

Long‐Range Spin Transport in Chiral Gold
It is demonstrated that in chiral gold film, spin information can be transferred to distances of several microns at room temperature. The conduction of spins is accompanied by the Hall effect that exists without applying an external magnetic field. The spin diffusion length is consistent with the frequency-dependent Hall effect which indicates spin effective lifetime on the order of nanoseconds.
Abstract
Any attempt to use spintronics-based logic elements will need to have spin interconnects to transfer information between its elements. Typically, the mean free path of an electron's spin in metals, at room temperature, is of the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers. Here chiral gold films are used to demonstrate that spin information can be transferred to distances of several microns at room temperature. The conduction of spins is accompanied by a Hall effect that exists without applying an external magnetic field. It is verified that the spin diffusion length is consistent with the frequency-dependent Hall effect which indicates a spin-effective lifetime in the order of nanoseconds. A theoretical model is presented that involves the anisotropic electronic polarizability of the system, its spin–orbit coupling, and spin exchange interactions.
Regulating Electron Transfer in Vanadium‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks via the Synergy of Linker Engineering and Machine Learning for Efficient and Reversible Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
This study proposes a ligand-engineering strategy to construct a series of functionalized X-MIL(V)-47 framework materials, enabling a systematic elucidation of the synergistic mechanisms between surface functionalization and morphological features in enhancing the electrochemical performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. By integrating machine learning with advanced characterization techniques, the zinc-storage mechanism and the structural evolution during cycling are comprehensively revealed.
Abstract
Precise regulation of ligands in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to modulate the local electronic structure and charge distribution has become an effective strategy for optimizing their electrochemical performance. However, utilizing ligand-functionalized MOFs to activate their potential in aqueous zinc-ion batteries remains a challenge. Herein, eight ligand-functionalized X-MIL-47 (X represents the functional groups) samples are prepared using a one-pot solvothermal method. The polar substituents on the ligand regulated the electronic structure of the MOFs through inductive and conjugative effects, altering the electron density of the metal center and thereby facilitating the optimization of the Zn2+ insertion/extraction kinetics. The coordination environment of X-MIL-47 is analyzed using X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and the Zn2+ storage mechanism is thoroughly investigated through both in situ/ex situ spectroscopic techniques. The experimental results are consistent with DFT calculations, indicating that the introduction of polar substituents induces charge redistribution within the MOFs, thereby enhancing the reversibility of the redox reaction. Furthermore, a machine learning model based on the orthogonal expansion method and experimental data is developed to predict electrode material performance under varying conditions. This study provides new insights into the design of functional MOFs for energy storage applications.
Engineering CRISPR System‐Based Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicle Potentiates T Cell Immunity for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy
This study develops a multifunctional CRISPR-dCas9-based OMV platform termed OMV-C9I12, which facilitates the coexpression of CXCL9 and IL-12 within tumor cells. This platform enhances T cell recruitment and activation, synergizes with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, and amplifies antitumor T cell immunity. This demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy in a broad range of tumors and offers a promising strategy to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment but only benefits a subset of patients because of insufficient infiltration and inactivation of effector T cells. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) can activate immunity and deliver therapeutic agents for immunotherapy. However, efficiently targeting and packaging therapeutic molecules into OMVs remains challenging. Here, the engineered E. coli BL21-derived OMVs enable the packaging of multiple genes, resulting in a 7-fold increase in DNA enrichment efficiency and gene silencing in vitro. Moreover, the engineered OMVs carrying genes encoding CXCL9 and IL12 (OMV-C9I12) reprogram tumor cells to secrete these factors, significantly enhancing T-cell chemotaxis and activation. More importantly, this system markedly inhibits tumors, extends survival, and synergizes with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in murine MB49 and B16F10 tumor models. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) further reveals significant upregulation of T-cell chemotaxis and activation-related pathways following OMV-C9I12 treatment. Finally, OMV-C9I12 potentiates T cell-mediated immunotherapy and suppresses the growth of bladder and breast cancer tumors in humanized mouse models. These findings highlight the potential of this engineered OMV platform for cancer gene therapy and provide novel strategies to overcome resistance to immunotherapy.
Hierarchically Structured Hollow Fiber Membranes for Efficient, Selective, and Scalable Mercury Ion Removal from Water
Hierarchically structured sulfurized polyacrylonitrile hollow fiber membranes are fabricated via wet spinning for efficient and selective mercury ion removal. The membranes demonstrate excellent adsorption performance and exceptional reusability, maintaining over 99% efficiency after multiple regeneration cycles. Integrated into a scalable purification device, they provide a robust and sustainable solution for large-scale mercury remediation in water systems.
Abstract
Mercury ions (Hg2+) pose serious threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to their high toxicity and bioaccumulation. Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) nanoparticles, which contain soft Lewis base groups interact strongly with the soft Lewis acid Hg2+, demonstrating excellent adsorption performance and chemical stability. However, traditional methods typically involve dispersing SPAN nanoparticles in water or coating them on substrates, leading to uneven distribution, poor material stability, and potential secondary pollution. To overcome challenges in mercury removal, this study presents a highly selective, regenerable, and structurally stable SPAN-integrated hollow fiber membrane fabricated by wet spinning. The hierarchical structure significantly improves pore architecture, adsorption capacity, and long-term stability. The membrane achieves an initial Hg2+ removal efficiency of 98.31% and retains ≈99.7% efficiency after five regeneration cycles. When integrated into a scalable purification device, it removes 90.94% of Hg2+ from water with an initial Hg2+ concentration of 4.69 mg L−1. This work offers a novel, sustainable, and cost-effective approach for large-scale mercury remediation.
Polymerization‐Induced Crystallization to Form Stretchable Hydrogels with Banded Spherulites and Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Stretchable hydrogels with large spherulites are developed by polymerization-induced crystallization of dopant molecules. Regular spherulites are formed in relatively stiff gels, whereas banded spherulites are obtained in soft gels. The formation of twisted crystal fibers is related to dynamic variations of crystallization pressure and network impedance, affording the gels with circularly polarized luminescence.
Abstract
Reported here is the synthesis of stretchable hydrogels with large spherulites of different morphologies by polymerization-induced crystallization of dopant molecules. By varying the concentrations of chemical crosslinker and initiator, or the light intensity for photopolymerization, the stiffness of polyacrylamide network is tunable to regulate the crystallization of dibenzo-24-crown-8-ether molecules that form spherulites in the hydrogels. Regular spherulites are formed in relatively stiff gels, whereas banded spherulites with twisted crystal fibers are obtained in soft gels. The structure of spherulites is investigated by microscopy and scattering measurements. The formation of twisted crystal fibers is related to dynamic variations of crystallization pressure and network impedance. The gels with regular spherulites show stronger fluorescence and phosphorescence than those with banded spherulites. A remarkable fact is that the latter gels exhibit circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with dissymmetry factor up to +1.5 × 10−2. This luminescence arises from the clusterization-triggered emission of the network constrained by the crystals, while the twisted fibers render the achiral clusterluminogens with CPL. The mutual influences between polymer network and crystal growth account for the collective functions of the composite gels. The design principle and chiral transfer mechanism should open opportunities for developing other soft materials with tailored crystals and optical properties.
From Physical Cross‐Linking to Tailored Phosphorylation: Unlocking High‐Performance and Biocompatible Xanthan‐Konjac Hydrogels for Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Phos-XK, a novel hydrogel electrolyte, is crafted from xanthan gum and konjac gum through physical crosslinking and targeted phosphorylation. This design balances mechanical strength and ionic conductivity, enabling Zn//MnO₂ batteries with long cycle life and high Coulombic efficiency. Its biocompatibility and biodegradability offer a sustainable solution for flexible, wearable energy storage electronics.
Abstract
Natural polymer-based hydrogel electrolytes, though biocompatible and cost-effective, often exhibit poor mechanical strength and ionic conductivity, limiting their use in high-performance energy storage. Phos-XK, a novel hydrogel electrolyte derived from xanthan gum (XG) and konjac glucomannan (KGM), has been developed via physical cross-linking and targeted phosphorylation. Specifically, physical cross-linking forms a robust 3D network that provides a stable structural foundation. Building on this, the phosphorylation process introduces phosphate monoesters (MPE) and diesters (DPE) in a precisely controlled ratio. MPE groups enhance ionic conductivity by facilitating Zn2+ desolvation and ion migration, while DPE strengthens mechanical integrity through enhanced cross-linking. These distinct roles of MPE and DPE are confirmed through both theoretical calculations and experimental results. Optimizing the phosphorylation ratio achieves a balance between mechanical strength (2.524 MPa) and ionic conductivity (20.72 mS cm−1), resulting in remarkable electrochemical performance, including an extended cycle life exceeding 3000 h and a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.45% in Zn//Cu batteries. Moreover, Phos-XK is biocompatible and biodegradable, ideal for sustainable energy storage. This work highlights the potential of bio-based materials to overcome the limitations of traditional hydrogel electrolytes and stresses the importance of molecular engineering in achieving high-performance, eco-friendly energy storage.
A PROTAC‐Based Cuproptosis Sensitizer in Lung Cancer Therapy
A PROTAC-based cuproptosis sensitizer CuS-MD@CS is developed in this work, which sensitizes cells to cuprotosis by modulating the p53 pathway through the ubiquitin-proteasome systemcan. CuS-MD@CS not only can effectively deplete endogenous glutathione but also can promote the transition from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration, thereby enhancing cancer cells' sensitivity to cuproptosis and achieving effective therapeutic effects of cuprotosis and apoptosis.
Abstract
As an autonomous form of regulated cell death, cuproptosis depends on copper (Cu) and mitochondrial metabolism. However, the principle metabolic pathway known as glycolysis (Warburg effect) and high glutathione (GSH) levels of tumor cells inevitably lead to suboptimal efficacy in cuproptosis. Hence, depleting the endogenous GSH within tumors and shifting from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration are crucial factors for augmenting cuproptosis. In this study, a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC)-based cuproptosis sensitizer (CuS-MD@CS) is innovatively constructed, which not only can induce cuproptosis and reactive oxygen species production via copper ions but also can regulate the expression of p53 protein via PROTACs through the ubiquitin-proteasome system in tumor cells, thus achieving endogenous GSH depletion and a shift from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration, making cancer cells more sensitive to cuproptosis. Importantly, in vitro and in vivo experiments have verified that CuS-MD@CS effectively targets A549 cells and suppresses tumor growth through cuproptosis and apoptosis, exhibiting promising therapeutic responses. The novel PROTAC-based cuproptosis sensitizer CuS-MD@CS provides a new strategy for sensitizing cuproptosis and offers new hope for effective lung cancer treatment.
Bimetallic Nanocluster‐Based Light‐Emitting Diodes With High External Quantum Efficiency and Saturated Red Emission
In this article, the fabrication of light-emitting diodes (LED) using self-emissive bimetallic gold-copper nanoclusters (NCs) is reported. The NC-LED shows a maximum brightness of 1246 cd m−2 and the highest external quantum efficiency (EQE; 12.60%) value with pure red emission among the solution-processed and non-doped NC-based LEDs.
Abstract
Self-emissive atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) are emerging as promising emissive layer material for next-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs), thanks to their solid-state luminescence, well-defined structures, photo/thermal stability, low toxicity, and unique excited-state properties. However, achieving high external quantum efficiency (EQE) in solid-state NCs remains a formidable challenge. In this study, a highly stable bimetallic gold-copper NC forming [Au2Cu6(Sadm)6(DPPEO)2] stabilized with 1-adamantanethiol (HSadm) and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (DPPE) as the primary and secondary ligands, respectively is reported. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic analyses suggest that the as-synthesized NC contains one phosphine bound to gold and the second phosphine has oxidized to phosphine oxide (P═O). The presence of such P═O moieties in the NC facilitated C─H···O interactions along with C─H···π and H···H interactions between ligands, promoting rapid crystallization. Due to the exceptional photo/thermal stability and enhanced solid-state photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), [Au2Cu6(Sadm)6(DPPEO)2] NC is utilized to fabricate the NC-based LED (NC-LED) via the solution-processed technique, without using any additional host materials. The fabricated NC-LED shows a maximum brightness of 1246 cd m−2 and an EQE of 12.60% with a pure red emission ≈668 nm. This EQE value coupled with saturated pure red emission is the best among solution-processed and non-doped NC-LEDs, suggesting the enormous potential of the NCs for electro-optical devices.
Natural Design of a Stabilized Cross‐β Fold: Structure of the FuA FapC from Pseudomonas Sp. UK4 Reveals a Critical Role for Stacking of Imperfect Repeats
We report a 3.2 Å cryoEM structure of functional amyloid protein FapC from Pseudomonas sp. UK4, an essential component of bacterial biofilm, which reveals a Greek key-shaped protofilament, supports bioinformatically determined motifs, nuances AlphaFold predictions, emphasizes heterogeneous cross-β stacking in amyloid cross-seeding and shows strain-dependent nanomechanical properties. FapC fibrils are intrinsically catalytic. This provides a structural foundation to design novel biomaterials.
Abstract
An essential structural component of bacterial biofilms is functional amyloid (FuA), which also has great potential as an engineerable nano-biomaterial. However, experimentally based high resolution structures of FuA that resolve individual residues are lacking. A fully experimentally based 3.2 Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy density map of the FuA protein FapC from Pseudomonas sp. UK4 is presented, which reveals a Greek key-shaped protofilament. The structure supports bioinformatic identification of conserved motifs and is broadly consistent with the AlphaFold prediction but with important modifications. Each FapC monomer consists of three imperfect repeats (IRs), with each repeat forming one cross-β layer. An array of highly conserved Asn and Gln residues with an extensive H-bonding network underpins this conserved Greek key-shape and reveals the role of heterogeneous cross-β stacking in amyloid cross-seeding. The covariation of residues in the hydrophobic core among different IRs suggests a cooperative monomer folding process during fibril elongation, while heterogeneous stacking of IRs reduces charge repulsion between layers to stabilize the monomer fold. The FapC fibrils show intrinsic catalytic activity and strain-dependent nanomechanical properties. Combined with mutagenesis data, the structure provides mechanistic insights into formation of FapC FuA from disordered monomers and a structural foundation for the design of novel biomaterials.
Multi‐Mode Mechanochromic Responses from Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomer Tubes of Uniform Sheath
The structural-colored tube is created from cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers, exhibiting uniform color changes with high strain sensitivity upon extension and inflation. The color change occurs across multiple mechanochromic modes, highlighting the influence of molecular anisotropy and tubular geometry on strain sensitivity. The tubes demonstrate reconfigurable alphabet displays and 3D photonic skins.
Abstract
Materials that exhibit varied optical responses to different modes of mechanical stimuli are attractive for complex sensing and adaptive functionalities. However, most mechanochromic materials are fabricated from films or fibers with limited actuation modes. Here, hollow tubes of a symmetric sheath are created using cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs) at the sub-millimeter scale. The oligomeric precursor is sheared in an elastomeric microchannel to form uniform thickness, overcoming gravity effect and Plateau-Rayleigh instability. In addition, the coloration is achieved to be faster and have higher reflectivity compared to that of solid fibers. The tube can undergo axial, circumferential, and radial strains upon extension and inflation. The combination of molecular anisotropy and geometry of the tube enables highly sensitive mechanochromic responses in both azimuthal and axial directions: inflation causes red-to-violet shift (≈220 nm) at a circumferential strain of 0.57. The inflation of a bent tube generates another mechanochromic mode with a higher sensitivity to strain. Finally, display of 26 alphabets is achieved using 5 tubes, of which the positions can be reconfigured, and curvature-dependent 3D photonic skins are demonstrated from tubes wrapped around 3D objects. The multi-mode mechanochromic tubes will find applications for soft robotics, adaptive displays, wearable sensors, and spectrometers.
Exclusive Encapsulation Adhesive in a Neutral‐Plane Model for Ultrahigh Mechanical Stability of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
The detachment behavior between the adhesives and the electrodes are always caused by significant interlayer shear stress during bending in neutral plane flexible perovskite solar cells (NP-FPSCs). A crosslinkable polymer named acrylated isoprene rubber (AIR) is introduced to form a stable network, ensuring a strong bond between the protective layer and FPSCs. The resultant NP-FPSCs demonstrate excellent mechanical stability — the most mechanically stable devices reported to date.
Abstract
The functional layers of flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) are subjected to significant stress during bending, causing structural failure and declining power conversion efficiency. To alleviate stress, a neutral plane (NP) is introduced by positioning the functional layers at the center of the device, with top metal electrode encapsulated by a protective layer. However, adhesive detachment remains a critical issue during multiple bending cycles, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, a systematic analysis of the detachment behavior in NP-FPSC reveals that commercial adhesives with high Young's modulus and low adhesion strength struggle to withstand interlayer shear stress during bending, which triggers detachment between adhesives and electrodes. To address this issue, a crosslinkable polymer acrylated isoprene rubber (AIR) is designed with long linear polyisoprene main chain and acrylate side chains, providing high flexibility and reduced chain segment movement. AIR can be crosslinked under UV irradiation to form a stable network with ultralow Young's modulus and high adhesion strength, ensuring a strong bond between the protective layer and FPSCs, constructing stable NP-FPSCs. The resultant NP-FPSCs demonstrate excellent mechanical stability, retaining 92.8% of their initial efficiency after 50 000 bending cycles at a radius of 4 mm, meeting the IEC 62715-6-3 standards.
Deep Reconstruction of RuPdOx Hollow Nanofibers for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrazine Oxidation‐Assisted Hydrogen Production
A rapid and deep reconstruction of RuPdOx hollow nanofibers to generate RuO2/Pd heterostructure is achieved to regulate the local electronic environment of catalyst during hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) processes. Thus the obtained material exhibits exceptional ampere-grade-current-density HER and HzOR properties, enabling significnat energy-saving H2 production performance.
Abstract
Manipulating the reconstruction of a heterostructured material is highly desirable to achieve high-performance electrocatalytic performance. Here, an in situ reconstruction of RuPdOx hollow nanofibers (HNFs) is presented to generate RuO2/Pd from both the electrochemical and chemical reconstruction processes. The reconstructed catalyst is highly efficient for both hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at industrial-grade current densities, significantly outperforming the benchmark Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, it maintains a record-breaking durability of 500 h for HzOR at 1 A cm−2. Remarkably, with the catalyst as electrodes, a two-electrode overall hydrazine splitting (OHzS) cell is constructed, which requires only 0.263 kWh of electricity to produce 1 m3 H2 at 100 mA cm−2, significantly lower than that in overall water splitting (OWS) system (4.286 kWh m−3 H2), exhibiting an exceptional energy-saving H2 production property. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal an efficient electron transfer from Pd to RuO2 at their interface from the reconstruction of RuPdOx HNFs, which regulates the local electronic environment of atoms, modulates the adsorption and desorption for intermediates, and reduces the energy barriers for enhancing the electrocatalytic process. This study offers a robust reconstruction strategy for the design of electrocatalysts that exhibit superior efficiency in energy conversion devices.
Origami Crawlers: Exploring A Single Origami Vertex for Complex Path Navigation
This study demonstrates that the nonlinear kinematics of origami sheets can be exploited to realize crawlers capable of multimodal locomotion under a single actuation input. In particular, it focuses on one of the simplest origami building blocks - a rigid degree-four vertex - and identifies designs that enable movement in a straight line as well as turning left or right by simply controlling the folding range of the actuated fold.
Abstract
The ancient art of origami, traditionally used to transform simple sheets into intricate objects, also holds potential for diverse engineering applications, such as shape morphing and robotics. In this study, it is demonstrated that one of the most basic origami structures–a rigid, foldable degree-four vertex–can be engineered to create a crawler capable of navigating complex paths using only a single input. Through a combination of experimental studies and modeling, it is shown that modifying the geometry of a degree-four vertex enables sheets to move either in a straight line or turn. Furthermore, it is illustrated that leveraging the nonlinearities in folding allows the design of crawlers that can switch between moving straight and turning. Remarkably, these crawling modes can be controlled by adjusting the range of the folding angle's actuation. This study opens avenues for simple machines that can follow intricate trajectories with minimal actuation.
Designing the Self‐Assembly of Disordered Materials Via Color Frustration
What if disorder can be designed? This work introduces a strategy to self-assemble amorphous materials by designing bonding rules for patchy particles that suppress crystallinity and promote frustration. The designer particles nucleate a network of dodecahedral cages from the liquid, yielding a novel equilibrium amorphous phase. This approach redefines how disorder and function can be programmed at the colloidal scale.
Abstract
The ability to control self-assembly with atomic-level precision has led to remarkable advances in the rational design of crystalline materials. However, similar design strategies have yet to be developed for amorphous materials. Here, a strategy is devised for programming the self-assembly of amorphous structures by encoding frustration into the building block design. The building blocks are tailored to locally favor the formation of five-member rings and yield a network of face-sharing dodecahedral cages whose icosahedral symmetry prevents long-range order. Surprisingly, unlike geometrically frustrated glasses that form through kinetic arrest, the network nucleates spontaneously from the liquid phase, representing a novel type of thermodynamically stable disordered phase. The stabilization of this frustrated phase via programmable interactions paves the way for a new generation of disordered materials.
Morphotropic Phase Boundary in Irradiated Ferroelectric Polymers
Irradiation rather than composition is used to induce helix/trans morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) in ferroelectric polymers. Markedly enhanced piezoelectric coefficient d 33 of -69.8 pC N−1 is achieved in ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) copolymers. This postprocessing approach is generally applicable to different ferroelectric polymer compositions and sources of irradiation, offering a scalable tool to design of ferroelectric polymers with high piezoelectric properties.
Abstract
Morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) enables a large piezoelectric effect in ferroelectric polymers. However, till now MPB has only been observed in a few polymers, which is induced by compositional tuning of the polymer composition. Here a distinct approach to design MPB in ferroelectric polymers is reported via ion irradiation. Without changing composition as required by the conventional compositional approach, the formation of helix/trans MPB in ferroelectric polymers is achieved upon increasing the irradiation dose, near which a substantially enhanced piezoelectric coefficient d 33 of -69.8 pC N−1 is observed. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated by using different sources of irradiation and polymer compositions, which offers a general and scalable postprocessing tool to effectively improve the piezoelectric response of ferroelectric polymers.
Enhanced Kinetics and Stability of Zn‐MnO2 Batteries with a Multifunctional TiO2 Coating
The TiO2-coated MnO2 cathodes enhance the cycling stability and capacity of zinc-ion batteries by improving kinetics and inhibiting Mn dissolution. The multifunctional TiO2 coating forms a coherent interface with MnO2, creating an electron-enriched surface that promotes rapid electron/ion transport and proton-dominated reactions. Additionally, the coating mitigates Mn dissolution and buffers volume changes, offering a promising solution for advanced energy storage.
Abstract
Zinc-ion batteries are a promising energy storage alternative, offering safety, cost-effectiveness, and environment-friendliness. MnO2 is appealing for its high capacity and output voltage, but it suffers from slow kinetics and poor stability due to severe Mn dissolution during cycling. Here, the performance of MnO2 is enhanced by coating it with a uniform TiO2 nanolayer that incorporates oxygen vacancies. The TiO2-MnO2 heterogeneous interface results in the formation of Ti─O─Mn bonds and a reduction in the interfacial valence state, thereby leading to the creation of an interface electron-enriched region that facilitates faster electron and ion transport. This multifunctional TiO2 coating not only promotes proton-dominated electrochemical reactions and ion diffusion but also acts as a protective barrier, preventing Mn dissolution and buffering volume changes during cycling. Consequently, the MnO2@TiO2 cathode demonstrates excellent specific capacity (299 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and cycling stability, achieving 91.4% capacity retention after 2500 cycles at 1 A g−1 and 92.7% capacity retention after 600 cycles at a low current density of 0.2 A g−1. These results outperform many previously reported manganese-based cathodes, demonstrating MnO2@TiO2’s potential as a high-performance and durable cathode material for zinc-ion batteries and advancing the development of efficient energy storage solutions.
Efficient Cu─Co Dual‐Sites in Cobalt Oxide Nanoboxes for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Low‐Concentration NO to NH3
Electrochemical reduction of low-concentration NO presents a promising avenue for NH3 production, offering a sustainable solution to environmental challenges. Cu─Co dual-sites in hollow cobalt oxide nanoboxes are developed for NO electroreduction, boasting a Faraday efficiency of 94.13% and an NH3 yield of 54.28 µg h−1 mgcat −1. A Zn-NO battery has also been successfully demonstrated for simultaneous NO elimination, NH3 generation, and power output.
Abstract
The electrocatalytic conversion of nitric oxide (NO) to ammonia (NH3) epitomizes an advanced approach in NH3 synthesis, crucial for efficiently converting low-concentration industrial NO exhaust and contributing significantly to environmental preservation. Catalyst design remains one pivotal element in addressing this challenge. Here, efficient Cu─Co dual active sites embedded in hollow cobalt oxide nanoboxes are created for the electrocatalytic low-concentration NO reduction reaction (NORR). Cu-modified cobalt oxide (Cu-Co3O4) and its heterophase interface with copper oxide (Cu-Co3O4/CuO) both exhibit over 93% Faraday efficiency for NH3 synthesis, with a yield reaching up to 59.10 µg h−1 mgcat −1 at −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode by utilizing simulated industrial NO exhaust (1 vol %) as the feedstock, surpassing those of pure cobalt oxide and some reported catalysts. Theoretical calculations and NO temperature-programmed desorption experiments demonstrate that the incorporation of Cu significantly enhances NO adsorption and reduces the energy barrier of the rate-determining step. The integration of Cu-Co3O4 and Cu-Co3O4/CuO within the cathode of the Zn–NO battery demonstrates a notable power density of 2.02 mW cm−2, highlighting a propitious direction for investigating highly efficient conversion of low-concentration NO exhaust gas.
Effect of Combination Model of MoTe2 and MXene Layers on Sodium Ion Storage
Compared with MX@MoTe2-V, in which the (002) crystal plane of MoTe2 is perpendicular to the MXene layer, MX@MoTe2-P with MoTe2 (002) crystal plane parallel to MXene layer has a more stable interface structure and more sodium ion storage sites, thereby achieving excellent electrochemical performance.
Abstract
The integration of different crystal planes between two-dimensional (2D) materials results in various combinations, which always exert different effects on the electrochemical properties of materials. The metallic 1T′ phase of molybdenum telluride is a promising anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but its rearrangement and restacking during charge/discharge process causes a decline in cycle. Herein, MX@MoTe2-P with MoTe2 (002) planes parallel to MXene layers and MX@MoTe2-V with MoTe2 (002) planes perpendicular to MXene layers are controllably constructed. Compared with MX@MoTe2-V, the new interface formed between MoTe2 and MXene in MX@MoTe2-P has a stronger van der Waals interaction and larger contact area, helpful to store more sodium ions and contributing to its excellent structural stability and battery capacity. Although MX@MoTe2-V has a higher sodium adsorption energy than MX@MoTe2-P, the small interface area lowers the storage capacity and it further aggravates the collapse of the structure. When used as the anode for SIBs, MX@MoTe2-P offers excellent cycle stability and specific capacity. In particular, sodium-ion full cell consisting of MX@MoTe2-P anode and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode shows the excellent performance (147.2 mAh g−1@1000 cycles at 5 A g−1) surpassing all the reported MoTe2-based materials. This work provides a guide for the manufacture of new electrode materials.
Nanozyme‐Reinforced Hydrogel Spray as a Reactive Oxygen Species‐Driven Oxygenator to Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing
The authors fabricate a reactive oxygen species-driven oxygenation hydrogel (OxyGel) spray, which can rebalance the oxidative and hypoxic microenvironment of the diabetic wound, promote M1-to-M2 macrophage repolarization, and enhance the survival, migration, and angiogenesis of endothelial cells. A single administration of the OxyGel spray accelerates full-thickness back skin wound and refractory foot ulcer wound healing in diabetic rats.
Abstract
The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and poor oxygen supply are two prominent factors of the inflammatory microenvironment that delay diabetic wound healing. However, current clinical treatments cannot achieve effective ROS scavenging and sustained oxygenation. Herein, a ROS-driven oxygenation hydrogel (OxyGel) spray that integrates a multifunctional nanozyme with a dynamically crosslinked sprayable hydrogel matrix is presented. The nanozyme, which is fabricated based on the ceria-zoledronic acid nanoparticles modified with tannic acid (TCZ nanozymes), can mimic the cascade catalytic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) to effectively scavenge ROS while generating oxygen. These synergistic actions rebalance the oxidative and hypoxic microenvironment of the diabetic wound, promote M1-to-M2 macrophage repolarization, and enhance the survival, migration, and angiogenesis of endothelial cells. A single administration of the nanozyme via the hydrogel spray stably deposits the nanozymes at the target sites to accelerate full-thickness back skin wound and refractory foot ulcer wound healing in diabetic rats. Furthermore, RNA-seq results revealed the upregulation of multiple signaling pathways related to wound healing by the OxyGel spray, highlighting the potential of this platform not only for the treatment of refractory diabetic wounds but also other diseases associated with oxidative stress and hypoxia.
Crystalline‐Dependent Magnon Torques in All‐Sputtered Hf/Cr2O3/Ferromagnet Heterostructures
Magnon torques can overcome the Joule heating issue in traditional spintronic devices. The crystalline dependence of magnon torques in Hf/Cr2O3/FM heterostructures is demonstrated. Magnon torques are generated when the Néel vector of Cr2O3 is parallel to the spin polarization generated in Hf. Furthermore, the magnetization switching of perpendicularly magnetized CoFeB is achieved using magnon torques.
Abstract
Electron motion in spin-orbit torque devices inevitably leads to the Joule heating issue. Magnon torques can potentially circumvent this issue, as it enables the transport of spin angular momentum in insulating magnetic materials. In this work, a sandwich structure composed of Hf/antiferromagnetic Cr2O3/ferromagnet is fabricated and demonstrates that the magnon torque is strongly dependent on the crystalline structure of Cr2O3. Magnon torques are stronger when the Néel vector of Cr2O3 aligns parallel to the spin polarization generated in Hf, while they are suppressed when the Néel vector is perpendicular to the spin polarization. The magnon torque efficiency is estimated to be −0.134 using in-plane second harmonic Hall measurements. Using magnon torques, perpendicular magnetization switching of CoFeB is achieved, with a critical switching current density of 4.09 × 107 A cm−2. Furthermore, the spin angular momentum loss due to the insertion of Cr2O3 is found to be lower than that of polycrystalline NiO. The work highlights the role of antiferromagnet crystalline structures in controlling magnon torques, broadening the potential applications of magnon torques.