Unleashing the Kinetic Limitation of Co‐Free Li‐Rich Mn‐Based Cathodes via Ionic/Electronic Dual‐Regulation
The tetra-effect integration of Na+/F− dual-ion surface doping effectively eliminates the intrinsic kinetic limitations of cobalt-free lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials, maintains highly stable interfaces, and achieves dual benefits in cycling performance and energy density, providing novel insights for the industrialization of cobalt-free lithium-rich manganese-based solutions.
Abstract
Li-rich Mn-based oxide (LRMO) are promising cathode candidates for next-generation Li-ion batteries with combined cost-effectiveness and high specific capacity. Designing Co-free LRMO can further leverage the low cost of this class of cathodes given the capacity can be maintained. However, implementing cobalt-free LRMO cathode materials are hampered by their sluggish kinetics, resulting in low capacity and poor rate performance that underperform compared with their Co-containing counterparts. Here, it is confirmed that the slow kinetics of Co-free LRMO originates from the structural disorder caused by transition metals (TMs) migration at high voltages (above 4.5 V Vs. Li+/Li) and consequent irreversible oxygen redox process. Aware of this, Na+/F− is introduced in surficial lattice to alleviate these issues, ultimately achieving improved discharge voltage (≈0.2 V above 1 C, 1 C = 0.25 A g−1), exceptional cycle stability in pouch-type cell (95.1% capacity retention in 1 C after 400 cycles at 25 °C, and 80.9% capacity retention after 300 cycles in 0.5 C at 45 °C) and excellent C-rate performance (≈150 mA h g−1 at 5 C). The newly developed Na+/F− gradient design unleashes the surficial charge transfer kinetics limitation and greatly improves the lattice structure stability, consequently providing valuable guidelines for future high-capacity LRMO cathode design.
High‐Efficiency and High Color Purity Solution‐Processable Deep‐Blue OLEDs Enabled by Linearly Fully Fused Acceptor‐Donor‐Acceptor Molecular Design
Solution-processable deep-blue OLEDs are achieved by designing a linearly fully fused acceptor–donor–acceptor-type tetraborate emitter with intramoleuclar noncovalent interactions and highly distorted structure, since such emitter promots high color purity satisfying the BT.2020 standard and a fast reverse intersystem crossing rate. The nonsensitized solution-processed deep-blue device achieves the best performance among wet LEDs with CIEy < 0.08.
Abstract
Solution-processable organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have attracted much attention from academia and industry because of their advantages such as low production cost and suitability for large-scale production. However, solution-processable deep-blue OLEDs that simultaneously have high efficiencies and satisfy the BT.2020 standard remain still a great challenge. To address this issue, here a tetraboron multiresonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) emitter, tBO-4B, embedded with two soluble 2,12-di-tert-butyl-5,9-dioxa-13b-boranaphtho[3,2,1-de]anthracene groups is designed and synthesized with a linearly fully fused acceptor–donor–acceptor-type molecular structure. tBO-4B not only achieves an ultranarrow full width at half maximum of 12 nm but also has a negligibly small singlet-triplet energy gap and large spin‒orbit coupling, eventually leading to very fast reverse intersystem crossing rate (4.23 × 106 s−1). The sensitizer-free solution-processed OLED exploiting tBO-4B as the emitter achieves an ultrahigh maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 30.3%, with Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.147, 0.042) meeting the BT.2020 blue standard. In addition, the corresponding sensitizer-free vacuum-processed deep-blue devices also exhibit an impressive EQEmax of 39.6% and mild efficiency roll-off with CIE coordinates of (0.147, 0.043). This work will facilitate the development of high-efficiency ultrapure deep-blue MR-TADF materials for solution- and vacuum-processed OLEDs.
Interface‐Directed Growth of Tin Perovskite for Efficient Light‐Emitting Diodes
Tin perovskites suffer from uncontrolled crystallization, leading to high defect density and poor LED performance. A substrate modification strategy is introduced to regulate interfacial nucleation rates and growth directions, effectively reducing defect density and improving film quality. This approach boosts photoluminescence quantum efficiency to ≈41% and achieves a record-breaking external quantum efficiency of 12.8% for tin perovskite NIR LEDs.
Abstract
Controlling the crystallization dynamics of solution-processed tin perovskites remains pivotal yet challenging for achieving high-performance lead-free optoelectronic devices. Herein, it is demonstrated that substrate-regulated interfacial nucleation governs crystal growth orientation and film quality of tin perovskites. The results show that pristine PEDOT:PSS substrates induce bottom-interface-dominated nucleation via strong PEDOT+-[SnI3]n n− interactions, driving rapid upward crystallization of tin perovskites and yielding rough films with low photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE: ≈26%). Strategic substrate modification with potassium citrate (PC) weakens the PEDOT+-[SnI3]n n− interactions, thereby redirecting nucleation initiation to the top interface during solvent evaporation. This results in controlled downward crystallization of tin perovskites, forming smooth films with improved crystallinity and superior optoelectronic properties (PLQE: ≈41%). The optimized tin perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) achieve record-breaking performance with an external quantum efficiency of 12.8% and a maximum radiance of 190 W sr−1 m−2, which is the highest performance reported for tin perovskite near-infrared LEDs to date. This work demonstrates interface-directed crystallization control as an effective strategy for achieving high-performance tin perovskite optoelectronic devices.
Influence of Ion Size on Structure and Redox Chemistry in Na‐Rich and Li‐Rich Disordered Rocksalt Battery Cathodes
The larger ion size of Na+ versus with Li+ has a pronounced impact on the intercalation chemistry of disordered rocksalt cathode materials. On charge, the disordered rocksalt structure is retained in Li2MnO2F but it is lost in Na2MnO2F resulting in extensive amorphization. The larger ion size also lowers the average voltage enabling higher capacities between equivalent voltage limits.
Abstract
Li-rich disordered rocksalts are promising next-generation cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Recent reports have shown it is also possible to obtain Na-rich disordered rocksalts, however, it is currently poorly understood how the knowledge of the structural and redox chemistry translates from the Li-rich to the Na-rich analogs. Here, the properties of Li2MnO2F and Na2MnO2F are compared, which have different ion sizes (Li+ = 0.76 vs Na+ = 1.02 Å) but the same disordered rocksalt structure and stoichiometry. It is found that Na2MnO2F exhibits lower voltage Mn- and O-redox couples, opening access to a wider compositional range within the same voltage limits. Furthermore, the intercalation mechanism switches from predominantly single-phase solid solution behavior in Li2MnO2F to a two-phase transition in Na2MnO2F, accompanied by a greater decrease in the average Mn─O/F bond length. Li2MnO2F retains its long-range disordered rocksalt structure throughout the first cycle. In contrast, Na2MnO2F becomes completely amorphous during charge and develops a local structure characteristic of a post-spinel. This amorphization is partially reversible on discharge. The results show how the ion intercalation behavior of disordered rocksalts differs dramatically when changing from Li- to Na-ions and offers routes to control the electrochemical properties of these high-energy-density cathodes.
Advances in Biocompatible Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Biomedical Applications
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess excellent properties such as adjustable pore size and volume, and high specific surface area. It makes them suitable for a variety of applications, including disease treatment, bioimaging and biosensing. The article reviews several biocompatible MOFs and the progress of their applications in biomedicine. Furthermore, the challenges and the future applications are prospected.
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have many excellent properties, such as adjustable pore size and volume, clear active sites, high specific surface area and other inherent characteristics. It makes them suitable for various applications, including disease treatment, imaging, and sensing. The article reviews several types of biocompatible MOFs and their recent advances in biomedical applications, especially in disease therapy. Finally, the challenges to be overcome in this field and the application prospects of this material in biomedicine are prospected.
Dual Strategy of Ca2+ Influx and Collagen Denaturation to Remodel the Extracellular Matrix and Amplify Sonopiezoelectric Therapy
The narrow bandgap of noncentrosymmetric Cu3BiS3 nanospheres facilitates charge-carrier separation under ultrasound irradiation, resulting in a favorable sonopiezoelectric response and reactive oxygen generation. External stimulation causes mitochondrial dysfunction and amplifies cellular oxidative damage. Ca2+ influx and collagen denaturation induced by the piezoelectric signal and photothermal effect facilitated extracellular matrix remodeling.
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM), a core member of tumor microenvironment, is ≈1.5-fold harder than the surrounding normal tissues. Regulating the stiffness of ECM can significantly impact physiological activities of tumor cells, such as growth, differentiation, and migration. Herein, a sonopiezoelectric-response nanoplatform consisting of Cu3BiS3 nanospheres (CBS NSs) is constructed for ECM remodeling. Sonopiezoelectric therapy (SPT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) are conducted using ultrasound (US) and near-infrared irradiation. Under US irradiation, the mechanical strain of CBS NSs causes piezoelectric polarization and promotes a redox reaction through energy band bending. The built-in electric field generated by US irradiation amplifies the efficiency of the Fenton-like reaction and substantially enhances reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, piezoelectric property-mediated electrical signals can allow Ca2+ influx, upregulating the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Integrating US irradiation with near-infrared irradiation generates localized heat, which can effectively denature tumor collagen, reduce tumor stiffness, and enhance the permeability of CBS NSs into solid tumors, thus improving the SPT effect. The combination of MMP upregulation and collagen degradation can maximize the benefits of ECM remodeling and synergistically enhance the cancer therapeutic efficacy of SPT/CDT. This SPT/CDT synergistic therapy and ECM remodeling platform is an innovative strategy for cancer therapy.
Metal Halide Perovskite‐Gated Organic Phototransistors for Efficient UV/DUV Detection
Perovskite-gated phototransistors (PGPTs) using wide-bandgap metal halide perovskites (MHPs) as dual-function dielectric and photoresponsive layers are introduced. By decoupling photoresponse and charge transport, the PGPTs achieve exceptional UV/DUV detection performance at low operating voltages, with scalability and material flexibility. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective, versatile platform for advanced photodetectors, enabling applications in telecommunications, imaging, and solar-blind detection.
Abstract
Conventional UV/DUV phototransistors, which rely on wide-bandgap semiconductor channels, encounter issues with material availability, processing complexity, and performance tunability. Perovskite-gated phototransistors (PGPTs) are introduced that decouple photoresponse and charge transport by using wide-bandgap metal halide perovskites (MHPs) as dielectric layers and non-wide-bandgap semiconductors as channels. This design offers material flexibility, simplified processing, and enhanced performance. Using the 2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite PEA2PbBr4 (Eg = 3.0 eV) as the dielectric layer and the organic semiconductor (OSC) P3HT as the channel layer, UV phototransistors are successfully achieved with exceptional photodetection performance at operating voltages below 2 V, exhibiting a responsivity of 1960 mA W−1, a specific detectivity of 3 × 1011 Jones, and a response time of ≈20 ms. Fabricated via low-temperature (≤100 °C) solution processing, this approach facilitates scalable production and is adaptable to various OSCs and other wide-bandgap MHP dielectrics, such as PEA2PbCl4 (Eg = 3.6 eV) and PEA2SnI4 (Eg = 3.8 eV), extending their potential for DUV detection. As a proof-of-concept, an optical decoder for telecommunications is demonstrated using DUV PEA2PbCl4/PDVT-10 PGPTs, which are immune to ambient light interference. Additionally, these DUV phototransistors show potential for latent fingerprint detection due to their sensitivity to skin absorption characteristics.
Self‐Replenishable Metabolically Augmented Synbiotic Microspheres Remodel Gut‐Bone Homeostasis
In this study, a self-replenishable metabolically augmented synbiotic microsphere (SMASM) is fabricated via thiol–ene click reaction to restore gut-bone homeostasis, by employing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as a viable metabolic niche and hyaluronic acid as a self-replenishable prebiotic substrate. Oral administration of SMASMs improves intestinal barrier integrity, mitigates inflammation, and suppresses bone loss in ovariectomized mice, accompanied by alterations in microbial biomarkers and predicted metabolic functions.
Abstract
Gut microbiota dysbiosis in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is frequently accompanied by aberrant metabolism and absorption of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, current oral probiotic therapies neglect the crucial role of probiotic-driven SCFAs metabolism in restoring gut-bone homeostasis. In this study, commencing with the sequencing of fecal samples from clinical patients with PMO, a self-replenishable metabolically augmented synbiotic microsphere (SMASM) is fabricated via a thiol–ene click reaction to restore gut-bone homeostasis using Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as a viable metabolic niche and hyaluronic acid (HA) as a self-replenishable prebiotic substrate. In vitro, the SMASMs exhibit favorable biocompatibility, enhanced resistance to gastric acid, and improved mucosal adhesion for colonization. In vivo, oral administration of SMASMs in ovariectomized mice improves intestinal barrier integrity, mitigates inflammation, and suppresses bone loss, accompanied by alterations in microbial biomarkers and predicted metabolic functions. Notably, HA serves as a sustainable prebiotic substrate that supports the LGG metabolic niche and microbial homeostasis, enhances the production of SCFAs, including butyric, isobutyric, and valeric acids, and contributes to the downregulation of key osteoclastic signaling factors. Importantly, this strategy of oral SMASMs through in situ fermentation offers novel insights into addressing metabolic disorders associated with gut microbiota via the gut–X axis.
Flexible and High‐Performance Solution‐Processable Single‐Detector Organic Spectrometer
This work reports a compact, high-performance, solution-processed flexible organic spectrometer featuring an optical cascade architecture that integrates organic electrochromic devices and photodetectors. This organic spectrometer reliably reconstructs monochromatic, narrowband, and broadband spectra reconstruction with high resolution, accuracy, and the capability for absolute spectral irradiance measurement.
Abstract
Spectrometers are indispensable tools for civil and military-related optoelectronic applications. To meet the requirements of the revolutionary data/AI-driven era, next-generation spectrometers must not only be flexible with minimal sizes but exhibit high accuracy and resolution. In this study, a compact, high-performance, and flexible organic spectrometer is reported, fabricated using solution processing, which employs an optical cascade architecture by integrating organic electrochromic devices and photodetectors. This organic spectrometer can not only achieve a resolution of 0.56 nm, an accuracy of 0.14 nm, and a broad detection range from 400 to 1000 nm but also realize a vital absolute spectral irradiance measurement ranging from 10−8 to 10−4 W cm−2 nm−1. Additionally, its intrinsic flexibility and highly replaceable feasibility of bandgap-tunable organic materials enable their high applicability with excellent portability and adaptability in the upcoming data/AI-driven era or scenarios.
Active Passivation Charge Transport in n‐i‐p Perovskite Solar Cells Approaching 26% Efficiency
This work presents a synergistic interface engineering strategy for n-i-p perovskite solar cells, integrating active passivation and stacked charge transport. A multifunctional SDBA modifier passivates oxygen vacancies in TiO2 and promotes high-quality SnO2 deposition, optimizing energy level alignment and carrier dynamics. The resulting devices achieve a record PCE of 25.94% with excellent stability and scalability.
Abstract
In n-i-p planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the electron transport layer (ETL) and the hole transporting layer play a crucial role in realizing high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, a TiO2-SDBA-SnO2 stacked ETL is reported, where 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid (SDBA) serves as an active passivation agent to suppress charge recombination and enhance interface quality. SDBA effectively passivates oxygen vacancies in sputtered TiO2, while simultaneously promoting SnO2 nucleation and improving film quality. Moreover, its molecular structure increases the surface free energy of the ETL, facilitating the formation of high-quality perovskite films with larger grain sizes and fewer defects. As a result, PSCs with this optimized ETL achieve a PCE of 25.94% with excellent stability. This approach also enables the fabrication of perovskite solar modules with a certified efficiency of 22.55% over a 26.02 cm2 aperture area.
Green Solvent‐Processed Organic Solar Cells Approaching 20.4% Efficiency via Active Layer Pre‐Solidification
A unique active layer pre-solidification strategy is proposed to suppress the excessive molecular aggregation and phase separation, which effectively mitigates the efficiency drops caused by various green solvents, demonstrating the excellent universality. Additionally, by suppressing the coffee-ring effect, the rigid and flexible OSC modules achieve record-breaking PCEs of 17.06% and 12.45%, respectively, exhibiting the excellent scalability.
Abstract
Green solvent fabrication of efficient organic solar cells (OSCs) is essential for their industrial scale extension and ecological sustainability, but there is typically an obvious efficiency drop during the transition from halogenated to green solvents due to the severe molecular aggregation. Here, an innovative strategy of active layer pre-solidification by liquid nitrogen freezing process is proposed to accelerate molecular precipitation and crystallization, and therefore suppress the excessive phase separation, as demonstrated by PiFM and GISAXs results. Moreover, pre-solidification process allows more solvents to carry acceptor molecules for an orderly upward migration during rapid volatilization, facilitating an ideal longitudinal gradient arrangement of photovoltaic materials that is favorable for charge transport and extraction. Consequently, PM6:L8BO-X:BO-8F OSCs fabricate with o-xylene yielded a record efficiency of 20.38%, which is comparable to 20.56% for chloroform-processed devices. The inconspicuous efficiency gaps are observed in various photovoltaic materials by using green solvents, proving the outstanding universality. In addition, the pre-solidification process effectively inhibits the coffee-ring effect in large-area active layer films and boosts the OSC modules to an exciting 17.06% efficiency. This work virtually eliminates the photovoltaic performance losses caused by green solvents, and charts a sustainable avenue to large-scale commercialization of organic photovoltaics.
Robust Mix‐Charged Polyzwitterionic Hydrogels for Ultra‐Efficient Atmospheric Water Harvesting and Evaporative Cooling
Conventional atmospheric water-harvesting hydrogels prioritize hygroscopicity at the expense of mechanics, hindering its practical applications. The proposed hygroscopic mix-charged polyzwitterionic hydrogel(THMPH) achieves a trade-off between high water absorption and exceptional mechanical robustness through a strength gradient-enhanced ionic cross-linking structure synergized with improvelithium chloride binding affinity. This design strategy significantly expands applicability to diverse practical implementations including photovoltaic thermal management.
Abstract
Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) presents great potential in addressing the increasing global challenges in freshwater and energy supply, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The recent AWH materials focus primarily on maximizing water uptake, while conventional approaches prioritize hygroscopicity at the expense of mechanical integrity, which severely limits their applicability in real-world scenarios. In this study, a novel tunable hygroscopic mix-charged polyzwitterionic hydrogel (THMPH) is reported that achieves dual excellence in outstanding moisture absorbency and mechanical robustness. Owing to the broad ionic crosslink's degree enabling the rigid skeletal framework and energy-dissipative sacrificial networks, THMPH exhibits more than 200 times higher mechanical ductility (225 kPa tensile strength retention at 200% mass swelling ratio) in comparison with the commonly-used AWH zwitterionic polybetaine. The optimized topological structure coupled with improved lithium chloride binding affinity results in excellent water uptake (2.9 g g−1 at 25 °C, 70% RH). When THMPH is used for daytime photovoltaic panel cooling, it can provide a 15 °C temperature reduction of a PV panel under 1 kW m−2 solar irradiation, resulting in a 7.33% increase in solar energy conversion efficiency. This hydrogel design paradigm, synergizing superior hygroscopicity with exceptional mechanical robustness, demonstrates significant potential for advancing practical applications.
Correction to “Aggregation‐Mediated Photoacoustic/NIR‐II and Photodynamic Properties of pH‐Reversible Thiopyrylium Agents: A Computational and Experimental Approach”
Wed 11 Jun 16:00: TBA Host: Juliana Naldoni
Abstract not available
Host: Juliana Naldoni
- Speaker: Prof Beth Okamura, Natural History Museum
- Wednesday 11 June 2025, 16:00-17:00
- Venue: Lecture Theater, Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road.
- Series: Parasitology Seminars; organiser: jn472.
In Situ Magnetoelectric Generation of miRNA Sponges and Wireless Electric Stimulus by Conductive Granular Scaffolds for Nerve Regeneration
A conductive granular scaffold (cGRAS) is developed to enable wireless electrical stimulation and targeted miRNA modulation for traumatic brain injury (TBI) repair. Acting as both an antenna and a gene delivery platform, cGRAS facilitates miRNA sponge formation and neuronal regeneration via AMF-triggered electroporation and mechanotransduction, leading to reduced inflammation, enhanced angiogenesis, and improved functional recovery.
Abstract
Electronic signaling and microRNA (miRNA) regulation play pivotal roles in determining neuronal cell fate and promoting brain recovery. Despite this, clinical advancements are hindered by the limited availability of tools for spatiotemporal electrical signaling and non-viral gene modulation in neurons in vivo. In this study, a conductive granular scaffold (cGRAS) that doubles as an antenna and neuronal gene delivery agent for targeted miRNA regulation of nerve repair in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is developed. The inherent features of granular scaffolds reduce the inflammation and glial scarring in TBI by mitigating activated microglia and stellate cells. Upon irradiation with an external alternating magnetic field (AMF), the “electromagnetic messenger” induces electrical stimulation to restore brain function and promotes temporal electroporation. This process, together with mechanotransduction capability of cGRAS, enhances the delivery and formation of miRNA sponges both in vitro and in vivo, thereby reducing the overexpression of miR6263, which is significantly upregulated upon neuronal injury. In the whole brain imaging analysis, suppression of inflammation, angiogenesis around the TBI cavity, and infiltration of newborn neurons in the injured area are observed after in situ magnetoelectric formation of miRNA sponges and wireless electric stimulus, leading to improved brain function and behavioral recovery. Overall, this cGRAS represents a potentially innovative and versatile tool for clinical neuronal regeneration engineering.
Edge States in 2D A2PbBr4 Hybrid Perovskites Enabled by Local Structural Reorganization
Low-energy edge states in two-dimensional hybrid lead halide perovskites are driven by Rashba/Dresselhaus spin splitting, resulting from local structural distortions at the crystal edges. Strained PbBr6 octahedra cause out-of-plane distortions, breaking inversion symmetry and enabling spin splitting. These edge states with enhanced charge dynamics facilitate efficient light emission and could improve device performance in spintronic and optoelectronic applications.
Abstract
The edge states (ES) in two-dimensional (2D) hybrid lead halide perovskites (LHPs) exhibit distinct electronic characteristics, including lower energy and longer lifetimes compared to the interior states (IS). Though the ES of these 2D LHPs show prospect of facilitating photovoltaic and optoelectronic effects, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, the occurrence of ES in a family of 2D A2PbBr4 (A = organic amine cation) LHPs is attributed to the Rashba/Dresselhaus (RD) spin splitting induced by local structural reorganization on the crystal edge. The experimental and theoretical characterizations reveal that the local structure on the crystal edge is significantly strained, which leads to considerable out-of-plane distortion of adjacent PbBr6 octahedra, local loss of inversion symmetry and therefore spin-splitting energy required for the formation of ES. This findings contribute fresh perspectives to the fundamental comprehension of the RD effect, extending the boundaries of spintronics and opening promising pathways for the conceptualization and refinement of devices centered on ES.
Bio‐Inspired Controllable Liquid Transfer: From Fundamentals in Micro‐Patterning to Applications in Optoelectronics
The nature-inspired fibrous-guided direct-writing strategy, which enables controllable liquid transfer, has demonstrated advantages in making various desired micro-patterns with cm-scale uniformity, µm-scale resolution, and molecular-scale orientation. This review systematically summarizes the research progress in making micro-patterns using a fibrous-guided strategy, including both the fundamentals of liquid manipulation and applications in optoelectronics, as well as the remaining challenges.
Abstract
Solution-processed micro-patterning is a crucial process for making high-performance optoelectronic devices, since the carrier transfer behavior is closely related to the uniformity, orientation, and resolution of micro-patterns. Developing solution processes with good controllability has thus attracted increasing research interest in the last decade. Inspired by Chinese brushes, a fibrous-guided direct-writing strategy is recently developed that enables controllable liquid transfer for making micro-patterns, which is systematically reviewed from viewpoints of both the fundamentals in liquid manipulation and the applications in optoelectronics. First, a model structure of dual-conical fibers (CFs) is proposed, whose capacity in liquid transfer is featured as the dynamic liquid balance and the uniform liquid film. On the basis, triple- and multi- CFs are developed for transferring liquid onto the target substrate in a controllable manner, where the tri-phase contact line can be finely tuned. Thereafter, micro-patterns with µm-scale resolution, cm-scale uniformity, and molecular-scale orientation can be achieved, as is demonstrated by the as-prepared ultrasmooth quantum dot films, highly aligned silver nanowires films, and wrinkle-free reduced graphene oxide films, respectively. The high-performance optoelectronic devices, including quantum dot light-emitting diodes, flexible transparent electrodes, and pressure sensors, are demonstrated. Perspectives for solution-processed micro-patterning in optoelectronics are also suggested.
Origami Silicon Anodes: Geometric Design for Structural Elasticity and Connectivity
The origami-capsule silicon anode materials, synthesized via a magnesiothermic crystallization approach, integrate elastic 2D nanosheets (2.5 nm) with built-in nanopores encapsulated in a pressure-tolerant carbon shell. This architecture ensures structural resilience, efficient ion transport, and stress-resistant integrity, achieving high capacity (2945 mAh g⁻1), ultralow swelling (14.7%), and 100% capacity retention at 6 A g⁻1 over 470 cycles.
Abstract
Achieving stable cycling of high-capacity battery electrodes with large volume changes remains a significant challenge, with their mechanical failure and sluggish kinetics, primarily due to inadequate structural accommodation and inefficient transport pathways. Here, a magnesiothermic crystallization approach is presented to construct origami capsule (OC) architectures, imparting flexibility and conformability to inherently brittle silicon, featuring highly interconnected 2D silicon nanosheets (2.5 nm thickness) with built-in nanopores encapsulated within a pressure-tolerant conformal microshell. The design leverages geometric features at both the nanoscale (within nanosheets) and microscale (capsule assembly) to impart structural elasticity and connectivity for efficient stress dissipation, enhancing mechanical integrity and rapid transport kinetics. Consequently, the OC anode exhibits low electrode swelling (14.7%) at 2945 mAh g−1 and exceptional rate capability, delivering a high capacity and ≈100% retention after 470 cycles at a large current density of 6 A g−1. This work bridges geometric design and materials science, opening new avenues for high-performance energy storage solutions.
Neuron‐Inspired Ferroelectric Bioelectronics for Adaptive Biointerfacing
Innovative ferroelectric bioelectronics (FerroE) that integrate neuron-preferred flexible and topographical properties and neuron-similar behaviors enable seamless integration and adaptive communication with both Peripheral Nervous System and Central Nervous System. These neuron-like interface materials and bioelectronics that possess indistinguishable features from neurons, will open new opportunities for next-generation brain–machine interfaces, tissue engineering materials, and biomedical devices.
Abstract
Implantable bioelectronics, which are essential to neuroscience studies, neurological disorder treatment, and brain–machine interfaces, have become indispensable communication bridges between biological systems and the external world through sensing, monitoring, or manipulating bioelectrical signals. However, conventional implantable bioelectronic devices face key challenges in adaptive interfacing with neural tissues due to their lack of neuron-preferred properties and neuron-similar behaviors. Here, innovative neuron-inspired ferroelectric bioelectronics (FerroE) are reported that consists of biocompatible polydopamine-modified barium titanate nanoparticles, ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) copolymer, and cellular-scale micropyramid array structures, imparting adaptive interfacing with neural systems. These FerroE not only achieve neuron-preferred flexible and topographical properties, but also offer neuron-similar behaviors including highly efficient and stable light-induced polarization change, superior capability of producing electric signals, and seamless integration and adaptive communication with neurons. Moreover, the FerroE allows for adaptive interfacing with both peripheral and central neural networks of mice, enabling regulation of their heart rate and motion behavior in a wireless, non-genetic, and non-contact manner. Notably, the FerroE demonstrates unprecedented structural and functional stability and negligible immune response even after 3 months of implantation in vivo. Such bioinspired FerroE are opening new opportunities for next-generation brain–machine interfaces, tissue engineering materials, and biomedical devices.
Ionic Potential Modulation in and between Layers of Transition Metal Oxides towards Ultrahigh-Rate Sodium Storage
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE01792K, PaperZiming Wang, Riming Hu, Hao Chen, Yuxuan Ye, Qi Zhao, Zhiguo Du, Shubin Yang
Although layered oxides have been considered as promising cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), they still suffer from poor structural stability and sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics, hampering their cycling stability at...
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