summarizes the state-of-the-art preparation strategies, distinctive physical properties, and diverse applications of these emerging systems. Beyond conventional epitaxial growth and chemical intercalation methods, recent advances include van der Waals assembly and phase engineering, enabling precise control over layer stacking and interfacial interactions. Key properties discussed include tunable electronic band structures, enhanced spin-orbit coupling, and emergent phenomena such as the in-plane Hall effect, which are promising for spintronic devices. The review also highlights applications in energy storage and conversion, where heterodimensional superlattices exhibit improved ion transport and catalytic activity. Challenges remain in scalable fabrication and structural stability, but the field holds potential for next-generation electronics and energy technologies.

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Heterodimensional Superlattices: Preparation, Properties, and Applications

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4339-7• Jan 15, 2026

Optoelectronic Memristors Based on ZnS-Passivated CdZnSe Quantum Dots for Neuromorphic Synaptic Emulation Enabling Information Encryption

Authors: GUO Mengya, YU Longfei, LI Zhilong, WANG Fu, SHANG Yufei, HOU Yue, HE Kunpeng, LIU Gongjie, ZHAO Jianhui, GUO Jianxi, PEI Yifei, YAN Xiaobing

Neuromorphic computing demands energy-efficient synaptic devices that emulate biological plasticity. Optoelectronic memristors based on colloidal quantum dots (QDs) offer tunable bandgaps and solution processability, yet suffer from defect-mediated nonradiative recombination and instability. Here, we report ZnS-passivated CdZnSe core/shell QDs as the active layer in memristive devices, achieving enhanced synaptic emulation and information encryption. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) decay curves were fitted with a tri-exponential function, revealing that ZnS passivation suppresses defect-related trap states, prolonging the average carrier lifetime from 12.3 ns (CdZnSe) to 28.7 ns (CdZnSe/ZnS). The intensity proportion of the fast decay component (τ1 ≈ 1.2 ns) decreased from 45% to 18%, indicating reduced surface trapping. Devices incorporating CdZnSe/ZnS QDs exhibit stable bipolar resistive switching with an ON/OFF ratio exceeding 10^3, endurance of >10^3 cycles, and retention of >10^4 s. Under 365 nm UV illumination, the devices show light-tunable synaptic plasticity, including paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) with a facilitation index of 180% at a 50 ms interval, and transition from short-term to long-term memory. The memristors successfully emulate essential synaptic functions and are employed in a simple encryption scheme, demonstrating the potential of defect-passivated QDs for secure neuromorphic hardware.

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Optoelectronic Memristors Based on ZnS-Passivated CdZnSe Quantum Dots for Neuromorphic Synaptic Emulation Enabling Information Encryption

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4340-0• Jan 15, 2026

Mismatching in Meso-/Microscopic Orientation Drives Optical Anisotropy to Unlock Multicolor Nonreciprocal Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Chiral Polymer Elastomeric Films

Authors: Xiao Yu, Kai Yang, Wenbo Yin, Aoqi Wang, Pengpeng Li, Biao Zhao, Jianping Deng

Thin films with nonreciprocal circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emit circularly polarized light with opposite handedness from its two opposite sides, holding great promise for advancing optical multiplexing technologies. Herein, we introduce component orientation mismatch into chiral composite films via stretching, which leads to macroscopic optical anisotropy and accordingly drives the films to show nonreciprocal CPL activity. Stretching triggers linear dichroism-linear birefringence (LD-LB) coupling to realize nonreciprocal circular dichroism (CD) in elastomer films consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and chiral polyacetylene (R/S-PSA). Moreover, fluorescence anisotropy-linear birefringence (f-LB) coupling occurs after introducing fluorescent groups into the films to achieve multi-color nonreciprocal CPL. The unstretched films exhibit reciprocal CPL with a luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) of 10⁻¹, with handedness determined by PSA’s intrinsic helical chirality. In the stretched films, the oriented fluorescent groups undergo f-LB coupling with matrix crystallization, resulting in nonreciprocal CPL (|glum|=10⁻²). Based on this distinctive chiroptical feature, we have developed chiral logic gates, multidimensional optical encryption systems, and enantioselective photopolymerization platforms to demonstrate the potential uses of the as-obtained CPL films. This work provides both fundamental insights into and a versatile material platform for developing smart nonreciprocal photonic systems with advanced chiroptical functionality.

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Mismatching in Meso-/Microscopic Orientation Drives Optical Anisotropy to Unlock Multicolor Nonreciprocal Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Chiral Polymer Elastomeric Films

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4250-0• Jan 15, 2026

Heating-mode-defined energy pathways govern non-contact release in shape memory polymer transfer printing

Authors: LI Chenglong, MU Tong, TANG Qiuyu, YAO Chunying, LING Shengbin, JIANG Jing, ZHANG Shun, LINGHU Changhong, SONG Jizhou

Shape memory polymer (SMP)-based transfer printing offers a promising route for heterogeneous integration of flexible electronics, yet non-contact release reliability remains a critical bottleneck. This study systematically investigates the influence of pickup heating modes—localized versus global—on the release yield and energy-delivery mechanisms through combined experiments and finite element simulations. The localized heating mode concentrates strain energy at the interface, enabling controlled chip ejection with high yield, whereas global heating dissipates energy, leading to release failure. Quantitative analysis reveals that localized heating achieves a release yield of 100% under optimized conditions, compared to near-zero for global heating. The ejection velocity under localized heating is higher, which may induce chip bouncing on the receiver substrate, affecting transfer accuracy; however, this can be mitigated by adjusting release gap and laser parameters. The findings establish a theoretical framework for energy pathway design, providing guidelines for achieving high-yield, accurate non-contact release in laser-induced transfer printing. This work advances the practical application of SMP-based transfer printing for micro-LED displays and flexible electronics, addressing a key manufacturing bottleneck.

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Heating-mode-defined energy pathways govern non-contact release in shape memory polymer transfer printing

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4349-9• Jan 15, 2026

Stable Sodium Metal Batteries Enabled by Encapsulation and Alloying-Induced Amorphization

Authors: QU Changzhen, YANG Jiaying, HAN Yimeng, PENG Xu, XU Xiaosa, KASKEL Stefan, SANAD Moustafa M.S., SHENOUDA Atef Y., ZHUANG Rong, XU Fei

Sodium metal batteries are promising for large-scale energy storage due to sodium's abundance and low cost, but their commercialization is hindered by dendrite growth and low utilization of sodium metal anodes. Here, we report a yolk-shell structure with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) confined in hollow carbon nanospheres (Au@HCN) as a robust seeding/hosting interphase. The encapsulation isolates Au NPs from direct electrolyte contact, mitigating parasitic reactions, while the void space accommodates volume changes during alloying. Notably, electrochemical testing reveals that Au NPs undergo alloying-induced amorphization upon sodiation, forming a Na-Au amorphous alloy that enhances sodiophilicity and ensures uniform Na nucleation. This amorphous phase, confirmed by ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, reduces nucleation overpotential and promotes dendrite-free deposition. The Au@HCN electrode achieves a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.8% over 500 cycles at 1 mA cm−2 and a long cycle life of over 2000 hours at 0.5 mA cm−2 in symmetric cells. Full cells paired with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes deliver a specific capacity of 105 mAh g−1 with 92% retention after 500 cycles. This work provides a rational design for stable sodium metal anodes through encapsulation and alloying-induced amorphization, offering a pathway for practical sodium metal batteries.

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Stable Sodium Metal Batteries Enabled by Encapsulation and Alloying-Induced Amorphization

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4350-4• Jan 15, 2026

Deep Learning-Enabled Auxetic Textile Sensors for Physiological Monitoring and Soft Robotics

Authors: ZHU Wei-bin, KAMRUL Hasan, KUANG Chengzhao, MO Xiaojuan, ZHANG Xiaohui, AO Kelong, WANG Zhen, HU Hong, SHOU Dahua

Flexible wearable sensors have transformed motion tracking, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces by enabling precise movement detection and adaptability to curved surfaces. However, conventional composite sensors often face challenges such as limited sensitivity, detection range, linearity, and durability. In this study, we propose a stretchable auxetic sensing textile with a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) structure, incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) by micro-crack engineering to enhance its mechanical durability and sensing performance. Integrating macro-scale NPR with micro-scale wrinkles, this innovative design achieves a high sensitivity of 11.2 within a wide detection range (0-100%), a more linear sensing range with an R2 value of 0.998, an ultra-low detection limit of 0.5%, and exceptional durability, outperforming conventional wearable sensors. Additionally, the textile sensor boasts excellent moisture permeability (32.7 g m⁻² h⁻¹) and a remarkable NPR value of -0.25, ensuring comfort and adaptability for various wearable applications. Integrated with deep learning algorithms, the auxetic sensing textile demonstrates 98% accuracy in recognizing soft robotic movements at various bending angles. It is capable of capturing both small-scale physiological signals, such as electrocardiograms, and large-scale movements, offering significant freedom of movement and adaptability to complex surfaces.

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Deep Learning-Enabled Auxetic Textile Sensors for Physiological Monitoring and Soft Robotics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4344-5• Jan 15, 2026

Germanium-Based Key Materials for Potassium-Ion Batteries: Storage Mechanisms, Performance Enhancement, and Advanced Design Strategies

Authors: Jingxian Yu, Fanglan Mo, Hongyan Li

Germanium-based materials (Ge-based) have been explored as anodes for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity (369 mAh g-1) and moderate potassium insertion potentials. However, their application is hindered by volume expansion and unstable solid electrolyte interphase films. This review systematically synthesizes recent advances in Ge-based materials (encompassing metallic Ge, oxides, chalcogenides, and alloys), with an emphasis on structure-performance relationships to elaborate synergistic optimization strategies. Key optimization strategies such as nanostructuring, composite design with conductive supports, interfacial engineering, doping, and electrolyte modification are elaborated. The potassium storage mechanisms of different materials are compared, and the effectiveness of various modification strategies is evaluated under different operating conditions. High-throughput computations are integrated with experimental validation to guide material and electrolyte design. A life cycle assessment perspective is also introduced to evaluate the sustainability and practical viability of Ge-based materials. Given the high cost and low abundance of Ge, these materials are more suitable for niche applications where high energy density is critical, rather than large-scale grid storage. The review underscores the necessity of balancing electrochemical performance with economic and environmental considerations, proposing a roadmap for future research that prioritizes cost-effective synthesis and scalable manufacturing.

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Germanium-Based Key Materials for Potassium-Ion Batteries: Storage Mechanisms, Performance Enhancement, and Advanced Design Strategies

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4242-1• Jan 15, 2026

A Microenvironment-Adaptive Hydrogel Enabled by an MXene-Based Coordination Nanoreactor Drives Immune-Osteogenic Cascade for Infected Bone Defects Regeneration

Authors: ZHAO Wei, LI Shu-Di, ZHU Xin-Yan, LU Xi-Ru, MAO Li-Bo, ZHENG Kai, QIU Jing

Infected bone defects remain a formidable clinical challenge due to the coupled pathologies of bacterial infection and impaired osteogenesis. Conventional treatments often fail to address the dynamic microenvironment, leading to persistent infection and inadequate bone repair. Here, we report a microenvironment-adaptive hydrogel incorporating a Ti3C2Tx MXene-based coordination nanoreactor that orchestrates an immune-osteogenic cascade. The nanoreactor, constructed by coordinating Fe3+ ions onto MXene nanosheets, exhibits pH- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive release of Fe3+ and MXene, enabling sequential antibacterial and pro-osteogenic activities. In vitro studies demonstrated that the hydrogel eradicated Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (>99.9% killing) within 6 h via synergistic photothermal and chemodynamic effects, while simultaneously scavenging excess ROS to mitigate oxidative stress. Notably, the released Fe3+ ions promoted M2 macrophage polarization, as evidenced by a 2.5-fold increase in CD206 expression, and subsequently enhanced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), with alkaline phosphatase activity elevated by 1.8-fold and alizarin red staining intensity increased by 2.2-fold. In a rat model of infected calvarial defects, the hydrogel significantly accelerated bone regeneration, achieving a bone volume fraction of 78.4% at 8 weeks post-implantation, compared to 35.2% in the untreated control. Micro-CT and histological analyses confirmed robust new bone formation and complete infection clearance. This study presents a paradigm for designing adaptive biomaterials that integrate infection control and bone regeneration, offering a promising strategy for treating infected bone defects.

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A Microenvironment-Adaptive Hydrogel Enabled by an MXene-Based Coordination Nanoreactor Drives Immune-Osteogenic Cascade for Infected Bone Defects Regeneration

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4202-3• Jan 15, 2026

Self-Photooxidation-Restructuring Enables NIR-II Absorption of Carbon Dots for Cancer Phototherapy

Authors: GUO Shengli, YANG Mingwang, ZHENG Haoyuan, LIU Wenkai, ZHANG Han, LI Jianwei, DU Jianjun, PENG Chong, FAN Jiangli, PENG Xiaojun

Carbon dots (CDs) with absorption in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) hold promise for tumor theranostics, yet existing synthesis methods often involve complex procedures, harsh conditions, or lack precise control. Here we report a 'self-photooxidation-restructuring' strategy that enables structural reorganization of the carbon core in CDs, achieving a significant redshift of absorption into the NIR-II region. Under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, the precursor (B-CDs, absorption in UV region) generates singlet oxygen, which self-oxidizes aldehyde groups and the carbon skeleton of B-CDs to stronger electron-withdrawing carboxyl groups and carbon radicals, respectively. These processes facilitate the formation of new C=C bonds between isolated aromatic domains, thereby transforming B-CDs into novel CDs (N-CDs) characterized by enhanced donor-acceptor interactions and a redshift in absorption toward the NIR-II window. Various experimental data, including high-resolution XPS, FTIR, NMR, EPR, have proved the proposed formation mechanism. The novel N-CDs afforded a high photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 71.33%, which enabled 1064 nm laser-activated photoacoustic imaging (PAI)-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) in tumors. This work opens a new avenue for the synthesis and modulation of CDs in the NIR-II region.

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Self-Photooxidation-Restructuring Enables NIR-II Absorption of Carbon Dots for Cancer Phototherapy

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4354-9• Jan 15, 2026

Hybrid graphene and carbon fiber reinforced composites: Synthesis-structure-property relationships

Authors: WANG Shuo, SUN Jialin, CAO Zhen, ZHANG Keguo, NING Shurong, ZHAO Jun

This review systematically examines the synthesis-structure-property relationships of hybrid graphene and carbon fiber reinforced composites, encompassing polymer, metal, and ceramic matrix systems. The hybridization of graphene with carbon fibers addresses the intrinsic limitations of conventional composites, such as weak interfacial bonding and insufficient multifunctionality. The review consolidates recent advances in fabrication strategies, including electrophoretic deposition, layer-by-layer assembly, and precursor impregnation, which enable controlled graphene distribution and orientation. Critical analyses of mechanical, tribological, electrochemical, and anti-ablation properties reveal that graphene addition significantly enhances interfacial shear strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity. For instance, in copper matrix composites, the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide with short carbon fibers improves tribological performance, reducing wear rates under specific load conditions. In ceramic matrix composites, graphene-modified C/C-SiC composites exhibit superior anti-ablation resistance, with mass loss rates reduced by up to 30% at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, graphene-coated carbon fiber electrodes demonstrate high specific capacitance and cycling stability in energy storage applications. The review also addresses challenges such as dispersion uniformity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, proposing future directions for industrial adoption. By providing a comprehensive framework, this work guides the design of next-generation hybrid composites tailored for aerospace, automotive, and energy storage sectors.

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Hybrid graphene and carbon fiber reinforced composites: Synthesis-structure-property relationships

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4373-2• Jan 15, 2026

Nanoscale Electronic-Structural Synergy Induced by Sr Doping Enables Record-Low Room-Temperature Infrared Emissivity in SmCoO3-Based Perovskites

Authors: LI Pengze, LIU Wenyu, NING Ya, LIU Junlin, LIU Zhibo, TAN Shujuan, JI Guangbin

Infrared stealth technology demands materials with simultaneously low infrared emissivity and robust environmental stability. Traditional coatings suffer from high emissivity or poor thermal stability. Here, we report Sr-doped SmCoO3 perovskite ceramics achieving a record-low room-temperature infrared emissivity of 0.12 in the 8–14 μm atmospheric window. Systematic doping (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) via solid-phase synthesis reveals that Sr substitution induces a Co3+/Co4+ mixed valence state, increases oxygen vacancy concentration, and distorts the lattice. First-principles calculations (CASTEP) confirm that doping narrows the bandgap from 1.8 eV to 0.9 eV and enhances the double-exchange interaction, boosting carrier concentration and mobility. The optimized composition (x = 0.3) exhibits an electrical conductivity of 1.2×10^3 S/cm and a carrier density of 3.5×10^21 cm^-3, leading to strong infrared reflection. The material maintains emissivity below 0.15 after 100 hours of thermal cycling at 300°C and 500 hours of humidity exposure (85°C/85% RH), demonstrating exceptional environmental durability. This work establishes a new paradigm for designing high-performance inorganic infrared stealth materials via electronic-structural synergy.

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Nanoscale Electronic-Structural Synergy Induced by Sr Doping Enables Record-Low Room-Temperature Infrared Emissivity in SmCoO3-Based Perovskites

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4342-3• Jan 15, 2026

Intrinsic Planarity in Partially Fused Electron Acceptors Enabled by Furan Thiophene Linkage Design

Authors: ZENG Xianghao, JIANG Yizhi, QIU Shuwei, NG Ho Ming, LAI Joshua Yuk Lin, LIU Shengjian, ZHANG Guangye, ZHANG Yingze, PUN Sai Ho, HE Yan

Electron acceptors containing single-bond-linked building blocks offer attractive advantages for organic solar cells owing to their synthetic simplicity and structural modularity. However, achieving backbone planarity without compromising electronic compatibility remains a persistent challenge. Conventional conformational locking strategies based on alkoxy substitution can effectively suppress torsional freedom but often elevate the highest occupied molecular orbital energy level, limiting compatibility with widely used donor polymers. Here, we report a partially fused electron acceptor design that achieves intrinsic backbone planarity through heterocycle selection rather than side-chain-assisted conformational locking. By incorporating a benzodifuran core and furan-thiophene linkages, the resulting acceptors exhibit a near-coplanar backbone geometry as revealed by density functional theory calculations, without the need for electronically perturbing alkoxy groups. Devices based on the optimized acceptor (BDF-1) deliver a binary power conversion efficiency of 12.2%, and further improvement to 19.5% is achieved in a ternary blend with PM6 and BTP-eC9. The enhanced performance is accompanied by favorable morphology, balanced charge transport, and suppressed recombination losses. This work provides molecular-level insight into partially fused acceptor design and demonstrates that heteroatom-guided conformational locking offers a viable strategy for expanding the design space of acceptors with single-bond-linked building blocks while maintaining compatibility with mainstream donor systems.

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Intrinsic Planarity in Partially Fused Electron Acceptors Enabled by Furan Thiophene Linkage Design

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4359-0• Jan 15, 2026

Thickness-Insensitive A-D-A-A' Polymeric Cathode Interlayer for High-Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

Authors: HUANG Haodong, ZHANG Yiqian, KE Jingxin, CHEN Guiting, ZHANG Ming, TIAN Yan, QIN Ze, LI Wanyang, CHEN Hu, ZHAO Baofeng, LIU Feng, LIU Sha

Organic solar cells (OSCs) require cathode interlayers (CILs) that combine high charge transport, defect passivation, and thickness insensitivity for scalable manufacturing. Here, we report the synthesis of a novel A-D-A-A'-type polymer, PDPP2F-NDI-N, via the green and efficient direct arylation polymerization (DArP) method. The multiple electron-deficient units in the backbone confer strong electron-withdrawing character, effective work function modulation, enhanced built-in potential, high crystallinity, and ordered molecular packing. PDPP2F-NDI-N exhibits a high electron mobility of 1.01 × 10⁻³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and electrical conductivity of 3.13 × 10⁻³ S m⁻¹, facilitating efficient charge extraction and transport. Its interfacial modification capability suppresses interfacial defects and reduces non-radiative recombination losses. In ternary OSCs, PDPP2F-NDI-N achieves a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.44%, with outstanding thickness insensitivity retaining 92.8% of peak PCE at a 30 nm CIL thickness, and a T80 lifetime exceeding 1700 hours under photo-thermal aging. This work demonstrates that poly(A-D-A-alt-A') backbone design combined with DArP synthesis provides an effective strategy for developing high-performance, thickness-insensitive, and stable polymeric CILs, advancing efficient, stable, and scalable OSC applications.

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Thickness-Insensitive A-D-A-A' Polymeric Cathode Interlayer for High-Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4360-7• Jan 15, 2026

Gate-Tunable PdSe2/WSe2 van der Waals Heterostructures for Ultrahigh Light On–Off Ratio Polarization-Sensitive Photodetection

Authors: Taiman Luo, Jiabao Che, Jiajun Xu, Junjie Huang, Huaqiang Pang, Wei Gao, Zhaoqiang Zheng, Zuxin Chen, Mengmeng Yang

Polarization-sensitive photodetection is critical for advanced optical communication and imaging systems, yet conventional photodetectors suffer from low on-off ratios and limited polarization discrimination. Here, we report gate-tunable PdSe2/WSe2 van der Waals heterostructures that achieve ultrahigh light on-off ratio and polarization-sensitive photodetection. The heterostructure forms a type-II band alignment, enabling efficient charge separation and self-powered operation. By applying a gate voltage, the photoresponse can be modulated, achieving an on-off ratio exceeding 10^6 under illumination. The device exhibits a high responsivity of 1.2 A/W and a specific detectivity of 10^12 Jones at room temperature. Polarization-sensitive measurements reveal a linear dichroism ratio of 2.1 at 532 nm, attributed to the anisotropic crystal structure of PdSe2. The photodetector operates over a broad spectral range from visible to near-infrared (400-1000 nm) with fast response times (rise/fall < 100 μs). The gate-tunable capability allows dynamic control of the photocurrent, enabling adaptive sensing applications. These results demonstrate that PdSe2/WSe2 heterostructures are promising candidates for high-performance, polarization-sensitive photodetectors, offering a pathway for next-generation optoelectronic devices.

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Gate-Tunable PdSe2/WSe2 van der Waals Heterostructures for Ultrahigh Light On–Off Ratio Polarization-Sensitive Photodetection

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4394-x• Jan 15, 2026

Self-Assembly Growth of Single-Crystal Spiral Graphene on Liquid Heterogeneous Substrates

Authors: LIU Shan, FAN Fengyuan, LIU Mengya, QUAN Kaifeng, YU Gui

Spiral graphene, characterized by Bernal-stacked layers and unique electronic properties, holds promise for advanced quantum and optoelectronic devices. However, its controlled synthesis remains challenging. Here, we report the self-assembly growth of single-crystal spiral graphene on a liquid heterogeneous substrate via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A 50-μm-thick Cu foil was placed on a Ni support and heated to 1083 °C, the melting point of pure Cu, ensuring a fully molten Cu layer on solid Ni. Growth proceeded for 30 minutes under optimized conditions. The resulting spiral graphene exhibits a uniform Bernal stacking configuration, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) depth profiling and isotope-labeling experiments reveal that carbon incorporation occurs predominantly at the spiral step edges, following a self-assembly mechanism driven by the liquid substrate's dynamic surface. Control experiments on solid Cu-Ni alloys yield no spiral morphology, underscoring the critical role of the liquid phase. The liquid heterogeneous substrate facilitates rapid carbon diffusion and step-edge attachment, enabling the growth of high-quality single-crystal spirals with controlled layer number. This work provides a scalable route to synthesize spiral graphene with tailored stacking, advancing its application in twistronics and high-performance electronics.

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Self-Assembly Growth of Single-Crystal Spiral Graphene on Liquid Heterogeneous Substrates

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4381-5• Jan 15, 2026

Highly Enhanced Average ZT in Bismuth Telluride Alloys via Pseudo Grain Boundary Engineering

Authors: Hao Liang, Yilin Liu, Kang Yue, Jianghu Yu, Ziyuan Wang, Tianyu Yang, Yixin Zhang, Jing Feng, Qinglin Jin, Zhenhua Ge

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based alloys remain the benchmark for low-temperature thermoelectric applications, yet their conversion efficiency is limited by the trade-off between electrical and thermal transport. This study introduces a pseudo grain boundary engineering strategy to simultaneously enhance the average figure of merit (ZT) in p-type (Bi,Sb)2Te3 (BST) materials. By incorporating Ag-based compounds, the carrier concentration is optimized via substitution of Ag+ ions, while the introduction of secondary phases at grain boundaries effectively suppresses lattice thermal conductivity. The approach yields a peak ZT of 1.35 at 393 K and an average ZT of 1.25 across 303–483 K, representing a significant improvement over pristine BST. Compared to prior reports, this work achieves superior average ZT while maintaining high electrical conductivity, addressing the longstanding bottleneck of thermal conductivity reduction without compromising carrier mobility. The findings underscore the efficacy of pseudo grain boundary engineering in advancing Bi2Te3-based thermoelectrics for solid-state cooling and power generation.

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Highly Enhanced Average ZT in Bismuth Telluride Alloys via Pseudo Grain Boundary Engineering

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4367-4• Jan 15, 2026

Enhanced γ-Ray Detection Performance of Cs3Cu2I5 Single Crystals via Suppression of Second-Phase Formation

Authors: WANG Xilong, ZHANG Weijin, LIU Hongjie, WANG Heqin, ZHONG Zhiquan, LI Yang, ZHANG Guodong

Single-crystalline Cs3Cu2I5 has attracted considerable interest owing to its excellent scintillation performance and favorable stability. Nevertheless, second phases induced by peritectic reactions during melt growth give rise to deteriorated scintillation properties and promote crystal cracking. In this work, the effects of non-stoichiometric ratios of raw material (n(CsI)=0.57, 0.62, and 0.63) on the crystallization behavior and scintillation properties were systematically investigated. The results show that the crystal quality is optimal at n(CsI)=0.62, featuring high transparency, absence of macroscopic inclusions, and cracking free, with a PLQY of 79.3%. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence verifies the self-trapped exciton emission mechanism with strong exciton-phonon coupling, giving an exciton binding energy of 473.9 meV and a Huang-Rhys factor S of 79.8. The as-grown crystal exhibits an optimized light yield of 24,380 photons/MeV, an energy resolution of 3.8% for 137Cs (662 keV) γ-rays, a dominant decay time of 957 ns, and excellent linear response in the medium-to-high energy region. Precise regulation of the raw material stoichiometry can effectively suppress the formation of second phases, yielding high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 single crystals whose comprehensive performance demonstrates promising application potential in γ-ray detection.

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Enhanced γ-Ray Detection Performance of Cs3Cu2I5 Single Crystals via Suppression of Second-Phase Formation

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4376-3• Jan 15, 2026

Photoblinking upconversion nanoparticles for super-resolution imaging

Authors: DONG Yihong, HUANG Ping, CHEN Xueyuan

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) surpasses the diffraction limit to achieve molecular-scale resolution, but conventional probes suffer from photobleaching, limiting imaging duration. In a recent Nature Photonics article, Ren and co-workers introduced spontaneous photoblinking upconversion microscopy (SPUM) using Yb3+/Ho3+ co-doped core–shell–shell upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4@NaYb/HoF4@NaLuF4). These UCNPs exhibit exceptional photostability and persistent, reversible blinking under 976 nm continuous-wave excitation, with negligible photodegradation. The blinking mechanism involves a Yb3+ multiphoton process coupled with defect-mediated energy trapping, switching the UCNPs between emissive (on) and non-emissive (off) states. Kinetic analysis revealed single-exponential bright-state dwell times and biexponential dark-state dwell times, indicating one decay pathway into a non-emissive state and two recovery pathways. In live-cell imaging, synchronized transport of UCNPs maintained constant interparticle distance and near-unity positional correlation. In fixed cells, Fourier ring correlation (FRC) resolution reached 30 nm, confirming sub-50 nm performance in biological specimens. This work provides an unprecedented combination of low duty cycle and photostability, establishing a foundation for non-photobleaching luminescent nanomaterials in long-term super-resolution imaging and nanoscale tracking.

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Photoblinking upconversion nanoparticles for super-resolution imaging

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4368-y• Jan 15, 2026

Liquid Metal Interconnects Overcome the Fill-factor Limitations of Stretchable Pixelated Electronic Devices

Authors: ZHU Xianjun, ZHENG Yuchen

Stretchable pixelated electronic devices face a fundamental design conflict: accommodating mechanical deformation while preserving a high fill factor of active photosensitive elements. Conventional strain-relief strategies, such as pop-up, serpentine, and kirigami structures, rely on geometric unfolding that inevitably consumes inactive area, reducing pixel density and compromising photoresponse intensity, spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio. In a recent breakthrough published in Nature Materials, Park et al. demonstrated a high-fill-factor silicon–liquid metal pixelated platform for multiscale visual acquisition and depth perception. The device integrates ~700-nm-thick ultrathin single-crystalline silicon photodiodes, finely patterned liquid metal interconnects, and a styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) elastomer substrate. The silicon pixels provide high-performance photoelectric conversion, while the liquid metal interconnects accommodate deformation, achieving a functional separation that mitigates the trade-off between pixel density and mechanical compliance. The device maintains stable photodiode characteristics and repeatable photoresponses under high-curvature hemispherical stretching and large biaxial tensile strain. Two applications were demonstrated: a human-eye-inspired robotic vision system with a curved photosensitive surface for wide-field imaging, and an epidermal, lensless, near-contact imaging device for close-range image acquisition. These systems enable multiscale visual acquisition and depth perception, offering a scalable route for future stretchable visual electronics.

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Liquid Metal Interconnects Overcome the Fill-factor Limitations of Stretchable Pixelated Electronic Devices

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4396-0• Jan 15, 2026

Coherent Heterointerface Engineering for Synchronized Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Authors: Research Group

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution fundamentally requires synchronized proton-coupled electron transfer. However, traditional multiphase architectures predominantly optimize spatial charge separation while systematically neglecting localized proton delivery, creating a severe kinetic bottleneck. Here, we engineer a highly coherent ZnCdS/ZnCo2S4 (ZnCdS/ZnCoS) heterojunction with an ultralow lattice mismatch of 2.5% to construct an efficient bioinspired catalytic cascade. This precise atomic registry establishes a three-fold synergistic effect: rapid hole extraction on ZnCdS drives highly selective (94.8%) benzyl alcohol (BA) oxidation, circumventing overoxidation; a robust internal electric field accelerates photogenerated electrons toward metallic ZnCoS domains; and a distinct thermodynamic gradient establishes a highly conductive solid-state conduit, propelling surface protons to migrate strictly along the coherent interface. Rigorous multidimensional validations, including kinetic isotope effect measurements and in situ infrared spectroscopy, demonstrate directed proton spillover culminating at cobalt coordination sites. Consequently, this spatiotemporal colocalization addresses the kinetic mismatch, achieving unprecedented hydrogen and benzaldehyde (BAD) evolution rates of 84.3 and 75.1 mmol g-1 h-1, respectively. This work establishes coherent interface engineering as a universal paradigm for synchronizing electron routing and proton spillover in advanced energy catalysis.

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Coherent Heterointerface Engineering for Synchronized Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4201-0• Jan 15, 2026

Polysaccharide-Based Networks-engineered Orthopedic Implant for Synergistic Antimicrobial Defense and Osteogenic Regeneration to Potentiate PI3K-AKT/HIF-1-Mediated Open Fractures Treatment

Authors: Yang Qian, Ke Yiyan, Duan Shun, Sun Meizhou, Wu Ruonan, Li Yicheng, Ding Xiaokang, Li Yang, Yuan Yusong, Yang Guang, Xu Fu-Jian, Chen Ying

Open fracture fixation faces dual critical challenges: bacterial infection and impaired bone healing. This study presents a rationally designed biomacromolecular network coating (Ti-GOED) on titanium alloy bone plates to simultaneously address these issues. The coating integrates antimicrobial and osteogenic components, achieving an optimal balance between antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility. In vitro assays demonstrated that Ti-GOED eliminates over 99% of common pathogenic bacteria by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis, disrupting bacterial cell wall formation, compromising membrane integrity, and leading to intracellular DNA leakage and bacterial death. Concurrently, Ti-GOED enhances the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) via activation of the PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signaling pathways. In vivo animal experiments confirmed strong antibacterial and osteogenic properties. This work provides a strategy for developing antibacterial coatings on medical devices, with significant potential for preventing and treating infections post-fracture fixation.

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Polysaccharide-Based Networks-engineered Orthopedic Implant for Synergistic Antimicrobial Defense and Osteogenic Regeneration to Potentiate PI3K-AKT/HIF-1-Mediated Open Fractures Treatment

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4292-4• Jan 15, 2026

From combinatorial explosion to targeted optimization: a hybrid strategy for high-entropy catalyst discovery

Authors: CHEN Jinli, LIN Cheng, CUI Junfeng, XU Zichao, HU Rong, LIAN Junyi, QIAN Guangfu, WANG Yuhua, YAO Yonggang

The vast compositional space of high-entropy materials presents a fundamental challenge for catalyst discovery. Considering 21 candidate elements at a 1% atomic resolution, this combinatorial explosion exceeds 10 billion (>10^10) possibilities, rendering direct experimental exploration impractical. Furthermore, purely data-driven approaches often struggle to comprehend the intrinsic chemical roles of discrete elemental identities, yet they excel at mapping continuous concentration gradients. Recognizing this distinction, we transform this combinatorial explosion into a targeted optimization problem by decoupling elemental selection from compositional ratio refinement. Ultrafast carbon thermal shock (CTS) is first employed to screen viable elemental combinations and establish an optimal quinary framework. Machine learning (ML) is subsequently applied to optimize compositional ratios within this reduced space, where statistical modeling efficiently navigates the remaining high-dimensional landscape. Targeting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as a proof-of-concept, our hybrid framework pruned the search space from over 10^10 possible compositions down into 13 systems, ultimately identifying high-entropy oxide (HEO)-Fe17.57Co28.45Ni31.27Mo10.57Zr12.14 as the optimal catalyst. The optimized high-entropy oxide exhibits an overpotential of 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and sustains stable operation at 1 A cm−2 for over 600 h in 1 M KOH. Mechanistic analysis reveals that Mo electronically tunes oxygen-intermediate adsorption, while Zr enhances structural robustness, collectively enabling high activity and durability. This work demonstrates that bridging discrete physical screening with continuous data-driven optimization provides an efficient and generalizable pathway for navigating high-dimensional material frontiers.

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From combinatorial explosion to targeted optimization: a hybrid strategy for high-entropy catalyst discovery

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4108-1• Jan 15, 2026

Activating Inert Atomic Sites in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Multi-Scale Design Strategies

Authors: Zijing Suo, Yuyao Sun, Jianping Lai, Lei Wang

Heterogeneous catalysis underpins modern energy conversion, chemical manufacturing, and environmental remediation, yet its advancement is constrained by the scarcity and cost of noble metals. A sustainable alternative lies in activating intrinsically inert sites in earth-abundant materials such as transition metal oxides and carbon-based materials. This review systematically outlines recent advances in activating inert sites within low-cost catalytic materials. We begin by dissecting the physicochemical origins of catalytic inertness, including local atomic symmetry, electronic spin states, and coordination environments. Subsequently, we elucidate mechanisms by which multi-scale strategies—structural engineering, quantum state engineering, and microenvironment engineering—break symmetry, modulate spin states, and construct unique reaction microenvironments, transforming spectator atoms into highly efficient active centers. The review highlights performance breakthroughs in key reactions such as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and alkane dehydrogenation, where catalytic metrics now rival or surpass noble metal benchmarks. For instance, triangular-ordered Co atoms achieve ampere-level hydrogen production, and tensile strain engineering activates inert non-defect Bi sites for CO2 electroreduction. We critically assess challenges—stability, scalable synthesis, and cost-effectiveness—that hinder industrial translation. Future directions emphasize multi-strategy synergy and artificial intelligence-assisted rational design. This review provides theoretical guidance and technological pathways for subverting noble-metal-dependent paradigms and developing next-generation efficient, low-cost catalytic systems.

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Activating Inert Atomic Sites in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Multi-Scale Design Strategies

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4385-1• Jan 15, 2026

Homogeneous Dip-Coating of Ion-Modulated Self-Assembled Monolayers for Large-Area Perovskite Photovoltaics

Authors: GUANG Yalan, YUN Yikai, SHI Zhan, SUN Kexuan, KONG Song, WANG Fei, ZHANG Wenzhe, CUI Limin, JIN Chengkai, XU Chuhang, XUE Bofei, GONG Junbo, HUANG Fuzhi, CHENG Yibing, BU Tongle

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are effective hole-selective contacts for inverted perovskite solar cells, but scalable deposition on rough substrates is hindered by molecular aggregation, disordered packing, and incomplete adsorption. We propose a hybrid strategy incorporating 4-(Piperidin-4-yl)butanoic acid hydrochloride (PBACl) into the 4PABCz solution during dip-coating. PBACl suppresses aggregation via hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, yielding homogeneous coverage and improved wettability. The piperidine and carboxyl groups passivate buried interfacial defects through hydrogen bonding and coordination with perovskites. Small-area cells achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.09%, while a 5 cm × 5 cm mini-module (aperture area 14.4 cm²) delivers 23.29% PCE. Encapsulated devices retain 80% of initial PCE after 1350 h maximum power point tracking under continuous illumination. This ion modulation strategy bridges molecular-level interface control with scalable processing, offering a pathway to industrially relevant perovskite photovoltaics.

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Homogeneous Dip-Coating of Ion-Modulated Self-Assembled Monolayers for Large-Area Perovskite Photovoltaics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4378-6• Jan 15, 2026

Gold Clusterzyme-Engineered Bioelectronic Dressing for Precisely Guiding Scarless Tissue Regeneration

Authors: WANG Tianyi, LUO Zhixuan, ZHAO Bin, WEN Mengyao, LI Han, TIAN Xinrui, WANG Jian-Gan, XUE Yumeng, SHANG Li

Electrical stimulation (ES) is a powerful strategy to mimic endogenous bioelectricity and accelerate complex tissue regeneration, such as chronic wound healing. However, aligning external stimulation with native bioelectrical and biochemical signals for rapid and scarless tissue regeneration remains challenging. Here, we report a wireless bioelectronic dressing (E-dressing) that establishes stable bioelectronic interfaces and precisely modulates cellular physiological activities. Bioactive allylamine-functionalized gold clusterzymes (AM-AuNCs) with intrinsic superoxide dismutase-like activity were designed as functional modifiers to co-polymerize with acrylic acid (AA), forming conductive p(AA-AuNCs) hydrogels. AM-AuNCs impart the hydrogel with superior antioxidant activity, robust interfacial adhesion, and high conductivity, enabling rapid hemostasis, efficient electrical stimulation transmission, and precise fibroblast regulation. Combined with 1.00 V of electrical stimulation, the p(AA-AuNCs) hydrogel significantly promotes fibroblast proliferation, migration, and alignment by upregulating TGF-β, FGF-2, and EGF. Integrated with a biocompatible, flexible zinc-ion battery delivering sustained and tunable electrical signals for over 7 days, the E-dressing precisely guides collagen remodeling, inhibits myofibroblast activation, and maintains Col I/Col III balance, leading to a 5-fold acceleration of wound closure and a 65.5% reduction in scar formation. This multifunctional E-dressing represents a promising bioelectronic device for precise cellular regulation and multimodal regenerative therapy.

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Gold Clusterzyme-Engineered Bioelectronic Dressing for Precisely Guiding Scarless Tissue Regeneration

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4369-1• Jan 15, 2026

Dual-Modulation of Carbon Coating and High-Valence Nb5+ Doping Toward High-Performance Na3V2(PO4)2O2F Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Authors: Yutian Chen, Siyang Meng, Hao Zhao, Hongzhi Zhao, Xinyu Cao, Benyi Zhao, Xiaojun Wang, Jianwei Li, Zhiming Liu

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage due to sodium's abundance and low cost. Among cathode materials, polyanionic compounds like Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) offer high energy density and dual voltage plateaus at ~3.6 and 4.0 V, but suffer from low electronic conductivity and sluggish Na+ diffusion. Here, we report a dual-modulation strategy combining high-valence Nb5+ doping and polydopamine-derived carbon coating to synthesize Na3V1.94Nb0.06(PO4)2O2F-C (NVPOF-Nb-C) via a hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement confirm that Nb5+ doping induces slight lattice expansion without altering the tetragonal I4/mmm framework. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Nb5+ doping optimizes the crystal structure and reduces the Na+ diffusion barrier, while the uniform carbon coating enhances electron transport. Consequently, NVPOF-Nb-C exhibits remarkably improved electrochemical performance, including high reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and ultralong cycling stability. In a full cell with hard carbon anode, it delivers a high energy density of 487.2 Wh kg−1 at 1C and retains 91.51% capacity after 3000 cycles at 20C. This work provides a synergistic strategy to overcome the intrinsic limitations of polyanionic cathodes for practical SIB applications.

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4205-8• Jan 15, 2026

Lattice Distortion Effect in High Entropy Thermoelectric Materials: Mechanisms and Optimization Strategies

Authors: ZHANG Wenyu, LIU Chang, ZHOU Zhifang, LIN Yuan-Hua

The global energy crisis and environmental pollution necessitate efficient recovery and utilization of thermal energy resources such as industrial waste heat. Thermoelectric materials, enabling direct conversion between thermal and electrical energy, offer broad application prospects in waste heat power generation and chip cooling. The energy conversion efficiency is determined by the dimensionless figure of merit, ZT = (S^2σ/κ)T, where S is the Seebeck coefficient, σ is the electrical conductivity, κ is the thermal conductivity, and T is the absolute temperature. Ideal thermoelectric materials require both a high power factor (PF = S^2σ) and low thermal conductivity. However, the strong coupling between electrical and thermal transport parameters makes synergistic optimization challenging. Over the past two decades, strategies such as band engineering, nanostructuring, liquid-like ions, interstitial atoms, phonon softening, and defect engineering have been explored. Among these, entropy engineering has emerged as a novel strategy that achieves synergistic optimization by introducing multiple components to increase configurational entropy. High entropy materials, originating from alloys, are defined as multi-principal element systems with five or more elements in near-equiatomic ratios forming single-phase solid solutions. The molar configurational entropy ΔS_conf = R∑x_i ln x_i, with materials classified as high entropy (ΔS_conf > 1.5R), medium entropy (1R < ΔS_conf < 1.5R), or low entropy (ΔS_conf < 1R). Four core effects are summarized: high entropy effect, lattice distortion effect, sluggish diffusion effect, and cocktail effect. Research has expanded from alloys to oxides, chalcogenides, and half-Heusler compounds. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms by which lattice distortion in high entropy materials affects electrical and thermal transport, and discusses optimization strategies for thermoelectric performance.

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Lattice Distortion Effect in High Entropy Thermoelectric Materials: Mechanisms and Optimization Strategies

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4262-7• Jan 15, 2026

Single-gate reconfigurable multifunctional devices based on anti-ambipolar van der Waals heterojunctions

Authors: Tingting Guo, Zixu Sa, Xiaoyong Jiang, Zhidong Pan, Jing Li, Yehui Shen, Jialin Yang, Chuyao Chen, Hengze Qu, Nengjie Huo, Gangyi Zhu, Xiang Chen, Jinshui Miao, Zai-Xing Yang, Shengli Zhang, Xiufeng Song, Haibo Zeng

The escalating demands of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural computing necessitate multifunctional optoelectronic devices capable of integrating sensing, memory, and processing. Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) offer unique advantages, yet their practical deployment is hindered by complex architectures and inefficient mode-switching. Here, we demonstrate a MoTe2/SnS2 anti-ambipolar heterojunction device enabling single-gate reconfiguration among frequency doubling, broadband photodetection, and neuromorphic computing. The device exhibits a peak-to-valley ratio (PVR) of 465, ensuring efficient frequency doubling. As a photodetector, it operates across an exceptionally broad spectral range of 520–2200 nm, with outstanding responsivity and detectivity. Furthermore, the device emulates complete synaptic behaviors, including short-term plasticity (STP), long-term plasticity (LTP), and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Integrated into a reservoir computing (RC) system trained on a vehicle motion dataset, it achieves a directional recognition accuracy of 98.7%. This work establishes a paradigm for multifunctional integration and low-power neuromorphic computing, advancing next-generation intelligent optoelectronic systems.

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Single-gate reconfigurable multifunctional devices based on anti-ambipolar van der Waals heterojunctions

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4206-6• Jan 15, 2026

Dual-Function Ladder Polysilsesquioxanes for Precise Patterning and 3D Integration of High-Performance Flexible Organic Logic Circuits

Authors: TANG Xiaowu, ZHANG Zengchao, LI Xiangyang, ZHAO Qiancheng, GE Hongwei, SUN Qingqing, ZHANG Shuai, HU Bin, SI Lina, WANG Rixuan, KIM Se Hyun, MINARI Takeo, LIU Chuan, DU Miao, ZHANG Zhihong, LIU Xuying

Precise patterning of highly ordered organic semiconductor (OSC) thin-film arrays is critical for next-generation electronics. We report a ladder-like polysilsesquioxane (LPSQ) strategy to synthesize two functional analogs with tunable surface energies and robust dielectric properties. These LPSQ dielectrics, functionalized with alkyl or fluoroalkyl side chains, serve dual roles as gate insulators and patterning layers to guide blade-coating of 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT). This approach yields highly aligned arrays suitable for three-dimensional integration in flexible electronics. Synergistic combination of dense LPSQ dielectric packing and aligned semiconductor domains leads to excellent organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) performance, achieving approximately four-fold improvement in field-effect mobility compared to conventional silicon oxide dielectrics. Patterned LPSQ dielectrics enable high-resolution C8-BTBT patterning on plastic substrates, supporting 4-inch-scale 3D integration of flexible logic circuits, including inverters (voltage gain >100), NOR gates, and NAND gates. This work provides a scalable route to high-performance, large-area flexible organic circuits.

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Dual-Function Ladder Polysilsesquioxanes for Precise Patterning and 3D Integration of High-Performance Flexible Organic Logic Circuits

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4315-2• Jan 15, 2026

Ultra-high-crystallinity transparent glass-ceramic scintillators for high-temperature X-ray imaging

Authors: Shisheng Lin, Yunfei Zhang, Rujian Gu, Jidong Lin, Xusheng Qiao, Lingwei Zeng, Hewen Lin, Jiamin Zheng, Xiuxia Yang, Xuhui Xu, Feng Huang, Daqin Chen

High-temperature X-ray imaging demands scintillators with high crystallinity, efficient scintillation, and robust thermal stability, yet suitable materials remain scarce. Here, we report an ultra-high-crystallinity transparent glass-ceramic (GC) scintillator strategically designed via controllable heat-treatment-induced crystallization. A sequential precipitation method is employed, where cubic CaF2 nanocrystals initially form, subsequently promoting heterogeneous nucleation and growth of hexagonal BaAl2Si2O8. Intrinsic nanoscale phase separation into F-rich and O-rich domains significantly reduces atomic diffusion distances, yielding an unprecedented crystallinity of up to 97.6%. Notably, defect traps (oxygen vacancy defects, likely located within the lattice or at crystalline/amorphous interfaces) enable efficient carrier capture and thermally stimulated release, contributing to remarkable resistance to thermal quenching. Consequently, the GC scintillator maintains 90.6% of its integrated X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) intensity at 300 °C, with the integrated XEL intensity reaching 94.2% of commercial Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) at room temperature. This enables stable high-temperature X-ray imaging with a spatial resolution of ~10.4 lp mm−1 up to 225 °C. This work provides a versatile pathway for developing high-sensitivity scintillators for extreme-environment X-ray imaging.

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Ultra-high-crystallinity transparent glass-ceramic scintillators for high-temperature X-ray imaging

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4236-8• Jan 15, 2026

Activated water molecular dissociation enhances nitrate electrochemical reduction activity by rational design of binary CoCu-Pi catalyst

Authors: ZHAO Jingsi, YANG Yifei, ZHU Chun, ZHANG Hao, LIU Peng, LI Jing, YANG Fei, SUN Wei

Electrochemical nitrate reduction (NO3RR) to ammonia offers a sustainable route for nitrogen recovery from wastewater, yet its efficiency is constrained by complex multi-step proton-electron transfers and competitive hydrogen evolution. Here, we report a series of binary cobalt-copper phosphates with precisely tuned Co/Cu ratios, revealing a volcano-type relationship between composition and catalytic activity. The optimized Co0.5Cu1.5(OH)PO4 catalyst, supported on a Ni3Co1OxHy/Ni foam substrate, achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 99.0% for ammonia at a high current density of 200 mA cm−2 in 1 M nitrate electrolyte, with a production rate of 9.18 mg h−1 cm−2 and sustained stability over 200 hours. In-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations elucidate a tandem mechanism: Co sites promote water dissociation to generate active hydrogen (H*), while adjacent Cu sites facilitate nitrate adsorption and subsequent hydrogenation steps. This synergistic division of labor lowers the energy barrier for the rate-determining step, effectively suppressing HER and enhancing intrinsic kinetics. The work demonstrates that precise atomic-ratio engineering in dual-site transition metal phosphates provides a viable strategy to overcome activity-selectivity trade-offs in electrocatalytic nitrate-to-ammonia conversion.

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Activated water molecular dissociation enhances nitrate electrochemical reduction activity by rational design of binary CoCu-Pi catalyst

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4212-x• Jan 15, 2026

Inhalable ROS-Responsive Liposomes for Orchestrating Microenvironment Remodeling and Epithelial Regeneration in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Authors: Jia-Min Xie, Rui-Qi Zhao, Xin-Chen Deng, Wei-Qin Yao, Jia-Hao Liu, Wei-Hai Chen, Xian-Zheng Zhang

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options. Current treatments, such as nintedanib and pirfenidone, target downstream fibrosis but fail to address the upstream drivers, including persistent alveolar epithelial injury and abnormal repair. This study presents an inhalable, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive liposomal system (SAB/GC-1@Lip-cRGD) that co-delivers the antioxidant salvianolic acid B (SAB) and the thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ) agonist Sobetirome (GC-1). The liposomes are surface-modified with cRGD peptides for targeted delivery to fibrotic lesions and possess a negative surface charge to enhance mucus penetration. In the high-ROS fibrotic microenvironment, the liposomes destabilize, releasing SAB and GC-1. SAB scavenges ROS to remodel the fibrotic niche, while GC-1 reactivates TRβ signaling, driving the differentiation of stalled Krt8+ transitional epithelial cells into functional alveolar type I (AT1) cells. In a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, SAB/GC-1@Lip-cRGD significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and TGF-β1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenates. The proportion of CD206+ M2 macrophages decreased from 27.4% in the model group to 6.2% after treatment, indicating potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. This synergistic strategy of microenvironment remodeling and epithelial regeneration achieved robust collagen depletion, restoration of alveolar integrity, and recovery of pulmonary function, outperforming single-drug or non-targeted formulations. The work provides a generalized paradigm for integrating microenvironment regulation with regenerative repair in pulmonary diseases.

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Inhalable ROS-Responsive Liposomes for Orchestrating Microenvironment Remodeling and Epithelial Regeneration in Pulmonary Fibrosis

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4220-x• Jan 15, 2026

Suppressing Electrode Diffusion via Interfacial Engineering for High-Temperature Memristors

Authors: JiYu Zhao, Ye Zhou, Xiaojun Peng

High-temperature electronics demand non-volatile memories (NVMs) capable of stable operation above 500 °C for applications in space exploration, nuclear energy, and autonomous driving. Conventional silicon-based devices fail above ~250 °C, and silicon carbide (SiC) cannot process data above 300 °C. Memristors offer a promising solution due to their simple structure, low power consumption, and scalability. A recent breakthrough by Yang et al. (Science) demonstrated a graphene (Gra)/HfOx/W memristor achieving data retention at 700 °C, with retention time of 50 h, endurance of 10^9 cycles, ON/OFF ratio exceeding three orders of magnitude, and operation voltage ~1.5 V. The key innovation is replacing the Pt bottom electrode with in-situ grown graphene, which suppresses high-temperature diffusion of the W top electrode through the HfOx layer. In contrast, Pt/HfOx/W devices fail after annealing at 800 °C for 10^4 s due to W migration, forming conductive filaments that lock the device in the ON state. High-resolution TEM and EDS reveal tungsten oxide (WOx) formation at the W/HfOx interface in Pt-based devices, while Gra-based devices show no such degradation. STEM-EELS confirms W migration across the HfOx layer in Pt devices, but graphene acts as a diffusion barrier, preserving stable switching behavior. This interfacial engineering approach provides a viable pathway for high-temperature NVM, addressing the critical bottleneck of electrode diffusion.

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Suppressing Electrode Diffusion via Interfacial Engineering for High-Temperature Memristors

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4235-6• Jan 15, 2026

High Resistive Switching On/Off Ratio in Lu-Doped Hf0.4Zr0.6O2 Thin Films via Band Structure and Oxygen Vacancy Co-Strategy

Authors: LI Jiaqi, LI Qiang, WANG Hongwei, YU Xiaoxia, TU Jie, LEI Yu, LI Zhiguo, WU Han, MIAO Jun, ZHANG Linxing, XING Xianran

Fluorite-structured oxides (HfO2, ZrO2) are promising for resistive random-access memory (RRAM) due to their scalability and tunable properties. However, achieving high resistive switching on/off ratios remains challenging. Here, we report a collaborative strategy combining Hf/Zr ratio optimization and Lu3+ doping to regulate band structure and oxygen vacancy concentration in Hf0.4Zr0.6O2 (LHZO) thin films. The resulting LHZO devices exhibit a resistive switching ratio of 8.4 × 10^4, two orders of magnitude higher than that of ZrO2 (1.2 × 10^3). Electrical characterization and synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy reveal that Lu doping widens the bandgap to 4.95 eV, downshifts the valence band, and introduces defect states, collectively suppressing p-type conductivity and reducing off-state leakage current. Simultaneously, Lu3+ doping enriches oxygen vacancies, stabilizing ohmic conductive filaments in the on-state. This co-optimization of band structure and oxygen vacancies effectively enhances insulating properties in the high-resistance state and ohmic conductivity in the low-resistance state, leading to superior resistive switching performance with robust retention (>10^4 s). Our findings establish a fundamental strategy for tailoring electronic properties of doped HfZrO2 thin films toward high-performance RRAM applications.

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High Resistive Switching On/Off Ratio in Lu-Doped Hf0.4Zr0.6O2 Thin Films via Band Structure and Oxygen Vacancy Co-Strategy

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4176-y• Jan 15, 2026

An AIE-active centrosymmetric small molecule for ultra-deep three-photon brain angiography in the NIR-III window

Authors: YAN Jiemei, YANG Zengming, TANG Sijia, ZHANG Yingxian, HUANG Jie, LI Zhenhui, LIU Jiangtao, KANG Miaomiao, QIU Ping, ZHANG Zhijun, WANG Dong, WANG Ke

Three-photon microscopy (3PM) in the near-infrared-III (NIR-III) window (1600–1840 nm) enables high-resolution visualization of cerebral vasculature in vivo, but its imaging depth and quality are limited by the performance of fluorescent probes. Here, we report a probe optimization strategy transitioning from mirror symmetry to centrosymmetry, yielding a highly symmetric aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule, T4PQ. The centrosymmetric structure aligns donor-acceptor units, promoting uniform electron cloud delocalization and directional charge transfer, which enhances exciton formation and suppresses non-radiative decay, thereby increasing fluorescence quantum yield. This symmetry also boosts the three-photon absorption cross-section by enhancing electron delocalization and transition dipole moment, enabling stronger nonlinear optical responses under long-wavelength excitation. T4PQ nanoparticles (T4PQ NPs) exhibit an enhanced three-photon absorption cross-section, high fluorescence quantum yield, and excellent photostability. In murine models, T4PQ NPs achieved three-dimensional cerebrovascular imaging at a depth of 1785 μm and real-time hemodynamic observation in microvessels at 1006 μm depth, with good biocompatibility. These results validate the advantage of centrosymmetric molecular design for deep-brain imaging probes, offering a high-performance tool for neurovascular research.

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An AIE-active centrosymmetric small molecule for ultra-deep three-photon brain angiography in the NIR-III window

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4180-9• Jan 15, 2026

Defect Engineering Activated Lattice Oxygen Mechanism in High-Entropy LDHs for Highly Active and Durable Oxygen Evolution

Authors: Ying Li, Jiaxing Wang, Yue Shang, Yifan Dou, Limin Liang, Qiuyan Hao, Sijia Li, Hui Liu

Developing highly active and stable electrocatalysts based on the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) represents a significant challenge in water splitting. Herein, we successfully introduce oxygen vacancies (Ov) into high-entropy MnFeCoNiCu layered double hydroxides (HE-LDHs) via a solution chemical reduction method utilizing a defect engineering strategy. By precisely tuning the concentration of oxygen vacancies, we effectively activate the lattice oxygen within the HE-LDHs. The optimized Ov-rich high-entropy LDHs (Ov-HE-LDHs) exhibit excellent OER catalytic performance, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a remarkably low overpotential of only 210 mV in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte, which is substantially superior to pristine HE-LDHs (315 mV) and commercial IrO2 (330 mV). Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates outstanding long-term stability, capable of stable operation for 500 h at a high current density of approximately 200 mA cm−2. Advanced X-ray absorption fine structure analysis elucidates the lower metal valence states, indicating the existence of oxygen vacancies, while isotope labeling experiments and in-situ electrochemical Raman spectroscopy strongly confirm the successful activation of the LOM pathway. Density functional theory calculations further validate that the shift in the OER mechanism towards LOM and the resulting reduction in the reaction energy barrier are the fundamental reasons for the catalyst’s enhanced intrinsic activity. This work proposes a novel strategy for activating lattice oxygen in high-entropy LDHs through defect engineering, offering new insights and experimental guidance for the design and development of highly efficient and stable high-entropy OER electrocatalysts.

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Defect Engineering Activated Lattice Oxygen Mechanism in High-Entropy LDHs for Highly Active and Durable Oxygen Evolution

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4113-3• Jan 15, 2026

Biomimetic design of Turing-type grain boundary defects in copper catalysts for boosting CO2 electroreduction to multi-carbon products

Authors: Hualong Yu, Zhengrong Xu, Yang Yang, Aiguo Kong, Zilin Zhao, Yang Hou, Rui Liu

Constructing abundant grain boundary defects is a promising strategy for developing high-efficiency catalysts. However, achieving dense grain boundary defects in CuO and Cu at the nanoscale remains challenging. Inspired by Turing patterns in nature, a Turing-type CuO catalyst (TGB-CuO) with abundant grain boundaries at ~10 nm nanoscale was prepared by annealing a dodecyl sulfate-intercalated basic copper carbonate. The balanced diffusion-reaction dynamics during pyrolysis drove the spontaneous formation of Turing-type grain boundary architectures in TGB-CuO. The resulting TGB-CuO electrode exhibited outstanding performance in electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECO2RR), delivering a Faradaic efficiency of 80.15% toward multi-carbon (C2+) products and maintaining over 50% ethylene selectivity at 300 mA cm−2 for 30 h of continuous operation. Activity investigations indicated that the metallic Cu retaining Turing-type grain boundary features (TGB-Cu) formed during electroreduction was responsible for the enhanced ECO2RR performance. The Cu(100)/(100), Cu(100)/(111), and Cu(111)/(111) grain boundaries promoted CO2 activation and *CO adsorption, while lowering the free energy barriers for the rate-determining *CO2− → *COOH step and C–C coupling step. This bioinspired reaction-diffusion strategy offers a new paradigm for creating high-density grain boundary defects, offering a general route toward efficient catalyst design.

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Biomimetic design of Turing-type grain boundary defects in copper catalysts for boosting CO2 electroreduction to multi-carbon products

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4277-1• Jan 15, 2026

Anion modulation induced room-temperature ferromagnetism in two-dimensional CuCrSe2

Authors: Minghao Wang, Xiaolin Tai, Wenjie Wang, Yueqi Su, Huan Shen, Haofeng Sun, Yang Liu, Xuguang Liu, Jiyin Zhao, Yue Lin, Wangsheng Chu, Yuqiao Guo, Yongchun Zhu, Jing Peng, Changzheng Wu, Yi Xie

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials hold promise for next-generation spintronics, yet most exhibit Curie temperatures (Tc) far below room temperature, limiting practical applications. Here, we report the realization of room-temperature ferromagnetism in CuCrSe2 nanosheets via controlled anion removal achieved by post-synthetic vacuum annealing. Raw CuCrSe2 shows a low Tc of ~120 K, whereas annealed CuCrSe2 (A-CuCrSe2) nanosheets exhibit robust ferromagnetic ordering above 300 K. Structural and compositional analyses, including transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, confirm that A-CuCrSe2 retains the original layered crystal structure with an estimated Se vacancy concentration of approximately 10%. Magnetic measurements reveal room-temperature ferromagnetism in exfoliated nanosheets, corroborated by magnetic imaging and electric transport measurements. Anomalous Hall effect (AHE) measurements uncover the coexistence of two ferromagnetic phases within the same sample: one with low Tc (~120 K) and another with high Tc (>300 K), indicating spatially heterogeneous magnetic ordering driven by anion removal distribution. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate the microscopic mechanism, suggesting that Se vacancies modulate the magnetic exchange interactions, enhancing Tc. This work demonstrates that anion modulation is an effective intrinsic strategy to achieve room-temperature ferromagnetism in 2D materials, potentially advancing spintronic applications.

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Anion modulation induced room-temperature ferromagnetism in two-dimensional CuCrSe2

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4316-0• Jan 15, 2026

Asymmetric Small Molecule Acceptors for Organic Photovoltaics: Insights from Multiple Perspectives

Authors: DING Xueyan, ZHANG Nuo, SHI Minmin, LI Shuixing, CHEN Hongzheng

The rapid development of small molecule acceptors (SMAs) has enabled organic photovoltaics (OPVs) to achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 21%. Structural asymmetry has emerged as a particularly effective approach for boosting acceptor performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of asymmetric SMAs from the molecular scale to the nanoscale and macroscale. The main text is organized into four sections: molecular design strategies for structural asymmetry, crystal structure evolution from symmetry breaking, morphological characteristics revealed by advanced characterization techniques, and energy loss mechanisms involving asymmetric SMAs. At the molecular scale, asymmetry enables precise modulation of dipole moments and intermolecular interactions, directly affecting crystalline packing and charge-transport networks. At the nanoscale, it further regulates domain purity, phase continuity, and molecular orientation. Asymmetric designs can also help mitigate non-radiative voltage loss through modulation of charge-transfer state energetics. Overall, asymmetric molecular design introduces additional structural and electronic tunability, offering new opportunities for overcoming the trade-offs that limit OPV performance. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges and outline future perspectives to guide continued development and innovation in asymmetric SMA design.

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Asymmetric Small Molecule Acceptors for Organic Photovoltaics: Insights from Multiple Perspectives

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4237-x• Jan 15, 2026

Advances in Silicon Anodes for Solid-State Batteries: From the Particle 'Size Effect' Perspective

Authors: Huiyu Zhang, Yanfeng Wang, Fengshuo Xi, Xiuhua Chen, Jijun Lu, Wenhui Ma, Shaoyuan Li

Silicon-based (Si-based) anodes are core candidates for next-generation high-energy solid-state batteries (SSBs) due to their high theoretical capacity (~4200 mAh g−1). However, their practical application is constrained by the 'size effect', which influences mechanical integrity and electrochemical performance. This review systematically examines the failure mechanisms of nano-silicon (nSi) and micro-silicon (mSi) anodes when paired with sulfide and organic-inorganic composite solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Key functional parameters of these SSEs are discussed, along with strategies to mitigate interfacial impedance and accommodate volume changes. Recent progress in structural and interface modifications is highlighted, including the use of hard-carbon-stabilized Li–Si anodes (achieving stable cycling) and pressure-free operation. The review identifies core challenges, such as achieving intimate solid–solid contact and managing mechanical stress, and outlines future directions for 'size effect' regulation to accelerate commercialization of high-energy Si-based SSBs.

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Advances in Silicon Anodes for Solid-State Batteries: From the Particle 'Size Effect' Perspective

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4159-y• Jan 15, 2026

Differentiated adsorption of intermediates on high-entropy intermetallic metallene promotes selective electrocatalytic upgrading of PET plastics to glycolic acid

Authors: Jiabing Geng, Jiabao Yu, Ruidong Yang, Hongjie Yu, You Xu, Shibin Yin, Kai Deng, Ziqiang Wang, Liang Wang

The electrocatalytic oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste to valuable glycolic acid (GA) represents an attractive route for waste resource upcycling. However, achieving high selectivity remains challenging due to the difficulty in steering the complex reaction pathway. In this study, PdPtCuInBi high-entropy intermetallic metallene (HEI-PdPtCuInBiene) is reported to precisely control EG oxidation reaction (EGOR) pathway for GA production by constructing multiple active sites at the atomic scale. In PET hydrolysate, it achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 99.87% and a production rate of 1.47 mmol h−1 cm−2, along with excellent stability. Mechanistic studies reveal that the high-entropy structure induces strong p-d orbital hybridization, which optimizes the electronic structure of active sites, thus weakening the adsorption of key carbonyl intermediates and suppressing C–C bond cleavage. The synergistic electronic effect among Pd, Pt, and Cu further enables differential adsorption of distinct intermediates on diverse active sites, enhancing the selective formation of GA. Techno-economic analysis exhibits high profitability (~$784.9 t−1 PET) of this route, demonstrating the great potential of high-entropy intermetallic metallene in regulating electrocatalytic upcycling of PET waste and beyond.

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Differentiated adsorption of intermediates on high-entropy intermetallic metallene promotes selective electrocatalytic upgrading of PET plastics to glycolic acid

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4234-3• Jan 15, 2026

Chemical confinement of short-chain sulfur into hierarchical porous hard carbon for ultra-stable high-capacity sodium-ion storage

Authors: Bai-Hua Huang, Shi-Rui Zhao, Qing-Qing Yuan, Hui Guo, Zi-Tong Yang, Yuen Yi Cao, Jian-Hua Long, Zi-Hao Luo, Lin Liu, De-Shan Bin

The pursuit of high-energy-density sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) necessitates the development of stable high-capacity anodes. While amorphous carbon is a promising anode candidate for SIBs, its practical application is hindered by limited capacity. Herein, we design a composite anode by chemically confining a high-content (~25 wt%) short-chain sulfur into hierarchical porous hard carbon microspheres (SHHC) derived from microbe yeast. The SHHC anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of ~807 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1 (~3 times that of conventional amorphous carbon) along with superior rate capability, and extraordinary long-term cyclability (almost 100% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1). The high-content sulfur species contribute to superb redox reactivity for high-capacity sodium storage via a surface-dominated storage mechanism. The carbon matrix features an enlarged interlayer distance, which facilitates Na-ion intercalation and deintercalation for high-rate capability. Furthermore, the hierarchical porous structure with built-in cavities facilitates the Na-ion transfer and effectively accommodates the electrode’s volume expansion, achieving fast electrode kinetics and outstanding cyclability. Such a combination of favored properties leads to state-of-the-art comprehensive battery performance for Na-ion storage. Our finding envisions a new perspective on building stable high-capacity anode materials for SIBs.

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Chemical confinement of short-chain sulfur into hierarchical porous hard carbon for ultra-stable high-capacity sodium-ion storage

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4192-y• Jan 15, 2026

Synergistic Multi-Metal and Defect Engineering for High-Efficiency Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Authors: ZHANG Chenxu, LI Ziyan, ZHAO Linfei, LI Yajun, YIN Qing, ZHAO Danyang, LI Yongzhi, XIAO Bin, MENG Qingkun, REN Yaojian, XUE Xiaolan, WEI Fuxiang, SUI Yanwei, WU Xiangfeng, QI Jiqiu, HO Johnny C.

Electrochemical water splitting is pivotal for scalable green hydrogen production, yet its practical deployment hinges on cost-effective electrocatalysts with high activity and durability. This study introduces a low-cost, three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous ZrVFeCoNi material fabricated via chemical dealloying, at merely 0.16% of the cost of Pt. The structure-activity relationship between its microstructure and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance was systematically explored. Lattice defect effects from multiphase intermetallic compounds, combined with multi-metal synergy, optimize H+ adsorption energy and electron transfer kinetics. The 3D nanoporous architecture provides a high electrochemical surface area with abundant active sites, enhancing electrolyte penetration and reducing interfacial mass transfer resistance. Consequently, the ZrVFeCoNi electrode exhibits outstanding HER performance, requiring only a 38 mV overpotential to reach 10 mA cm−2 and maintaining stable operation for 1000 h at 500 mA cm−2. Integrated into a full water electrolyzer (ZrVFeCoNi || IrO2/Ni), the system achieves a cell voltage of 1.60 V at a current density of 400 mA cm−2. Advanced characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that interfacial interactions and charge transfer at heterointerfaces drive catalytic activity, showcasing the potential of 3D nano-structured multiphase intermetallic compounds as high-performance electrocatalysts for green hydrogen systems.

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Synergistic Multi-Metal and Defect Engineering for High-Efficiency Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4179-x• Jan 15, 2026

Stable Radical Anions from Perylenediimide-Functionalized Bispillar[5]arene for Boosting Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion

Authors: Luo Sang, Ting-Ting Huang, Xiao-Wen Sun, Tai-Bao Wei, Hong Yao, Bingbing Shi, Jin-Fa Chen, Qi Lin

Perylene diimide (PDI) radical anions exhibit poor environmental stability, restricting their generation efficiency and practical application. Here, a PDI-functionalized bispillar[5]arene (PDI-P5) was designed to construct stable and high-efficiency photothermal radicals. Intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) between PDI and bispillar[5]arene narrows the energy gap. Under 455 nm ultraviolet light irradiation and diethylamine (DEA) vapor exposure, photoinduced electron transfer (PET) efficiently generates PDI-P5·− radicals, which possess broad near-infrared (NIR) absorption, enhanced non-radiative transitions, and excellent stability. Notably, PDI-P5·− can rapidly reach 90 °C under 0.20 W cm−2 simulated sunlight irradiation. Moreover, it exhibits superior multi-step photothermal anti-counterfeiting performance. This work provides a novel strategy for the development of stable radical-based photothermal materials, which holds great potential for anti-counterfeiting and bioimaging applications.

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Stable Radical Anions from Perylenediimide-Functionalized Bispillar[5]arene for Boosting Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4287-1• Jan 15, 2026

Metal Atomic Clusters for Oxygen-Bearing Materials: From Adversity Comes Opportunity

Authors: ZHU Xin, KANG Maodong, ZHANG Zhen, LI Yunting, FANG Liu, WANG Jun, SUN Baode, SONG Fengqi

Atomic-level manufacturing is a frontier technology enabling materials to achieve ultimate performance. This study explores the potential applications and critical scientific issues of metal atomic clusters, which are predominantly used in catalysis but suffer from intrinsic instability, leading to low yield, inconsistent size and structure, and susceptibility to agglomeration, oxidation, and sintering. We propose a novel concept: employing oxidized metal atomic clusters as dopants in oxygen-bearing materials, such as oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys, oxide-based cermets, and toughening ceramics. Using ODS alloy as a proof-of-concept, Ni-NiO coupled cluster-strengthened metallic Ni exhibits finer grains, a larger proportion of low-angle grain boundaries, higher geometrically necessary dislocation density, and achieves a 38% enhancement in Vickers hardness. To advance this concept, four critical scientific issues require resolution: oxidation control, disaggregation and dispersion, effectiveness comparison, and physicochemical behaviors and mechanisms. This work bridges the gap between atomic-level manufacturing and structural materials, offering a pathway to overcome the instability of metal clusters by leveraging their oxidation characteristics.

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Metal Atomic Clusters for Oxygen-Bearing Materials: From Adversity Comes Opportunity

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4257-y• Jan 15, 2026

Multiscale Ordered Defect Design for Tailoring Ferroelectric Phase Stability and Switching Kinetics in Hafnia Ferroelectrics

Authors: Chaoqun Jiang, Jinfan Yang, Xiangdong Xu, Shiyao Sun, Yong Xu, Zhongzhong Luo

Hafnia-based ferroelectrics exhibit a distinctive reverse size effect and exceptional scalability, positioning them as critical candidates for CMOS-compatible non-volatile memory and ferroelectric transistors, with substantial promise for advancing hardware acceleration in artificial intelligence and large-data storage technologies. However, their practical deployment is constrained by a longstanding dilemma: the difficulty in simultaneously stabilizing metastable polar phases and ensuring long-term reliability under the high electric fields required for polarization switching. This review reinterprets this challenge through the lens of defect physics and advocates a paradigm shift from stochastic, disorder-mediated defect incorporation toward ordered, multiscale defect engineering. We systematically discuss the collective influence of point defects, line defects, planar defects, and defect-coupled structures on the phase stability, switching kinetics, and failure mechanisms in hafnia-based ferroelectrics. Controlling oxygen-vacancy states, engineering dopants via Fermi-level and chemical pressure, deploying periodic dislocation arrays, designing topological domain walls, functionalizing interfaces, and leveraging flexoelectric strain gradients constitute the core strategic toolkit. Through such ordered defect architectures, scalable performance metrics, including high remanent polarization, low coercive field, fast switching speed, and endurance exceeding 10^12 cycles, become attainable. These approaches establish a set of design principles for next-generation low-power, high-reliability ferroelectric electronics.

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Multiscale Ordered Defect Design for Tailoring Ferroelectric Phase Stability and Switching Kinetics in Hafnia Ferroelectrics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4151-2• Jan 15, 2026

Machine Learning for Ionic Liquids in CO2 Conversion: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives

Authors: Jiaming Zheng, Yingjie Zhou, Feng Yan

The rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 due to fossil-fuel consumption has heightened the demand for efficient carbon capture and utilization technologies. Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as versatile media and catalysts for CO2 conversion, offering advantages such as negligible volatility, wide electrochemical windows, and strong CO2 affinity. However, the vast design space of ILs and limited experimental data make traditional trial-and-error screening inefficient. This review summarizes recent advancements in applying machine learning (ML) to the design and screening of ILs for CO2 conversion. The roles of ILs in catalytic processes and the limitations of traditional screening methods are discussed. ML-based workflows are explored, with emphasis on addressing challenges posed by small and noisy datasets. Finally, future opportunities in mechanism-informed descriptors, multi-objective optimization, and the integration of domain expertise with data-driven approaches are highlighted to accelerate the discovery of next-generation ILs for sustainable CO2 conversion.

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Machine Learning for Ionic Liquids in CO2 Conversion: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4209-3• Jan 15, 2026

Adjusting Light Absorption of Defective UiO-66 for Coupling Photothermal Evaporation with Photocatalysis

Authors: Tiantian Wu, Yatong Wang, Yaning Xu, Tianhao Shen, Ranwei Zhang, Shiyan Ai, Qing Huang, Qi Zhang, Lixing Kang, Dan Tian

Solar interfacial evaporation and photocatalysis exhibit intrinsic complementarity in energy utilization pathways and reaction mechanisms. Integrating photocatalysis into interfacial evaporation systems enables a synergistic platform for efficient evaporation and pollutant removal. In this study, a defect-engineering strategy is developed for UiO-66 by covalently anchoring five carboxyl-containing organic dyes into its framework, where steric hindrance and ligand substitution synergistically induce abundant structural defects. This approach yields a series of defect-rich UiO-66 materials with tunable dye loading. Among them, the dye-sensitized UiO-66@dye-2 system demonstrates optimal light absorption capacity and vacancy defects. The dyes act as sensitizers, broadening the light absorption range and accelerating water evaporation, while the defect-inducing dyes introduce abundant trap sites, enabling rapid charge transfer and efficient spatial charge separation. Under 1-sun irradiation, the system achieves an outstanding water evaporation rate with a high solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency of 97.8%, along with excellent photocatalytic performance, achieving 95.4% degradation of phenol pollutants. Notably, it maintains stable degradation performance across highly acidic and alkaline environments, ensuring reliability for long-term operations in complex conditions. This work provides a molecular-level strategy for constructing defect-rich UiO-66 derivatives and offers insights for designing next-generation materials for integrated photothermal-photocatalytic environmental remediation.

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Adjusting Light Absorption of Defective UiO-66 for Coupling Photothermal Evaporation with Photocatalysis

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4317-4• Jan 15, 2026

Correction to: Facile preparation of cabazitaxel-loaded nanoparticles directly lyophilized from dioxane

Authors: Boyang Sun, Shuai Shao, Sanjana Ghosh, Jiexin Li, Xiaojie Wang, Changning Li, Breandan Quinn, Paschalis Alexandridis, Jonathan F. Lovell, Yumiao Zhang

This correction addresses an image assembly error identified in Fig. 7a of the original article published in Science China Materials, volume 66, issue 6, 2023, pages 2513–2522. The error was confined to the assembly of images in Fig. 7a, which presents H&E staining analysis of major organs from a toxicity study. The corrected version of Fig. 7 is provided in this corrigendum. The original study evaluated the toxicity of lyophilized cabazitaxel (CTX) and Tween 80-based CTX formulations in CD-1 mice following a single intravenous administration of 30 mg kg−1 CTX via the tail vein on day 0, with sacrifice on day 14 for analysis (n=5). The figure includes H&E staining of major organs, complete blood count (CBC) analysis with statistical significance indicated by *p < 0.05, and mouse weight measurements. The correction does not affect the overall results, data interpretation, or scientific conclusions of the original article. All authors have reviewed and approved the content of this corrigendum. The authors sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to the editorial office, reviewers, and readers. The article was received on 6 May 2026, accepted on 4 June 2026, and published online on 31 July 2026.

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Correction to: Facile preparation of cabazitaxel-loaded nanoparticles directly lyophilized from dioxane

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4112-6• Jan 15, 2026

Highly Efficient Removal of Sr2+ by a Layered Potassium Phosphatoantimonate under Neutral and Acidic Conditions

Authors: Xiaoya Zhang, Shuangjiang Li, Haiyan Sun, Zhihua Chen, Jiahua Luo, Shuzhen Liu, Xiaoying Huang, Meiling Feng

Radiostrontium remediation is crucial for ecological protection and sustainable development of nuclear energy. However, efficient removal of 90Sr from complex radioactive liquid waste, especially under acidic conditions, remains challenging due to material instability and intense proton competition. Herein, the rapid and highly selective capture of Sr2+ in neutral and even acidic solutions has been achieved by a layered potassium phosphatoantimonate KSbP2O8 with excellent radiation and thermal stability. Under neutral conditions, it possesses high maximum adsorption capacity (qmSr = 110.25 mg g−1), rapid adsorption kinetics (the removal rate (RSr) of 91.54% within 30 min), and excellent selectivity for Sr2+, and facile regeneration. Particularly, even under acidic conditions (pH 2.0), KSbP2O8 still maintains excellent Sr2+ removal capacity (qmSr = 79.38 mg g−1), fast kinetics, and high selectivity. A mechanism study by multiple characterizations reveals that the efficient Sr2+ removal of KSbP2O8 mainly stems from ion exchange between Sr2+ and interlayer K+ in KSbP2O8, which is attributed to the synergy between the Sb5+-induced Brønsted acidity and the high charge density of the anionic framework. This study demonstrates the exceptional capability of phosphatoantimonates to selectively capture Sr2+ under acidic conditions, highlighting the potential of phosphatoantimonates as effective scavengers for radiostrontium remediation.

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Highly Efficient Removal of Sr2+ by a Layered Potassium Phosphatoantimonate under Neutral and Acidic Conditions

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4200-0• Jan 15, 2026

Bidirectional Bonding Interfacial Engineering Enables High-Performance Sb2S3/HgS Heterojunction Photodetector for Intelligent Healthcare Applications

Authors: LI Yimeng, LU Xinwu, ZHAI Shiyang, FAN Xinyi, ZHENG Xiaohong, SHEN Hui, FANG Yongzheng, DAI Ning, SHAN Yufeng, LIU Yufeng

Self-powered broadband photodetectors are pivotal for next-generation intelligent healthcare. Solution-processed mercury sulfide (HgS) is an attractive near-infrared absorber but is limited by interfacial instability, high defects, and sluggish response. Inspired by sulfur-mediated adhesion in Alhagi sparsifolia, a bioinspired interfacial engineering strategy employs an antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) interlayer to construct a bidirectional chemical bonding network. The Sb2S3 interlayer simultaneously forms Sb–O bonds with fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates and Sb–S/Hg–S bonds with the HgS layer, thereby reinforcing interfacial adhesion, passivating coordination-unsaturated defect states, and establishing a type-II heterojunction with a strong built-in electric field. The resulting Sb2S3/HgS photodetector exhibits self-powered operation, broadband sensitivity spanning the visible to near-infrared region (642–1550 nm), an ultrafast response time of 2.47 ms, a detectivity up to 1.7 × 10^11 Jones, and retaining nearly constant photocurrent over 5000 continuous on-off switching cycles as well as prolonged air exposure. Beyond device-level performance, we demonstrate its utility in intelligent healthcare scenarios, including machine-learning-assisted liquid drug identification, binary-coded optical wireless communication, and high-fidelity photoplethysmography monitoring. This work establishes biomimetic bidirectional bonding as a generalizable paradigm for stabilizing solution-processed chalcogenide optoelectronics and accelerates the integration of self-powered broadband photodetectors into intelligent healthcare systems.

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Bidirectional Bonding Interfacial Engineering Enables High-Performance Sb2S3/HgS Heterojunction Photodetector for Intelligent Healthcare Applications

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4322-4• Jan 15, 2026

Ultrafast Scintillation Enabled by Exciton Localization in High-Entropy Fluoride Crystals

Authors: GUO Junyao, QIAN Xinyu, ZHANG Fan, ZHAO Naizhe, ZHANG Chaoyi, WANG Qingguo, LI Dongzhen, TANG Huili, WANG Wudi, ZHANG Chenbo, CHEN Liang, LIU Bo, OUYANG Xiaoping, XU Jun

Ultrafast scintillators with low-nanosecond emission are essential for next-generation high-rate X-ray and particle imaging. Although Ce3+-activated scintillators inherently exhibit fast response characteristics, conventional Ce3+-doped hosts rarely achieve low-nanosecond ultrafast decay. Here, we report a high-entropy fluoride scintillator (HEFS), Ce:LaGdCaSrBaF12 (Ce:LGCSB), in the form of bulk single crystals. The severe lattice distortion arising from multi-cation disorder induces exciton localization and effectively suppresses exciton diffusion. Through the rapid relaxation of localized excitons, the high-entropy Ce:LGCSB single crystals deliver a decay time of 1.23 ns with a 94.6% fast-component contribution and without any noticeable slow component. Through first-principles calculations, spectroscopic characterization, and transient dynamics analysis, we reveal that the ultrafast response originates from accelerated Frenkel exciton (FE) recombination enabled by the high-entropy environment. This work establishes entropy-engineered fluorides as promising ultrafast scintillator platforms and proposes a general strategy for extending sluggish diffusion effects to the excitonic scale, offering new opportunities for improving scintillation timing performance.

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Ultrafast Scintillation Enabled by Exciton Localization in High-Entropy Fluoride Crystals

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4232-1• Jan 15, 2026

A comprehensive review on double-redox reaction towards high-performance polyanionic sodium-ion batteries

Authors: YANG Wang, TONG Shuai, WANG Tao, KANG Dianwu, JIA Min, WANG Hengxin, GUO Yunlei, YAN Xiaohong, ZHANG Xiaoyu

Polyanionic cathode materials are widely considered as potential cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their strong three-dimensional framework and intrinsic thermal safety. Nevertheless, the limitation of the specific capacity and energy density hindered their application, which can be ascribed to the common reliance of single-electron redox reaction of the transition metal. By realizing the reversible double redox reaction of vanadium-based and manganese-based polyanion cathodes, researchers have successfully opened up a new way to break through the long-term performance limitations. Recent studies disclose that vanadium and manganese-based polyanionic cathodes exhibit the possibility of realizing a reversible double-redox reaction, which opened up new avenues to overcome the capacity dilemma. However, many fundamental issues remain unclear, including insufficient structural stability at high operating voltages, irreversible structural evolution induced by sodium extraction, sluggish electronic and ionic transport kinetics, and Jahn–Teller distortion. Therefore, it is imperative to summarize recent work in order to clarify the pathway for future investigation. In this review, the key challenges associated with the activation of the double-redox reaction are outlined, followed by the realization and regulation of the double-redox reaction in polyanionic cathode materials. A systematic summary of recent studies is performed for both vanadium and manganese-based compounds, which could contribute to the fundamental understanding of the double-redox reaction mechanism. Combined with the modification strategy and future perspective, this review provides insights into the rational design of polyanionic cathodes with a reversible double-redox reaction. It also offers insights into the development of high-energy-density cathode materials for next-generation sodium-ion batteries.

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A comprehensive review on double-redox reaction towards high-performance polyanionic sodium-ion batteries

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4194-2• Jan 15, 2026

Surface Dye-Coordination for Efficient Upconversion Nanosystems

Authors: LI Zhangqiang, XING Yun, ZHOU Jiajia, BAO Guochen, JIN Dayong, WEN Shihui

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) exhibit distinctive optical characteristics, including excellent photostability, large anti-Stokes shifts, narrow emission bands, and tunable luminescence lifetimes. Despite their advantages, UCNPs suffer from inherently weak light absorption because of the 4f-4f transitions of lanthanide ions. Near-infrared dye-sensitization has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance their absorption, yet the photoconversion performance remains constrained by photobleaching and interfacial energy losses. In this review, we systematically analyze the surface coordination environments and energy transfer pathways that govern dye-sensitized UCNPs. We evaluate critical molecular parameters, such as dye frameworks, surface binding affinity, and triplet-state energy alignment, in conjunction with nanoparticle structural features, including dopant concentration, core-shell architectures, and surface electronic configurations. By providing a fundamental assessment of these photophysical and photochemical processes, we propose targeted optimization strategies to enhance the performance and stability of these hybrid materials for advanced applications.

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Surface Dye-Coordination for Efficient Upconversion Nanosystems

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4207-0• Jan 15, 2026

Synergistic Conformation Locking and Terminal Conjugation Engineering of Carbazole-Based Self-Assembled Monolayers for High-Performance Organic Solar Cells

Authors: Shiji Zhou, Panpan Zhang, Lingling Han, Keteng Zhu, Chaohua Cui, Haijun Bin, Yongfang Li

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are critical for optimizing electrode interfaces in organic solar cells (OSCs), as their molecular conformation and ordering govern interfacial quality. Conventional carbazole-based SAMs (e.g., 2PACz) rely on flexible alkyl linkers whose conformational freedom often results in disordered packing, incomplete coverage, and limited environmental robustness, especially under air processing. Here, we design and systematically study a series of well-defined carbazole SAM homologues (Cz-PPA, Cz-HPA, PCz-HPA, and PCz-PPA) to elucidate the role of synergistic conformational locking achieved through linker rigidification and terminal conjugation extension. PCz-HPA, which integrates a rigid cyclohexane linker with a strongly conjugated 3,6-diphenylcarbazole end group, enables effective conformational locking. It forms a highly ordered, densely packed monolayer on ITO, delivering high surface coverage, a strengthened interfacial dipole, and improved energy-level alignment. The rigid framework and ordered interface enhance air-process stability and interfacial contact, thereby suppressing recombination and facilitating exciton dissociation and charge collection. Using PCz-HPA as SAM for the devices based on PM6:L8-BO reaches 19.75% efficiency and it demonstrates consistent gains across multiple systems. These results identify conformational locking via linker rigidification as a general design rule for durable, high-performance SAM interlayers in organic optoelectronics.

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Synergistic Conformation Locking and Terminal Conjugation Engineering of Carbazole-Based Self-Assembled Monolayers for High-Performance Organic Solar Cells

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4293-9• Jan 15, 2026

Strategies for Enhancing Multi-Properties of Medium- and High-Entropy Soft Magnetic Alloys

Authors: Qiwen Hu, Penghua Ge, Xunlin Xu, Xixian Xia, Zhiming Li

Traditional soft magnetic alloys (SMAs) suffer from a performance trade-off where enhancing magnetic properties often compromises mechanical and other properties, limiting their use in high-efficiency power systems and advanced electronics. The design concept of medium- and high-entropy alloys (M/HEAs) offers a pathway to overcome this limitation. By leveraging multi-principal-element compositions and tailorable microstructures, medium- and high-entropy soft magnetic alloys (M/HE-SMAs) can integrate superior soft magnetic properties with exceptional mechanical strength-ductility synergy, high electrical resistivity, good thermal stability, and excellent corrosion resistance. This article reviews design strategies for synergistic enhancement of multiple properties in M/HE-SMAs, including blending multiple ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic elements into solid solution, inducing local chemical order, tailoring nanoprecipitates, controlling grain size, and engineering dual/multi-phase structures. The cooperative interactions among these strategies are discussed. Potential research directions for further development and practical applications are proposed.

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Strategies for Enhancing Multi-Properties of Medium- and High-Entropy Soft Magnetic Alloys

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4203-7• Jan 15, 2026

Novel Cross-Linkable Blue Light Emitting Material and Its High Stability OLEDs by Solution Process

Authors: Qiming Li, Jiaxu Bai, Yinzhao Zhen, Wenkai Guan, Tianhao Wang, Hongli Liu, Shirong Wang, Xianggao Li

The solution process holds great promise for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) fabrication owing to its minimal material loss, simple processing and low equipment investment. However, solution-processed blue OLEDs still face the challenges of low electroluminescence efficiency and poor working stability. In this study, two new cross-linkable blue light-emitting molecules, v-4CzBn and v-5CzBn, were synthesized. They featured a multicarbazole-substituted benzonitrile donor–acceptor structure as the emitting core, with two vinyl phenyl units on the carbazole rings serving as cross-linking groups. A singlet–triplet energy gap of ΔEST ≤ 0.10 eV and a high reverse intersystem crossing rate (kRISC > 10^6 s−1) were achieved because the three-dimensionally confined covalent network structure formed through a thermal cross-linking reaction limited intramolecular motions and vibrational relaxations of luminescent units. Moreover, this structure suppressed irreversible morphological changes and structural deterioration of light-emitting units due to aggregation or crystallization, improving the light-emitting performance of the device. Nondoped solution-processed OLEDs with the structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/TFB/S-4CzBn/TPBi/LiF/Al exhibited blue emission with a peak at 488 nm, achieving a maximum external quantum efficiency of 12.01%, a maximum luminance of 11,141.15 cd m−2, and a T50 lifetime of 1375.66 h@100 cd m−2. This result represents the longest operational lifetime reported to date for solution-process devices with cross-linked emitting layers.

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Novel Cross-Linkable Blue Light Emitting Material and Its High Stability OLEDs by Solution Process

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4366-1• Jan 15, 2026

In Situ Dynamic Regulation of Strain at the Buried Interface of Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Authors: ZHANG J, YAN W, LI Z, et al.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved remarkable power conversion efficiencies, yet their operational stability remains a critical bottleneck for commercialization. Strain at the buried interface, induced by thermal expansion mismatches and lattice distortions during annealing, is a major contributor to performance degradation. This work introduces a meltable additive-enabled liquid medium annealing (LMA) strategy to dynamically regulate strain in situ. By employing a liquid medium that melts at elevated temperatures, the annealing process provides a compliant environment that alleviates residual strain at the buried interface. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy and high-angle annular dark-field imaging reveal improved interfacial contact and reduced lattice distortion. Modulus mapping indicates enhanced mechanical uniformity, while molecular dynamics simulations corroborate the strain-relief mechanism. The d-spacing variation of the (001) facet upon heating at 85 °C is significantly suppressed, indicating superior thermal stability. Under diurnal cycling (12 h maximum power point tracking at 85 °C and 12 h dark at room temperature), the target devices exhibit enhanced stability, retaining a higher fraction of their initial performance compared to controls. This work underscores the importance of phase engineering during annealing and opens a new avenue for strain management in perovskite photovoltaics and beyond.

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In Situ Dynamic Regulation of Strain at the Buried Interface of Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4233-8• Jan 15, 2026

Grain Boundary Unlocks Ferroelectric Phase Regulation

Authors: Yongwei Qin, Mingli Liang, Sasa Wang

Ferroelectrics with intrinsic electric polarization are indispensable for non-volatile storage and computing-in-memory chips. However, conventional perovskite ferroelectrics suffer from size effects that degrade functional properties at reduced dimensions, limiting nanoscale applications. Fluorite-based ferroelectrics, such as HfO2 and ZrO2, maintain ferroelectricity in nanocrystalline films and are compatible with Si-based processes, but their ferroelectricity relies on a metastable orthorhombic (O) phase that is thermodynamically unstable at room temperature, leading to wake-up effects, fatigue, and reduced reliability. Previous stabilization strategies (stress, doping, oxygen vacancies) lack atomic-level verification or depend on specific processing conditions. This highlight discusses a recent Nature Materials study by Wang et al. that demonstrates grain boundary (GB) chemical engineering as a new paradigm. Using a La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) buffer layer, they achieved stable O-phase ZrO2 films. Atomic-scale HAADF and EELS revealed ordered GBs with selective segregation of La, Sr, and Mn, forming chemically ordered heterostructures. First-principles calculations showed that the ordered eg/t2g orbital arrangement of Mn3+/Mn4+ at GBs softens phonon modes by regulating Zr–O bond strength, stabilizing the ferroelectric phase. This work establishes GBs as independent functional units, offering a universal approach for designing highly stable metastable functional materials.

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Grain Boundary Unlocks Ferroelectric Phase Regulation

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4134-6• Jan 15, 2026

DNA-Directed Adhesion of a Sono-Activatable Hydrogel to Oral Leukoplakia Lesion for cGAS-STING Pathway Associated-Immunotherapy

Authors: Yiming Kong, Yao Xu, Dantong Zheng, Hao Wang, Yishan Li, Qirong Tang, Yong Hu

Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is a prevalent premalignant lesion with malignant transformation risk. Current adhesive hydrogels lack lesion-specific adhesion and precision therapy. We synthesized DNA hydrogels via co-crosslinking of thiolated gelatin and thiolated oligonucleotide through disulfide bonds, incorporating Mn2+ and chlorin e6 (Ce6) via thiol-metal coordination and physical entrapment. Low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) anchored complementary oligonucleotides onto the lesion surface, enabling site-specific bioadhesion through base pairing. Under high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), Ce6 generated reactive oxygen species, triggering mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release in hyperproliferative epithelial cells. Concurrent HFUS accelerated Mn2+ release, potentiating cGAS recognition of cytosolic mtDNA and activating the cGAS-STING pathway. This induced dendritic cell maturation, priming naïve T cells into cytotoxic T lymphocytes, reversing the immunosuppressive microenvironment. The modality induced immunological memory, restraining OLK recurrence and impeding malignant transformation. This study introduces the first DNA-directed hydrogel bioadhesion strategy and proposes unprecedented cGAS-STING pathway-associated immunotherapy against OLK.

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DNA-Directed Adhesion of a Sono-Activatable Hydrogel to Oral Leukoplakia Lesion for cGAS-STING Pathway Associated-Immunotherapy

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4106-8• Jan 15, 2026

Carrier Regulation in Monolithic Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells

Authors: WANG Ziyue, CHEN Weijie, LI Yaowen

Perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (PO-TSCs) have emerged as a compelling photovoltaic architecture to transcend the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction devices. By monolithically stacking a wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite top cell and a narrow-bandgap (NBG) organic bottom cell, PO-TSCs enable broad spectral utilization and reduced thermalization loss, offering a viable pathway toward efficiencies beyond 30%. Their solution processability, compatibility with orthogonal solvents, and potential for lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent modules further make them attractive for building integrated and portable electronics. However, the realization of high-performance PO-TSCs critically depends on precise carrier regulation across the entire multilayer stack, where inefficient charge transport, recombination losses, and interfacial bottlenecks often limit the overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability. This review systematically examines the carrier-regulation strategies essential for advancing PO-TSCs, focusing on defect and phase-control in WBG perovskites, the design of optically transparent and electrically efficient interconnecting layers, and the enhancement of charge generation and collection in organic subcells. The integration of these approaches has recently enabled efficiencies exceeding 26%, demonstrating the rapid progress of the field. Ultimately, we conclude with an outlook on the remaining challenges in scalability, operational stability, and manufacturability, providing a roadmap for future research toward commercially viable tandem photovoltaics.

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Carrier Regulation in Monolithic Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4183-3• Jan 15, 2026

Ultra-sensitive ultraviolet organic photodetectors enabled by an expanded spectral window for health monitoring

Authors: Zhanzhao Yin, Yu Zhu, Hanzhe Shi, Tingting Guo, Ruiman Han, Yongsheng Liu, Yongsheng Chen

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses significant risks to human health, necessitating highly sensitive detection systems. Organic photodetectors (OPDs) offer high sensitivity and tunable spectral response, but their UV performance is constrained by conventional glass/indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates and electrodes, and insufficient photoactive layer responsivity. Here, we report high-performance UV-OPDs achieved through UV-transparent window and active-layer optimization. Replacing glass/ITO with a UV-transparent window comprising a quartz substrate and PH1000 electrode enhances UV transmittance. Integrating the high UV-responsive blend PM6:Y6:PC71BM as the active layer, the optimal ternary UV-OPD exhibits external quantum efficiency (EQE) exceeding 53% across 280–400 nm, with a peak EQE of 78.29% and responsivity of 214.68 mA/W at 340 nm, alongside a rapid response time of 2.6/2.1 μs. This performance represents the best combination of responsivity and response time reported to date in the UV region. We demonstrate the potential of these UV-OPDs for outdoor real-time UV monitoring. This work presents a promising strategy for developing high-performance UV-OPDs through transparent substrate and electrode engineering, and active-layer optimization.

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Ultra-sensitive ultraviolet organic photodetectors enabled by an expanded spectral window for health monitoring

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4255-5• Jan 15, 2026

Towards Synergistic Transport of Ions and Electrons at the Interface between Janus Nanofiber Separators and Solid Electrolyte Interphase

Authors: PENG Yin, ZHU Yang, PU Hongting

Localized overheating in high-rate lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) or lithium metal batteries (LMBs) accelerates dendrite formation, disrupting current density and thermal distribution uniformity. This study constructs a Janus-structured, polybenzimidazole (PBI)-welded separator (JNS@PBI) with polypropylene nanofibers (PPNFs) on one face and nanoscale carbon black-modified PPNFs (CPPNFs) on the other. The CPPNFs layer provides electronic conductivity to homogenize interfacial current distribution and heat dissipation, while the PPNFs layer ensures electronic insulation. PBI, serving as a welding agent with intrinsic ionic conductivity, enhances mechanical properties and lithium-ion transport. This design enables synergistic transport of ions and electrons at the JNS@PBI/SEI interface. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate how JNS@PBI enhances interfacial ion transport and regulates lithium deposition. JNS@PBI exhibits high porosity (71.3%), superior electrolyte uptake (451%), and high ionic conductivity (1.80 mS cm−1). Electrochemical tests confirm exceptional interfacial stability, with stable polarization voltage over 2000 h of plating/stripping cycles. Remarkable rate capability and cycling endurance are observed: high-capacity retention rates of 85.2% after 700 cycles at 1 C and 90.3% after 1500 cycles at 3 C in assembled LiFePO4/graphite full cells. This work provides a promising approach for next-generation separators for high-safety LIBs or LMBs.

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Towards Synergistic Transport of Ions and Electrons at the Interface between Janus Nanofiber Separators and Solid Electrolyte Interphase

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4463-3• Jan 15, 2026

TMPU-Based Phase-Locking Strategy for Spatiotemporally Homogeneous Crystallization Enables Ambient Scalable Perovskite Photovoltaics

Authors: Huang Xici, Zhang Qifeng, Cao Guozhong

Organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites exhibit exceptional photovoltaic properties, yet their low crystallization energy promotes defect generation and necessitates precise control over synthesis parameters, hindering scalable fabrication. Ambient large-area coating methods suffer from environmental disturbances, leading to nonuniform crystallization and mixed α/δ phases, resulting in module efficiencies below 20% compared to >27% for lab-scale spin-coated cells. This work introduces a phase-locking strategy using 3-ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane (TMPU) incorporated into the PbI2 precursor solution during two-step blade coating. TMPU undergoes simultaneous cross-linking and interaction with the perovskite intermediate, forming a dynamically evolving intergranular network that blocks moisture and reduces the energy barrier for α-FAPbI3 formation. This approach achieves spatiotemporally homogeneous crystallization, eliminating directional inhomogeneity. Under segmented and monolithic aging protocols, control devices exhibited severe position-dependent degradation with only 34% efficiency retention at early-coated positions after thermal cycling, whereas phase-locked films maintained over 84% of initial photoluminescence intensity across all regions. Encapsulated modules retained over 90% of initial efficiency after 1500 h of 85°C maximum power point tracking (ISOS-L-2) and after 2300 h under 85°C/85% RH damp-heat testing (ISOS-D-3). The TMPU-based strategy combines exceptional performance (21.5% module efficiency) with robust stability, offering a distinct advantage over alternative approaches. This work addresses the kinetic and spatial dimensions of upscaling, demonstrating that morphological uniformity is a fundamental contributor to stability, marking a critical advance toward practical deployment of perovskite photovoltaics.

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TMPU-Based Phase-Locking Strategy for Spatiotemporally Homogeneous Crystallization Enables Ambient Scalable Perovskite Photovoltaics

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4166-5• Jan 15, 2026

Chiral Inorganic Nanomaterials for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Authors: Linlin Zhou, Xinmei Hou, Yanglong Hou

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) represents a significant kinetic bottleneck in sustainable energy conversion due to its complex multi-step electron transfer process. Spin manipulation has recently emerged as a promising strategy to overcome traditional catalytic scaling relationships. However, the commonly used ferromagnetic materials or external magnetic fields suffer from practical limitations including material constraints and high energy consumption. The chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect in chiral inorganic nanomaterials with high stability, conductivity, and exceptional chiroptical properties offers a groundbreaking alternative by enabling spin polarization without the need for external magnetic fields. This review systematically examines the application of chiral inorganic nanomaterials for improving OER efficiency via the CISS effect. The fundamental principles of CISS and its influence on OER kinetics are discussed. Recent experimental advances highlighting the enhanced catalytic performance are analyzed. Future research directions and challenges in leveraging chirality and spin as key design principles for next-generation OER electrocatalysts are highlighted.

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Chiral Inorganic Nanomaterials for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4182-6• Jan 15, 2026

Substrate-Mediated Structural Evolution of Blue Phosphorene: From Bridging Nanoislands to Magic Clusters

Authors: Qiao Zheng, Yinuo Zhu, Wenjin Gao, Chenqiang Hua, Miao Zhou, Tianchao Niu

Substrate interactions dictate the epitaxial growth of low-dimensional nanomaterials, yet controlling these interfaces at the atomic scale precision remains a critical challenge. Blue phosphorene (blueP) with freestanding lattice constant, experimentally realized exclusively on Ag(111), provides a unique platform to explore this interplay. Here, we elucidate the structural evolution of blueP on Ag(111), revealing that neighboring islands are not isolated but linked by single-phosphorus-atom bridges. To manipulate the interfacial coupling, we introduce a tellurium interlayer, driving the formation of an interfacial AgTe buffer that effectively decouples the islands. By tuning the substrate temperature, we achieve the synthesis of magic-number blueP clusters with uniform size and geometry. The resulting isolated blueP nanostructures facilitate the emergence of higher-order topological corner states in triangular geometries. Our findings demonstrate that tailoring interfacial interactions offers a robust route for reshaping phosphorene nanostructures, establishing essential building blocks for next-generation topological quantum materials.

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Substrate-Mediated Structural Evolution of Blue Phosphorene: From Bridging Nanoislands to Magic Clusters

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4114-5• Jan 15, 2026

Experimental Realization of Mixed-Dimensional 1D-Graphyne-Nanowires/2D-AgTe-Monolayer Heterostructures

Authors: Yuhang Yang, Jianchen Lu, Ruiping Duan, Guang Zhang, Wei Xiong, Boyu Fu, Gefei Niu, Shijie Sun, Lei Gao, Long Chen, Jinming Cai

The precise and controllable synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures, coupled with the manipulation of their atomic and electronic configurations, is of paramount significance. However, due to the synthetic challenges associated with graphyne (GY) materials, their integration into 1D/2D heterostructures remains considerably difficult. Herein, we demonstrate a post-synthetic intercalation strategy for tellurium onto Ag(111), enabling the controllable fabrication of 1D-GY-nanowire/2D-AgTe-monolayers heterostructures. Scanning-probe microscopies are employed to characterize morphological evolution during the intercalation process. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy results confirm that AgTe monolayer intercalation induces interfacial decoupling of the graphyne nanowires. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that work function-driven Fermi level modulation via interfacial charge engineering assigns the 1D-GY-nanowire/2D-AgTe-monolayers heterostructures as type-I heterostructures. Our work not only significantly advances the fundamental understanding of interfacial interactions in 1D/2D heterostructures but also presents a scalable strategy for designing heterostructures with tailored electronic functionalities, thereby opening new avenues for applications in advanced nanoelectronics and optoelectronic devices.

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Experimental Realization of Mixed-Dimensional 1D-Graphyne-Nanowires/2D-AgTe-Monolayer Heterostructures

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4337-2• Jan 15, 2026

Stiff–Soft Synergistic Assembly of Mechanically Adaptive Silica Aerogel Composites

Authors: Mengyue Gao, Junjie Zheng, Haoqiang Gao, Tianxiang Bai, Weiwei Zuo, Xinhai Zhang, Yanhua Cheng, Meifang Zhu

Silica aerogels are recognized as leading super-insulating materials due to their ultralow thermal conductivity, yet their intrinsic brittleness and poor processability restrict practical deployment in complex industrial and extreme environments. This study introduces a macro-scale 'stiff–soft' synergistic strategy, combining a macroscopically processable, soft-and-tough framework as the load-bearing component with hard-and-brittle polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) aerogels as the insulating component. A pressure-driven assembly process enables viscosity-tunable PMSQ gel inks to be controllably infused into various hollow frameworks, including honeycomb panels, wheat straws, and hollow fibers. Guided by a modified Hagen–Poiseuille model, ink viscosity is precisely matched to the geometric parameters of the hollow structures. The resulting composites achieve compressive strength of 2.5 MPa, flexural strength of 6.25 MPa, and tensile strength of 40 MPa, while maintaining excellent thermal insulation. This versatile and scalable approach offers a new design paradigm for mechanically adaptive silica aerogel composites in thermal management applications.

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Stiff–Soft Synergistic Assembly of Mechanically Adaptive Silica Aerogel Composites

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4429-9• Jan 15, 2026

Programming Local Microenvironments in Reticular Frameworks for Enhanced CO2 Capture: A Demonstration of Spatial Active-Site Engineering

Authors: Tang X, Wang X, Ye ZM, et al.

The capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from dilute streams, such as ambient air or flue gas, is a critical step toward mitigating anthropogenic emissions. While metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) featuring zinc-hydroxide (Zn–OH) sites have shown promise for CO2 binding through bicarbonate formation, their performance is often limited by the spatial arrangement of these active sites. In this work, we demonstrate a reticular chemistry strategy to program the spatial relationship among Zn–OH sites within a shared cavity, moving beyond simple surface area or site density optimization. By designing two isoreticular MOFs, NU-6000 and NU-6001, with distinct pore environments, we achieve differential CO2 adsorption behaviors. Notably, NU-6000-OH, which features a confined cage structure, exhibits significantly enhanced CO2 uptake at low pressures (0.4 mbar) compared to NU-6001-OH, with a site efficiency that surpasses representative MOFs. Structural characterization, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, reveals the formation of Zn-bound bicarbonate species, confirming the cooperative binding mechanism. This work highlights the importance of the second coordination sphere in governing molecular recognition and suggests that programmed microenvironments could be extended to catalytic applications, such as CO2 reduction, where intermediate stabilization and proton transfer are crucial. Our findings establish reticular chemistry as a powerful tool for engineering local chemical environments, offering a pathway to design advanced sorbents and catalysts with tailored functionalities.

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Programming Local Microenvironments in Reticular Frameworks for Enhanced CO2 Capture: A Demonstration of Spatial Active-Site Engineering

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4424-5• Jan 15, 2026

Topology-Derived Construction of Single-Crystal Two-Dimensional Binodal Covalent Organic Frameworks toward Inclined AB Stacking

Authors: WANG Yong, ZHANG Qiaoqiao

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline organic porous materials whose atomically precise structures underpin their functional applications. However, atomic-level structural information remains unavailable for most reported COFs, hampering rational design and structure-function studies. For two-dimensional (2D) COFs, synthesizing high-quality single crystals is challenging, and the crystallization mechanism makes it difficult to anticipate stacking arrangements. Lacking direct evidence, researchers often assume AA stacking for [4+4] COFs in powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) fitting, an assumption now questioned. Here, Zhang et al. report the controlled synthesis of single-crystal 2D binodal COFs via a topological derivation strategy. Using 3D electron diffraction at resolutions of 0.90–1.02 Å, they solved the structures of five COFs (NKCOF-88 to -92) derived from a parent sql framework. The four-connected benzene-core monomers were substituted with extended monomers (pyrene or tetraphenylethylene), decomposable into two three-connected nodes, yielding pseudo-bex and pseudo-hcb networks. Single-crystal analysis revealed that the in-plane chain configuration is determined by imine bond orientation, with cis+cis or trans+trans alignments giving planar layers, while mixed alignments produce undulated layers. Crucially, all five COFs exhibit inclined staggered AB stacking, stabilized by edge-to-face π–π interactions, contradicting the assumed AA stacking. This work provides the first single-crystal evidence of non-AA stacking in [4+4] COFs and establishes a correlation between linkage conformation and layer geometry. The topology-derived method offers a generalizable route to binodal COFs with predefined connectivity, facilitating the fabrication of high-quality single crystals and enabling reticular chemistry to shift from simulated models to real structures.

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Topology-Derived Construction of Single-Crystal Two-Dimensional Binodal Covalent Organic Frameworks toward Inclined AB Stacking

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4251-2• Jan 15, 2026

Advancing Functional Vascular Reconstruction through 3D Printing Strategies

Authors: TAN Ye, LI Yuxin, CHAI Muyuan, SHI Xuetao

The human vascular system, characterized by multi-scale topological complexity, serves as the fundamental infrastructure for nutrient transport, hemodynamic regulation, and immune surveillance. Replicating this system is critical for injury repair, disease modeling, and organ-on-a-chip development, yet a key gap persists between structural mimicry and full functional reproduction. This review evaluates how emerging 3D printing strategies are advancing beyond geometric imitation toward integrated physiological functions, thereby helping to bridge this divide. Over the past decade, 3D printing has advanced significantly in functional vascular reconstruction via precise molding and cell-material integration. This review summarizes the latest progress, including material design, molding methods, and structural optimization, focusing on 3D printing breakthroughs in three core scenarios: high-fidelity in vitro vascular models, in vivo tissue functional replacement, and vascularized organ-on-a-chip systems. Furthermore, this review delves into the existing challenges and future prospects of these application directions. Keywords: vascular reconstruction, 3D printing, bionic vessels, hydrogel.

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Advancing Functional Vascular Reconstruction through 3D Printing Strategies

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4197-4• Jan 15, 2026

Engineering High-Efficiency Anthracene-Based Deep-Blue Emitters via Spirofluorene Bridge-Mediated Electronic Structure Modulation

Authors: Ruicheng Wang, Zhichao Mao, Zhiju Chen, Jieying Lin, Zhaoxi Liu, Caishen Huang, Dehua Hu, Jia-Xiong Chen, Yanping Huo, Shaomin Ji, Yuguang Ma

Deep-blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) remain the most challenging primary-color emitters due to stringent exciton energy requirements. We strategically designed two innovative deep-blue emitters, SCZ-4AnCN and STPA-4AnCN, via systematic functionalization of an anthracene core with arylamino-decorated spirofluorene donors and cyano-substituted phenyl acceptors. Comprehensive theoretical and experimental analyses demonstrate that these spirofluorene-anthracene hybrids adopt precisely engineered distorted configurations, effectively suppressing detrimental intermolecular π–π stacking in condensed phases. The sp3-hybridized bridgehead carbons in spirofluorene units play a pivotal role by simultaneously restricting π-conjugation extension and fine-tuning donor–acceptor interactions, thereby stabilizing the lowest excited singlet (S1) state with dominant local excitation (LE) character. This molecular engineering yields exceptional deep-blue emission with remarkable efficiency. Notably, the materials exhibit unique high-lying reverse intersystem crossing (hRISC) behavior, enabling efficient triplet harvesting. Optimized doped devices incorporating SCZ-4AnCN achieve outstanding performance, including a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE_max) exceeding 10% and CIE coordinates (0.154, 0.052) approaching the BT.2020 blue standard. Nondoped devices maintain impressive performance with an EQE_max of 7.51% and superior operational stability, demonstrating less than 10% efficiency roll-off at 1000 cd m−2. This work validates anthracene-based molecular architectures for deep-blue electroluminescence and establishes a transformative design paradigm for next-generation OLED emitters.

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Engineering High-Efficiency Anthracene-Based Deep-Blue Emitters via Spirofluorene Bridge-Mediated Electronic Structure Modulation

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4443-5• Jan 15, 2026

Overcoming the aesthetic limits of radiative cooling via single-step self-stratification

Authors: Hong Cheng, Tian Liang, Qingsong Fan

The accelerating pace of urbanization and rising global temperatures have transformed reliable cooling from a luxury into a fundamental necessity for human health and economic activity. With urban populations projected to reach 66% of the global total by 2050, the energy demand for air conditioning is expected to increase by 750%. Conventional vapor-compression cooling is highly energy-intensive, accounting for approximately 17% of global electricity consumption while contributing to carbon emissions, refrigerant-related environmental concerns, and urban heat accumulation. Passive radiative cooling has emerged as a promising alternative because it dissipates heat to outer space through the atmospheric window (8–13 μm) without electricity or moving parts, offering an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable cooling strategy. Despite its promise, effective daytime radiative cooling requires maximizing solar reflectance to minimize heat gain from solar absorption. Consequently, most radiative cooling materials appear white or silver. In recent years, researchers have proposed several strategies to overcome this aesthetic limitation. The most straightforward approach is to incorporate dyes or fluorescent pigments. Both mechanisms inevitably rely on optical absorption, resulting in parasitic heat generation that compromises cooling performance. In contrast, structural colors arise from wavelength-selective light interference or scattering by micro- or nanostructures with feature sizes comparable to the wavelength of visible light, enabling vivid coloration with minimal intrinsic absorption. Representative mechanisms include thin-film interference, diffraction gratings, and photonic crystals. Nevertheless, existing structurally colored radiative cooling materials usually require multi-step fabrication processes and specialized instruments, making large-scale production costly and time-consuming. Recently, Liu et al. reported a bilayer, colored ethyl cellulose (BCEC) coating produced in a single casting step, which significantly simplifies the fabrication process and presents a viable strategy for the practical deployment of this technology. The fabrication of BCEC involves the drying of an ethyl cellulose (EC)/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution in a water vapor environment. This induces non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS), driven by interactions between solute and solvent molecules. The bilayer structure forms spontaneously in a single step during the drying process: a relatively dense top surface is generated first as the DMF evaporates, after which water vapor diffuses slowly across this skin layer, initiating the NIPS process and producing the porous bottom layer. The dense top layer has a thickness of several hundred nanometers—an ideal scale for generating colors through thin-film interference. More importantly, this thickness can be conveniently and precisely tuned by adjusting the concentration of the precursor solution, making it possible to create various structural colors, including blue, yellow, red, pink, and green. In addition to thickness-dependent color tuning, the BCEC coating also exhibits angle-dependent coloration (iridescence), an intrinsic characteristic of thin-film interference, whereby the reflected peak wavelength shifts with the viewing or illumination angle. The highly porous bottom layer is responsible for the high solar reflectance, resulting from the strong scattering of light by the abundant micro- and nano-pores. The solar reflectance varies slightly with the thickness of the BCEC film; the thickest film (BCEC-5, green film) exhibits the highest solar reflectance of 0.97. Simultaneously, the intrinsic absorption derived from molecular bond vibrations, especially the C–O bond, contributes to the high the

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Overcoming the aesthetic limits of radiative cooling via single-step self-stratification

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4213-x• Jan 15, 2026

Bioelectric Responsive Nanozymes for Catalytic Control of Lipid Peroxyl Radicals

Authors: GUO Mengnan, WANG Luo, LIU Xianping, CHEN Feixiang, ZHAI Yuyang, WU Yelin, JIANG Xingwu, YUAN Ying, SHI Ruicheng, LIU Yanyan, BU Wenbo

Lipid peroxyl radicals (ROO·) are terminal propagating species in lipid peroxidation, driving oxidative damage in neurological disorders. Their prolonged lifetime and rapid diffusion within lipid membranes render them difficult to neutralize. Here, we report a bioelectric-responsive TEMPO-doped polydopamine (PDA@TEMPO) nanozyme that sustains catalytic interception of ROO· radicals under persistent oxidative stress. By coupling a PDA redox reservoir with TEMPO catalytic centers, the nanozyme establishes a self-regenerating radical-neutralization cycle via proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). The π-conjugated framework facilitates charge migration and enables an electric-field-enhanced antioxidant response. In a seizure model, the nanozyme dynamically responds to bioelectric fluctuations, accelerating radical interception and alleviating oxidative stress in neural microenvironments. These findings establish bioelectric-coupled nanozymes as a general strategy for catalytic and sustained regulation of oxidative stress in neural microenvironments, providing a potential therapeutic approach for neurological disorders.

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Bioelectric Responsive Nanozymes for Catalytic Control of Lipid Peroxyl Radicals

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4199-8• Jan 15, 2026

Synthesis, Structure, Properties and Applications of High-Entropy Borides

Authors: Haojie Chi, Jialin Sun, Keguo Zhang, Zhen Cao, Jun Zhao, Xiuying Ni

High-entropy borides (HEBs) represent an emerging class of high-entropy materials that have garnered significant attention as ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs). By leveraging the high configuration entropy effect, HEBs stabilize single-phase solid solutions, exhibiting a suite of properties unattainable in traditional binary borides. This review systematically consolidates research progress on HEBs, beginning with theoretical predictions and component design via first-principles methods. It then details typical HEB systems and principal synthesis techniques, including arc melting and spark plasma sintering. The core analysis evaluates the outstanding performance of HEBs, emphasizing exceptional mechanical properties such as ultra-high hardness and excellent fracture toughness, alongside high-temperature friction and wear behavior, and oxidation resistance. Finally, the review outlines application prospects in extreme environments like aerospace and cutting tools, while also addressing current challenges. The paper underscores the potential of HEBs to overcome the hardness-toughness trade-off inherent in conventional ceramics, driven by strong metal-boron hybridization. This comprehensive overview positions HEBs as promising candidates for next-generation thermal and mechanical protection systems, with future research directions focusing on optimizing compositions and processing to tailor properties for specific applications.

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Synthesis, Structure, Properties and Applications of High-Entropy Borides

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4423-y• Jan 15, 2026

Transformative Breakthrough in Strength-Conductivity-Thermal Stability of Copper Foils Enabled by Gradient Super-Nano Domains

Authors: XIE Jianxin

Copper-based conductor materials, particularly copper foils, are indispensable for integrated circuit substrates and lithium battery current collectors. The progressive miniaturization of electronic devices demands foils thinner than 10 μm, yet achieving simultaneous ultra-high strength, high ductility, high electrical conductivity, and thermal stability remains a principal bottleneck. Rolled copper foils offer strengths of 200–500 MPa and conductivities of 97–100% IACS, but face production stability limits at reduced thicknesses. Electrolytic copper foils achieve strengths of 600–700 MPa via nanocrystalline refinement but suffer from poor thermal stability and room-temperature self-annealing. Only specialized alloys like Cu-Cr-Zr and Cu-Ag reach the 'double-70' benchmark (strength >700 MPa, conductivity >70% IACS). This highlight reports a transformative advance by Lu's research group, achieving 'double-90' properties (tensile strength >900 MPa, electrical conductivity >90% IACS) in pure copper foils through a gradient super-nano domain (GSD) structure. The GSD architecture, fabricated via electrodeposition under industrial conditions, comprises periodically distributed domains with semi-coherent interfaces and solute atoms (C, O, Cl) that minimize electron scattering. This innovation overcomes the traditional strength-conductivity trade-off, offering a scalable route to high-performance copper foils for advanced chip interconnects, flexible electronics, and ultrathin battery current collectors.

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Transformative Breakthrough in Strength-Conductivity-Thermal Stability of Copper Foils Enabled by Gradient Super-Nano Domains

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4258-0• Jan 15, 2026

High-Entropy Noble-Metal-Based Nanostructures with Advanced Regulations for Electrocatalysis

Authors: Yangping Zhang, Xiyue Zhang, Fei Gao, Xiaoqing Huang

High-entropy noble-metal-based catalysts (HENCs) have emerged as a frontier in electrocatalysis, leveraging the synergistic effects of high-entropy alloys and noble metals to achieve exceptional atomic utilization, tunable electronic structures, and vast compositional space. Their anisotropic architectures confer superior dissolution resistance, rapid electron/mass transfer, and abundant active sites. This review systematically categorizes advanced structural regulations—grain boundary engineering, single-atom alloys, intermetallic compounds, amorphous structures, and core@shell configurations—and evaluates their impact on electrocatalytic performance. By modulating surface electronic states and lattice strain, these strategies optimize reaction kinetics and durability. Notable applications include oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), hydrogen evolution (HER), and CO2 reduction (CO2RR). Despite progress, challenges persist in scalable synthesis, mechanistic understanding, and long-term stability. This review underscores the potential of HENCs to bridge laboratory innovation and industrial deployment, providing a roadmap for future catalyst design.

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High-Entropy Noble-Metal-Based Nanostructures with Advanced Regulations for Electrocatalysis

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4217-y• Jan 15, 2026

Incorporating Triphenylamine Chromophores into Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Effective Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidations

Authors: Ganggang Li, Shuo Kong, Zonglin Wang, Xinyi Liu, Lingyu Shang, Lu Wang, Tian-Xiang Luan, Shiling Yuan, Weifeng Liu, Pei-Zhou Li

Rational design and construction of effective photocatalysts is a promising way for green and sustainable chemistry, but still a great challenge. Herein, taking triphenylamine-containing aldehydes as reactants, two covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), tris(4-formylphenyl)amine (TPA)-CTF and tris(4-formylbiphenyl)amine (TBPA)-CTF, were rationally constructed. The strong electron donor property of the triphenylamine moieties derived from the initial reactants and the strong electron acceptor nature of the in-situ formed built-in triazine rings in CTFs endowed these robust triphenylamine-based CTFs with donor-acceptor (D-A) or donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) structure features. Photocatalytic experiments revealed that, compared with the controlled phenyl analogue CTF, 1,3,5-tri(p-formylphenyl)benzene (TFPB)-CTF, both of the triphenylamine-based CTFs exhibited superior photocatalytic activity not only in photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation, but also in photocatalytic aerobic oxidations of diverse organic substrates. Theoretical studies further confirmed that their enhanced photocatalytic performance should be attributed to their unique D-A or D-π-A features in the constructed triphenylamine-based CTFs. This work successfully demonstrated that rational selection of reactants containing electron donor moieties to construct CTFs should be a reliable way for the construction of effective photocatalysts for photocatalytic oxidation reactions.

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Incorporating Triphenylamine Chromophores into Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Effective Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidations

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4110-9• Jan 15, 2026

An Ionic Hydrogel-Based 3D Force Sensor for Multidimensional Password Input and Enhanced Security

Authors: ZHAO Haoyang, LI Xiaoqin, ZHUANG Xinming, GUO Qikai, ZHANG Min, LI Yang

Flexible tactile sensors are pivotal for human-machine interaction, yet accurate decoupled sensing of three-dimensional (3D) forces and integration into functional systems remain challenging. Here, we present a piezoresistive 3D force sensor based on ionic hydrogels that detects and analyzes multi-directional forces. The sensor exhibits a linear response to normal forces from 1 to 25 N (R²=0.99) and maintains stable sensitivity for shear forces within 0–4 N. By incorporating both force magnitude and direction, the sensor enables multidimensional password input, expanding traditional one-dimensional passwords into numeric, alphabetic, and Morse code formats. Experimental results demonstrate significant potential for enhancing information security. The sensor's simple structure, mature fabrication, and ease of integration with flexible electronics underscore its practicality. This work addresses the bottleneck of unidirectional sensing in conventional flexible pressure sensors, offering a robust solution for multidimensional force acquisition in human-machine interfaces, soft robotics, and biomechanical monitoring.

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An Ionic Hydrogel-Based 3D Force Sensor for Multidimensional Password Input and Enhanced Security

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Original ResearchVol. 32, Issue 1 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4397-4• Jan 15, 2026

ElHyX: A Strain-Insensitive Elastomer-Hydrogel Biphasic Platform for Multimodal Implantable Bioelectronics

Authors: Li J, Qu J, Gao W, et al.

The development of implantable bioelectronics faces critical trade-offs between mechanical compliance, electrical stability, and tissue adhesion. Here, we introduce ElHyX, a fully printable integrated system that combines ultrahigh stretchability, durable wet-tissue adhesion, strain-insensitive conductivity, and multimodal sensing-therapy feedback. The molecular covalent bonding design fundamentally eliminates the mechanical and electrical trade-offs of traditional soft conductive materials. Ex-vivo organ tests and long-term rodent implantation experiments verify stable working performance, favorable biocompatibility, and unique autonomous intervention capability. Specifically, the elastomer-hydrogel biphasic architecture achieves strain-insensitive conductivity with relative resistance changes below 5% over 1,000 cycles at 200% strain. The hydrogel component exhibits enhanced adhesion on porcine skin due to ionic crosslinks, maintaining performance after swelling. The integrated device enables closed-loop blood glucose management in diabetic rats, sensing glucose and heart rate to trigger vagus nerve stimulation for insulin modulation. Although unresolved problems exist in long-term in-vivo stability, wireless integration, and biodegradability, ElHyX provides a universal modular manufacturing framework for next-generation implantable bioelectronics. Further targeted optimization of material formulation, packaging technology, and closed-loop algorithms will accelerate industrialization and clinical translation of minimally invasive intelligent diagnostic and therapeutic implants.

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ElHyX: A Strain-Insensitive Elastomer-Hydrogel Biphasic Platform for Multimodal Implantable Bioelectronics

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