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Out-of-plane ferroelectricity is observed in 1T′/1H MoS2 bilayers synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The phenomenon is confirmed through structural analysis using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and second-harmonic generation (SHG), as well as switching behavior characterized by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) measurements. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the ferroelectricity originates from interlayer sliding. This discovery extends the scope of 2D ferroelectrics to vertically stacked heterophase systems, offering new opportunities for exploring coupled phenomena in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs).

Abstract

The emergence of heterophase 2D materials, distinguished by their unique structures, has led to the discovery of a multitude of intriguing physical properties and a broad range of potential applications. Here, out-of-plane ferroelectricity is uncovered in a heterophase structure of 1T′/1H MoS2, which is synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by tuning the formation energies for MoS2 with varied phases. The atomically resolved structures of the obtained 1T′/1H MoS2 bilayers are captured using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and are confirmed to be non-centrosymmetric using second-harmonic generation (SHG) characterizations. The intrinsic out-of-plane polarization is visualized by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), which reveals that ferroelectric domains can be manipulated under an applied electric field. Ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) devices fabricated on these bilayers exhibit reversible switching between a high resistance state (HRS) and a low resistance state (LRS). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate that the intrinsic ferroelectricity in 1T′/1H bilayers is attributed to interlayer sliding and lattice mismatch. The findings not only expand the scope of 2D ferroelectrics to include vertically stacked heterophase bilayers but also open avenues for exploring the coupling effect between ferroelectricity and other phenomena such as magnetism, superconductivity, and photocatalysis in 2D heterophase TMDCs.

Incorporating anthracene-based dynamic bonds into a supramolecular liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) enables swift and reversible alternation of its local nematic-isotropic transition temperature and global actuation strain. The morphing behavior of the LCE actuator can be spatiotemporally programmed by varying the local UV exposure. This empowers precise motion control to accomplish intricate tasks, such as the aligning, threading, and locking mechanism.

Abstract

Spatiotemporal programming of the morphing behavior of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) by local tailoring of the nematic to isotropic temperature (TNI) can empower the precise design of their versatile motions. The current approach and materials design to achieve this process are either slow or irreversible, limiting its efficiency and efficacy. Here, a dynamic bond of anthracene and ethyl acrylate (An-A) is introduced to enable photoinduced topology transformation to alter the T NI of the LCE, into a hydrogen-bonded supramolecular LCE network, where the actuation modes can already be reconfigured upon annealing. Experiments and molecular dynamics simulation demonstrate that the An-A bonds undergo reversible cycloaddition with 365 nm UV exposure for as short as 10 min, and depolymerization with 254 nm UV. The resulting topological transformations of the network give rise to changes in the T NI, actuation strain, and mechanical properties, which can be programed and erased by light. With that, a spatiotemporally reprogrammable LCE actuator: a single LCE that morphs into different shapes, especially those that are far more achievable when the trajectory can be designed by sequential actuation, is developed. This system offers a promising strategy for swift and reversible morphing behavior with custom-designed trajectory in future smart soft robots.

Transient strain-crystallization simultaneously strengthens and toughens block polyester elastomers while conserving recyclability. Using controlled polymerization catalysis and commercial monomers, block polyester elastomers outperform current commercial elastomers, entering a new region of tensile mechanical property space.

Abstract

Polyester thermoplastic elastomers are promising sustainable materials but their mechanical properties need improvement, in particular, attempts to increase strength often result in compromised elasticity. Strong and tough elastomers are known but require complex polymer formulations together with control over cross-linking or crystallinity, both of which challenge recycling. Here, the introduction of transient strain-stiffening approaches into fully amorphous structures show both strengthening and toughening of elastomers while conserving recyclability. The new amorphous block polyester elastomers are prepared by controlled polymerization methods using commercial monomers. The block polymers comprise a central poly(ɛ-caprolactone-co-ɛ-decalactone) block flanked by poly(cyclohexene oxide-alt-phthalate) blocks. Elastomer thermomechanical properties are tuned by varying ratios of ɛ-caprolactone to ɛ-decalactone within the mid-block to access materials with excellent mechanical properties. The best elastomers feature 30–50 wt.% polycaprolactone and exhibit tensile strengths up to 40 MPa, elongations at break above 2000%, with excellent elastic recovery (>90%). These materials exhibit strain-induced crystallization and outperform current commercial elastomers, entering a new region of tensile mechanical property space. They have service temperature ranges from −60 to 140 °C and high temperature stability (≥300 °C), with wide thermal (re)processing windows. These new polyester elastomers also show high resistance to creep, humidity resistance, and excellent recyclability.

This study develops a sprayable hydrogel based on polypeptide-modified lipid nanoparticles (PLNs) mimicking natural hemostasis. PLNs integrate platelet adhesion peptide (GFOGER) and platelet crosslinking peptide (GGQQLK), DSPS, and Ca2⁺ to activate coagulation. Combined with Ca2⁺-sodium alginate hydrogels, they synergistically enhance rapid clot formation via platelet aggregation, prothrombin activation, and fibrin crosslinking, offering an efficient biomimetic strategy for hemorrhage.

Abstract

Non-compressible hemorrhaging is the main cause of death in modern warfare. A biomimetic peptide-modified lipid nanoparticle-based sprayable hydrogel is developed to mimic and amplify the blood coagulation process for effective hemostasis. A platelet adhesion peptide (PAP, sequence: GFOGER) and platelet crosslinking peptide (PCP, sequence: GGQQLK) are customized and conjugated to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N[methoxy (polyethylene glycol) 2000] acid (DSPE-PEG2000-COOH) via amido bonds to form DSPE-PEG-PAP and DSPE-PEG-PCP, respectively. These compounds are mixed with distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, cholesterol, and distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DSPS) to construct the peptide-modified lipid nanoparticles via thin film rehydration. The nanoparticles are incorporated into a CaCl2-sodium alginate sprayable hydrogel crosslinked via ionic bonds. The application of the hydrogel solution quickly gels and seals the wound. The PAP activates and adheres platelets, the DSPS and Ca2+ amplify prothrombin activation, and PCP strengthens the fibrin network. The hydrogel achieves rapid hemostasis within 30 s in a liver hemorrhage model. This sprayable hydrogel has significant potential for managing non-compressible hemorrhaging.

A gradient electron energy level strategy is constructed to reduce voltage losses in planar HTL-free CsPbI2Br C-PSCs. This electron extraction optimization enables rapid photogenerated electron extraction and carrier separation, thereby suppressing recombination at the back contact. The resulting PSCs deliver a record V OC of 1.41 V, a high PCE of 17.42% and a high stability, simultaneously.

Abstract

Carbon-based CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) free of a hole-transport layer (HTL) have emerged as promising photovoltaics due to their low processing cost and superior stability. However, the voltage deficit resulting from inefficient carrier extraction causes insufficient power conversion efficiency (PCE), severely hindering their progress. Here, a gradient electron energy level modulation strategy proves effective in reducing voltage losses through the rapid extraction of photogenerated electrons. This process enhances carrier separation/collection and reduces recombination at the back contact, thereby achieving high-performance photovoltaics. It is demonstrated that the front electron extraction, equally critical as the prevailing back perovskite/carbon contact, accounts for the significant contributing factor of voltage deficit in carbon-based HTL-free PSCs. The resulting PSCs deliver a record open-circuit voltage (V OC) of 1.41 V and a PCE of 17.42% and retain more than 92% of their initial efficiency after 1, 000 h. These results highlight the significant potential of carbon-based HTL-free perovskite photovoltaics.

This review summarizes recent advancements in nacre-inspired 2D carbon-based nanocomposites (TDCNs) based-graphene and MXene. Innovative fabrication strategies have been developed to align nanosheets while effectively eliminating voids through interfacial bridging, synergistic toughening, and confined assembly. The resulting densified TDCNs demonstrate exceptional fatigue resistance, electrical conductivity, and durability, making them suitable for applications in flexible electronics, bone tissue regeneration, and thermal insulation.

Abstract

Nacre has become the golden standard for the structural design of high-performance composites due to extraordinary fracture toughness, which exceeds the mixing principle of traditional composites by two orders of magnitude. Surprisingly, the unique biomaterials are formed under ambient temperature and pressure conditions, resulting in low energy consumption and no pollution. It is an effective approach to obtain inspiration from structure-activity relationships of biomaterials for developing the next-generation of high-performance composites. Furthermore, 2D carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene and MXene, having exceptional mechanical and electrical properties, are ideal candidates for fabricating new generation high-performance composites that would replace carbon fiber (CF) composites. This review systematically summarizes relevant works for high-performance 2D carbon nanocomposites (TDCNs) inspired by nacre. The review first explores structural insights from the nacre. Next, the fabrication strategies of TDCNs are systematically summarized, with an emphasis on achieving highly aligned 2D carbon nanosheets through advanced assembly techniques. Subsequently, the critical role of void defects, which is a key factor governing the mechanical properties of TDCNs, is addressed by analyzing their formation mechanisms, characterization methodologies, and elimination strategies. Finally, the applications and challenges of high-performance TDCNs obtained through highly aligned assembly and densification processes are discussed.

Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Shuangxi Li; Carmen Santa Cruz Mateos
• Wednesday 16 July 2025, 16:00-17:30
• Venue: in person at Gurdon Institute.
• Series: Cambridge Fly Meetings; organiser: Jia CHEN.

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The special photo-responsiveness of upconversion nanoparticles has opened up a new path for the advancement of near-infrared (NIR)-responsive optoelectronics. However, challenges such as low energy-conversion efficiency and high nonradiative losses still persist. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between materials properties and device performance, offering both theoretical and empirical guidance for the development of high-performance NIR optoelectronic devices.

Abstract

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), incorporating lanthanide (Ln) dopants, can convert low-energy near-infrared photons into higher-energy visible or ultraviolet light through nonlinear energy transfer processes. This distinctive feature has attracted considerable attention in both fundamental research and advanced optoelectronics. Challenges such as low energy-conversion efficiency and nonradiative losses limit the performance of UCNP-based optoelectronic devices. Recent advancements including optimized core–shell structures, tailed Ln-doping concentration, and surface modifications show significant promise for improving the efficiency and stability. In addition, combining UCNPs with functional materials can broaden their applications and improve device performance, paving the way for the innovation of next-generation optoelectronics. This paper first categorizes and elaborates on various upconversion mechanisms in UCNPs, focusing on strategies to boost energy transfer efficiency and prolong luminescence. Subsequently, an in-depth discussion of the various materials that can enhance the efficiency of UCNPs and expand their functionality is provided. Furthermore, a wide range of UCNP-based optoelectronic devices is explored, and multiple emerging applications in UCNP-based neuromorphic computing are highlighted. Finally, the existing challenges and potential solutions involved in developing practical UCNPs optoelectronic devices are considered, as well as an outlook on the future of UCNPs in advanced technologies is provided.

In nitrogen vacancies-rich nickel nitride (Ni3N-VN), a local microenvironment of nitrogen vacancies and adjacent Ni sites is formed. The electron-rich Ni-sites can be converted to NiOOH at a lower potential, and urea adsorption on the electron-deficient nitrogen vacancy region is conducive to its partial dissociation, conceiving to efficient urea oxidation reaction.

Abstract

The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a promising approach for replacing the oxygen evolution reaction in hydrogen production, offering lower energy consumption. However, the kinetics of Ni-based catalysts for UOR are hindered by the high formation potential of NiOOH and its repeated transition with Ni(OH)2. In this study, a local microenvironment featuring electron-deficient N-vacancies (VN) paired with adjacent electron-rich Ni-sites on Ni3N (Ni3N-VN) to enhance UOR kinetics is constructed. The electron-rich Ni-sites significantly reduce the energy barrier for NiOOH formation and promote the conversion of Ni(OH)2 to NiOOH. Meanwhile, the VN sites induce low charge transfer resistance in Ni3N, facilitating efficient electron transfer and boosting UOR performance while ensuring the stability of the active NiOOH phase. The VN sites promote the adsorption of the urea N atom at the active site, favoring the reaction pathway toward “NCO⁻” formation without requiring complete urea dissociation. This pathway alleviates the NiOOH/Ni(OH)2 conversion cycle, lowers charge transfer resistance, and improves reaction kinetics. Ni3N-VN demonstrates excellent UOR activity (low potential of 1.46 V at 1000 mA cm−2) and industrial prospects (integrating into an anion exchange membrane flow electrolyzer with 20% Pt/C, producing 600 mA cm−2 at 1.84 V), highlighting its potential for practical applications.

This review systematically summarizes the latest advancements in transition metal-based photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution-related applications. It provides a comprehensive classification of these materials, unveils effective strategies to enhance their catalytic performance, and delves into the fundamental principles underlying their modifications. Furthermore, the review outlines future perspectives in this field and offers guidance on developmental strategies to address existing challenges.

Abstract

Artificial photosynthesis offers a promising pathway to address environmental challenges and the global energy crisis by converting solar energy into storable chemical fuels such as hydrogen. Among various photocatalysts, transition metal-based materials have garnered significant attention due to their tunable crystal phase, morphology, surface active sites, and other key properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in transition metal-based photocatalysts for hydrogen production, with a particular focus on modification strategies and their underlying mechanisms. By systematically classifying these materials, this work highlights effective approaches for enhancing their catalytic performance, including structural engineering, electronic modulation, and interfacial optimization. Furthermore, this work discusses the fundamental principles governing these modifications, offering deeper insights into their roles in charge separation, surface reactions, and stability. Finally, this work outlines future research directions and key challenges in the rational design of highly efficient transition metal-based photocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.

We employ photocatalysis to decrease the iron migration barrier, enabling the repositioning of disordered iron atoms into their designated octahedral sites while simultaneously facilitating Li+ diffusion into the LFP lattice, thereby realizing the direct recovery of S-LFP. This method has substantial environmental and economic benefits, making it a promising solution for sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling.

Abstract

Fe-Li (FeLi) anti-site defects, commonly observed in degraded LiFePO4 cathodes, impede Li+ mobility and disrupt the electronic pathways, leading to significant performance degradation in LFP. However, addressing FeLi anti-site defects to achieve direct recycling of LFP remains challenging due to Fe high migration energy barriers and the lattice distortions they induce. Here, a feasible strategy is proposed for LFP regeneration by utilizing photocatalysis to reduce the Fe migration barrier. This approach facilitates repositioning disordered Fe atoms to their designated octahedral sites while simultaneously enabling Li+ diffusion into the LFP lattice, thus restoring capacity and ensuring cycling stability. The mechanism of the photocatalysis regeneration strategy is comprehensively analyzed through a combination of theoretical calculations, in-depth atomic characterization techniques, and electrochemical evaluations. Notably, this strategy is adaptable to varying levels of FeLi anti-site defects in spent LFP. Furthermore, life cycle analysis highlights the substantial environmental and economic benefits of this advanced strategy, making it a promising solution for sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling.

Flexible QZPCs formulated by the MES@CNT/CC air cathode and IL-PANa hydrogel electrolyte demonstrate a high cell-level energy density of 105 Wh kgcell −1, and an ultra-long cycle life of 4000 cycles at 5 mA cm−2 even at low temperature of −30 °C. The electronic synergy within the bifunctional MES@CNT/CC air cathode, initiates an intriguing adaptive active-site-switching catalytic mechanism during the reciprocating ORR and OER processes, thereby sustaining the high performance of the QZPCs.

Abstract

Quasi-solid-state Zn-air pouch cells (QZPCs) promise a high energy-to-cost ratio while ensuring inherent safety. However, addressing the challenges associated with exploring superior energy-wise cathode catalysts along with their activity origin, and the super-ionic electrolytes remains a fundamental task. Herein, the realistic high-performance QZPCs are contrived, underpinned by a robust NiVFeCo medium-entropy metal sulfides (MESs) bifunctional air cathode with a record-low potential polarization of 0.523 V, paired with a sodium polyacrylate-ionic liquid hydrogel exhibiting exceptional conductivity (234 mS cm−1) and water retention (93.8% at 7 days) at room temperature as the super-ionic conductor electrolyte. Through combined studies of in situ Raman, ex situ X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, and theoretic calculations, an intriguing adaptive active-sites-switching mechanism of the MESs cathode during discharging/charging processes is unveiled, revealing a dynamic role transition of Co and Ni active sites in the reversible oxygen electrocatalysis. Consequently, the persistent low cathode polarization and super ion-conductive electrolyte endorse QZPCs an excellent rate performance from 1 to 100 mA cm−2 at room temperature. Moreover, an impressively high cell-level energy density of 105 Wh kgcell −1 with an ultra-long cycle lifespan of 4000 cycles at 5 mA cm−2 and a low temperature of −30 °C is achieved.

Bioinspired Ru-doped metal hydroxide (Ru-Co(OH)x) is developed as an O2-evolution catalyst with proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) pathway for efficient and low-energy O2 generation. The lattice H species in Ru-Co(OH)x optimizes Ru-oxygen intermediates interactions, thereby enhancing O2 production performance. This technique ensures an uninterrupted O2 supply during emergencies and in regions with limited O2 availability, providing significant societal benefits.

Abstract

Producing high-purity oxygen (O2) has a wide range of applications across diverse sectors, such as medicine, tunnel construction, the chemical industry, and fermentation. However, current O2 production methods are burdened by complexity, heavy equipment, high energy consumption, and limited adaptability to harsh environments. Here, to address this grand challenge, the de novo design of Ru-doped metal hydroxide is proposed to serve as bioinspired O2-evolution catalysts with proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) pathway for low-energy, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and portable O2 generation. The comprehensive studies confirm that the lattice H species in Ru-Co(OH)x-based O2-evolution catalyst can trigger a PCET pathway to optimize Ru-oxygen intermediates interactions, thus ultimately reducing reaction energy barriers and improving the activities and durabilities. Consequently, the prepared Ru-Co(OH)x-loaded membrane catalysts exhibit rapid and long-term stable O2 production capabilities. Furthermore, the proposed material design strategy of lattice H-species shows remarkable universality and adaptability to broad Ru-doped metal hydroxides. This efficient, portable, and cost-effective O2 generation technique is suggested to ensure an uninterrupted O2 supply during emergencies and in regions with limited O2 availability or air pollution, thus offering significant societal benefits in broad applications.

The authors show that the (011)C perovskite planes are prone to stacking faults formation in all leading formamidinium-rich perovskite compositions. Using ethylene thiourea as a precursor additive, Othman et al. suppress those vulnerable facets, significantly enhancing the absorber's intrinsic stability under various operational conditions.

Abstract

The poor intrinsic perovskite absorber stability is arguably a central limitation challenging the prospect of commercialization for photovoltaic (PV) applications. Understanding the nanoscopic structural features that trigger instabilities in perovskite materials is essential to mitigate device degradation. Using nanostructure characterization techniques, we observe the local degradation to be initiated by material loss at stacking faults, forming inherently in the (011)-faceted perovskite domains in different formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite compositions. We introduce Ethylene Thiourea (ETU) as an additive into the perovskite precursor, which manipulates the perovskite crystal growth and results in dominantly in-and out-of-plane (001) oriented perovskite domains. Combining in-depth experimental analysis and density functional theory calculations, we find that ETU lowered the perovskite formation energy, readily enabling crystallization of the perovskite phase at room temperature without the need for an antisolvent quenching step. This facilitated the fabrication of high-quality large area 5 cm by 5 cm blade-coated perovskite films and devices. Encapsulated and unmasked ETU-treated devices, with an active area of 0.2 cm2, retained > 93 % of their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) for > 2100 hours at room temperature, and additionally, 1 cm2 ETU-treated devices maintained T80 (the duration for the PCE to decay to 80 % of the initial value) for > 600 hours at 65 °C, under continuous 1-sun illumination at the maximum power point in ambient conditions. Our demonstration of scalable and stable perovskite solar cells represents a promising step towards achieving a reliable perovskite PV technology.

Low-dimensional semiconductor materials are promising candidates for photosensitive components in next-generation image sensors. This review offers a thorough and timely examination of novel image sensors, covering their working principles, intriguing materials categorized into four main groups, and advanced imaging applications. Additionally, it delves into the roadmap for next-generation image sensors, exploring future opportunities and challenges in the field.

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of technology of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), the exponential increase in visual information leads to heightened demands for the quality and analysis of imaging results, rendering traditional silicon-based image sensors inadequate. This review serves as a comprehensive overview of next-generation image sensors based on low-dimensional semiconductor materials encompassing 0D, 1D, 2D materials, and their hybrids. It offers an in-depth introduction to the distinctive properties exhibited by these materials and delves into the device structures tailored specifically for image sensor applications. The classification of novel image sensors based on low-dimensional materials, in particular for transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), covering the preparation methods and corresponding imaging characteristics, is explored. Furthermore, this review highlights the diverse applications of low-dimensional materials in next-generation image sensors, encompassing advanced imaging sensors, biomimetic vision sensors, and non-von Neumann imaging systems. Lastly, the challenges and opportunities encountered in the development of next-generation image sensors utilizing low-dimensional semiconductor materials, paving the way for further advancements in this rapidly evolving field, are proposed.

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE01092F, PaperSinan Zheng, Yang Wang, Bin Luo, Kun Zhang, Leilei Sun, Zhean Bao, Guosheng Duan, Dinghao Chen, Hanwei Hu, Jingyun Huang, Zhizhen Ye
The dynamic reconstruction of electric double layers (EDLs) holds the key to stabilizing aqueous Zn metal batteries. However, the charge compatibility within EDL is destroyed by the spatiotemporal discord between...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE05757K, PaperQunhao Wang, Xueyong Deng, Xiaolin Xue, Jian Zhang, Jiangqi Zhao, Zengyan Sui, Yuefei Zou, Longbo Luo, Wei Zhang, Xiangyang Liu, Canhui Lu
Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries (ZIBs) are a promising device for sustainable energy storage, yet their application is hindered by uncontrollable Zn dendrite growth and parasitic reactions. Herein, a flexible membrane...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00737B, PaperKang Yan, Yongbo Fan, Xueya Yang, Xinyu Wang, Shengmei Chen, Weijia Wang, Mingchang Zhang, Huiqing Fan, Longtao Ma
Highly concentrated salts, like 30 m ZnCl₂, can reduce free water molecules in aqueous electrolytes but also increase acidity, causing severe acid-catalyzed corrosion of the Zn anode, current collector, and...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

DAC-AA into SnO2 colloids favors the crystalline phase and preferential orientation along high-oriented (101) and (200) crystal planes by reducing surface absorption energy and modulating crystal thermodynamics, promoting heating transfer rate in the flexible PEN substrate and favoring perovskite/SnO2 lattice matching. The f-PSCs fabricated in full-air conditions produce an efficiency of 23.87% and exceptional mechanical stability.

Abstract

Tin (IV) oxide (SnO2) electron transport layer (ETL) emerges as the most promising n-type semiconductor material for flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PSCs). The (110) facet-dominated SnO2 colloids are readily created, whereas other best-performing (101) and (200) facets-dominated ones with superior potential in interface modulation and lattice matching remain insufficiently explored. Here water-soluble acryloyloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride-acrylamine (DAC-AA) doping into SnO2 colloids produces more (101)- and (200)-oriented crystal domains through lowering surface absorption energy and offering additional thermodynamic driving force. Theoretical and experimental analyses corroborate that the grain preference orientation induced by DAC-AA modification strengthens heating transfer rate on the flexible substrate and favors lattice matching of perovskite (100) plane on SnO2 (101) and (200) facets. Accordingly, the champion f-PSCs on high-oriented SnO2-DAC-AA ETLs fabricated fully in ambient air conditions achieve the efficiencies of 23.87% and 22.41% with aperture areas of 0.092 and 1 cm2. In parallel, the propitious interfacial lattice arrangement attenuates the formation of micro-strain inside perovskite films, maintaining 92.5% of their initial performance after 10 000 bending cycles with a curvature radius of 6 mm.

The combination of flexible matrices with embedded hard-magnetic nodes enables metastructures with reprogrammable mechanical properties, even in the absence of external magnetic fields. The evolving interaction between nodes during structural deformation allows mechanical tunability under quasi-static and dynamic loading, and bistable transitions. This approach enables engineered structural components with adaptable mechanical responses, reprogrammable via magnetic element redistribution or applied fields.

Abstract

This study experimentally demonstrates the reprogrammability of a rotating-squares-based mechanical metamaterial with an embedded array of permanent magnets. How the orientation, residual magnetization, and stiffness of the magnets influence both the static and dynamic responses of the metamaterial is systematically investigated. It is showed that by carefully tuning the magnet orientation within the metamaterial, notable tunability of the metamaterial response can be achieved across static and dynamic regimes. More complex magnetic node configurations can optimize specific structural responses by decoupling the tunability of quasi-static stress–strain behavior from energy absorption under impact loading. Additionally, reprogrammability can be further enhanced by an external magnetic field, which modulates magnetic interactions within the structure. This work paves the way for developing engineered structural components with adaptable mechanical responses, reprogrammable through either the redistribution of magnetic elements or the application of an external magnetic field.