Nanoscience News (<front>)

Nature Materials, Published online: 01 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02145-6

The macrocycle component of polyrotaxanes is used to dampen the molecular vibrations of polyimide at high temperatures, thereby preserving electronic resistivity and resulting in improved dielectric capacitor efficiency.

Nature Materials, Published online: 01 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02250-6

A resin comprising a hybrid epoxy–acrylate monomer and wavelength-selective photosensitizer components achieved rapid, high-resolution 3D printing of multimaterial structures. This technique produced structures that emulate natural mechanical gradients and functional structures including a spring for compressive damping, a knee joint model for smooth motion and a stretchable substrate for wearable electronics.

Nature Energy, Published online: 01 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01795-9

Protonic-ceramic-based fuel cells and electrolysers are promising technologies for reversible energy storage and green hydrogen production from steam. However, they have poor longevity because they are chemically unstable in high-steam environments. Using a solution-deposited conformal coating to protect the electrode, researchers now reduce cell degradation rates by 100–1,000 fold.

Nature Energy, Published online: 01 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01800-1

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) interconvert hydrogen and electricity and therefore have potential as long-duration energy storage systems, but the durability of these devices under industrially relevant conditions is limited. Here the authors report a PCEC that maintains low degradation rates throughout exceptionally long-term durability tests.

Nature Nanotechnology, Published online: 01 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41565-025-01970-9

Photonic crystals enclosed by a circular boundary enable single-mode vortex lasing through momentum-space hybridization of guided resonances — a collective phenomenon distinct from individual resonator physics.

Nature Nanotechnology, Published online: 01 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41565-025-01964-7

Chiral emission from collective guided modes is demonstrated within a photonic crystal slab, showing an example of collective oscillations in the momentum space.

Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Stephen Xia, Northwestern University
• Wednesday 30 July 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: Computer Lab, FW26 and Online.
• Series: Centre for Mobile, Wearable Systems and Augmented Intelligence Seminar Series; organiser: Cecilia Mascolo.

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Uncovering Genomic Drivers Across 13 Feline Cancer Types

Bailey is a first-year PhD student and bioinformatician, supervised by Prof. Elizabeth Murchison and co-supervised by Dr. Louise van der Weyden from the Wellcome Sanger Institute. His research utilises next-generation DNA sequencing data to unravel the molecular underpinnings of companion animal cancers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Manchester and a master’s degree in Bioinformatics from the University of Nottingham. When he is not coding, he enjoys playing football and cricket.

• Speaker: Bailey Francis, Departmet of Veterinary Medicine
• Friday 31 October 2025, 08:45-10:00
• Venue: LT2.
• Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.

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Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Meytar Ronel, Department of Veterinary Medicine
• Friday 10 October 2025, 08:45-10:00
• Venue: LT2.
• Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.

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Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Elâ Sutcliffe, Departmet of Veterinary Medicine
• Friday 24 October 2025, 08:45-10:00
• Venue: LT2.
• Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.

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The effect of staggered local environments on quantum spin chains

I will discuss the properties of non-linear antiferromagnetic (AFM) chains, in which the orientation of the local environment of the magnetic ion is ‘staggered’, i.e. alternates in direction from site to site. Spin-1/2 non-linear chains exhibit additional terms in their Hamiltonians compared to linear chains, including non-trivial staggered g-tensors and Dzyalonshinskii-Moriya interactions. On application of an external magnetic field, these energy scales can give rise to staggered fields, field-dependent energy gaps and low-temperature excitation spectra containing both breather and soliton modes, observations that have previously been explained via the sine-Gordon model of quantum-field theory. Spin-1 AFM chains are known to adopt ground states that differ fundamentally from their spin-1/2 counterparts, an example being the topological Haldane-gapped phase, but until recently the effect of staggered local environments on spin-1 systems had not been explored.

Here, I present magnetometry, muon-spin rotation and neutron-scattering data on several new examples of non-linear spin chains. I will show that a chiral spin-1/2 chain with a four-fold periodic rotation of the local spin environment leads to properties distinct from the alternating chains previously studied. I will also discuss the results obtained by measuring non-linear spin-1 AFM chains, why these differ from the spin-1/2 materials and how competition between single-ion anisotropy and magnetic exchange can give rise to non-collinear or chiral magnetic ground-state structures.

J. Liu et. al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 057207 (2019)

S. Vaidya et. al., Phys. Rev. B 110 , 174438 (2024)

S. Vaidya et. al., PRB 111 , 014421 (2025)

• Speaker: Paul Goddard - University of Warwick
• Wednesday 09 July 2025, 11:15-12:00
• Venue: Seminar Room 1, RDC.
• Series: Quantum Matter Seminar; organiser: Mads Fonager Hansen.

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Uncovering Genomic Drivers Across 13 Feline Cancer Types

Bruno isa first-year PhD student and bioinformatician, supervised by Prof. Elizabeth Murchison and co-supervised by Dr. Louise van der Weyden from the Wellcome Sanger Institute. His research utilises next-generation DNA sequencing data to unravel the molecular underpinnings of companion animal cancers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Manchester and a master’s degree in Bioinformatics from the University of Nottingham. When he is not coding, he enjoys playing football and cricket.

• Speaker: tbc, Departmet of Veterinary Medicine
• Friday 31 October 2025, 08:45-10:00
• Venue: LT2.
• Series: Friday Morning Seminars, Dept of Veterinary Medicine; organiser: Fiona Roby.

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This study presents a novel strategy for the photochemical closed-loop recycling of hydroxyl-rich polymers. Simple bis-aldehyde precursors are employed to synthesize polypinacols via UV light irradiation. Subsequent depolymerization is achieved under visible light using a cerium-based photocatalyst, enabling monomer recovery through selective cleavage of C─C bonds within the polymer backbone.

Abstract

The development of innovative recycling strategies for polymers is crucial to addressing the rapidly growing plastic waste challenge. While thermal ground-state chemistry is the standard for closed-loop chemical recycling, the potential of photochemical excited-state chemistry remains largely unexplored. This study bridges this gap by investigating light-driven polymerization and depolymerization processes for hydroxyl-rich polymers. Through consecutive pinacol coupling reactions, a range of simple bis-aldehyde monomers is photopolymerized into well-defined polypinacols on a gram scale. These polymers exhibit excellent thermal stability, retaining their integrity up to 306 °C, with glass transition temperatures ranging from 72 to 137 °C. Using an earth-abundant cerium photocatalyst, selective cleavage of stable C─C bonds within the polypinacol backbone is achieved under visible light, efficiently regenerating the original monomer. As this approach tolerates the presence of standard commodity plastics, it presents an opportunity for orthogonal recycling methods that could help recover specific polymers from diverse plastic waste streams. The successful completion of one recycling cycle, resulting in a polymer with comparable properties to the original, highlights the significant potential and advantages of (photo)chemical recycling.

The welding of CNTs for the first time by a fast chemical-vapor-deposition self-assembly (FCVDS) technique using TiO2 nanoparticles as the solder is reported. It is simple, fast, pressure-free, and applicable to ambient conditions. The welded junctions have the highest strength realized in nanowelding field so far, to the best of the knowledge.

Abstract

The strength of carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles and fibers is generally much lower than that of single CNTs, the short length of CNT components results in the assembly strength can only be contributed by the weak shearing interaction between CNTs. Here, the welding of CNTs by a fast chemical-vapor-deposition self-assembly (FCVDS) technique using TiO2 nanoparticles as the solder is reported. It is simple, fast, pressure-free, applicable to ambient conditions, and can weld samples with macroscale length. The welded junctions have a mechanical strength approaching the tensile strength of a single CNT. Whereas the interface interaction between TiO2 and CNTs is only contributed by Van der Waals forces, avoiding the destruction of the defect-free structure of CNTs. The solder mass can be only ≈1 wt% of welded CNTs.

A deployable ultrathin femtosecond vortex laser based on a BIC-enabled polymer membrane is demonstrated, delivering MW/cm2 peak power and structured light emission. With its modular design and compact footprint, it is considered promising for integration into advanced imaging and lithography.

Abstract

Ultrafast vortex lasers, capable of emitting structured femtosecond pulses with orbital angular momentum, hold great potential for high-speed optical communications, super-resolution imaging, and advanced laser processing. However, the direct generation of femtosecond vortex pulses in micro/nanoscale lasers remains a major challenge. Here, an ultrathin deployable femtosecond vortex laser based on a ≈200 nm-thick conjugated polymer gain membrane integrated with a square-lattice photonic crystal supporting symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum mode is demonstrated. The high-Q vortex modes driven by Purcell enhancement enable low-threshold (1.5 µJ cm2), femtosecond (≈600 fs) vortex pulse emission with peak power reaching several MW/cm2. The freestanding membrane can be modularly deployed onto arbitrary substrates, where direct laser fabrication is challenging. When deployed onto an optical mirror, the membrane laser achieved unidirectional emission, nearly doubling its output efficiency. Furthermore, a confocal optical path aligned the vortex laser coaxially with the pump light, highlighting its potential as an integrated module for simplifying super-resolution imaging and lithography techniques.

A bilateral anchoring strategy using 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide (2-BH) at PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interface enhances interfacial adhesion and charger transfer in flexible Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells. The introduction of 2-BH additionally mitigates Sn2+ oxidation, thereby improving the film morphology and crystallinity. Overall, such optimized flexible all-perovskite tandem solar cells achieve a power conversion efficiency of 24.1% and present superior mechanical durability.

Abstract

Flexible all-perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs) feature an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, rendering them perfect for building-integrated photovoltaic, wearable electronics, and aerospace applications, owing to their adaptability to flexible and lightweight substrates. However, the weak mechanical adhesion between the perovskite and adjacent functional layers, combined with tin (Sn) oxidation at the buried interface in tin-lead (Sn-Pb) narrow-bandgap (NBG) perovskites solar cells (PSCs), substantially hampers the durability and performance of device. Herein, a bilateral anchoring strategy is proposed by employing 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide (2-BH) at the NBG perovskite/ hole transporting layer (PEDOT:PSS) interface. The incorporation of 2-BH establishes robust bonds with both PEDOT:PSS and the perovskite layer, thereby enhancing interfacial adhesion and charge transfer. Meanwhile, the morphology and crystallinity of the perovskite films are also improved due to the mitigated oxidation of Sn2+. Thus, this approach yields flexible single-junction NBG  with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.5%, maintaining its 95% efficiency after 3000 bending cycles. When integrated into monolithic flexible all-perovskite TSCs, a certified PCE of 24.01% is achieved.

Given the critical role of electrolyte engineering in advancing secondary batteries with high energy density and enhanced safety, this review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of nitrile-based electrolytes. It explores the electrochemical behavior of nitriles as solvents and additives, and their influence on battery performance, and highlights recent advancements and challenges for future development.

Abstract

Nitriles have gained attention as promising candidates for secondary battery electrolytes due to the high polarity of cyano groups, excellent cathode compatibility, remarkable oxidation resistance, and broad thermal stability. As additives, nitriles effectively stabilize cathode surfaces and inhibit the dissolution of transition metals. Besides, as the electrolyte solvent, the characteristics of a wide liquidus range, excellent high-voltage tolerance, and superior conductivity endow it with outstanding performance. Moreover, nitriles are also beneficially applied in solid-state electrolytes, offering advantages such as strong cation coordination, excellent thermal and electrochemical stability, and enhanced ionic conductivity. However, obstacles such as side reactions with anodes, the formation of non-robust SEI layers, and inherent toxicity hinder their broader application. Herein, the mechanism of nitriles as additives, and the application progress of nitriles in liquid electrolytes and solid-state electrolytes are introduced in detail. Furthermore, the current challenges faced by nitriles are in depth analyzed, and the advanced modification strategies of nitriles as secondary battery electrolytes are thoroughly summarized and discussed. Additionally, the future development of nitriles in the field of secondary batteries is prospected. This review provides important references for the future development of nitrile-based electrolytes, with guiding significance for other electrolyte solvents and additives.

This article explores the development of materials with multi-scale control at the nanoscale (<100 nm), micrometer-scale (80 µm), and macro-scale (multi-component geometries). This is achieved by applying polymerization-induced microphase separation (PIMS) process via volumetric 3D printing (Xolography), expanding the design space for functional nanomaterials in diverse applications.

Abstract

Light-mediated 3D printing has revolutionized additive manufacturing, progressing from pointwise stereolithography, to layer-by-layer digital light processing, and most recently to volumetric 3D printing. Xolography, a novel light-sheet-based volumetric 3D printing approach, offers high-speed and high-precision fabrication of complex geometries unattainable with traditional methods. However, achieving nanoscale control (<100 nm) within these 3D printing systems remains unexplored. This work leverages polymerization-induced microphase separation (PIMS) within the xolography process to prepare network polymer materials with simultaneous control over feature sizes at the nano-, micro-, and macro-scale. By controlling the chain length and mass fraction of macromolecular chain transfer agents used in the PIMS process, precise manipulation of nanodomain size within 3D printed materials is demonstrated, while optimization of the other resin components enables the fabrication of rigid materials with feature sizes of 80 µm. Critically, the rapid one-step fabrication of complex and multi-component structures such as a functional waterwheel with interlocking parts, at high volume-building rates is showcased. This combined approach expands the design space for functional nanomaterials, opening new avenues for applications in diverse fields such as polymer electrolyte membranes, biomedical delivery systems, and semi-permeable microcapsules.

Nature Energy, Published online: 30 June 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01793-x

The performance of perovskite-based tandem solar cells is hindered by the desorption of the molecules that passivate detrimental defects. Now, researchers design passivators with multiple functional groups and a strong dipole to strengthen the binding to the perovskite, enhancing the efficiency and photothermal stability of perovskite/copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) tandem cells.

Nature Energy, Published online: 30 June 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01761-5

Pei et al. overcome desorption of passivating molecules under photothermal stress in wide-bandgap perovskites and achieve perovskite/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 tandem solar cells with a certified efficiency of 27.35%.