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Halide chemistry is an emerging approach in promoting the kinetics of all-solid-state Li-S batteries (ASSLSBs). In this perspective, the distinct roles of halide chemistry are discussed at both the cathode and anode, analyzing the atomic arrangement, phase composition, and morphology evolution in various halogenation strategies. further research and broad discussion of halogenation strategies are expected to inspire ASSLSBs.

Abstract

All-solid-state Li-S batteries (ASSLSBs) are emerging as a promising energy storage solution due to their low cost and high energy density. Their solid-state configuration effectively eliminates the notorious shuttle effect caused by soluble polysulfides in conventional liquid electrolytes. However, the heterogeneous solid-to-solid interfaces introduce significant challenges, including sluggish ion/electron transport and interfacial instability among electrode materials, conductive additives, and solid electrolytes (SEs). Recently, halide-based strategies have gained attention for enabling high-performance ASSLSBs. This perspective highlights these strategies, emphasizing the role of halide chemistry in enhancing ASSLSB kinetics. It is contended that halides (e.g., iodides) in sulfur-based cathode composites—such as Li2S and transition metal sulfides—can activate S/Li2S redox reactions, improving both ionic and electronic conductivities. This “catalytic effect” of halides accelerates the reversible transition, even in the absence of conductive additives like SEs or conductive carbons. Moreover, halides at the anode interface play a crucial role in preventing Li dendrite formation and SE degradation, owing to their large polarizability and high interfacial energy. This perspective provides a timely and insightful summary of halide chemistry's impact on ASSLSB kinetics, offering inspiration for further research and broader adoption of halide-based strategies in next-generation solid-state Li-S batteries.

Nature Materials, Published online: 18 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02209-7

A tactile visual synapse is developed combining the functionalities of tactile sensation with real-time visualization of its activity for efficient in situ health monitoring.

Nature Materials, Published online: 18 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02224-8

The electrocatalytic processes of a copper catalyst during nitrate electroreduction are unveiled by correlated operando microscopy and spectroscopy.

Nature Energy, Published online: 18 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01766-0

An antisolvent-seeding strategy enhanced self-assembled monolayer formation, enabling the growth of high-quality perovskite top cells on flexible Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 bottom cells. A 1 cm2 flexible tandem solar cell produced using this approach achieved a certified efficiency of 23.8% and is photostable and mechanically durable.

Nature Energy, Published online: 18 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01760-6

The uneven surfaces of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells pose challenges for depositing the upper layers in flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells. Ying et al. tackle this issue using an antisolvent and seeding strategy, resulting in a certified efficiency of 23.8%.

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• Speaker: Physics
• Monday 12 May 2025, 17:00-17:45
• Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Computer Laboratory, William Gates Building.
• Series: Foundation AI; organiser: Pietro Lio.

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Abstract not available

• Speaker: Claudio Llosa Isenrich (KIT)
• Wednesday 14 May 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: CMS, MR15.
• Series: Differential Geometry and Topology Seminar; organiser: Oscar Randal-Williams.

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The correlation between closed-pore size and Na-filling potentials and their influence on fast charging performance is unveiled. Smaller closed pores exhibit higher Na-filling potentials, thereby preventing Na plating at high current rates. A 2.2 Ah pouch cell incorporating optimizes hard carbon material with closed micropores (1.6 nm) and P2-type layered oxide positive electrodes enables 10 min charging for ≈90% of the capacity.

Abstract

The sluggish Na ion diffusion kinetics and Na metal plating in hard carbon negative electrodes restrict the fast-charging of sodium-ion batteries, which is intricately entwined with the crystal structure and pore structure. Here, the pore structures of hard carbon materials are focused on and reveal that the pore size significantly affects the Na-filling potentials during the sodiation process. Specifically, the micro closed pores exhibit higher Na-filling potentials, which reduces risks of Na metal plating at high current densities, thus enabling improved rate performance. As a result, the optimized hard carbon with closed micropores (1.6 nm) achieves an initial capacity exceeding 400 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and a plateau retention rate of 73.3% at a current density of 500 mA g−1. Paired with P2-type layered oxide positive electrodes, the 2.2 Ah pouch cell shows 10 min charging for ≈90% of the capacity and ≈90% capacity retention after 1500 cycles at a 6C rate. This work establishes a bridge between pore size and rate performance, offering guidance for the design of fast-charging sodium-ion batteries.

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE05289G, PaperXiancheng Wang, Bao Zhang, Zihe Chen, Shiyu Liu, Wenyu Wang, Shuibin Tu, Renming Zhan, Li Wang, Yongming Sun
The low-density, high-porosity lithium (Li) plating layer at the anode is one of the principal determinants of the overall volumetric expansion in rechargeable high-energy-density Li metal batteries, which account for...
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The study presents a novel ultrafast laser-driven synthesis technique for zeolites directly in liquid. Laser pulses create a microscopic reactor that controls reaction kinetics at femto- and picosecond timescales. Nonlinear light-matter interactions drive nucleation and growth, allowing the process to be paused at any stage of self-assembly.

Abstract

Research demonstrates that zeolite nucleation and growth can be controlled by fine-tuning chemical composition, temperature, and pressure, resulting in structures with diverse porosities and functionalities. Nevertheless, current energy delivery methods lack the finesse required to operate on the femto- and picosecond timescales of silica polymerization and depolymerization, limiting their ability to direct synthesis with high precision. To overcome this limitation, an ultrafast laser synthesis technique is introduced, capable of delivering energy at these timescales with unprecedented spatiotemporal precision. Unlike conventional or emerging approaches, this method bypasses the need for specific temperature and pressure settings, as nucleation and growth are governed by dynamic phenomena arising from nonlinear light–matter interactions, such as convective flows, cavitation bubbles, plasma formation, and shock waves. These processes can be initiated, paused, and resumed within fractions of a second, effectively “freezing” structures at any stage of self-assembly. Using this approach, the entire nucleation and growth pathway of laser-synthesized TPA-silicate-1 zeolites is traced, from early oligomer formation to fully developed crystals. The unprecedented spatiotemporal control of this technique unlocks new avenues for manipulating reaction pathways and exploring the vast configurational space of zeolites.

Precisely manipulating the reconstruction process to generate specific active motifs remains challenging during the alkaline OER. NiCo2O4-Fn, structured with NiCo2O4 cores and (NH4)NixCo1−xF3 shells, facilitate the dual-metal NiCoOOH active phase with Ov forming at a lower voltage than the single-metal NiOOH in NiCo2O4, which is demonstrated by in situ Raman and XAFS. The NiCoOOH generation is attributed to the transformation of (NH4)NixCo1−xF3 into NixCo1−x(OH)2 hydroxide in electrolyte without bias. Consequently, NiCo2O4-Fn exhibits enhanced OER intrinsic activities compared to NiCo2O4.

Abstract

Dynamic reconstruction of catalysts is key to active site formation in alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but precise control over this process remains challenging. Herein, F-doped NiCo2O4 (NiCo2O4-Fn), consisting of a NiCo2O4 core and a (NH4)NixCo1−xF3 shell is reported, which promotes the formation of a dual-metal NiCoOOH active phase. In situ Raman and X-ray absorption fine structure analyses reveal that the NiCoOOH, rich in oxygen vacancies (Ov), forms at 1.2 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) for NiCo2O4-F1, in contrast to the NiOOH phase formation at 1.4 V versus RHE for undoped NiCo2O4. This is facilitated by the transformation of (NH4)NixCo1−xF3 into amorphous NixCo1−x(OH)2 in the KOH electrolyte without bias. Electrochemical tests show that NiCo2O4-F1 exhibits a 14-fold increase in intrinsic activity compared to NiCo2O4. Theoretical calculations suggest that Ov-induced unsaturated Co and Ni sites enhance electroactivity by promoting *OH intermediates adsorption and conversion, lowering the OER energy barrier. The oriented control of NiCoOOH active motifs in NiCo2O4 spinel, achieved through fluorine engineering, paves a new avenue for designing efficient OER electrocatalysts.

A novel plasma strategy is reported to introduce N and F in Co3O4 (N, F-Co3O4) simultaneously as the heteroatoms, which enables the OER to occur via the lattice oxygen mechanism. The N, F-Co3O4 sample exhibits superior OER performance with a low overpotential and superior stability.

Abstract

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal process in numerous renewable energy conversion technologies. However, its sluggish intrinsic kinetics and intricate transfer process impede the efficient conversion of energy. Activating the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) is of paramount importance to break through the theoretical scaling relationship and boost the oxygen evolution catalytic activity. In this contribution, N and F are successfully introduced into Co3O4 simultaneously as heteroatoms via a controllable plasma strategy to modulate the covalency property of metal-oxygen. Theoretical simulations and experiment results demonstrated that the covalency of the cobalt-oxygen bond is significantly enhanced under the synergistic effect of N and F, successfully triggering the LOM pathway and facilitating the OER process. The N, F-Co3O4 composite displays an impressive OER performance, exhibiting a low overpotential of 254 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and remarkable stability at 20, 150, and 400 mA cm−2. In addition, The N, F-Co3O4 also exhibits a low overpotential of 285 mV at 20 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH + 0.5 m NaCl solution, and remarkable performance on overall water splitting. This work offers profound insights into the OER mechanism and a crucial strategy for enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of spinel oxides.

This review examines the crucial role of materials in heart disease interventions, focusing on strategies for monitoring, managing, and repairing heart conditions. It discusses the material requirements for medical devices, highlighting recent innovations and their impact on cardiovascular health. It aims to provide insights into the challenges in cardiovascular interventions and the essential role of materials in developing effective solutions.

Abstract

Heart disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, heart valve disease, and conditions that affect the heart muscle. Intervention strategies can be categorized according to when they are administered and include: 1) Monitoring cardiac function using sensor technology to inform diagnosis and treatment, 2) Managing symptoms by restoring cardiac output, electrophysiology, and hemodynamics, and often serving as bridge-to-recovery or bridge-to-transplantation strategies, and 3) Repairing damaged tissue, including myocardium and heart valves, when management strategies are insufficient. Each intervention approach and technology require specific material properties to function optimally, relying on materials that support their action and interface with the body, with new technologies increasingly depending on advances in materials science and engineering. This review explores material properties and requirements driving innovation in advanced intervention strategies for heart disease and highlights key examples of recent progress in the field driven by advances in materials research.

An iodine-mediated electrochemical strategy recycles spent LiFePO4 cathodes, extracting lithium as carbonate and producing metallic zinc. Delithiated LiFePO4 is transformed into an efficient oxygen evolution catalyst. This scalable, sustainable approach reduces energy use and emissions while offering economic benefits for clean energy applications.

Abstract

With the widespread application of lithium-ion batteries, the recycling of spent batteries, especially those involving LiFePO4 (LFP) cathodes for their low-cost and high safety, has become an urgent environmental and resource challenge. Traditional recycling methods (hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy) struggle to achieve green and efficient recycling. Herein, this study proposes an iodine-mediated electrochemical strategy to utilize a recyclable I3 −/I− redox system and efficiently extract Li+ from spent LFP through liquid-phase reactions on one side (achieving a 93% leaching rate and recovery as lithium carbonate), while simultaneously producing metallic zinc through electrodeposition, which can be directly used in Zn-air batteries or hydrogen production. Furthermore, the delithiated LFP is upcycled into an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, achieving an overpotential of only 250 mV at 10 mA cm−2, superior to commercial RuO2 catalysts. Eventually, this system reduces energy consumption by 32% (9.2 MJ kg−1) compared to traditional hydrometallurgical processes, decreases greenhouse gas emissions by 35% compared to traditional pyrometallurgical processes, while achieving a net profit of ≈$0.44 per kg. This work establishes a novel, scalable recycling system, providing a robust sustainable solution for spent LFP cathodes recycling and clean energy storage.

Phononic devices offer unique advantages in RF applications due to their shorter wavelengths compared to photons. This perspective explores functional phononic devices that can enable integrated phononic circuits. These circuits promise to enable miniaturized communication systems with improved SWaP-C characteristics, while also finding applications in quantum information science, sensing, and biomedical engineering.

Abstract

The phonon wavelength, being much shorter than that of photons at the same frequency, offers phononic devices a unique niche in radio frequency (RF) applications. However, the current limitations of these devices, particularly their restricted functionality, hinder their broader integration and application. Currently, many functions are achieved using alternative signal forms like electric and photonic signals, requiring bulky converters to transform between phonon signals and other forms. The development of functional phononic devices paves the way for integrated phononic circuits, which aim to minimize the need for signal conversion while accomplishing all necessary functions. In this perspective, a brief overview of several types of functional phononic devices is provided that hold promise for integration, such as phononic modulators, amplifiers, lasers, nonreciprocal devices, and those inspired by topological physics. It is envisioned that through continued developments in materials, fabrication techniques, and designs, it's possible to realize integrated phononic circuits which will be applied in miniaturized communication devices with reduced size, weight, power consumption, and cost (SWaP-C), as well as in other fields including quantum information science, sensing, biomedical engineering, and beyond.

Metal@Cu2O composites are developed as platforms to investigate the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) induced enhancement on photoelectrocatalysis. The contributions of two LSPR mechanisms, plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET) and hot electron transfer (HET), to the photocurrent are quantified using different bands of incident light, providing a quantitative understanding of the role of PIRET and HET in boosting photoelectrocatalysis.

Abstract

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of metal nanoparticles can substantially enhance the activity of photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reactions. However, quantifying the respective contributions of different LSPR mechanisms to the enhancement of PEC performance remains an urgent challenge. In this work, Cu@Cu2O composites prepared by annealing Cu2O under an inert atmosphere and electrodeposited metal@Cu2O composites (MED@Cu2O, MED = CuED, AuED, AgED, PdED, PtED) are employed as platform materials to investigate the LSPR effect on the PEC hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). All the composites exhibited remarkably LSPR-enhanced activity toward PEC HER. The contributions of two LSPR mechanisms, plasmon induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET) and hot electron transfer (HET), to the photocurrent on Cu@Cu2O and CuED@Cu2O are quantified by using different bands of incident light. Moreover, using MED@Cu2O composites, the effects of both the metal species and the applied potential on HET are quantitatively investigated. The results reveal that a pronounced HET enhancement occurs only when the LSPR peak energy is lower than the semiconductor bandgap energy (E g) and that HET strengthens as the applied potential becomes more negative for PEC HER. This work therefore provides a quantitative understanding of the roles of PIRET and HET in boosting PEC activity.

Emulating skin-texturing capabilities of cephalopods, a magnetic shape-morphing platform (MMP) is developed to enable systems that reversibly modulate their morphology and stiffness. The MMP, consisting of polymer composites embedded with liquid metal droplets and ferromagnetic particles, achieves complex and sophisticated 3D configurations through thermo-magnetic stimuli under programmed magnetization profiles. Proof-of-concept demonstrations suggest potential applications in 3D displays and soft robotics.

Abstract

Shape-morphing systems capable of actively achieving diverse three-dimensional (3D) configurations are essential for advancements in 3D electronics and soft robotics. However, current shape-morphing technologies encounter challenges such as iterative shape reconfiguration with high geometrical complexity, mechanical stability, and slow response times. Inspired by the 3D skin texturing abilities of cephalopods, 3D magnetic shape-morphing systems are introduced, enabling reversible and continuous transformation with a broad range of complex reconfigurable shapes. This is achieved through thermo-magnetoactive actuation, guided by magnetization profiles created via a 3D magnetic encoding strategy. The system leverages magnetic shape-morphing platforms (MMPs) built with a composite containing elastomer mixed with low melting point alloy (LMPA) particles comprising ferromagnetic particles. The MMP can produce intricate, robust 3D configurations using multimodal magnetic actuation facilitated by tunable stiffness and magnetoactive reconfigurability. Proof-of-concept demonstrations of 3D visio-tactile displays and light-responsive flower robots highlight the potential of bioinspired 3D magnetic shape-morphing systems, suggesting promising applications in 3D electronics, soft robotics, and visio-haptic human interfacing.

A composite hydrogel electrolyte is prepared by constructing a 3D supramolecular network. The hydrogel electrolyte possesses good mechanical properties, superior ionic conductivity, and high zinc ion transference number, which can inhibit dendrite growth, enable uniform zinc deposition, achieve long cycle life, and realize high capacity retention.

Abstract

Hydrogel electrolytes have garnered extensive attention in zinc ion batteries due to their excellent flexibility and good safety. However, their limited mechanical properties, low ionic conductivity, and poor Zn2+ transference number pose significant challenges for developing high-performance zinc ion batteries. Herein, this work constructs a 3D supramolecular network capable of locking anions and active water molecules through the abundant hydrogen bonding interactions between aramid nanofibers, polyvinyl alcohol, and anions. This network synergistically enhances the mechanical properties (with a mechanical strength of 0.88 MPa and a toughness of 3.28 MJ m−3), ionic conductivity (4.22 S m−1), and Zn2+ transference number (0.78). As a result, the supramolecular composite hydrogel electrolyte can effectively inhibit dendrite growth and side reactions, facilitate interface regulation, and enable uniform zinc deposition. The Zn anode exhibits a cycle life of 1500 h at 5 mA cm−2 and 5 mAh cm−2, with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.1% over 600 cycles. Additionally, the Zn||polyaniline full cell maintains a high capacity retention of 78% after 9100 cycles at 1 A g−1. The assembled pouch cells demonstrate good flexibility, deformability, and compression resistance. This work provides valuable insights into the design of high-performance hydrogel electrolytes for zinc ion batteries.

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are living microorganisms that produce magnetosomes for navigation using the Earth's geomagnetic field. Their built-in magnetic components, along with their intrinsic and/or modified biological functions, make them one of the most promising platforms for making future living and programmable microrobots. This review highlights recent advances in MTB-based microrobotics, detailing their interactions with magnetic fields, propulsion mechanisms, motion control, and emerging strategies for engineering and functionalizing MTB for biomedical applications.

Abstract

Nature's ability to create complex and functionalized organisms has long inspired engineers and scientists to develop increasingly advanced machines. Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), a group of Gram-negative prokaryotes that biomineralize iron and thrive in aquatic environments, have garnered significant attention from the bioengineering community. These bacteria possess chains of magnetic nanocrystals known as magnetosomes, which allow them to align with Earth's geomagnetic field and navigate through aquatic environments via magnetotaxis, enabling localization to areas rich in nutrients and optimal oxygen concentration. Their built-in magnetic components, along with their intrinsic and/or modified biological functions, make them one of the most promising platforms for future medical microrobots. Leveraging an externally applied magnetic field, the motion of MTBs can be precisely controlled, rendering them suitable for use as a new type of biohybrid microrobotics with great promise in medicine for bioimaging, drug delivery, cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatment, and detoxification. This mini-review provides an up-to-date overview of recent advancements in MTB microrobots, delineates the interaction between MTB microrobots and magnetic fields, elucidates propulsion mechanisms and motion control, and reports state-of-the-art strategies for modifying and functionalizing MTB for medical applications.

This work reports the precise recognition of gas molecules with similar kinetic sizes while maintaining high gas diffusivity through the modification of the 1D channels of micrometer-sized mordenite. The weak acid salt-modified mordenite NaAlO2@MOR(0.5) exhibits remarkable carbon dioxide/acetylene kinetic selectivity (534.3), and high carbon dioxide capacity and diffusion constant.

Abstract

The design of physical adsorbents for a precise recognition of gas molecules with similar kinetic sizes is of importance as adsorptive separation can serve as an alternative to energy-intensive distillation processes. However, it is challenging to balance the selectivity, capacity, and adsorption kinetics of the adsorbents. Herein, an efficient kinetic separation of acetylene and carbon dioxide is reported, which have nearly identical kinetic sizes, achieved through modification of the one-dimensional (1D) channels of a micrometer-sized mordenite. Under ambient conditions, the weak acid salt-modified mordenite denoted as NaAlO2@MOR(0.5), exhibits a remarkable kinetic separation selectivity of 534.3 while retaining an excellent diffusivity for CO2. Compared to other adsorbent materials, its dynamic column performance for carbon dioxide significantly exceeds those of molecular sieve materials. In terms of separation selectivity, it is superior to thermodynamic separation adsorbents. The high efficiency of NaAlO2@MOR(0.5) in CO2/C2H2 kinetic separation is validated by column breakthrough experiments. Furthermore, NaAlO2@MOR(0.5) has a low cost and high thermal stability. This study can guide the design of adsorbents that balance selectivity, capacity, and gas diffusivity, to provide a highly efficient kinetic separation of gas molecules with similar kinetic diameters.