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The atomic design and control of golden single-atom alloys (PdAu1 and PtAu1 SAAs) are achieved by taking full advantage of the intrinsically isolated Bi atoms in fully ordered PdBi and PtBi matrixes, serving as highly selective, active, and stable cathode oxygen reduction and anode methanol oxidation electrocatalysts, respectively, to trigger a direct methanol fuel cell with high power density.

Abstract

Engineering electrocatalysts at a single-atomic site can enable unprecedented atomic utilization and catalytic activity, yet it remains challenging in multimetallic active centers to simultaneously achieve high catalytic selectivity and stability. Herein, the atomic design and control of golden single-atom alloys (PdAu1 and PtAu1 SAAs) based on fully ordered PdBi and PtBi matrixes is presented, serving as highly selective, active, and stable cathode and anode electrocatalysts, respectively, to trigger direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The octahedral PdAu1 SAA exhibits ultrahigh mass-activity of 5.37 A mgPd + Au −1 without noticeable decay for 12 0000 cycles toward oxygen reduction. While PdAu1 SAA is inactive for methanol oxidation, PtAu1 SAA exhibits an ultrahigh mass-activity of 28.59 A mgPt + Au −1. The selective electrocatalysts drive a practical DMFC with a high-power density of 155.0 mW cm−2. Density functional theory calculations reveal the desired regulation of selectivity via reducing the energy barrier for potential-determining steps (PDS) of *OH to H2O and *HCOO to CO2. This work provides a general strategy to engineer multimetallic alloys at the atomic level, advancing the development of high-performance electrocatalysts.

This study presents glutathione-responsive nanoparticles (PSMA-NP/BEZ) targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen to deliver a PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor. The system simultaneously suppresses P-glycoprotein-mediated drug resistance, enhances chemotherapy sensitivity, and reprograms immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments by inactivating myeloid-derived suppressor cells, offering a dual chemo-immunotherapeutic strategy against advanced prostate cancer.

Abstract

Acquired drug resistance and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment significantly limit the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in advanced prostate cancer. Blocking the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway has been recently proved as a new strategy to improve sensitivity to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Herein, glutathione (GSH)-sensitive nanoparticles (PSMA-NP/BEZ) are developed that can target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), loaded with PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor prodrug BEZ235. BEZ235 can be released from PSMA-NP/BEZ in response to elevated GSH levels in prostate cancer tissues, inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and impairing downstream cellular functions such as cell proliferation, DNA repair, and protein synthesis. When combined with paclitaxel, PSMA-NP/BEZ could reduce drug efflux by downregulating P-glycoprotein expression in cancer cells, thus enhancing the sensitivity to chemotherapy. Furthermore, PSMA-NP/BEZ could impair the immunosuppressive functions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and reshape the “cold” immune microenvironment in prostate cancer, enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy and including long-term immune memory against tumor recurrence. PSMA-NP/BEZ serves a safe and promising strategy to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in advanced prostate cancer.

In this article, the Mg2Ni@Ti─MgO catalyst, featuring Mg2Ni and stable Ti─MgO with stable Ti valence state, is applied to Mg/MgH2. It simultaneously facilitates the hydrogen adsorption, dissociation, diffusion, and nucleation processes, enabling moderate-temperature hydrogen storage reactions with long-term cycle stability. These findings suggest the importance of combining early- and late-transition metals in a gas-solid phase reaction.

Abstract

Enhancing hydrogenation and dehydrogenation (de/hydrogenation) kinetics without compromising cycle stability is a major challenge for Mg-based hydrogen storage materials (Mg/MgH2). The de/hydrogenation reactions of Mg/MgH2 are one of the gas–solid reactions involving hydrogen adsorption, dissociation, diffusion, and nucleation, which often results in the catalysts being unable to simultaneously accelerate these distinct kinetic processes. Here, the Mg2Ni@Ti─MgO catalyst with dual active sites is reported to be designed to address this issue. The stabilization of Ti2+ and Ti3+ valence states in the MgO lattice simultaneously accelerates hydrogen adsorption and dissociation. Additionally, Mg2Ni serves as a hydrogen diffusion and nucleation center, synergistically enhancing de/hydrogenation reactions. Consequently, it enables MgH2 to release 5.28 wt.% H2 in 2 min at 280 °C, and achieves 1.96 wt.% H2 of hydrogen release in 60 min at 180 °C. The Mg2Ni@Ti─MgO catalyst exhibits remarkable chemical stability at the interfacial structure, minimizing structural and chemical degradation impact, and realizing excellent de/hydrogenation performance over 1000 cycles. These results provide a new methodology for optimizing multiple kinetic steps, attaining highly efficient and stable de/hydrogenation reactions.

Different approaches to MOF-NP composite formation, such as ship-in-a-bottle, bottle-around-the-ship and in situ one-step synthesis, are used. Owing to synergistic effects, the advantageous features of the components of the composites are beneficially combined, and their individual drawbacks are mitigated. In this way, the performance in applications ranging from batteries and supercapacitors to chemical catalysis, electrocatalysis, sensing, photodegradation of contaminants, and biomedicine is boosted.

Abstract

Composite structures created from metal‒organic framework (MOF) matrices are reviewed in this work. Depending on the nature of the second component apart from the MOF platform, several synergistic properties may arise; at the same time, the initial features of the single constituent materials are usually maintained, and individual shortcomings are mitigated. Currently, timely energy and environmental challenges necessitate the quest for more advanced materials and technologies. Significant developments in MOF-nanocomposites have enabled their application across a wide range of modern and traditional fields. This review demonstrates in an exhaustive and critical way a broad range of MOF-based nanocomposites, namely, MOF/perovskite nanoparticles (NPs), MOF/metal (non-iron) oxide NPs, MOF/Fe3O4 NPs, MOF/metal chalcogenide NPs, MOF/metal NPs, and MOF/carbon-based materials, as well as nanocomposites of MOFs with other semiconductor NPs. Key points related to the synthesis, characterization, and applications of these materials are provided. Depending on their configuration, the composites under discussion can be applied in domains such as photoelectrochemical sensing, antibiotic/dye degradation, optoelectronics, photovoltaics, catalysis, solar cells, supercapacitors, batteries, water remediation, and drug loading. Sometimes, MOFs can undergo certain processes (e.g. pyrolysis) and act as precursors for composite materials with appealing characteristics. Therefore, a special section in the manuscript is devoted to MOF-derived NP composites. Toward the end of the text, we conclude while also describing the challenges and possibilities for further investigations in the umbrella of material categories analyzed herein. Despite the progress achieved, key questions remain to be answered regarding the relationships among the morphology, properties, and polyvalent activity of these materials. The present work aims to shed light on most of their aspects and innovative prospects, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the underlying phenomena, functionality, and mechanistic insights governing their behavior.

This review explores the role of 3D printing in enhancing flexible pressure sensors with diverse microstructures, including micro-patterned, microporous, and hierarchical designs based on different sensing mechanisms. It explores their applications in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and emerging fields while providing insights into performance optimization and sensor advancements using 3D printing.

Abstract

3D printing has revolutionized the development of flexible pressure sensors by enabling the precise fabrication of diverse microstructures that significantly enhance sensor performance. These advancements have substantially improved key attributes such as sensitivity, response time, and durability, facilitating applications in wearable electronics, robotics, and human–machine interfaces. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the sensing mechanisms of these sensors, emphasizing the role of microstructures, such as micro-patterned, microporous, and hierarchical designs, in optimizing performance. The advantages of 3D printing techniques, including direct and indirect fabrication methods, in the creation of complex microstructures with high precision and adaptability are highlighted. Specific applications, including human physiological signal monitoring, motion detection, soft robotics, and emerging applications, are explored to demonstrate the versatility of these sensors. Additionally, this review briefly discusses key challenges, such as material compatibility, optimization difficulties, and environmental stability, as well as emerging trends, such as the integration of advanced technologies, innovative designs, and multidimensional sensing as promising avenues for future advancements. By summarizing recent progress and identifying opportunities for innovation, this review provides critical insights into bridging the gap between research and real-world applications, helping to accelerate the evolution of flexible pressure sensors with sophisticated 3D-printed microstructures.

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.