http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/rss/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1521-4095

This research provides a significant breakthrough in the field of narrowband organic photodiodes (OPDs) by introducing a novel class of boron-nitrogen (BN) single-component wavelength-selective materials. The OPDs incorporating these single-component BN photoabsorbers demonstrate record-high external quantum efficiency of 33.77% and small full-width half-maximum of 36 nm in the reported narrowband OPDs using single-component photoabsorbers.

Organic photodiodes (OPDs) that utilize wavelength-selective absorbing molecules offer a direct approach to capturing specific wavelengths of light in multispectral sensors/imaging systems without filters. However, they exhibit broad response bandwidths, low external quantum efficiency (EQE), and often require compromises in two-component photoactive materials. Herein, the first utility of boron-nitrogen (BN) single-component photoabsorbers, leveraging a multi-resonance effect are introduced to attain OPDs with both record-high EQE of 33.77% and ultra-small full-width half-maximum (FWHM) of 36 nm in the reported narrowband OPDs using single-component photoabsorbers. It is found that the outstanding performance of these narrowband OPDs can be attributed to the ultra-small FWHM, slow charge recombination, low activation energy, and balanced bipolar charge transport within the para-tert-butyl substituted B,N-embedded rigid polycyclic molecule (BNCz) film. Furthermore, BN derivatives such as BN(p)SCH3, BN(p)SO2CH3, and pyBN-m-H have also shown high EQE, minimal FWHM, and tunable photoresponse peaks ranging from blue-violet to blue-turquoise, highlighting the potential of BN molecules and molecular engineering in the development of novel narrowband absorbers for advanced wavelength-selective OPDs. Such pioneering working can provide a class of novel narrowband absorbers to propel the advancement of high-performance wavelength-selective OPDs.

By combining multimodal energy dissipation and phase modulation in active layer films, the mechanical and photovoltaic properties of flexible electronics are innovatively co-developed to achieve a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.07%, which is the highest PCE reported for flexible organic photovoltaic device to date.

All-polymer organic solar cells (OSCs) have shown unparalleled application potential in the field of flexible wearable electronics in recent years due to the excellent mechanical and photovoltaic properties. However, the small molecule acceptors after polymerization in still retain some mechanical and aggregation properties of the small molecule, falling short of the ductility requirements for flexible devices. Here, based on the multimodal energy dissipation theory, the mechanical and photovoltaic properties of flexible devices are co-enhanced by adding the thermoplastic elastomer material (polyurethane, PU) to the PM6:PBQx-TF:PY-IT-based active layer films. The construction of multi-fiber network structure and the decrease of films’ residual stresses contribute to the enhancement of carrier transport properties and the decrease of defect state density. Eventually, the PCE (power conversion efficiency) of 19.40% is achieved on the flexible devices with an effective area of 0.102 cm2, and the third-party certified PCE reaches 19.07%, which is the highest PCE for flexible OSCs currently available. To further validate the potential of this strategy for large-area module applications, the 25-cm2-based flexible and super-flexible modules are prepared with the PCEs of 15.48% and 14.61%, respectively, and demonstration applications are implemented.

A new synthesis strategy for CdZnSe/ZnS core/shell colloidal quantum wells, which covers the green and blue spectral range and exhibits exceptional photoelectric properties, is achieved by direct cation exchange from Cd to Zn and hot-injection shell growth. This enables the fabrication of high-performance green and blue light-emitting diodes with the peak external quantum efficiencies of 20.4% and 10.6%.

The unique anisotropic properties of colloidal quantum wells (CQWs) make them highly promising as components in nanocrystal-based devices. However, the limited performance of green and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on CQWs has impeded their practical applications. In this study, alloy CdZnSe core CQWs with precise compositions are tailored via direct cation exchange (CE) from CdSe CQWs with specific size, shape, and crystal structure and utilized hot-injection shell (HIS) growth to synthesize CdZnSe/ZnS core/shell CQWs exhibiting exceptional optoelectronic characteristics. This approach enabled the successful fabrication green and blue LEDs manifesting superior performance compared to previously reported solution-processed CQW-LEDs. The devices demonstrated a remarkable peak external quantum efficiency (20.4% for green and 10.6% for blue), accompanied by a maximum brightness 347,683 cd m−2 for green and 38,063 cd m−2 for blue. The high-performance represents a significant advancement for nanocrystal-based light-emitting diodes (Nc-LEDs) incorporating anisotropic nanocrystals. This work provides a comprehensive synthesis strategy for enhancing the efficiency of Nc-LEDs utilizing anisotropic nanocrystals.

Mild CF4 plasma is introduced to resolve the trade-off between mobility and the on-current (I on)/off-current (I off) ratio  in degenerate oxide semiconductors without the need for thermal annealing. This technique effectively reduces carrier density, achieving a high I on/I off ratio (10⁸) while preserving high mobility (104 cm2 V−1s−1) of thick In2O3 transistors, leading to enhanced switching performance and making it ideal for three-dimensional integration in advanced electronic devices.

Amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOS) are pivotal for next-generation electronics due to their high electron mobility and excellent optical properties. However, In2O3, a key material in this family, encounters significant challenges in balancing high mobility and effective switching as its thickness is scaled down to nanometer dimensions. The high electron density in ultra-thin In2O3 hinders its ability to turn off effectively, leading to a critical trade-off between mobility and the on-current (I on)/off-current (I off) ratio. This study introduces a mild CF4 plasma doping technique that effectively reduces electron density in 10 nm In2O3 at a low processing temperature of 70 °C, achieving a high mobility of 104 cm2 V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and an I on/I off ratio exceeding 10⁸. A subsequent low-temperature post-annealing further improves the critical reliability and stability of CF4-doped In2O3 without raising the thermal budget, making this technique suitable for monolithic three-dimensional (3D) integration. Additionally, its application is demonstrated in In2O3 depletion-load inverters, highlighting its potential for advanced logic circuits and broader electronic and optoelectronic applications.

This review sheds light on the most detrimental nanoscopic phase impurities in FA-rich perovskite PVs and further, highlights research directions that can mitigate their formation in the final films. The objective is to provide fundamental guidelines for engineering state-of-the-art FA-rich perovskite absorbers pairing exceptional performance and prolonged device stability.

Halide-perovskite semiconductors have a high potential for use in single-junction and tandem solar cells. Despite their unprecedented rise in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) for photovoltaic (PV) applications, it remains unclear whether perovskite solar modules can reach a sufficient operational lifetime. In order to make perovskite solar cells (PSCs) commercially viable, a fundamental understanding of the relationship between their nanostructure, optoelectronic properties, device efficiency, and long-term operational stability/reliability needs to be established. In this review, the phase instabilities in state-of-the-art formamidinium (FA)-rich perovskite absorbers is discussed. Furhermore, the concerted efforts are summarized in this prospect, covering aspects from fundamental research to device engineering. Subsequently, a critical analysis of the dictating impact of the nanoscale landscape of perovskite materials on their resulting intrinsic stability is provided ’. Finally, the remaining challenges in the field are assessed and future research directions are proposed for improving the operational lifetimes of perovskite devices. It is believed that these approaches, which bridge nanoscale structural properties to working solar cell devices, will be critical to assessing the realization of a bankable PSC product.

A straightforward and effective “all-in-one” modification strategy is exploited to achieve cooperative enhancements across the surface, interface, and bulk phase. This strategy provides a comprehensive understanding of reversible and irreversible characteristics of oxygen redox processes, offering theoretical guidance and experimental evidence for enhancing anionic redox reversibility and designing high-performance Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides.

Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides (LRMOs) are regarded as the leading cathode materials to overcome the bottleneck of higher energy density. Nevertheless, they encounter significant challenges, including voltage decay, poor cycle stability, and inferior rate performance, primarily due to irreversible oxygen release, transition metal dissolution, and sluggish transport kinetics. Moreover, traditionally single modification strategies do not adequately address these issues. Herein, an innovative “all-in-one” modification strategy is developed, simultaneously regulating the surface, interface, and bulk via an in-situ gas–solid interface phosphating reaction to create P-doped Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2@Spinel@Li3PO4. Specifically, Li3PO4 surface coating layer shields particles from electrolyte corrosion and enhances Li+ diffusion; in-situ constructed spinel interfacial layer reduces phase distortion and suppresses the lattice strain; the strong P─O bond derived from P-doping stabilizes the lattice oxygen frame and inhibits the release of O2, thereby improving the reversibility of oxygen redox reaction. As a result, the phosphatized LRMO demonstrates an exceptional capacity retention of 82.1% at 1C after 300 cycles (compared to 50.8% for LRMO), an outstanding rate capability of 170.5 mAh g−1 at 5C (vs 98.9 mAh g−1 for LRMO), along with excellent voltage maintenance and thermostability. Clearly, this “all-in-one” modification strategy offers a novel approach for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

The synthesized Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH achieves ultrafast decontamination of nerve and blister agents under ambient conditions with the synergistic effect of Zr4+ and bridging/terminal hydroxyl in the laminates and OH− in the interlayers, remarkably sets the record for the shortest decontamination half-life for DECP and GD. Further, self-detoxifying protective fibers are prepared using Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH as a catalytic component.

Developing materials capable of rapidly decontaminating nerve and blister agents directly under ambient conditions are crucial for practical applications. In this work, Mg3Al1- x Zr x -LDH with different Zr4+ doping contents and corresponding OH− intercalated materials Mg3Al1- x Zr x -LDH-OH are synthesized. First, they are used for the decontamination of nerve agents under ambient conditions, showing that increasing the Zr4+ doping amount accelerates the decontamination rate of diethyl cyanophosphonate (DECP) and soman (GD), with the half-life of DECP and GD being 3–5 times shorter with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH (the highest Zr4+ doping content) compared to Mg3Al1-LDH. Notably, the intercalation of OH− in Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH further greatly enhances the catalytic activity for DECP and GD, the reaction half-life of DECP and GD with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH being 18 s and <15 s, respectively, which is the shortest recorded so far. Additionally, under ambient conditions, Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH exhibits superior detoxification performance for mustard gas (HD) compared to Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH, with 92.8% of HD being removed within 6 h. Mechanistic studies reveal that Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH efficiently decontaminates nerve and blister agents utilizing the synergistic effect of Lewis acid-base sites (Zr4+ and laminate OH groups) and interlayer OH−. To extend the practical applications of the materials, PVA@(PAN/LDH-OH) self-detoxifying fiber loaded with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4-LDH-OH is prepared.

This review provides an overview of recent advances in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for photocatalysis, focusing on sustainable energy applications like water splitting, hydrogen peroxide generation, and CO2 and N2 reduction. It discusses design principles, structure-function relationships, challenges in COF photocatalysis, and strategies to enhance performance and convert products into value-added compounds.

The global energy crisis and environmental concerns are driving research into renewable energy and sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. Solar energy, as an ideal sustainable resource, has significant potential to contribute to the goal of net-zero carbon emissions if effectively harnessed and converted into a reliable and storable form of energy. Photocatalysts have the potential to convert sunlight into chemical energy carriers. In this respect, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown great promise due to their tunable structure on different length scales, high surface areas, and beneficial optical properties such as broad visible light absorption. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the key developments in COF-based photocatalysts for various applications, including water splitting, hydrogen peroxide generation, organic transformations, and carbon dioxide and nitrogen reduction. The underlying mechanisms, essential principles for material design, and structure-function relationships of COFs in various photocatalytic applications are discussed. The challenges faced by COF-based photocatalysts are also summarized and various strategies to enhance their performance are explained, such as improving crystallinity, regulating molecular structures, tailoring linkages, and incorporating cocatalysts. Finally, critical strategies are proposed for the utilization of photocatalytically generated chemicals into value-added products.

A novel exchange-spring magnetic structure is formed by the coupling of perpendicular CoTb and in-plane Co films. When a spin current with the y-polarization flows through this exchange-spring (x-z plane) structure, the interaction between the y-spin and the local exchange field gives rise to unconventional x- and z- spin polarizations, enabling field-free spin-orbit torque driven perpendicular magnetization switching.

Manipulating the polarization of spin current is essential for understanding the mechanism of charge-to-spin conversion and achieving efficient electrically driven magnetization switching. Here, a novel exchange-spring magnetic structure is introduced formed by the coupling of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) CoTb and in-plane magnetic anisotropy (IMA) Co films. When a spin current with the polarization along the y-direction flows through this exchange-spring (x-z plane) structure, the interaction between the y-spin and the local exchange field with a non-collinear spatial distribution gives rise to substantial unconventional spin polarizations in the x- and z-directions, enabling field-free spin-orbit torque driven perpendicular magnetization switching at room temperature. More importantly, the polarization directions of this unconventional spin current can be reversed depending on whether the interfacial exchange coupling is ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic. This work establishes a platform to explore emergent mechanisms for manipulating unconventional spin polarization with rich non-collinear magnetic exchange spin structures.

An ionogel comprised of mobile ions and piezoelectric polymer matrices is characteristic of both piezoelectric and ionic thermoelectric attributes. The gel is capable of capturing heat, stress, and moisture from the environment and converting them into remarkably high voltage outputs, enabling acute sensing in clinic scenarios.

A paradigm ionogel consisting of ionic liquid (IL) and PVDF−HFP composites is made, which inherently possesses dual-function ionic thermoelectric (iTE) and piezoelectric (PE) attributes. This study investigates an innovative “PE-enhanced iTEs” effect, wherein the ionic thermopower exhibits a 58% enhancement while the ionic conductivity arises more than 2× within a PE-induced internal electric field. By harnessing these multifaceted features, fully self-powered, multimodal sensors demonstrate their superior energy conversion capabilities, which possessed minimum sensitivities of 0.13 mV kPa−1 and 0.96 mV K−1 in pressure and temperature alterations, respectively. The PE augmentation of iTEs is maximized by ≈3× under rising water pressure. Their swift and sophisticated responses to various in vivo vital signs simultaneously in a hemorrhagic shock scenario, indicative of good prospects in the clinical medicine field are showcased.

Energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) are first used as additives to lead azide (LA) to design laser ignition primary explosives. These laser-sensitive mixed composites exhibit remarkable initiating ability, extremely low laser initiation threshold (E min), fast response times (T min), and acceptable stabilities. The strategy can broaden new application scenarios and unveil new perspectives for coordination compounds as additives in advanced laser pyrotechnics for aerospace applications.

Laser ignition of primary explosives presents more reliable alternative to traditional electrical initiation methods. However, the commercial initiator lead azide (LA) requires a high-power density laser to detonate, with the minimum laser initiation energy (E min) of 2402 mJ. Currently, the laser-ignitable metal complex-based igniters still suffer from weak detonation capabilities and high E min values. Here, the approach is first proposed to design laser ignition primary explosives within the high energy azide and tetrazole-based energetic coordination compounds (ECCs), [Co(N3)(2-bmttz)(H2O)]2 1 and [Co(N3)(2-bmttz)(MeOH)]2 2 as additives to LA. Material 1e with 4 wt.% of 1 in LA, exhibits ultra-low laser initiation threshold (E min = 1.6 mJ) and ultrafast corresponding time (T min = 0.2 ms). Specially, compared to LA, the threshold of 1e is as low as 1/1500 of that of LA. Moreover, 30 mg 1e successfully detonates RDX with a laser energy of 1.6 mJ. Theoretical calculations and experiment results reveal that 1 exhibits the superior additive effect compared to 2, attributed to its more enhanced ability to generate free radicals and higher photothermal conversion efficiency under laser conditions. This work represents a paradigm shift, with the potential to develop a laser-driven micro-detonator combining powerful detonation capabilities with exceptionally low laser initiation energy.

Organic solar cells with a wide thickness range fabricated by doctor-blade with non-halogenated solvents in air show strong losses in short-circuit current density under photo-thermal stress. Suppressing radical generation in polymer donors processed in air by increasing the crystallinity in unit thickness is critical for enhancing photo-stability of up-scalable organic solar cells.

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single-junction organic solar cells (OSCs) has been promoted above 20%. Device up-scaling draws more and more research attentions. Besides the high PCE for devices with up-scalable fabrication methods and conditions, achieving high stability simultaneously is essential for pushing industrialization of this technology. Here, the stability of the state-of-the-art OSCs blade-coated in air with non-halogenated solvents in a wide thickness range is thoroughly investigated. The losses in short-circuit current density under photo-thermal stress strongly depend on processing conditions. Devices with less crystalline phases in unit thickness show faster generation of trap states and hence strongly reduced charge collection efficiency. Through in-depth photo-chemical, photo-physical, and morphological characterizations during ageing, faster generation of radicals in PM6 for active layers with more amorphous structures is identified as the cause for device degradation. Increasing the crystallinity of active layer films for suppressing radical generation in polymer donors is critical to enhance the photo-thermal stability of devices processed in air with a wide thickness range.

Personalized medical implants require an advanced material system for bone integration and bio-acceptability. This research reports developing novel, printable, and agile resins that eclipse bio inertness asymptote and demonstrate tunable biomechanical performance with molecular decorations, including osteoinductive and antibacterial agents. Strategies to 3D print surrogates with bone microstructures are also introduced, accelerating the transformative potential in clinical settings.

As personalized medicine rapidly evolves, there is a critical demand for advanced biocompatible materials surpassing current additive manufacturing capabilities. This study presents a novel printable bioresin engineered with tunable mechanical, thermal, and biocompatibility properties through strategic molecular modifications. The study introduces a new bioresin comprising methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and a photoinitiator, which is further enhanced by incorporating high molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to improve biostability and mechanical performance. The integration of printable PMMA presents several synthesis and processing challenges, necessitating substantial modifications to the 3D printing process. Additionally, the bioresin is functionalized with antibacterial silver oxide and bone-growth-promoting hydroxyapatite at various weight ratios to extend its application further. The results demonstrate the agile printability of the novel bioresin and its potential for transformative impact in biomedical applications, offering a versatile material platform for additive manufacturing-enabled personalized medicine. This work highlights the adaptability of the novel printable bioresin for real-life applications and its capacity for multiscale structural tailoring, potentially achieving properties comparable to native tissues and extending beyond conventional additive manufacturing techniques.

Dual-waveband image fusion and motion perception have been achieved in optoelectronic synaptic devices featuring nano-wedge/MoS₂ heterostructure channels. The arrayed optoelectronic graded neurons in these devices enable in-memory simultaneous encoding and processing of spatiotemporal motion information at both 633 and 980 nm wavelengths.

Motion recognition based on vision detectors requires the synchronous encoding and processing of temporal and spatial information in wide wavebands. Here, the dual-waveband sensitive optoelectronic synapses performing as graded neurons are reported for high-accuracy motion recognition and perception. Wedge-shaped nanostructures are designed and fabricated on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayers, leading to plasmon-enhanced wideband absorption across the visible to near-infrared spectral range. Due to the charge trapping and release at shallow trapping centers within the device channel, the optoelectronic graded neurons demonstrate remarkable photo-induced conductance plasticity at both 633 and 980 nm wavelengths. A dynamic vision system consisting of 20 × 20 optoelectronic neurons demonstrates remarkable capabilities in the precise detection and perception of various motions. Moreover, neural network computing systems have been built as visual motion perceptron to identify target object movement. The recognition accuracy of dual-wavelength fused images for various motion trajectories has experienced a remarkable enhancement, transcending the previous level of less than 80% to impressive values exceeding 99%.

Quantum-confined nano scintillators are gaining interest in radiation detection. Understanding the nanoscale scintillation mechanism and key material parameters is crucial. These open questions are addressed by studying the scintillation of CsPbBr3 quantum dots. Increasing the particle size increases the energy deposition, the (multi-)exciton population, and the emission yield, resulting in maximized scintillation efficiency and timing. A validated theoretical model for the scintillation yield and kinetics is developed, providing fundamental guidance for the rational design of nanoscale scintillators.

The recent emergence of quantum-confined nanomaterials in the field of radiation detection, in particular lead halide perovskite nanocrystals, offers scalability and performance advantages over conventional materials. This development raises fundamental questions about the mechanism of scintillation itself at the nanoscale and the role of particle size, arguably the most defining parameter of quantum dots. Understanding this is crucial for the design and optimization of future nanotechnology scintillators. In this work, these open questions are addressed by theoretically and experimentally studying the size-dependent scintillation of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals using a combination of Monte Carlo simulations, spectroscopic, and radiometric techniques. The results show that the simultaneous effects of size-dependent energy deposition, (multi-)exciton population, and light emission under ionizing excitation, typical of confined particles, combine to maximize the scintillation efficiency and time performance of larger nanocrystals due to greater stopping power and reduced Auger decay. The agreement between theory and experiment produces a fully validated descriptive model that predicts the scintillation yield and kinetics of nanocrystals without free parameters, providing fundamental guidance for the rational design of nanoscale scintillators.

A silk fibroin ionic touchscreen platform with high elasticity, high environmental tolerance, and biodegradability, is introduced for sustainable flexible electronics. This study showcases the platform's environmental stability, reusability, and advanced applications in IoT and AI-enhanced interfaces, such as real-time touch sensing, handwriting recognition, and virtual reality, paving the way for greener next-generation devices.

The increasing prevalence of electronic devices has led to a significant rise in electronic waste (e-waste), necessitating the development of sustainable materials for flexible electronics. In this study, silk fibroin ionic touch screen (SFITS) is introduced, a new platform integrating natural silk fibroin (SF) with ionic conductors to create highly elastic, environmentally stable, and multifunctional touch interfaces. Through a humidity-induced crystallization strategy, the molecular structure of SF is precisely controlled to achieve a balanced combination of mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and biodegradability. The assembly and operational reliability of SFITS are demonstrated under various environmental conditions, along with their reusability through green recycling methods. Additionally, the intelligent design and application of SFITS are explored by incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This integration enables real-time touch sensing, handwriting recognition, and advanced human-computer interactions. The versatility of SFITS is further exemplified through applications in remote control systems, molecular model generation, and virtual reality interfaces. The findings highlight the potential of sustainable ionic conductors in next-generation flexible electronics, offering a path toward greener and more intelligent device designs.

A composition-graded ferroelectric ScAlN multi-level memory is demonstrated, showing a storage capacity up to 7-bit, and one order of magnitude higher ON/OFF ratio, 30% reduced working voltage, and up to 50% enhanced operating voltage tuning window compared to uniform composition devices. This approach paves the way for advanced integration of wurtzite ferroelectrics in multifunctional computing systems.

Multi-level non-volatile ferroelectric memories are emerging as promising candidates for data storage and neuromorphic computing applications, due to the enhancement of storage density and the reduction of energy and space consumption. Traditional multi-level operations are achieved by utilizing intermediary polarization states, which exhibit an unpredictable ferroelectric domain switching nature, leading to unstable multi-level memory. In this study, a unique approach of composition-graded ferroelectric ScAlN to achieve tunable operating voltage in a wide range and attain precise control of domain switching and stable multi-level memory is proposed. This non-volatile memory supports multi-level storage up to 7-bit capacities, and exhibits enhanced performance compared to the uniform composition device, showing one order of magnitude higher ON/OFF ratio, 30% reduced working voltage, and up to 50% enhanced tuning window of operating voltage. Finally, the emulation of long-term plasticity and linear weight update akin to biological synapse with high uniformity and reliability are demonstrated. The proposed composition-grading architecture offers new opportunities for next-generation multi-level ferroelectric memories, paving the way for advanced hybrid integration in multifunctional computing systems.

The development and challenges of 3D-printed ceramics, the advantages of polymers in 3D printing, and the importance of integrating polymers with 3D-printed ceramics in this article are briefly introduced. Then the relevant 3D printing technologies and processes, strategies for the use of polymers, and the current applications of 3D-printed ceramic composites across various fields are systematically reviewed.

3D printing technology enables the creation of complex ceramic structures and enhances the efficiency of customized ceramic production. Polymers play a crucial role in 3D-printed ceramic composites due to their unique processability, yet their significance and application strategies remain underexplored. These polymers not only enable rapid and precise 3D shaping but also offer additional advantages due to their unique and adjustable physicochemical properties. Therefore, the appropriate selection and utilization of polymers are expected to drive new breakthroughs in the field of 3D-printed ceramic composites. This review provides an overview of relevant additive manufacturing technologies and processes, with a specific focus on the strategies for using polymers in 3D-printed ceramic composites, including their roles as binders, templates, preceramics, and matrices. Highlighting the critical functionalities and potential value of these ceramic composites from a practical application perspective.

An injectable hydrogel comprising recombinant spider silk proteins is formed through ultrasound and thermally induced phase transition. Thanks to SpyTag/SpyCatcher chemistry, neurotrophins such as CNTF are covalently immobilized onto the hydrogels, enabling sustained protein delivery, prolonged neuroprotection, and enhanced axon regrowth following optic nerve injury. This system serves as a safe and versatile platform for the delivery of therapeutic proteins.

The ability to deliver protein therapeutics in a minimally invasive, safe, and sustained manner, without resorting to viral delivery systems, will be crucial for treating a wide range of chronic injuries and diseases. Among these challenges, achieving axon regeneration and functional recovery post-injury or disease in the central nervous system remains elusive to most clinical interventions, constantly calling for innovative solutions. Here, a thermally responsive hydrogel system utilizing recombinant spider silk protein (spidroin) is developed. The protein solution undergoes rapid sol-gel transition at an elevated temperature (37 °C) following brief sonication. This thermally triggered gelation confers injectability to the system. Leveraging SpyTag/SpyCatcher chemistry, the hydrogel, composed of SpyTag-fusion spidroin, can be functionalized with diverse SpyCatcher-fusion bioactive motifs, such as neurotrophic factors (e.g., ciliary neurotrophic factor) and cell-binding ligands (e.g., laminin), rendering it well-suited for neuronal culturing. More importantly, the intravitreous injection of the protein materials decorated with SpyCatcher-fusion CNTF into the vitreous body after optic nerve injury leads to prolonged JAK/STAT3 signaling, increased neuronal survival, and enhanced axon regeneration. This study illustrates a generalizable material system for injectable and sustained delivery of protein therapeutics for neuroprotection and regeneration, with the potential for extension to other chronic diseases and injuries.

An all-inorganic perovskite/perovskite tandem self-powered photodetector (PDs) is reported, incorporated with Bi2TeO6 layer to facilitate enhanced dual pyro-phototronic effect, to realize an innovated encryption imaging sensing system with a programmable logic gate. The encryption imaging sensing system employing PDs array achieves simultaneous outputs of triple image information, and their programmable optoelectronic logic gate is capable of executing six distinct logical functions.

As the focus on information security continues to intensify, encrypted imaging sensing technology becomes increasingly indispensable. However, the widespread application of encrypted imaging sensing technology is hindered by high manufacturing costs and complex system construction. Herein, an all-inorganic perovskite/perovskite tandem self-powered photodetector (PDs) is reported, incorporated with Bi2TeO6 layer to enahnce dual pyro-phototronic effect, to realize an innovated encryption imaging sensing system with programmable logic gate. The PDs reach responsivity of 1.46 A W−1 and detectivity of 3.44 × 1013 Jones, the corresponding EQE reaches 342%, which is ≈75.48 times greater than that without pyro-phototronic effect. The outstanding performance resulting from dual pyro-phototronic effect in Cs2PbI2Cl2 perovskite and Bi2TeO6/CsSn0.5Pb0.5IBr2 interface, and optimizing band arrangement from the oxidized Bi2TeO6 layer. The photovoltaic and pyro-phototronic signal of PDs can still be clearly distinguished under 8 kHz pulsed laser. More importantly, the encryption imaging sensing system achieves simultaneous outputs of triple image information, and their programmable optoelectronic logic gate can execute six distinct logical functions, including “OR”, “AND”, “XOR”, “NAND”, “NOR” and “XNOR”. This research not only provides a feasible strategy for realizing the outstanding pyro-phototronic effect of all-inorganic perovskite materials, but also presents novel insights for designing encrypted imaging sensing technology.