Nanoscience News (<front>)

This work presents a neuromorphic hardware platform that integrates presynaptic transistors, threshold switching neurons, and adaptive feedback synapses. The architecture enables on-chip Hebbian learning through correlation-based weight updates without external training circuits. A 6 × 6 device array demonstrates stable real-time operation, offering a pathway toward efficient, scalable brain-inspired computing systems.

The von Neumann bottleneck and growing energy demands of conventional computing systems require innovative architectural solutions. Although neuromorphic computing is a promising alternative, implementing efficient on-chip learning mechanisms remains a fundamental challenge. Herein, a novel artificial neural platform is presented that integrates three synergistic components: modulation-optimized presynaptic transistors, threshold switching memristor-based neurons, and adaptive feedback synapses. The platform demonstrates real-time synaptic weight modification through correlation-based learning, effectively implementing Hebbian principles in hardware without requiring extensive peripheral circuitry. Stable device operation and successful implementation of local learning rules are confirmed by systematically characterizing a 6 × 6 array configuration. The experimental results demonstrate a correlation between input–output signals and subsequent weight modifications, establishing a viable pathway toward hardware implementation of Hebbian learning in neuromorphic systems.

An artificial reef-like manganese-doped Prussian blue analogue (PBMn) is designed as a biomimetic cross-linker to enhance the mechanical robustness of the phytic acid-cationic polymer (PC) network. This approach enables the efficient deposition of PC-PBM on diverse material surfaces and complex geometries, facilitating the fabrication of gradient coating with optimized antibacterial performance while minimizing heat generation.

Photothermal therapy for bacterial infections poses a significant challenge due to the high temperatures required for effective bacterial eradication, which can also harm surrounding healthy tissues. Determining the minimal effective temperature for bacterial destruction is therefore critical. In this study, artificial reef-like manganese-doped Prussian blue (PBMn) nanoframes are developed as photothermal agents and physical cross-linkers to reinforce a phytic acid and cationic polymer network coating. This innovative deposition approach facilitates the creation of a gradient PBMn-enhanced phytic acid-cationic polymer (PC-PBM) coating, achieving a balance between effective photothermal antibacterial activity and reduced heat-induced collateral damage. When applied to a polyurethane (PU) substrate, the gradient PC-PBM coating exhibits excellent photothermal efficiency, biocompatibility, and tunable antibacterial activity. Gene transcriptomics analysis demonstrates significant downregulation of virulence genes and biofilm-forming genes in pathogens following PC-PBM treatment, confirming the antibacterial efficacy of the coating. Both in vitro and in vivo evaluations, including studies in an infected hernia model, underscore the coating's excellent anti-infection performance. This work introduces a robust and biomimetic strategy for constructing gradient coating, advancing photothermal therapy by achieving effective bacterial eradication with reducing collateral damage to healthy tissues.

The designed gel electrolyte, engineered through the Fukui function to synergistically modulate the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the zinc anode interface, enables both symmetric and full-cell configurations to achieve exceptional cycling stability. Notably, the cells maintain remarkable electrochemical performance even under elevated temperature conditions. Furthermore, the corresponding pouch cells demonstrate achieved superior cycling durability and excellent mechanical robustness.

While traditional gel electrolytes address critical issues such as electrolyte leakage and dendrite growth in zinc metal batteries (ZMBs), their intrinsic inability to suppress the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains a fundamental limitation. Herein, a Fukui function-guided molecular engineering approach is proposed to develop a gel electrolyte (HG-3TP) with higher Gibbs free energy of HER (ΔG HER). The reduced electrophilic Fukui function inhibits Zn electron extraction while participating in Zn2⁺ solvation to decrease free water activity. Simultaneously, attenuated nucleophilic Fukui function creates an inert barrier on Zn anodes, raising H⁺ desorption energy and lowering proton diffusion. These synergistic effects suppress the Volmer/Heyrovsky step, significantly increasing ΔG HER and inhibiting HER. Meanwhile, optimized interfacial energetics facilitate uniform Zn plating/stripping while maintaining cathode compatibility. As a result, Zn batteries with HG-3TP exhibit excellent long-term cycling stability, achieving 4,000 h in Zn||Zn symmetric cells and maintaining operation for 710 h at 60 °C, while demonstrating 83.5% capacity retention over 11 000 cycles in Zn||VO2 full cells. This work establishes a thermodynamics-kinetics orchestrated paradigm through Fukui function-guided electrolyte design, advancing ultrastable ZMBs for scalable energy storage.

Electrosorbed ions under nanoconfinement (see TOC figure) critically reshape electrochemical potentials and impact ion transport in porous electrodes. By integrating modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck simulations with multilayered graphene membrane experiments, this study establishes a scaling relation and reveals electrosorption-enhanced transport, offering a computationally efficient framework for designing high-performance, fast-charging electrochemical and iontronic devices.

Electrolyte-filled nanoporous electrodes with fast-charging capability are critical for advanced energy storage and iontronic devices. However, experiments and simulations consistently show that increasing electrode thickness degrades performance by limiting ion access to effective electrode/electrolyte interfaces, especially under fast-charging conditions. While often attributed to sluggish ion transport, the underlying mechanisms and the quantitative link between thickness and performance remain unclear due to complex pore structures and nanoconfined ion dynamics. Here, using multilayered graphene membranes as a model system, modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck simulations with experiments are combined to reveal how electrosorbed ions reshape local electrical and chemical potentials, particularly as the surface-to-volume ratio increases with reduced pore size. It is shown that electrosorbed ions substantially influence the scaling behavior of capacitance across electrode thicknesses, causing marked deviations from classical transmission line models as pores approach nanometric dimensions. Despite the complexity introduced by nanoconfinement, introducing a correction factor enables capacitance–scan rate relationships to collapse into a unified curve across various electrode architectures, allowing computationally efficient design of high-performance fast-charging electrochemical and iontronic devices. This work highlights the unique role of 2D nanomaterials as a versatile platform for bridging experiments and theory to address long-standing challenges in ion transport dynamics.

The ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) method applied to a large dataset of modern fluorescent proteins (FPs) led to a bright ancestral-like FP suitable for photon down-conversion in bio-hybrid light-emitting diodes (Bio-HLEDs).

Protein-optoelectronics is a paradigm toward eco-designed and sustainable technologies. The challenge is, however, how to preserve the native activity of proteins upon device fabrication/operation in non-native environments (solvents, organic/inorganic interfaces, and working temperatures/irradiations). Herein, a new vision to identify and design ancestral-like fluorescent proteins (FPs) is proposed. Using ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) out of a large dataset (221) of the best modern FPs suitable for photon down-conversion in bio-hybrid light-emitting diodes (Bio-HLEDs) a historical-genetic reconstruction (family tree) was obtained, identifying a possible common ancestral FP. This computationally designed protein is produced in bacteria, featuring outstanding photoluminescence quantum yields in solution (e.g., 90%/80% for green-/red-emitting forms) and a strong tendency to agglomerate in polymer coatings. This resulted in red-emitting Bio-HLEDs that outperformed the reference with ≈2-fold enhanced stabilities. The resplendent green-/red-emission of ancestral-like FP itself and its respective devices led us to coin this new protein as QuetzalFP. Overall, it is set in ASR as an effective concept to reshape protein-optoelectronics allowing us to identify i) many interesting ancestral FPs for lighting and ii) QuetzalFP as stepping-stone platform for protein engineering.

It is demonstrated that the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) can be effectively enhanced by early terminating solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation via equivalent chemical fluorination. This study presents novel insights into optimizing SEI compositions and electrochemical performance by manipulating the inherent self-terminating chemistry.

The initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of lithium-ion batteries, quantifying the irreversible Li+ loss during the first cycle, is critical for determining practical energy density. Many electrode materials exhibit substandard ICEs (<90%) due to excessive formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Traditional strategies modifying SEI formation mainly focus on the generating process but often consume extra Li+ and yield limited improvements. Here, a strategy is introduced that targets the terminating process of SEI formation, usually impeded by interfacial parasitic reactions, to achieve ICEs exceeding 90%. Using TiO2 as a model electrode, it is demonstrated that equivalent chemical fluorination suppresses the parasitic reaction between phosphorus pentafluoride (PF₅) and surface hydroxyl groups (─OH), early terminating SEI formation. Interfacial analysis and theoretical simulations reveal that this approach reduces organic SEI formation while preserving the beneficial LiF-rich inner SEI layer. As a result, the fluorinated TiO2 anode exhibits an ICE of 92.1%, significantly higher than the 74.1% of pristine TiO2, without compromising other electrochemical performance metrics. Pouch cell tests confirm the practical applicability of the method. This work provides deep insights into mechanisms of terminating SEI formation and opens a new pathway for optimizing the battery performances through inherent SEI manipulation.

A coaxial electroluminochromic fiber with integrated electroluminescent cores and electrochromic shells is constructed on carbon nanotube fibers, enabling dynamic RGB switching and pixelated control. The design features low-voltage operation, fast and reversible color modulation, and high durability, offering a significant advance for multicolor smart textiles in wearable electronics and textile-based display technologies.

The immense potential of electronic textiles for wearable applications has spurred extensive research into luminescent fibers suitable for smart textile displays. However, current electroluminescent (EL) fibers, while flexible and wearable, typically emit only a fixed color and have a 1D structure, which confines fiber-based displays to pre-designed patterns. Here, a coaxial hierarchical fiber structure is fabricated with an insulating polymer layer sandwiched between an EL core and an electrochromic (EC) shell based on carbon nanotube fibers. Acting as a dynamic optical filter with RGB tri-state switching capabilities, the EC shell can effectively modulate the optical properties of inner emitted lights via a low voltage, enabling a new “electroluminochromic” fiber with multicolor luminescence and rapid on-demand color switching. Moreover, electroluminochromic bare fibers can be woven with orthogonal electrodes at discrete gel polymer electrolyte junctions, forming individually addressable luminescent pixels. Using a warp-weft knitting approach and integration with the Internet of Things, this display textile can transmit information, exhibiting great potential for applications in smart displays and wearable electronic devices.

Thanks to the synergism of abundant active sites and the superior catalytic effect of the uf-MBene/CNT cathode host, along with uniform lithium ion deposition facilitated by adding Na2SeO3 additives, the cell with this S@uf-MBene/CNT cathode and Na2SeO3 additive can maintain stable cycling for up to 850 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 93.6% at 0.5 C (10.62 mg cm−2).

Due to the notorious shuttle effect and the uneven deposition of lithium ions under high current conditions, lithium-sulfur batteries with ultra-high sulfur loading struggle to achieve stable long-cycle performance. Herein, a novel MBene-based composite material is prepared using the ultrasonic freeze etching method as a cathode host. The shuttle effect is effectively inhibited, thanks to its unique structure and abundant active sites. Moreover, a small amount of Na2SeO3 is introduced into the electrolyte to further enhance the long-cycle performance. Due to the “reverse tip effect,” where sodium ions preferentially deposit over lithium ions, the growth of lithium dendrites is effectively suppressed. Remarkably, the cell with the novel cathode and electrolyte design exhibits an initial capacity of 778.2 mAh g−1 and sustains stability for up to 850 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 93.6% and a sulfur loading of 10.62 mg cm−2. The synergistic strategy of optimizing both cathode and electrolyte systems effectively mitigates the shuttle effect and suppresses lithium dendrite growth, offering an innovative approach to designing ultra-high-sulfur-loading lithium-sulfur batteries with extended lifespans.

A proof-of-the-concept architecture is proposed to realize high-performance perovskite/organic hybrid white electroluminescent devices for ultra-high-definition display and illumination applications, which enables simultaneous high-efficiency, wide color gamut and extended operational lifetime.

Rapid and substantial progress is made in monochromatic perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs), however, challenges remain in achieving white electroluminescence for high-definition display and lighting applications with perovskites as emitters. Here, a proof-of-the-concept configuration is proposed that successfully demonstrates monolithic perovskite/organic hybrid white LEDs (P/O-WLEDs) with a wide color gamut for the first time. In this configuration, pure-green and deep-blue organic emission units are successively superimposed onto a red emission perovskite layer, forming a hybrid emissive system. The unique carrier transporting and luminescent characteristics of the organic emission units facilitate a broadened carrier distribution, high exciton utilization, and narrowband emission peaks. Consequently, the developed P/O-WLEDs achieve a peak external quantum efficiency of 21.1%, ultralow turn-on voltage of 2.6 V, and simultaneously a significantly extended operational lifetime of 21.9 h (LT50 at an initial luminance of 500 cd m−2). Furthermore, by regulating the charge transport properties through an RbI-treated perovskite unit and an optimized thin LiF layer, the P/O-WLEDs not only maintain comparable performance but also demonstrate obviously improved spectral stability and a suitable correlated color temperature, opening a new avenue for the development of display and lighting technologies.

It is demonstrated that aligned extracellular matrix (ECM) topography in the tumor microenvironment induces neuroblastoma cells to acquire mesenchymal features closely associated with therapy resistance and metastatic potential, using biomimetic substrates that mimic ECM topography. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism is elucidated, identifying the ROCK–YAP–EZH2 signaling axis as a key driver of the phenotypic transition linked to poor clinical outcomes.

Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, exhibits intra-tumoral heterogeneity with two interconvertible identities: adrenergic (ADRN) and mesenchymal (MES). Compared to ADRN cells, MES cells exhibit phenotypes associated with metastasis and therapy resistance. Thus, the transition from ADRN to MES may contribute to poor clinical outcomes, necessitating further investigation into this ADRN-to-MES transition (AMT) to improve clinical responses. The extracellular matrix (ECM), a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), provides structural support and delivers mechanical signals that influence oncogenic processes. This research demonstrates that high-risk NB tumors contain more topographically aligned ECM fibers than low-risk NB tumors. Using nano-fabricated biomaterials designed to mimic the aligned ECM, ECM topography is revealed to drive AMT through transcriptional and epigenetic changes, accompanied by enhanced MES phenotypic features. Furthermore, ECM topography is shown to stimulate Rho-associated kinase and YAP signaling pathways, which mediate ECM-driven reprogramming. These findings introduce ECM-driven AMT as a novel mechanism in NB progression and provide insights into TME-targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at suppressing MES cells to improve clinical outcomes in NB.

Strong, stiff, tough, and durable protein gels are constructed by using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with variable hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) as solvent to regulate and crosslink protein chains. This strategy promotes abundant supramolecular interactions between gelatin chains and DESs, thus the obtained gel has ultra-high strength and toughness with multifunction, which can be regulated by changing HBDs of DESs.

Protein gels hold great promise in various applications due to their high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and abundant sources. However, most existing protein gels suffer from low strength, stiffness, and toughness because conventional solvent within gels usually weakens crosslinked network structure. Here, strong, stiff, and tough protein gels are developed by using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with tunable hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) as the dispersion medium. The DESs not only facilitate protein chain–chain interaction, but also form abundant non-covalent crosslinks between protein chains through protein chain–solvent interaction. More importantly, these crosslinked interactions can be tailored by varying HBDs, further toughening the gels. As a result, the obtained protein gels exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strength of 10.25 ± 1.28 MPa, tensile strain of 892.51 ± 39.66%, elastic modulus of 24.57 ± 0.27 MPa, toughness of 17.34 ± 0.46 MJ m−3, and fracture energy of 6.76 ± 0.99 kJ m−2, which surpass the previously reported protein gels. Despite their enhanced mechanics, they retain key advantages such as adhesiveness, retrievability, environmental durability, and full degradability. This work presents a novel strategy for designing robust, multifunctional protein gels, expanding their potential in emerging technologies that demand both mechanical toughness and functional versatility.

This review discusses the significance of the anion regulation strategy in enhancing lithium–sulfur battery performance. The strategy focuses on controlling solvation chemistry to fundamentally influence the reaction kinetics, reaction reversibility, and interfacial stability of both sulfur cathodes and lithium metal anodes. The summary of the research advances can guide future investigations in metal–sulfur battery electrochemistry.

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, characterized by their high energy density and cost-effectiveness, are the primary candidates for lithium-ion batteries. Yet, critical challenges persist, largely owing to the polysulfide (PS) anion shuttle and the instability of the lithium metal anode (LMA). Salt anions are indispensable in batteries, which influence the basic properties of bulk electrolytes (e.g., solubility, stability, and ion conductivity) and the electrode–electrolyte interphases. Apart from those, the intrinsic characteristics of anions are of particular importance in Li–S batteries, as PS anions are major active intermediates that directly determine the sulfur redox kinetics and reversibility. However, the anion regulation needs further investigated, especially according to the Li–S chemistry. In this regard, fundamental considerations are provided on the anion engineering of Li–S batteries. Through a comprehensive analysis, the electrochemical behaviors of anions are reviewed. Then, the recent works on anion regulation for cathodes and anodes are summarized. For sulfur cathodes, the PSs dissolution, adsorption, conversion kinetics, and pathway are discussed in detail. For LMA, the influence of anion on lithium diffusion kinetic, the formation of SEI, and the anticorrosion are summarized. Finally, insights into the future development of anion studies are provided, aiming to identify more adequate anions for Li–S batteries.

This work engineered a bi-heterojunction noise-enhanced negative transconductance (BHN-NTC) transistor using a half-PTCDI-C13 layer, achieving expanded and tunable noise characteristics. This advancement enables efficient multi-bit TRNGs for AI-driven image generation and enhances logic circuit applications.

Reliable true-random number generator (TRNG) hardware demands amplified intrinsic noise and multi-bit entropy output, which are difficult to achieve in conventional single-device TRNG implementation. A bi-heterojunction noise-enhanced negative transconductance (BHN-NTC) transistor is presented, incorporating an asymmetric PTCDI-C13 layer into an NTC transistor. This design enhances electron injection, expanding the NTC region (19 → 27 V) and increasing negative transconductance (−0.036 µS at V GS = −11 V → −0.073 µS at V GS = −15 V) by reducing the electron injection barrier (≈2.13 eV → ≈0.41 eV). The bi-heterojunction configuration introduces a strong correlation between noises, including trapping/detrapping and generation/recombination processes. This property enables a threefold higher entropy throughput in TRNG, achieving a 3-bit output per sampling event. The BHN-NTC-driven TRNG leverages increased noise-induced entropy to generate more diverse latent vectors, mitigating mode collapse and enabling the synthesis of high-quality, realistic images. This significantly enhances StyleGAN2-based image generation, improving performance metrics such as Frechet inception distance (FID) (18.7 → 8.3), kernel inception distance (KID) (0.024 → 0.009), inception score (IS) (6.5 → 9.2), and multi-scale structural similarity (MS-SSIM) (0.43 → 0.21). Consequently, the BHN-NTC transistor establishes a scalable stochastic noise platform, advancing applications in secure electronics and probabilistic stochastic computing.

4-Cyanobenzenesulfonamide and 4‑carboxybenzenesulfonamide additives interact with uncoordinated Pb2+ defects through benzene‑ring functional groups. The superior electronic configuration of 4‑carboxybenzenesulfonamide enhances dual‑site passivation, yielding large‑grain, low‑defect perovskite films. Perovskite solar cells modified by 4‑carboxybenzenesulfonamide achieve a power conversion efficiency of 26.53% (certified efficiency: 26.31%), demonstrating a novel strategy for the rational design of high-performance perovskite additives.

Molecule additives emerge as a highly effective strategy for enhancing the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), owing to their potential in suppressing intrinsic defects in perovskite. However, the influence of atomic configuration and electronic properties of additives on their passivation performance receives little attention. Here, two benzenesulfonamide derivatives, 4-carboxybenzenesulfonamide (CO-BSA) and 4-cyanobenzenesulfonamide (CN-BSA) are investigated, examining the effects of molecules with different electron‑acceptor functional groups on the defect passivation of perovskite layer and the photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs. It is found that CN‑BSA and CO‑BSA preferentially adopt parallel-aligned binding orientations within the perovskite, enabling strong coordination to two neighboring undercoordinated Pb2+ defect sites. Meanwhile, CO‑BSA exhibits a more favorable electronic configuration than CN‑BSA, which endows the functional groups with a higher electron density that enables stronger dual-site binding with uncoordinated Pb2+ defects. Moreover, incorporating CO-BSA promotes the formation of perovskite films with large grain sizes, high quality, and low defect densities. Consequently, the device modified with CO-BSA achieves an efficiency of 26.53% (certified 26.31%). The encapsulated CO-BSA-based cell retains 96.1% of its initial efficiency after 1100 h of steady-state power output (SPO) measurement in air.

Using deep eutectic inks in multiphoton 3D laser printing enables excellent printability of soft and elastic complex 3D microstructures. This is achieved by employing supramolecular interactions between a variety of monomers and a metal halide, which is easily removed during development. The new ink design is extendable to other monomer compositions to achieve multifunctional and stimuli-responsive 4D microprinted materials.

Multiphoton 3D laser printing of polymers has become a widespread technology for manufacturing 3D architectures on the micro- and nanometer scale, with booming applications in micro-optics, micro-robotics, and micro-scaffolds for biological cell culture. However, many applications demand material properties that are not accessible by conventional polymer inks. These include large stiffness, for which recent breakthroughs based on inorganic materials have been reported. Conversely, some applications require very low stiffness and high mechanical compliance. Existing solutions achieve softness by low crosslinking densities, at the inherent expense of deteriorated spatial resolution and structure quality. Herein, this apparent contradiction is resolved by introducing multiphoton inks based on deep eutectic systems, comprising Lewis or Brønsted acids/bases. The 3D printed materials support extremely large strains and bulk Young's moduli as low as 260 kPa under aqueous conditions, well suited for biological applications – at comparable ease of use and spatial resolution as well-established commercially available polymer inks.

This review highlights the rapid advancements in Weyl semimetal research, driven by theoretical and experimental breakthroughs. Aimed at a broad scientific audience, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It begins with fundamental material properties, progresses to engineering strategies, and concludes with emerging device concepts and potential applications, offering readers a clear guide through this dynamic research landscape.

Weyl semimetals have attracted significant interest in condensed matter physics and materials science, due to their unique electronic and topological properties. These characteristics not only deepen the understanding of fundamental quantum phenomena, but also make Weyl semimetals promising candidates for advanced applications in electronics, photonics, and spintronics. This review provides a systematic overview of the field, covering theoretical foundations, material synthesis, engineering strategies, and emerging device applications. This study first outlines the key theoretical principles and distinctive properties of Weyl semimetals, followed by an examination of recent advancements that enhance their functional versatility. Finally, this study discusses the critical challenges hindering their practical implementation and explore future development directions, along with the potential for expanding and enhancing their existing range of applications. By integrating discussions of both opportunities and obstacles, this review offers a balanced perspective on current progress and future directions in Weyl semimetal research.

A switchable Fe(II)–Hg(II) coordination polymer exhibits reversible ON-OFF terahertz (THz) absorption through temperature- and light-induced spin-crossover. The material shows strong, tunable THz responses linked to phonon modes around Fe(II) centers, supported by spectroscopic measurements and calculations. This work highlights the potential of spin-crossover materials in future THz-responsive devices.

Thermal and optical-induced ON-OFF switchable materials show vast potential in various fields like sensors, spintronics, and electronic devices, but remain underexplored in the essential terahertz (THz) region. In this context, a unique 1D spin-crossover (SCO) network, {[FeII(4-cyanopyridine)2][HgII(µ-SCN)2(SCN)(4-cyanopyridine)]2}n (1), has been designed. Temperature-dependent crystallographic, magnetic, and THz absorption spectroscopic studies indicate an abrupt SCO phenomenon from a high-spin (HS) state to a complete or partial low-spin (LS) state, depending on the cooling rate. At low temperatures, the LS state can be converted into the metastable HS state via the light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) effect using visible or near-infrared lights. Both temperature and light reversibly modulate the THz absorbance (e.g., 0.82 and 1.37 THz) associated with phonons around Fe(II) centers, confirmed by first-principles calculations and photocrystallographic analysis. This work advances comprehension of the intersection between structures, THz properties, and external-stimuli switching effects and is pivotal for future THz device applications.

This work presents all-optical synapses utilizing a mechanoluminescent material—Li0.1Na0.9NbO3:Pr3+ (LNN:Pr3+)— to emulate biological synapses with homologous and heterologous synaptic behaviors through optical signal processing. The engineered trap depth distribution of LNN:Pr3+ enables multi-stimuli response to UV light, mechanical force, and thermal input, replicating diverse synaptic functionalities. Hardware-level denoising and multimode-fused perception are implemented for spatiotemporal feature extraction in dynamic environments.

Neuromorphic computing systems hold promises to overcome the inefficiencies of conventional von Neumann architecture, which are constrained by data transfer bottlenecks. However, conventional electrically modulated synapses face inherent limitations such as limited switching speed, elevated power consumption, and substantial interconnection loss. Optical signaling offers a transformative alternative, leveraging ultrafast transmission, high bandwidth, and minimal crosstalk. Here, an all-optical synapse based on a mechanoluminescent material of Li0.1Na0.9NbO3:Pr3+ (LNN:Pr3+) is presented, which emulates biological synapses, including homologous and heterologous synaptic behaviors, through optical signal processing. The engineered trap depth distribution of LNN:Pr3+ enables multi-stimuli response to UV light, mechanical force, and thermal input, replicating diverse synaptic functionalities such as short-term potentiation (STP), long-term potentiation (LTP), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), and learning-experience behavioral adaptation. Furthermore, its utility is showcased in hardware-level denoising and multimode-fused perception, achieving spatiotemporal feature extraction in dynamic environments. This work not only sheds light into designing fully optical synapses but also bridges mechanoluminescence (ML) with neuromorphic engineering, advancing energy-efficient, light-driven artificial intelligence technologies.

The dual challenges of solubility and low conductivity in aqueous ammonium ions storage using the tetraamino-p-benzoquinone material are addressed through an amidation reaction and the conjugation effect. The delocalization of electrons facilitates rapid charge transport and collection. The patterns of band structure changes, the energy storage mechanisms of hydrogen-bonding interactions, and the active sites are elucidated for the first time.

In aqueous ammonium-ion storage (AAIS), effective hydrogen-binding sites are crucial for designing high-performance ammonium ions (NH4 +) host materials. The organic small molecule tetraamino-p-benzoquinone (TABQ) shows great potential in AAIS due to its unique hydrogen-bonding interactions with NH4 +. However, such small-molecule materials typically exhibit severe dissolution in aqueous electrolytes. Moreover, their low conductivity severely hampers their ability to store ammonium ions. To address these challenges concurrently, a chain amide polymer (PPAT) is designed by introducing a 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride to extend the skeleton of TABQ. This polymer exhibits an ultralow solubility of 0.00058 mg mL−1 and introduces substantial functional groups for hydrogen-bonding interactions. The conjugated effect is further extended by combining it with polyaniline (PANI). The spectral and computational results indicate that the designed material possesses an elevated HOMO energy level, a reduced LUMO energy level, and a smaller bandgap. The delocalization of electrons throughout the entire molecule leads to a semiconducting nature. The organic polymer electrode delivers a high capacity of 291.81 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, outperforming state-of-the-art NH4 + storage organic materials. The energy storage mechanism of the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the organic polymer and NH4 + is investigated, and the active sites that contribute to high capacity are identified.

Observation and detection of neurotransmitter dynamics in aqueous system has been hurdle for analytical fields due to its weak and reversible nature. A terahertz-nanodisc metasurface which implements comprehensive detection over conformational change and selective sensing is introduced. Utilizing the THz regime photonics and biomimetic environment with nanodisc, the proposed biosensing platform provides comprehensive insight over receptor-ligand dynamics and molecular sensing.

The rapid growth of nanotechnology and spectroscopic techniques has accelerated the development of biosensors with high sensitivity and selectivity. Nanoscale metasurfaces can potentially overcome the limitations of conventional optical methods, such as low responsivity and molecular specificity. One promising approach for analyzing subtle biochemical changes that occur in complex biological phenomena is to use terahertz metasurfaces. Here, the aim is to develop a dual-selective terahertz nanodisc metasurface that enabled precise monitoring of neurotransmitter dynamics in a biomimetic environment. Utilizing functionalized terahertz metasurfaces with nanodisc that mimic biosensory receptors, a biosensor selective for both molecular type and resonant frequency is developed. The sensing platform ensures significantly enhanced sensitivity and specificity by recognizing the intermolecular changes associated with serotonin-nanodisc binding and aqueous surrounding effects. The proposed biosensor can potentially provide an efficient tool for studying complex biochemical interactions, and find application in biomedical diagnostics and neuroscience research.