Nanoscience News (<front>)

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00500K, PaperQiang Wu, Yuanke Wu, Hui Yan, Wei Zhong, Mingsheng Qin, Haolin Zhu, Shijie Cheng, Jia Xie
Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is one of the most promising cathodes for high-energy-density lithium‒sulfur batteries since its distinctive organic skeleton and covalent sulfur storage mechanism effectively prevent polysulfide dissolution and mitigate...
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Nature Energy, Published online: 11 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01753-5

An analysis of European carbon management shows that CO2 and H2 networks can complement each other. Transporting CO2 and H2 from low-cost regions with high availability to areas that process the two molecules into clean fuels or sequester CO2 could reduce total energy system costs by up to 5.3%.

Nature Energy, Published online: 11 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01752-6

This study on European carbon management shows how H2 and CO2 networks influence whether CO2 is transported to renewable hubs and sequestration sites or H2 is delivered to industrial sites for producing clean fuels from captured CO2.

Nature Nanotechnology, Published online: 11 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41565-025-01882-8

By controlling the contribution of secondary nucleation in the self-assembly of chiral photoswitch molecules using light, it is possible to preferentially generate metastable aggregates, thereby reversing the supramolecular chirality.

Nature Nanotechnology, Published online: 11 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41565-025-01906-3

In battery research, the areas of the electrodes and cell dimensions affect the energy storage performance. Here the authors discuss the factors that influence the reliability of electrochemical measurements and battery performance in lithium-ion cells with different electrode areas.

Nature Materials, Published online: 11 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02203-z

The formation of dislocations upon slip–slide events in organic crystals has been revealed by advanced electron microscopy and data-mining techniques.

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00071H, PaperSolomon T. Oyakhire, Sang Cheol Kim, Wenbo Zhang, Sanzeeda Baig Shuchi, Yi Cui, Stacey Bent
Current guidelines for electrolyte engineering in lithium metal batteries are based on design metrics such as lithium morphology, electrolyte transport properties, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) characteristics, and lithium-electrolyte reactivity. In...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE04820B, Review ArticleBoligarla Vinay, Yosef Nikodimos, Tripti Agnihotri, Shadab Ali Ahmed, Teklay Mezgebe Hagos, Rehbar Hasan, Elango Balaji Tamilarasan, Wei-Nien Su, Bing Joe Hwang
Electrolytes play a pivotal role in battery technologies, influencing performance and safety. However, electrolytes containing fluorine present adverse environmental risks due to their high greenhouse gas emissions and caution of...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Mikael Rechtsman, Penn State
• Friday 09 May 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: Seminar Room 3, RDC.
• Series: Theory of Condensed Matter; organiser: Gaurav.

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Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Prof. Nikos Nikiforakis (Cambridge)
• Thursday 08 May 2025, 14:00-15:30
• Venue: Seminar Room 3, RDC.
• Series: Theory of Condensed Matter; organiser: Bo Peng.

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High-performance 721 nm-excitable solid upconversion porous aromatic frameworks (UC PAFs) was constructed and applied to a broad-range oxygen sensing and efficient heterogeneous photoredox catalysis. Moreover, homogeneous triple exciton energy is recognized to facilitate exciton diffusion, resulting in a high upconversion quantum yield (1.5% with an upper limit of 50%).

Abstract

The development of long-wavelength excitable solid upconversion materials and the regulation of exciton behavior is important for solar energy harvesting, photocatalysis, and other emerging applications. However, the approaches for regulating exciton diffusion are very limited, resulting in extremely poor photonic upconversion performance in solid-state. Here, the annihilation unit is integrated into porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) and loaded with photosensitizer to construct efficient 721 nm-excitable solid upconversion material (upconversion quantum yield up to 1.5%, upper limit 50%). Most importantly, we found that the steric hindrance of annihilator units breaks the π-conjugation between the annihilation unit and the PAFs framework to form the homogeneous triplet exciton energy, which is conducive to the exciton diffusion. After increasing the exciton diffusion constant from 2.0 × 10−6 to 1.34 × 10−5 cm2 s−1, the upconversion quantum yield is increased ≈ 50-fold. Further, this solid upconversion material is utilized to demonstrate, for the first time, a broad-range oxygen sensing and 721 nm-driven heterogeneous and recyclable photoredox catalysis. These findings provide an important approach for regulating the behavior of triplet exciton in disorder solid materials to gain better upconversion performance, which will advance practical applications of organic photon upconversion in energy, chemistry, and photonics.

A spectrally-resolved dual-mode spinning-disk confocal microscopy is developed to monitor the 4D chemical heterogeneity of single V2O5 particles during cycling. A unique and irreversible transformation of V5+ to V3+ on a particle's bottom electric contact points has been unveiled for the first time. The coordination strategy between ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and V3+ is proposed to inhibit V3+ precipitation effectively.

Abstract

Microparticle cathode materials are widely used in secondary batteries. However, obtaining dynamic chemical heterogeneities of these microparticles is challenging, hindering in-depth mechanistic investigation of the underlying processes. For example, although vanadium pentoxide shows promise as an electrode material for zinc ion batteries, its poor performance's root cause is elusive. Herein, a fluorescence/scattering dual-mode spinning disk confocal microscopy-based approach is developed to visualize the 4D chemical heterogeneity of single V2O5 particles during cycling. Dual-mode in situ imaging identifies valence state changes of vanadium ions with high spatiotemporal resolution. A unique difference is observed between the scattering intensities of a particle's bottom electric contact points and the rest parts during the discharging process. In contrast, fluorescence intensity variation suggests high consistency across the particles. Correlative Raman, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses suggest the precipitation of V3+ species at the bottom interface of the V2O5 electrode, leading to increased electron transfer resistance and compromised overall performance. A coordination strategy between ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and V3+ is proposed for inhibiting V3+ precipitation, and its effectiveness is further verified by imaging and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses. Insights from the imaging approach presented herein will enable the rational design of high-performance batteries.

This study addresses a critical challenge in the commercialization of perovskite solar modules by reducing photovoltage loss through the in situ formation of a surface conductive coordination polymer at the surface/interface of the perovskite film.

Abstract

Despite the reported high efficiencies of small-area perovskite photovoltaic cells, the deficiency in large-area modules has impeded the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics. Enhancing the surface/interface conductivity and carrier-transport in polycrystalline perovskite films presents significant potential for boosting the efficiency of perovskite solar modules (PSMs) by mitigating voltage losses. This is particularly critical for multi-series connected sub-cell modules, where device resistance significantly impacts performance compared to small-area cells. Here, an effective approach is reported for decreasing photovoltage loss through surface/interface modulation of perovskite film with a surface conductive coordination polymer. With post-treatment of meso-tetra pyridine porphyrin on perovskite film, PbI2 on perovskite film reacts with pyridine units in porphyrins to generate an iso-structural 2D coordination polymer with a layered surface conductivity as high as 1.14 × 102 S m−1, due to the effect of surface structure reconstruction. Modified perovskite film exhibits greatly increased surface/interface conductivity. The champion PSM obtains a record efficiency up to 23.39% (certified 22.63% with an aperture area of 11.42 cm2) featuring only 0.33-volt voltage loss. Such a modification also leads to substantially improved operational device stability.

The relationship between the bulk photovoltaic effect and cation symmetry is systematically investigated, leading to the first realization of a self-powered X-ray detector in metal-free perovskites. Reduced cation symmetry enhances both the dipole moment and crystal polarity, facilitating carrier migration while simultaneously passivating defects. Leveraging the nonlinear photocurrent response mechanism, the X-ray detector achieves ultra-high equivalent sensitivity at zero bias.

Abstract

Metal-free perovskite (MFP) X-ray detectors have attracted attention due to biocompatibility and synthesizability. However, the necessity of high voltages for MFP X-ray detectors affects stability and safety. Although, the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) with spontaneous electric field is a potential alternative for X-ray detection without high voltage, the constitutive relationship of BPVE in MFP remains unclear. Herein, the relationship between BPVE and cation symmetry is explored, and a self-powered X-ray detector is realized by BPVE in MFP for the first time. Theoretical studies show that cation symmetry reduction can distort the halide octahedron in one direction, which increases the dipole moment and crystal polarity to induce BPVE. The electric field from crystal polarity can drive the defect passivation by the equilibrium carrier and enhance the nonequilibrium carrier performance for BPVE. Then, polar MFP (mPAZE-NH4Br3 H2O) with excellent BPVE is designed. Due to the nonlinear response, the detector obtains a numerically recorded equivalent sensitivity (≈103 µC Gyair −1 cm−2) at 0 V. Moreover, the imaging performance is demonstrated and two image convolution kernels for it are constructed. Finally, it features continuous operation (20000 s) and temperature stability (-55–250 °C). It is believed that the method will further drive the application of MFP for X-ray detectors.

This review describes recent developments in the design and synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOF)/textile composites for the detoxification of chemical warfare agent and simulants with extensive discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of different methods. It also summarizes design rules for more active MOF catalysts and provides the implementation principles to achieve desired performances in practical conditions.

Abstract

Threats from toxic chemical warfare agents (CWAs) persist due to war and terrorist attacks, endangering both human beings and the environment. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which feature ordered pore structures and excellent tunability at both metal/metal cluster nodes and organic linkers, are regarded as the best candidates to directly remove CWAs and their simulants via both physical adsorption and chemically catalyzed hydrolysis or oxidization. MOFs have attracted significant attention in the last two decades that has resulted from the rapid development of MOF-based materials in both fundamental research and real-world applications. In this review, the authors focus on the recent advancements in designing and constructing functional MOF-based materials toward CWAs detoxification and discuss how to bridge the gap between fundamental science and real-world applications. With detailed summaries from different points of view, this review provides insights into design rules for developing next-generation MOF-based materials for protection from both organophosphorus and organosulfur CWAs to mitigate potential threats from CWAs used in wars and terrorism attacks.

This work reports on the engineering of distinctive 2D ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets with interlayer indium vacancies for highly efficient sonocatalytic lung cancer treatment.

Abstract

Sonocatalytic therapy is gaining interest for its non-invasive nature, precise control, and excellent tissue penetration, making it a promising approach for treating malignant tumors. While defect engineering enhances electron and hole separation to boost reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, challenges in constructing effective hole traps compared to electron traps severely limit ROS production. In this study, 2D ZnIn2S4-VIn nanosheets enriched are rationally designed with In vacancies for the efficient capture of electrons and holes, which has achieved substantial sonocatalytic performance in suppressing tumor growth. Compared to pristine ZnIn2S4 nanosheets, which possess a periodic electrostatic potential inherent in their structure, In vacancies effectively disrupt this potential field, promote the simultaneous separation and migration of charge carriers, and inhibit their recombination, thereby boosting ROS production and inducing tumor cell pyroptosis via the ROS-NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD pathway under ultrasound (US) irradiation. Furthermore, both pristine ZnIn2S4 and ZnIn2S4-VIn nanosheets exhibited remarkable biocompatibility. In vitro and in vivo antineoplastic experiments demonstrate that this sonocatalytic approach effectively promotes tumor elimination, underscoring the critical importance of defect-engineered optimization in sonocatalytic tumor therapy.

An ultra-compact and efficient on-chip isolator is experimentally demonstrated by integrating magneto-optical InSb onto a terahertz silicon topological chip. The simultaneous breaking of spatial and temporal reversal symmetries forms a valley-conserved non-reciprocal waveguide mode, enabling a compact cavity size of 6.4 × 2.5λ2 and a low insertion loss of 2.6 dB, with actively tunable isolation ratios up to 64.3 dB.

Abstract

Chip-scale non-reciprocity is essential for advancing integrated photonics, particularly in realizing photonic circulators and isolators for data communication, signal modulation, and quantum computing. However, achieving a non-reciprocal silicon chip with a small footprint, high isolation ratio, low loss, and active control remains a challenge. Here, a non-reciprocal topological silicon chip based on magneto-optical Indium Antimonide (InSb) integrated valley Hall system is reported. The valley-conserved non-reciprocal modes, realized by breaking both time-reversal and spatial-inversion symmetries, enable ultra-compact and efficient non-reciprocal photonic devices that outperform conventional chips. A maximum isolation ratio of 64.3 dB and a low chip loss of 2.6 dB is experimentally achieved by fine-tuning the non-reciprocal critical coupling points of a topological cavity with a small footprint of 6.4 × 2.5λ2. An all-optical method is also applied to actively modulate the isolation ratio from 0 to 48 dB. The development of a non-reciprocal topological silicon chip marks a pivotal advancement in communication systems, LiDAR, terahertz technologies, quantum computing, and cryptography.

This study elucidates how the molecular orientation of conjugated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) governs work function (WF) modulation via alignment of the conjugated core with the surface normal. Edge-on-oriented BCZ-1 molecule maximizes vertical dipole moments and achieves dense in-plane coverage, enabling ultrafast hole extraction and minimized recombination. The resultant binary organic photovoltaics achieve a record efficiency of 19.93%, highlighting orientation engineering as a pivotal strategy for high-performance devices.

Abstract

Molecular orientation stands as the quintessential hallmark of conjugated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which have recently catalyzed noteworthy advancements in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Nevertheless, an unambiguous understanding of these directional arrangements and their impact on optoelectronic properties remains elusive. To address this issue, herein three SAMs with representative orientations, i.e., edge-on (BCZ-1), tilt-on (4PACz) and face-on (BCZ-2) are meticulously designed. These orientations have been rigorously validated by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. Remarkably, an unequivocal correlation between the molecular orientation and the device performance is discerned. Particularly, the edge-on oriented BCZ-1 exhibits the largest dipole moment normal to the electrode, accompanied by a dense and uniform coverage. These features collectively contribute to its strongest work function increment for ultra-fast hole extraction and minimum interfacial carrier recombination. As a result, a champion power conversion efficiency of 19.93% is achieved in devices based on BCZ-1 with D18:L8-BO as the active layer, representing one of the highest values reported for binary bulk heterojunction OPVs. Besides, BCZ-1 shows great potential for practical applications due to its superior up-scalability and enhanced device shelf-stability. Overall, this work offers in-depth insights into the orientation behaviors of SAMs, opening new avenues to unlock the efficiency potential of OPVs.

Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Prof. Nikos Nikiforakis (Cambridge)
• Thursday 08 May 2025, 14:00-15:30
• Venue: Seminar Room 2, RDC.
• Series: Theory of Condensed Matter; organiser: Bo Peng.

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Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Prof. Jörg Behler (Ruhr-Universität Bochum)
• Thursday 19 June 2025, 14:00-15:30
• Venue: Seminar Room 3, RDC.
• Series: Theory of Condensed Matter; organiser: Bo Peng.

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