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

This work provides an energy-selective shielding strategy by developing an X-ray filtering hydrogel, achieving skin protection in radiotherapy. The hydrogel exhibits up to 96% shielding for low-energy X-ray harm to skin through the strong absorption of near-threshold-energy photons at the K-edge in SeMNPs, while maintaining over 98% transmission for therapeutic photons.

Radiotherapy is widely employed in cancer treatment, yet its inevitable side effects, particularly radiation dermatitis (RD), remain a significant concern. Numerous studies focus on alleviating RD symptoms, but approaches to minimize the radiation dose to the skin are underexplored. Shielding skin-damaging photons (10–20 keV) holds promise for skin dose reduction; however, this strategy is hindered by inadequate shielding efficiency of current RD biomaterials and overshielding by conventional high-Z materials which attenuate therapeutic high-energy photons. Here, inspired by the strong absorption of near-threshold-energy photons at the K-edge, an energy-selective shielding strategy by integrating selenium-containing melanin nanoparticles with a carbomer hydrogel is proposed, developing an X-ray filtering skin dressing (SeMNPs@Car). It exhibits up to 96% shielding for low-energy X-ray (10–20 keV) while maintaining over 98% transmission for high-energy photons. In RD animal models, the SeMNPs@Car achieves 100% prevention of ulceration and the longest delay in the onset of RD (≈20 days), outperforming clinical RD treatments. Furthermore, Monte-Carlo-based reconstruction of radiotherapy scenarios demonstrates its clinical applicability. This work incorporates photoelectric absorption properties into hydrogel design, providing valuable insights for RD management and the creation of soft-material-based X-ray filters.

Through a symmetry-reduction strategy employing structural motif engineering, ultra-low-symmetry Ta2PtSe7 atomic layers featuring unprecedented 20.1 Å-long [Ta4Pt2Se14] motifs were discovered. This extended motif architecture enables exceptional in-plane anisotropy, confirmed by direction-dependent optical and electrical characteristics. Notably, the bandgap-independent photoresponse of 2D Ta2PtSe7 achieves 27 V/W at 10.6 µm while maintaining >70% of its initial photocurrent throughout 50 bending cycles.

The limited ability of traditional 2D anisotropic materials to meet next-generation anisotropic device demands necessitates innovative design strategies. To address this challenge, a symmetry-reduction approach is proposed that enhances in-plane anisotropy by extending structural motifs to lower crystal symmetry. Implementing this design principle, a novel van der Waals material, Ta2PtSe7 atomic layers is successfully developed, featuring record-breaking [Ta4Pt2Se14] structural motifs with an unprecedented length of 20.1 Å. This unique architecture endows Ta2PtSe7 with remarkable intrinsic in-plane anisotropy, manifesting in strongly direction-dependent optical and electrical characteristics. The developed Ta2PtSe7-based photodetector demonstrates exceptional broadband responsiveness across an expansive spectral range from visible to long-wavelength infrared (LWIR; 671 nm–10.6 µm). Particularly noteworthy is its outstanding performance under low operating voltage (0.1 V), achieving a high responsivity of 27 V W−1 at 10.6 µm illumination – a significant advancement in LWIR detection capabilities. Furthermore, flexible device configurations exhibit excellent mechanical robustness, maintaining over 70% of initial photocurrent after 50 bending cycles, demonstrating promising potential for flexible optoelectronics. This study proposes a novel structural motif engineering strategy to design anisotropic materials, exemplified by Ta2PtSe7’s exceptional in-plane anisotropy, broadband photoresponse, and mechanical robustness, enabling high-performance anisotropic optoelectronic devices.

A bifunctional Pt single-atom catalyst (Pt-DG-1) is discovered with enhanced ammonia oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reaction mass activities compared to commercial Pt/C. It is shown that modulating the coordination environment of Pt single atoms is crucial towards dictating the electrocatalytic activity. The bifunctional capability of Pt-DG-1 is demonstrated as both the cathode and anode in a direct ammonia fuel cell.

Low-temperature direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs) can be used for the on-demand generation of clean electricity. However, such systems have low efficiency due to the kinetically sluggish ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Prior reports have largely focused on Pt-based electrocatalysts, however, their high cost motivates the need for simultaneously increasing activity whilst reducing the metal loading. Here, the design of a bifunctional Pt single-atom catalyst (SAC) is reported, with enhanced catalytic activities compared to commercial Pt/C for both reactions. Notably, by modulating the Pt SAC coordination, the optimal catalyst (Pt-DG-1) displayed a high AOR mass activity of 1.23 A mgPt −1 and ORR mass activity of 7.98 A mgPt −1. This is then integrated into a DAFC as both the cathode and anode, achieving a peak power density of 21.8 mW cm−2 and low Pt mass loading of only 0.034 mg cm−2. In situ shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) experiments on Pt-DG-1 indicate a lower *OH coverage under ORR conditions and suppressed formation of poisoning species *NOx under AOR conditions as additional reasons for its enhanced bifunctional catalytic activity. Importantly, the study demonstrates how SACs can be rationally designed for DAFC electrocatalysis.

An integrated EE-PR process is developed using a ZrN/CF electrode and AEM flow cell. This system enables rapid, selective, and scalable recovery of uranium from saline nuclear wastewater, offering a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solvent-based extraction methods.

Recovery of uranium from residual spent fuel dissolution liquor in nuclear power plants is economically and environmentally desirable. While electrochemical extraction offers a greener alternative to solvent-based methods like the PUREX (plutonium uranium reduction extraction) process, it has been limited to batch processing of non-saline waters. Here, a high-performance ZrN/copper foam (ZrN/CF) electrode is presented that enables a continuous electroextraction-purification-reuse (EE-PR) process, achieving >98% pure UO2 directly from saline wastewater for direct reuse as nuclear fuel. An anion-exchange membrane (AEM) flow cell for uranium extraction is introduced, integrating it with a ZrN/CF electrode to achieve complete uranium removal within two hours – an unprecedented efficiency in marine environments. Scalability assessments and techno-economic analysis (TEA) confirm the environmental and economic feasibility of this approach, with the estimated total cost for extracting uranium comparable to the current market price. As the global adoption of nuclear energy accelerates, this process offers a transformative solution for sustainable uranium recovery and resource management.

Pickering emulsions are a promising class of reaction systems for biocatalysis. However, only a few materials can stabilize the required w/o emulsion. In this study, it is demonstrated that coating microparticles with modified silicone is a straightforward, versatile, and tunable method for producing appropriate particles. Consequently, enzyme carriers can be employed as emulsion stabilizers and immobilization materials, thereby intensifying reaction efficiency.

Pickering emulsions (PEs) are a particularly promising class of reaction systems for biocatalysis, typically in a water-in-oil (w/o) configuration, with a continuous organic phase and a dispersed aqueous phase containing the biocatalyst. However, only a few micro- and nanoparticles possess the intrinsic hydrophobicity necessary to stabilize such a w/o PE, which limits the application prospects. Here, silicone coatings are applied to prepare micro particles for w/o PE stabilization for the first time. The study demonstrates compatibility with available inorganic and organic materials, and the effects of silicone coatings with overall hydrophilic, amphiphilic, or hydrophobic properties on the particle size, PE formation, and the stability of the PE. Furthermore, a lipase-catalyzed transesterification in PE obtained with silicone-coated particles is performed, and the possibility to place the catalyst not only in the dispersed phase of the PE, but also on the stabilizing particles prior to coating is demonstrated. The results indicate silicone coatings as a straightforward, versatile, and tunable method for the preparation of particles with suitable properties for both the stabilization of BioPE and the immobilization of active biocatalysts.

Charge-engineered donor nanoparticles using doubly anionic surfactant SDP enhance electrostatic contrast, optimizing vertical morphology in thick films (300–400 nm). Water-based donor inks and non-halogenated processing enable eco-friendly fabrication. Devices achieve record efficiencies: 18.9% for binary (300 nm) and 20.3% for ternary systems, respectively, demonstrating unprecedented thickness tolerance and industrial potential.

Aqueous processing represents a promising eco-friendly fabrication route for organic solar cells (OSCs), aligning with growing industrial sustainability requirements. While water-dispersed semiconducting nanoparticles (NPs) offer an attractive solution, the essential surfactants required for NP stabilization typically compromise device performance. In this study, surfactant-engineered donor NPs are systematically evaluated for constructing optimized active layers through a sequential layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition approach. The surfactant named sodium dodecyl phosphate (SDP), featuring dual anionic charges, generates exceptional electrostatic potential (ESP) differences that promote strong donor-acceptor interactions. This electrostatic engineering enables the formation of a pseudo-planar heterojunction structure (PPHJ) with ideal vertically graded morphologies in thick active layers. Therefore, the PM6:L8-BO binary OSC processed by mesostructured NP (mn)-LBL (SDP) strategy shows excellent thickness tolerance and achieved a PCE of 18.9% (certified as 18.3%) with a 300 nm active layer. Furthermore, the mn-LBL OSCs with the ternary PM6:L8-BO:BTP-eC9 deliver a champion PCE of 20.3% (certified as 19.9%) processed by a non-halogenated water/toluene solvent system. This work establishes a general surfactant selection paradigm that simultaneously addresses the conflicting demands of nanoparticle stabilization, morphological control, and device performance, paving the way for sustainable manufacturing of high-efficiency OSCs.

Iron-catalyzed laser-induced graphitization (IC-LIG) enables the eco-efficient fabrication of current collector-free carbon electrodes on renewable substrates, outperforming traditional methods. Tunable ink rheology supports spray coating, screen printing, and DIW of complex patterns, while laser post-treatment allows spatial control of iron phases. Graphitic structures support redox-active phases, enabling stable performance, offering a sustainable platform for future electrochemical devices and beyond.

Iron-catalyzed laser-induced graphitization (IC-LIG) represents an eco-efficient alternative to traditional carbon electrode manufacturing. Combining a bio-based tannic acid–iron precursor ink with CO2 laser treatment results in sheet resistance of 23.59 ± 1.2Ω □−1 on renewable substrates. Varying the tannic-acid-to-iron ratio (TA:Fe), the rheology of the precursor ink can be tuned, enabling versatile application techniques, including spray coating, screen printing, and direct-ink-writing (DIW). Subsequent laser-treatment enables the formation of functional IC-LIG electrodes for all application methods, while even thick DIW-printed layers (260 µm) result in complex, conductive electrode patterns. Laser post-treatment expands design possibilities by locally tuning iron phases, such as converting γ-iron to magnetite. The unidirectional laser-treatment results in a layered arrangement, forming a multilayer electrode with a highly graphitized top layer serving as a current collector substitute, and an underlying composite of iron-rich nanoparticles embedded in a porous graphitic foam, acting as a hybrid electrode. Electrochemical analysis reveals double-layer capacitor behavior at low TA:Fe ratios, while higher ratios demonstrate increased redox activity and pseudo-capacitive characteristics. Achieving stable capacities of 15 mF cm−2 with a 1 M NaCl electrolyte over 5000 cycles underscores the potential of IC-LIG electrodes as a sustainable solution for advanced energy storage devices and beyond.

A polymer-assisted cation solvation-confinement strategy is reported to create non-drying poly(acrylamide-hydroxypropyl acrylate) polyelectrolytes, enabling aqueous symmetric micro-supercapacitors with a record-breaking 2.5 V voltage and unprecedented areal energy density of 187.9 µWh cm−2.

Conventional hydrogel electrolytes often encounter challenges such as poor water retention and a limited electrochemical window due to inadequate control over water molecules, leading to a low operational voltage and an undesirable low energy density of pure aqueous micro-supercapacitors (MSCs). Herein, a polymer-assisted cation solvation-confinement strategy is presented to enhance both water retention and the electrochemical window of poly(acrylamide-hydroxypropyl acrylate) (PAM-HPA) polyelectrolytes. Remarkably, PAM-HPA polyelectrolytes, without any organic additives, exhibit no water evaporation after over 3.5 months of air exposure at room temperature. Owing to the strong confinement toward H2O in PAM-HPA polyelectrolyte, activated carbon-based aqueous symmetric MSCs achieve a record-breaking voltage of 2.5 V and the highest areal energy density of 187.9 µWh cm−2 among all reported pure aqueous carbon-based MSCs. Even coupling with low-voltage MXene-based microelectrodes, the microdevice still maintains a high voltage exceeding 2 V, a significant areal energy density, and an ultra-long cycle life. Impressively, after exposing PAM-HPA polyelectrolytes to an oven at 60 °C for 24 h, the constructed MSCs retain nearly 90% of their capacitance compared to non-heat-treated polyelectrolytes. This work introduces a novel approach for developing non-drying polyelectrolytes with a wide electrochemical window, boosting the development of high-performance and safe micro-power sources.

At charged interfaces, the electropositive aprotic hydrogen (Hδ+) and lithium - ions (Li+) exhibit comparable electrostatic responses, resulting in their competitive coordination with the solvent oxygen sites. The electric double layer-governed Li+/Hδ+ exchange substantially promotes interfacial Li⁺ de-solvation to suppress graphite exfoliation and contributes to an expanded oxidation stability window of the electrolyte.

The electric double layer (EDL) plays a pivotal role in governing interfacial composition and electrode behavior in electrochemical systems. However, the intricate relationship between EDL architectures and electrochemical processes remains elusive. Here the fundamental significance of hydrogen bond polarity within the EDL in orchestrating the interfacial lithium-ions (Li+) exchange dynamics is elucidated. At charged interfaces, the electropositive aprotic hydrogen (Hδ+) and Li+ ions exhibit comparable electrostatic responses, resulting in their competitive effect for the solvent oxygen sites, which modulates the de-solvation process and ultimately impacts battery performance. Based on this, a solvent-centered de-solvation mechanism is proposed, wherein the microenvironment with enhanced hydrogen polarity in the EDL facilitates solvent displacement from Li+ coordination shells. Furthermore, the presence of polar hydrogen at charged cathode interface can effectively anchor uncoordinated solvents molecules, increasing the energy barrier for detrimental dehydrogenation reaction. As a result, electrolytes design based on this strategy enables remarkable electrochemical stability, achieving over 2000 cycles in a 5 V dual-ion battery. In addition, the Gr||NCM811 pouch cell exhibits exceptional longevity, retaining 90.2% of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles.

Ni2+ activated glass composites and corresponding glass composite fibers are prepared by rational control of nanocrystallization, achieving efficient broadband response and on-off gain in NIR-II region. In addition, an all-fiber mini light source by fusing glass composite fibers with commercial passive fibers is further constructed and demonstrated its promising applications for NIR-II imaging.

Near-infrared second window (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) light sources present remarkable scientific and technological promise, with wide-ranging applications spanning biomedical imaging, biosensing, and related fields. However, most of the available candidates are in bulk form and it is urgently required to develop mini light sources. Herein, a broadband NIR-II mini fiber-type light source equipped by Ni2+ activated glass composite fibers is proposed and investigated. It is shown that the transparent glass composite exhibits broadband NIR-II emission with a full width half-maximum approaching 240 nm and an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) larger than 50% by rational control of nanocrystallization. Additionally, the corresponding glass composite fibers are prepared, demonstrating efficient broadband response and distinct on-off gain in NIR-II region. Benefited from above features, an all-fiber mini light source by fusing glass composite fibers with commercial passive fibers is successfully constructed and demonstrates its promising applications for NIR-II imaging. These findings demonstrate significant progress in the development of NIR-responsive photonic materials, enabling advanced applications in photonic technology.

A chitosan-based bio-composite exhibits stable and strong tensile strength during volumetric expansion in body fluids, serving as a functional coating that enables a thin film-based device to self-flatten from its tubular shape required for catheter delivery. The material naturally degrades after deployment, demonstrating a promising strategy for the minimally invasive implantation of flexible, film-based medical devices.

Hygroscopic actuation is an important material function, which enables a broad range of applications such as self-healing devices, soft robotics, and catheter implantation. With the current paradigm of implantable devices shifting toward soft and tissue-mimicking systems, this function however, is particularly weak in soft- and bio-materials due to the rapid loss of intermolecular interactions upon water incorporation. Here, a chitosan-based bio-composite is developed, which sustains the intermolecular repulsive force during water absorption through synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding, plasticization, and nano-confinement. When interact with body fluids, this material provides a stable and strong tensile force throughout its volume expansion process. Therefore, it serves as a functional coating that self-flattens a thin film-based device which holds a tubular shape needed for catheter delivery, and then degrades naturally. This capability is further demonstrated in vivo using a rolled triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for intracardiac implantation. The TENG device recovers its original shape after being placed inside the heart left ventricle and restores its regular energy harvesting function, evidencing the feasibility for minimally invasive implantation of flexible film-based devices.

In this study, how crystallographic anisotropy governs the catalytic process is investigated by comparing the tetragonal L10 and cubic L12 ordered phases in a newly developed PtPdFe ternary intermetallic system. New insights into the fundamental understanding of the ordered Pt-based ternary intermetallic alloys are introduced, unveiling magnetocrystalline anisotropy as a structure-intrinsic descriptor for oxygen reduction electrocatalysis in fuel cells.

Ordered Pt-based intermetallic alloys have emerged as promising candidates for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts in comparison to their disordered counterparts. Here, novel ferromagnetic PtPdFe ternary intermetallic alloys with structurally ordered tetragonal L10 and cubic L12 phases are presented, featuring distinctive characteristics in crystal structures and atomic alignments. Insights into the fundamental understanding of the Pt-based ternary intermetallic catalysts are provided, unveiling magnetocrystalline anisotropy as a structure-intrinsic descriptor for ORR catalysis. Electrochemical half- and single-cell assessments reveal that the L10-PtPdFe intermetallic catalysts exhibit superior ORR performance compared to their L12-type counterparts. Combined experimental and theoretical investigations indicate that the unique tetragonal structure of L10-PtPdFe, characterized by strong 5d–3d orbital interactions along the c-axis direction, induces ferromagnetic ordering and leads to increased magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy, thereby accelerating the ORR process. The fuel cell fabricated by such a cathode catalyst retains its performance after prolonged degradation test, meeting the 2025 stability goals set by the US Department of Energy under H2–O2, H2–air, and H2–N2 conditions. These new conceptual findings establish a rational framework for designing high-performance Pt-based intermetallic electrocatalysts, where magnetic anisotropy arising from ferromagnetic ordering can be harnessed to tailor catalytic performance for next-generation fuel cells.

This work reveals a role of natural leaves as thermoelectric biomaterials, capable of converting heat into electricity through the ionic Seebeck effect. The leaves exhibit significant and reproducible thermopower under both moderate temperature gradients and photothermal conditions. These findings open avenues for developing eco-friendly energy conversion systems and biotechnologies based on in vivo thermoelectric assay.

Plants actively transport ions to sustain life, yet their capacity to convert heat to electricity via the ionic Seebeck effect has remained unexplored. Here, it is demonstrated that natural Ficus elastica leaves can generate ionic thermovoltages up to 7 V under mild temperature gradients, achieving a high ionic figure of merit of ∼5.6 at room temperature. This pronounced thermoelectric response arises from anion thermodiffusion through the apoplast and is significantly amplified by leaf desiccation and electrode selection. A dielectric capacitive model accounts for the observed enhancement. Notably, living leaves generate thermopower under light-induced temperature gradients, underscoring the potential of in vivo ionic thermoelectric assays. These findings reveal an unrecognized energy-harvesting function in plant tissue and introduce a biodegradable platform for sustainable thermal-to-electrical energy conversion.

Ultrathin black phosphorus nanodisks hybridized with Fe3O4 nanoclusters and iron (V)-oxo complex are rationally synthesized, and shown to exhibit ultrahigh stability in humid air, and competitive electrochemical potassium storage properties benefiting from unique structural and compositional merits.

The practical application of metalloid black phosphorus (BP) based anodes for potassium ion batteries is mainly impeded by its instability in air and irreversible/sluggish potassium storage behaviors. Herein, a 2D composite is purposefully conceptualized, where ultrathin BP nanodisks with Fe3O4 nanoclusters are hybridized with Lewis acid iron (V)-oxo complex (FC) nanosheets (denoted as BP@Fe3O4-NCs@FC). The introduced electron coordinate bridge between FC and BP, and hydrophobic surface of FC synergistically assure that BP@Fe3O4-NCs@FC is ultrastable in humid air. With the purposeful structural and componential design, the resultant BP@Fe3O4-NCs@FC anode is endowed with appealing electrochemical performance in terms of reversible capacity, rate behavior, and long-duration cycling stability in both half and full cells. Furthermore, the underlying formation and potassium-storage mechanisms of BP@Fe3O4-NCs@FC are tentatively proposed. The in-depth insights here will provide a crucial understanding in rational exploration of advanced anodes for next-generation PIBs.

This work reports adjacent N, P-coordinated Mn/Fe dual single-atom sites supported on hollow carbon polyhedron (MnFe-PNC) for superior ORR catalysis and the application of high-rate and wide-temperature metal-air batteries. The integration Fe-N3P with Mn-N3P coordination structures displays atomic distance-dependent electronic effects in optimizing the adsorption strength of *OH intermediate.

Conquering the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is significantly important for sustainable metal-air batteries. However, the synthesis of advanced Pt-free ORR electrocatalysts still remains challenging owing to the intrinsic activity, site accessibility, and structural stability. Herein, a catalyst of asymmetric N, P-coordinated Mn and Fe dual single atoms supported on hollow carbon polyhedra (MnFe-PNC) is synthesized via a metal-organic framework pyrolysis strategy, which displays excellent pH-universal ORR performance with half-wave potentials of 0.923 V in 0.1 m KOH, 0.803 V in 0.1 m HClO4, and 0.774 V in 1 m phosphate buffer solution. Theoretical calculations reveal that the distance-dependent electronic interaction between Mn-N3P and Fe-N3P structures at the atomic level plays a crucial role in optimizing the adsorption strength of *OH intermediate and consequently boosts ORR performance. Furthermore, the aqueous Zn/Al-air batteries using MnFe-PNC cathode catalyst show ultralong discharge stability and wide-temperature adaptability. Meanwhile, combined with an anti-freezing and zincophilic organohydrogel electrolyte, the MnFe-PNC-based quasi-solid-state Zn-air batteries exhibit robust cycling stability (130 h at 50 mA cm−2 and 70 h at 100 mA cm−2), an unprecedented discharge capacity of 1.30 Ah at −40 °C, and smooth operation over a broad temperature range of −40 to 60 °C.

A thrombin-anchored bacterial cellulose (T-BC) dressing is developed to address hemorrhage during burn surgery. By integrating a recombinant thrombin–cellulose-binding domain fusion protein into the BC matrix, the dressing achieves rapid hemostasis and enhanced wound healing. Validated in simulated deep partial-thickness burn models, this biocompatible material presents a promising therapeutic platform for advanced burn wound management.

In burn wound surgery, commercially available dressings often lack the necessary hemostatic properties required to effectively manage hemorrhage during critical procedures, such as tangential excision of eschar. To address this limitation, a thrombin-anchored bacterial cellulose (T-BC) dressing is developed that combines the biocompatibility of bacterial cellulose (BC) with the hemostatic efficacy of a recombinant thrombin-cellulose binding domain (CBD) fusion protein. The CBD facilitates stable thrombin anchoring within the BC matrix, enhancing hemostasis, and promoting wound healing. The recombinant thrombin retains enzymatic activity comparable to human thrombin, enabling rapid hemostasis in rat liver models within 60 s. Extensive testing across cellular, blood, and rat models has substantiated the dressing's exceptional biocompatibility, potent bleeding control, and accelerated wound repair, particularly in deep partial-thickness burn wound models. By seamlessly integrating thrombin into the BC matrix, the T-BC dressing offers an innovative and effective solution for burn wound care, significantly improving both healing speed and clinical outcomes.

Based on the challenge that it is difficult to construct a resonant cavity in all-solid-state electrochromic devices to achieve multiple color changes, a dielectric-metal-dielectric (DMD) composite electrode is utilized to realize multiple color changes in the all-solid-state electrochromic device based on WO3, achieving a wide color gamut of up to 11.58%.

Inorganic all-solid-state electrochromic devices have a wide range of industrial applications due to favorable chemical stability, high optical modulation rate, and good process compatibility. However, the monochromatic nature evidently restricts its development in transparent display, especially in application scenarios where color display is required. Here, an all-solid-state WO3-based electrochromic device is presented with a dielectric-metal-dielectric (DMD) composite electrode, which features a transparent-to-reflective switching mode. More importantly, through the optimization of optical interference, the device exhibits rainbow structural colors. Leveraging the tunable optical constants of the electrochromic layer in conjunction with the additive color mixing principle, a remarkably wide color gamut of up to 11.58% can be attained with merely a minimal bias voltage of ±1.5 V, which substantially broadens the color gamut boundary of all-solid-state ECDs and represents a significant breakthrough in color-rendering capabilities. The device exhibits excellent electrochromic performance, remarkable cycling stability (at least 5600 cycles), low power consumption (3.8 mW cm−2). Moreover, this device has two different performance modes, namely transmittance and reflection, and it holds great application potential in fields such as advertising, information transmission, and anti-counterfeiting.

The electrocatalytic NRR for ammonia production offers potential energy savings and environmental benefits. However, most effective catalysts use expensive noble metals. This study explores how spin polarization in iron oxides influences NRR performance. it is found that iron in perovskite boosts ammonia yield by 79 times compared to Fe2O3, offering a promising path for sustainable ammonia production.

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) for ammonia production has gained attention for its potential to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. However, effective NRR catalysts currently rely on expensive noble metals, the development of cost-effective transition metal alternatives remains highly challenging. Iron-based catalysts are underexplored because of their inherently low reactivity. In this study, it is found that tailoring spin polarization, specifically the occupation state of electronics on d orbital in iron oxides, can highly boost NRR performance with carefully designed spin polarization. Iron in perovskite SrFeO3 with higher spin polarization shows 79 times increase in ammonia yield compared to iron in Fe2O3. This improvement is accompanied with 9 times increase in charge transfer between iron and *NNH, the rate-determining step of NRR manipulating the spin polarization of transition metals can lead to efficient catalysts for electrochemical NRR, offering valuable insights for enhancing catalyst performance and enabling more sustainable ammonia production.

Nanometer-resolution mapping of individual quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride is achieved, allowing us to identify the 440 nm blue emitter as a substituted vertical carbon dimer. Leveraging this atomic-level insight, the deterministic creation of isolated single 440 nm blue emitters is demonstrated through localized electron beam irradiation of carbon-coated hexagonal boron nitride.

Understanding the atomic structure of quantum emitters, often originating from point defects or impuritie, is essential for designing and optimizing materials for quantum technologies such as quantum computing, communication, and sensing. Despite the availability of atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and nanoscale cathodoluminescence microscopy, experimentally determining the atomic structure of individual emitters is challenging due to the conflicting needs for thick samples to generate strong cathodoluminescence signals and thin samples for structural analysis. To overcome this challenge, significantly enhanced cathodoluminescence at twisted interfaces is leveraged to achieve sub-nanometer localization precision for the first time in mapping individual quantum emitters in carbon-implanted hexagonal boron nitride. This unprecedent spatial sensitivity, together with correlative electron energy loss spectroscopy quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging, and first principles density functional theory calculations, enables the identification of the atomic structure of the 440 nm blue emitter in hexagonal boron nitride as a substituted vertical carbon dimer. Building on the atomic structure insights, nanoscale spatially precise creation of blue emitters is demonstrated by electron beam irradiation of carbon-coated hexagonal boron nitride. This advancement in correlating atomic structures with optical properties lays the foundation for a deeper understanding and precise engineering of quantum emitters, significantly advancing the development of cutting-edge quantum information technologies.

In this work we show that light-responsive adaptive organic matter can store and process information at the matter level, and emulate neuromorphic functionalities such as short term memory, long term memory and visual memory. Besides demonstrating that material dynamics can be exploited for spatio-temporal event detection and motion perception, we show that these adaptive photo-responsive organic systems can be exploited for hardware implementation of physical reservoir computing.

Materials able to sense and respond to external stimuli by adapting their internal state to process and store information, represent promising candidates for implementing neuromorphic functionalities and brain-inspired computing paradigms. In this context, neuromorphic systems based on light-responsive materials enable the use of light as information carrier, allowing to emulate basic functions of the human retina. In this work it is demonstrated that optically-induced molecular dynamics in azopolymers can be exploited for neuromorphic-type of data processing in the analog domain and for computing at the matter level (i.e., in materia). Besides showing that azopolymers can be exploited for data storage, it is demonstrated that the adaptiveness of these materials enables the implementation of synaptic functionalities including short-term memory, long-term memory, and visual memory. Results show that azopolymers allow event detection and motion perception, enabling physical implementation of information processing schemes requiring real-time analysis of spatio-temporal inputs. Furthermore, it is shown that light-induced dynamics can be exploited for the in materia implementation of the unconventional computing paradigm denoted as reservoir computing. This work underscores the potential of azopolymers as promising materials for developing adaptive, intelligent photo-responsive systems that mimic some of the complex processing abilities of biological systems.