Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • The special topic compiles 31 papers, including 12 reviews, 1 perspective, and 18 original research contributions, providing a comprehensive overview of chiral materials research. • • Reviews cover first-principles calculations of CPL (Yao et al.) and AI-driven discovery (Zou and Zhang), highlighting theoretical and computational advances. • • Original research includes chiral hybrid indium halides co-doped with Yb3+ and Sb3+ achieving near-infrared and visible dual-band CPL (Li et al., 2026, 69: 2598–2607). • • Multilayered Cs-based chiral-polar perovskite construction overcomes the chiroptical activity-photoelectricity trade-off (Dong et al., 2026, 69: 2608–2613).
Abstract
Chirality, a fundamental property of matter, underpins diverse phenomena across chemistry, biology, materials science, and physics. This editorial introduces a special topic on chiral materials, comprising 31 high-quality papers (12 reviews, 1 perspective, 18 original research contributions) that collectively advance the field from molecular to supramolecular chirality, chiral self-assembly, and chirality transfer across multiple length scales. The collection highlights recent progress in theoretical understanding, artificial intelligence-driven design, and applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. Key contributions include first-principles calculations elucidating circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) origins, AI-accelerated discovery of chiral functional materials, and reviews on CPL-active non-perovskite halides, chiral inorganic catalysts, polyoxometalate-based materials, and chiral carbon dots. Organic, polymeric, and supramolecular systems are also featured, including stimuli-responsive azobenzene-based helices, aromatic foldamers, and folding-mediated chirality control. Original research spans helical wrapping, enantiomer purity regulation, optically active helical polymers, 2D assemblies, metal-organic frameworks, chiral hybrid halides, perovskites, Eu(III) enantiomers, co-assembled copolymers, polymer dots, ferroelectric liquid crystals, nanozymes, and homochiral MOFs. These works collectively address fundamental questions and demonstrate potential for advanced functional materials with programmable properties, pointing to promising innovation pathways for future technological development.
1. Introduction
Chiral materials have long been pivotal in optoelectronics, catalysis, and biomedicine, yet their translation into commercial devices has been hampered by challenges in achieving high chiroptical activity without compromising photoelectric performance, and in scaling up synthesis with precise control over chirality. Existing approaches often rely on trial-and-error molecular design, leading to unpredictable properties and limited scalability.
This special topic addresses these bottlenecks by presenting a mechanism-oriented understanding of chirality, leveraging supramolecular chemistry, nanotechnology, and data-driven approaches. The collection showcases strategies to overcome trade-offs, such as the multilayered perovskite design that balances chiroptical activity and photoelectricity, and the use of AI to accelerate discovery. By integrating theoretical insights with experimental innovations, these works provide a roadmap for developing programmable chiral materials with enhanced performance and manufacturability.
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ZHANG Wei, ZHONG Yu-Wu, CUI Yong (2026). Editorial: Special Topic on Chiral Materials. SCIENCE CHINA Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-026-4190-y
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key challenges in achieving high circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in chiral materials, and how do the papers in this special topic address them?
The main challenge is the trade-off between chiroptical activity and photoelectric performance. For instance, Dong et al. (2026, 69: 2608–2613) constructed multilayered Cs-based chiral-polar perovskites to overcome this trade-off, achieving both high CPL and photoelectric response. Additionally, Li et al. (2026, 69: 2598–2607) demonstrated dual-band CPL in chiral hybrid indium halides co-doped with Yb3+ and Sb3+, showing that careful dopant engineering can enhance CPL without sacrificing other properties.
How does artificial intelligence contribute to the discovery and optimization of chiral functional materials?
Zou and Zhang (review) highlight the transformative role of AI in accelerating discovery and optimization. AI models can predict chiral properties and guide synthesis, reducing trial-and-error. For example, AI can analyze large datasets to identify structure-property relationships, enabling rational design of materials with desired chiroptical characteristics.
What are the advantages of using supramolecular and polymeric systems for chiral materials, and what specific examples are presented?
Supramolecular and polymeric systems offer structural diversity and tunability. For instance, Zhang et al. review stimuli-responsive chiral supramolecular materials from azobenzene-based helical structures, which can switch chirality upon external stimuli. Chen and Dong discuss aromatic foldamers and helical polymers for molecular recognition and CPL. These systems allow dynamic control and multifunctionality.
How do the original research papers demonstrate scalability or practical application potential?
Several papers show scalable synthesis and application potential. For example, Ahmed et al. (2026, 69: 2566–2573) used catalyst enantiomer purity regulation to access chiral poly(2-hydroxybutyric-co-glycolic acid) with tunable properties, indicating process control. Gao et al. (2026, 69: 2574–2582) synthesized eugenol-based optically active helical polymers with post-polymerization modification, offering versatility. These approaches suggest manufacturability.
What are the emerging applications of chiral materials in catalysis and sensing, as highlighted in this special topic?
Chiral materials are used for enantioselective catalysis and sensing. Zhao et al. (2026, 69: 2658–2667) present dimensionally extended homochiral MOFs for catalysis and enantioselective sensing, demonstrating high selectivity. Khamis et al. (2026, 69: 2647–2657) developed chiral supramolecular helical nanozymes with tunable screw pitch and catalytic enantioselectivity, offering potential for biocatalysis.
Related Chinese Research & Cross-Citations
Ammonium Vanadate Cathodes in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Design Strategies and Research Progress
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.
Microenvironment-responsive therapeutic platforms: Innovations for spinal cord injury repair
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.
Dual-Site Adsorption over Phosphorus-Doped Copper Oxide for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to Ethylene
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.
Hydrophilic Single-Atom Interface Unlocks Low-Potential CO Removal on Pt in PEMFCs
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.
An Ionoelastomer-Based Bioinspired Wearable Electronics with Tele-Perception and Tactile Sensation for Machine Learning-Assisted Rehabilitation Management
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.
Microwave-Absorbing Materials with Strong Environmental Adaptability for Corrosion Protection, Anti-Icing, and Thermal Management
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.