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This study presents an anisotropic inductive liquid metal sensor (AI-LMS) inspired by the biomechanical properties of human fingertips. The AI-LMS demonstrates superior performance in multidimensional pressure sensing, characterized by high linearity and stability. Potential applications encompass enhancing robotic tactile perception and facilitating precise 3D surface scanning, representing a significant milestone in the field of soft robotics technology.

Abstract

The advancement of robotic behavior and intelligence has led to an urgent demand for improving their sensitivity and interactive capabilities, which presents challenges in achieving multidimensional, wide-ranging, and reliable tactile sensing. Here an anisotropic inductive liquid metal sensor (AI-LMS) is introduced inspired by the human fingertip, which inherently possesses the capability to detect spatially multi-axis pressure with a wide sensing range, exceptional linearity, and signal stability. Additionally, it can detect very small pressures and responds swiftly to prescribed forces. Compared to resistive signals, inductive signals offer significant advantages. Further, integrated with a deep neural network model, the AI-LMS can decouple multi-axis pressures acting simultaneously upon it. Notably, the sensing range of Ecoflex and PDMS-based AI-LMS can be expanded by a factor of 4 and 9.5, respectively. For practical illustrations, a high-precision surface scanning reconstruction system is developed capable of capturing intricate details of 3D surface profiles. The utilization of biomimetic AI-LMS as robotic fingertips enables real-time discrimination of diverse delicate grasping behaviors across different fingers. The innovations and unique features in sensing mechanisms and structural design are expected to bring transformative changes and find extensive applications in the field of soft robotics.

The study investigates the effects of nanoplastics on human immune cells using palladium-doped polystyrene nanoplastics and mass cytometry. It reveals that nanoplastics accumulate in various immune cell subpopulations, reducing cell viability and impairing function. In vivo experiments in mice confirm their accumulation in several immune cells. This accumulation poses health risks, highlighting the potential dangers of nanoplastics to human health.

Abstract

The increasing exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) raises significant concerns for human health, primarily due to their potential bioaccumulative properties. While NPs have recently been detected in human blood, their interactions with specific immune cell subtypes and their impact on immune regulation remain unclear. In this proof-of-concept study, model palladium-doped polystyrene NPs (PS-Pd NPs) are utilized to enable single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) detection. The size-dependent impact of carboxylate polystyrene NPs (50–200 nm) is investigated across 15 primary immune cell subpopulations using CyTOF. By taking advantage of Pd-doping for detecting PS-Pd NPs, this work evaluates their impact on human immune-cells at the single-cell level following blood exposure. This work traces PS-Pd NPs in 37 primary immune-cell subpopulations from human blood, quantifying the palladium atom count per cell by CyTOF while simultaneously assessing the impact of PS-Pd NPs on cell viability, functionality, and uptake. These results demonstrate that NPs can interact with, interfere with, and translocate into several immune cell subpopulations after exposure. In vivo distribution experiments in mice further confirmed their accumulation in immune cells within the liver, blood, and spleen, particularly in monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of NPs on human health.

Advanced Materials, Volume 37, Issue 12, March 26, 2025.

Biological Tissue Microstructures

The Morpho butterfly wing is a natural photonic crystal that interacts selectively with polarized light. Lisa V. Poulikakos and co-workers interface the Morpho wing with breast cancer tissue sections and illuminate the system with polarized light for quantitative, contact- and stain-free assessment of tissue microstructures. This imaging approach enables improved understanding of the role of tissue microstructure in the origin and progression of disease. More details can be found in article number 2407728.

Lignocellulose-Mediated Functionalization of Liquid Metals Composites

In article number 2415761, Wei Li, Liyu Zhu, Ying Xu, Guanhua Wang, Ting Xu, and Chuanling Si summarize the state-of-the-art of lignocellulose-based liquid metals materials for the frontiers of multifunctional materials and discuss how to design and functionalize lignocellulose-based liquid metals materials with specific performance. The cover image shows a lignocellulose-based liquid metals materials for the frontiers application.

Heterogeneous Integration of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors and 2D Materials

The heterogeneous integration of 2D materials and WBG enables the growth of high-quality WBG films and the 2D material-assisted layer transfer of them, facilitating flexible electronics and micro- LEDs. This cover image illustrates the transfer process of WBG/2D heterostructures and their potential applications in HEMTs and micro-LEDs. More details can be found in article number 2411108 by Soo Ho Choi, Yongsung Kim, Il Jeon, and Hyunseok Kim.

Nanomedicine Accumulation

Accurate prediction of nanomedicine accumulation is crucial for guiding patient stratification and optimizing treatment strategies in precision medicine. In article number 2416696, Shouju Wang and colleagues present an interpretable radiomics model capable of predicting nanomedicine tumor accumulation using routine medical imaging, achieving an impressive accuracy of 0.851. This study demonstrates the potential of noninvasive imaging for patient stratification and the precise tailoring of nanomedicine therapies, paving the way for more personalized and effective cancer treatment.

Nanoplastics

In article number 2413413, Acelya Yilmazer, Marco Orecchioni, Lucia Gemma Delogu, and co-workers explore the interaction of nanoplastics with human immune cells, using advanced single-cell mass cytometry. Findings reveal nanoplastics uptake on several immune cell subpopulations, affecting cell viability and functionality. Art by the team of INMYWORK Studio.

Suppression of Sepsis Cytokine Storm

Escherichia coli can be transformed into therapeutic nanodrugs through high-temperature treatment, alluding to the concept of the ‘phoenix bathing in fire, attaining nirvana, and being reborn, transforming defilement into purity.’ This suggests that drugs for combating infectious diseases can be derived from the transformation of pathogens themselves, offering a versatile and promising approach for drug development with broad potential applications. More details can be found in article number 2414237 by Yang Zhang, Wenqing Gao, Huijuan Liu, Tao Sun, and co-workers.

3D-Bio-NanoRulers

Central to super-resolution fluorescence microscopy is the need for reliable, biocompatible 3D nanostructures to validate resolution capabilities. The selection of these standards is challenging due to precise geometric and specific labelling requirements. In article number 2403365, José Ignacio Galle, Oleksii Nevskyi, Mark Bates, Jörg Enderlein, and co-workers propose the T4 virus as a 3D-Bio-NanoRuler. Using a simple preparation protocol and DNA-PAINT with astigmatic imaging, we detail viral structures, showcasing the benchmarking potential of T4.

The heterogeneous integration of wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGs) and 2D materials is emerging as a promising way to address various challenges faced by WBGs. This review covers recent advancements in fabrication techniques, mechanisms, devices, and novel functionalities of WBG/2D heterostructures. Furthermore, the directions and perspectives are outlined for realizing practical applications in the near future.

Abstract

Wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGs) are crucial building blocks of many modern electronic devices. However, there is significant room for improving the crystal quality, available choice of materials/heterostructures, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of WBGs. In this regard, utilizing layered 2D materials in conjunction with WBG is emerging as a promising solution. This review presents recent advancements in the integration of WBGs and 2D materials, including fabrication techniques, mechanisms, devices, and novel functionalities. The properties of various WBGs and 2D materials, their integration techniques including epitaxial and nonepitaxial growth methods as well as transfer techniques, along with their advantages and challenges, are discussed. Additionally, devices and applications based on the WBG/2D heterostructures are introduced. Distinctive advantages of merging 2D materials with WBGs are described in detail, along with perspectives on strategies to overcome current challenges and unlock the unexplored potential of WBG/2D heterostructures.

Lignocellulose-mediated liquid metal (LM) composites exhibit significant potential across various applications due to their chemical bonding capabilities and tailored microstructures. This review comprehensively summarizes the fundamental principles and recent advancements in lignocellulose-mediated LM composites, highlighting the advantages of lignocellulose in composite fabrication, including facile synthesis, versatile interactions, and inherent functionalities. Challenges and future directions for these composites are also summarized.

Abstract

Lignocellulose-mediated liquid metal (LM) composites, as emerging functional materials, show tremendous potential for a variety of applications. The abundant hydroxyl, carboxyl, and other polar groups in lignocellulose facilitate the formation of strong chemical bonds with LM surfaces, enhancing wettability and adhesion for improved interface compatibility. Beyond serving as a supportive matrix, lignocellulose can be tailored to optimize the microstructure of the composites, adapting them for diverse applications. This review comprehensively summarizes the fundamental principles and recent advancements in lignocellulose-mediated LM composites, highlighting the advantages of lignocellulose in composite fabrication, including facile synthesis, versatile interactions, and inherent functionalities. Key modulation strategies for LMs and innovative synthesis methods for functionalized lignocellulose composites are discussed. Furthermore, the roles and structure–performance relationships of these composites in electromagnetic shielding, flexible sensors, and energy storage devices are systematically summarized. Finally, the obstacles and prospective advancements pertaining to lignocellulose-mediated LM composites are thoroughly scrutinized and deliberated upon. This review is expected to provide basic guidance for researchers to boost the popularity of LMs in diverse applications and provide useful references for design strategies of state-of-the-art LMs.

Researchers have developed a two-terminal AlScN/p-i-n GaN heterojunction ferroelectric memristor with ultraviolet photoelectric synapse function, enabling nonvolatile memory and optoelectronic synaptic characteristics. This innovation achieves a high memory on/off ratio and a relatively low synaptic energy consumption, advancing optoelectronics and artificial vision systems with potential applications in on-chip sensing and computing.

Abstract

Ferroelectric materials represent a frontier in semiconductor research, offering the potential for novel optoelectronics. AlScN material is a kind of outstanding ferroelectric semiconductor with strong residual polarization, high Curie temperature, and mainstream semiconductor fabrication compatibility. However, it is challenging to realize multi-state optical responders due to their limited light sensitivity. Here, a two-terminal AlScN/p-i-n GaN heterojunction ultraviolet optoelectronic synapse is fabricated, overcoming this limitation by leveraging hole capture at the AlScN/p-GaN hetero-interface for multi-state modulation. The novel structure maintains excellent memristor characteristics based on the ferroelectric of AlScN, realizing an on/off ratio of 9.36 × 105. More importantly, the device can mimic synaptic characteristics essential for artificial vision systems, achieving an image recognition accuracy of 93.7% with a weight evolution nonlinearity of 0.26. This approach not only extends the applications of AlScN in optoelectronics but also paves the way for advanced artificial vision systems with image preprocessing and recognition capabilities. The findings provide a step forward in the development of non-volatile memories with potential for on-chip sensing and computing.

Can lignin revolutionize lithium-ion battery separators? A single-layer lignin-based ultrathin separator (as thin as 15 µm) is fabricated using a dry fibrillation method, enabling exceptional thermal stability, low energy consumption, and full material utilization. Sulfonate functional groups enhance interfacial stability, significantly improving cycling in graphite||NMC811 and Si-Gr||NMC811 cells. This scalable, sustainable approach paves the way for next-generation functional separators.

Abstract

Separators are critical components in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), preventing internal short circuits, mitigating thermal runaway, and influencing rate capability and cycling performance. However, current polyolefin separators suffer from limitations, such as high thermal shrinkage, relatively poor wettability, and inadequate long-term stability, impacting safety and cycle life in critical applications like electric vehicles. Here, a single-layer lignin-based ultrathin separator (as thin as 15 µm) with exceptional intrinsic thermal stability and cycling performance is demonstrated. The separator is fabricated using lignosulfonate, a natural polymer derived as a byproduct of chemical pulping and biorefinery processes. By employing a dry fibrillation method, the process achieves low energy consumption and a 100% raw material conversion rate, highlighting its scalability and sustainability. Interfacial studies reveal the improved cycling performance in both graphite||NMC811 and Si-Gr||NMC811 cells is attributed to the abundant sulfonate functional groups in lignosulfonates, which promote the formation of a sulfur-rich cathode/solid electrolyte interphases (CEI/SEI) with low resistance in both the cathode and anode. The high thermal stability, manufacturing feasibility, battery performance, and low cost of such lignin-based separators offer new inspiration for developing next-generation, single-layer functional separators tailored for high-performance LIBs.

VAFe bionic cartilage hydrogel with a double-network semi-crosslinked chain entanglement structure and motion-driven magnetoelectric-coupled cyclic transformation effect shows the high water content, a porous structure, good mechanical properties, and the electromagnetic effect of the bionic cartilage, which provides a functional compensation and a suitable induced environment for the defective cartilage repair.

Abstract

Enhancing defective cartilage repair by creating a bionic cartilage hydrogel supplemented with in situ electromagnetic stimulation, replicating endogenous electromagnetic effects, remains challenging. To achieve this, a unique three-phase solvent system is designed to prepare a magnetoelectric bionic cartilage hydrogel incorporating piezoelectric poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) and magnetostrictive triiron tetraoxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) into sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel to form a dual-network, semi-crosslinked chain entanglement structure. The synthesized hydrogel features similar composition, structure, and mechanical properties to natural cartilage. In addition, after the implantation of cartilage, the motion-driven magnetoelectric-coupled cyclic transformation model is triggered by gentle joint forces, initiating a piezoelectric response that leads to magnetoelectric-coupled cyclic transformation. The freely excitable and cyclically enhanced electromagnetic stimulation it can provide, by simulating and amplifying endogenous electromagnetic effects, obtains induced defective cartilage repair efficacy superior to piezoelectric or magnetic stimulation alone.

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE06203E, Paper Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.Xuanjie Wang, Jintong Gao, Yipu Wang, Yayuan Liu, Xinyue Liu, Lenan Zhang
Solar-powered water electrolysis holds significant promise for the mass production of green hydrogen. However, the substantial water consumption associated with electrolysis not only increases the cost of green hydrogen but...
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This review investigates technological trends in brain-inspired artificial reconfigurable memristors, as well as individual non-volatile and volatile devices, according to their operating principles and fabrication methods. It examines case studies of artificial neural network system implementations based on these devices, providing the latest comprehensive design guidelines from fundamentals to advanced systems.

Abstract

The ongoing global energy crisis has heightened the demand for low-power electronic devices, driving interest in neuromorphic computing inspired by the parallel processing of human brains and energy efficiency. Reconfigurable memristors, which integrate both volatile and non-volatile behaviors within a single unit, offer a powerful solution for in-memory computing, addressing the von Neumann bottleneck that limits conventional computing architectures. These versatile devices combine the high density, low power consumption, and adaptability of memristors, positioning them as superior alternatives to traditional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology for emulating brain-like functions. Despite their potential, studies on reconfigurable memristors remain sparse and are often limited to specific materials such as Mott insulators without fully addressing their unique reconfigurability. This review specifically focuses on reconfigurable memristors, examining their dual-mode operation, diverse physical mechanisms, structural designs, material properties, switching behaviors, and neuromorphic applications. It highlights the recent advancements in low-power-consumption solutions within memristor-based neural networks and critically evaluates the challenges in deploying reconfigurable memristors as standalone devices or within artificial neural systems. The review provides in-depth technical insights and quantitative benchmarks to guide the future development and implementation of reconfigurable memristors in low-power neuromorphic computing.

A Co-rich high-entropy oxide (HEO) catalyst enables efficient electrochemical methane-to-ethanol conversion at room temperature. By leveraging elemental enrichment, the catalyst achieves high selectivity and stability, outperforming conventional systems. Process modeling further highlights its economic viability and significant potential for reducing carbon emissions.

Abstract

The electrochemical conversion of methane offers a sustainable alternative to traditional thermochemical syngas pathways; however, the rational design of catalysts that ensure high productivity remains a significant challenge. In this study, a high-entropy oxide (HEO) catalyst composed of Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni is explored, with a targeted element enriched, and identify that a Co-rich HEO demonstrates high efficiency in room-temperature electrochemical methane conversion. This analysis of the projected density of states (PDOS) reveals that Co sites in the HEO catalyst possess an optimally positioned p-band center for methane activation. The Co-rich HEO catalyst achieves an ethanol production rate of 12315 µmol/gcat/hr at 1.6 VRHE, with a Faradaic efficiency of 63.5%; a flow cell electrolyzer equipped with this catalyst achieves continuous methane-to-ethanol conversion at a rate of 26533 µmol/gcat/hr over 100 h. Process modeling evaluates the economic and environmental implications, demonstrating that a commercially viable process can be realized through economies of scale while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.

A microsized perovskite oxide Ce0.266W0.1Nb0.9O3 is engineered as an anode material for high-rate, long-life Li+ storage, demonstrating impressive performance by maintaining both high areal capacity and high rate capability, even at high mass loadings. This outstanding electrochemical behavior is primarily attributed to the nanoscale circuitry formed by an atomic-scale short-range order structure.

Abstract

High-rate materials necessitate the rapid transportation of both electrons and ions, a requirement that becomes especially challenging at practical mass loadings (>10 mg cm2). To address this challenge, a material is designed with an architecture having atomic-scale short-range order. This design establishes internal nanoscale circuitry at the particle level, which facilitates rapid electronic and ionic transport within micrometer-sized niobium tungsten oxides. The architecture features alternating cerium-depleted and cerium-enriched regions. The continuous cerium-enriched regions with enhanced conductivity provide multilane highways for electron mobility by functioning as electron-conducting wires that significantly boost the overall conductivity. The cerium-depleted regions effectively mitigate electrostatic repulsion and promote rapid ion transport through ion-conducting channels. These structural characteristics provide a continuous network that supports both electrical migration and chemical diffusion to amplify the areal capacity and rate capability even at high mass loadings. These findings not only expand the fundamental understanding of the design of optimal host lattices for advanced energy storage systems but also of the practical application of microsized high-rate electrode materials.

A van der Waals FePS2.66Li0.87 superionic conductor (SIC) with enhanced mixed electronic/ionic conductivity is applied for solar-driven nitrate conversion to ammonia. The migration of mobile lithium ions between layers significantly promotes the electronic conductivity of FePS2.66Li0.87 SIC, which achieves a remarkable ammonia synthesis yield (134.18 µmol cm−2 h−1) under low bias voltage.

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) nitrate reduction shows substantial potential for solar-to-ammonia (NH3) conversion. However, low electron density and disordered electron conduction of conventional catalysts result in limited performance and low Faraday efficiency. Herein, a FePS2.66Li0.87 superionic conductor (SIC) is developed by introducing lithium ions into van der Waals immobile layered of FePS3 catalyst. This layered crystal framework facilitates high-concentration lithium ions confinement and long-range diffusion at room temperature, transitioning the conduction mechanism from electronic to mixed ionic/electronic. The typical nanofluidic ion transport leads to a high ionic conductivity of 16.4 mS cm−1 at room temperature and enhanced electronic conductivity of 5 × 10−6 S cm−1. Furthermore, mobile lithium ions within interlayers enhance the interaction between the low-lying 3dyz orbitals of Fe interacting with 2a2 empty antibonding orbitals of NO3 −. An excellent PEC ammonia production of 134.18 µmol cm−2 h−1 with 96.95% Faradaic efficiency is achieved, and the corresponding solar-to-NH3 efficiency of 57.13% offers a promising pathway toward sustainable ammonia production.