bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Dynamic Transition from Aging to Additive Manufacturing: Investigating Microstructural Evolution of Metastable γ″ Precipitates in Inconel 625 through Coupled Phase‐Field Simulation
Authors: Darabi Roya , Reis Ana , Cesar de Sa Jose
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the microstructural evolution during the coprecipitation of metastable γ″ (D022‐Ni3Nb) particles within a supersaturated γ matrix in commercial IN625 Ni‐based superalloy. The research aims to comprehensively understand the morphological evolution and fraction distribution of precipitate phases to enhance material strength and guide the design of additive manufacturing processes. A sophisticated coupled computational phase‐field model is developed. The novel phase‐field model within the open‐source multiphysics object oriented simulation environment finite element framework enables the efficient construction of coupled phase‐field mechanics models for multiphase systems. The quantitative precipitation model incorporates essential inputs, such as ab initio calculations, experimental data, precipitate–matrix orientation relationships, interfacial energy, interdiffusivities, and a tailored thermodynamic database. Simulation results reveal the intricate interplay of alloy composition, lattice misfit, external stress, temperature, and time, influencing the dynamic microstructure evolution during additive manufacturing. The findings highlight the significant influence of thermal cycles and process parameters on γ″ precipitate formation, directly impacting material properties and volumetric fraction. Leveraging experimental‐driven formulations for coherent strength optimization aims to maximize γ″ precipitates while minimizing postprocessing costs.
Durable and Active Fe–N–C Assisted by Fe Nanoparticle and Graphitic Layers for Efficient Carbamate Decomposition During Amine‐Based Carbon Capture
Authors: Li Xing , Xing Lei , Chen Zhen , Wang Ya , Wang Chizhong , Zhan Guoxiong , Chang Huazhen , Li Junhua
Published: February 2025

A feasible Fe–N–C catalysts (Fe/FeSA@GNC) with multiple Fe species and well‐graphitized carbon layers is prepared to boost the carbamate decomposition kinetics for energy‐saving CO2 capture with amine solvent. Fe precursor carbothermic reaction creates the graphitic layers doped with pyridinic‐N, which significantly enhances the activity of the coordinated Fe sites. Furthermore, the enclosed Fe nanoparticles originate from excess Fe precursor firmed the atomically dispersed Fe–N–C sites in graphitic layers. The as‐prepared catalysts exhibit superior activity for carbamate decomposition under relatively mild conditions. The maximum desorption rate soar to 5.4 CO2 mmol min−1, marking 440% increment compared to the catalyst‐free reaction. Notably, the Fe/FeSA@GNC delivered exceptional stability and durability after 20 cycles in alkaline organic solutions, significantly superior to single‐atom Fe–N–C without Fe NPs. Bench‐scale testing with continuous CO2 absorption and desorption presented a 19.5% increase of CO2 capture efficiency and a 40.7% decrease of heat duty with only 0.1 wt.% dosage of Fe/FeSA@GNC. The role of Fe–N–C sites is demonstrated in the process of proton transfer and C−N breaking during solvent regeneration (CO2 desorption). Thus, the Fe/FeSA@GNC catalytic carbamate decomposition offered an appealing technology solution to the high heat duty challenge associated with CO2 chemisorption using amine‐based solvent.
MoS2 Nanozyme–Chlorella Hydrogels: Pioneering a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Integrative Therapy
Authors: Zhang Mengya , Zhou Jingsheng , Jiang Xianghe , Shi Te , Jin Xin , Ren Yufei , Ji Keqin , Xin Zhongyuan , Zhang Zhuanzhuan , Yin Chuan , Yue Haiyan , Gao Jie
Published: February 2025

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a formidable challenge to global health, and surgical resection is the predominant therapeutic strategy. However, the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant treatments is often compromised by the need to preserve liver function. The authors’ meta‐analysis reveals a significant correlation between impaired liver function and decreased survival rates in HCC patients, highlighting the critical need for interventions to protect liver function. To address this, an innovative injectable composite hydrogel system is engineered, designated MC@PHDA, which encapsulates Molybdenum disulfide MoS2 nanozymes and Chlorella photosensitizers within a hyaluronic acid‐dopamine/2‐aminoethyl methacrylate (HA‐DA/AMA) matrix. This system offers a comprehensive therapeutic approach to HCC, combining photodynamic and photothermal therapies to selectively target and eradicate cancer cells; while, inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) to stimulate an antitumor immune response. The MC@PHDA hydrogel leverages the ROS‐scavenging properties of MoS2 to mitigate oxidative liver injury and promote hepatocyte regeneration. Thus, the multifaceted therapeutic design of the MC@PHDA hydrogel represents a paradigm‐shifting strategy for HCC treatment that targets tumor cells; while, concurrently promoting liver repair and regeneration. This study introduces a groundbreaking approach for the integrative management of HCC, with the potential to significantly enhance patient survival and quality of life.
Durable Dense Packed All‐Silicon Micro‐Thermoelectric Generator for IoT Applications
Authors: Sojo‐Gordillo Jose M. , Estrada‐Wiese Denise , Rodriguez‐Iglesias Alex , Duque‐Sierra Carolina , Fernandez‐Regulez Marta , Martin‐Fernandez Iñigo , Salleras Marc , Fonseca Luis , Morata Alex , Tarancón Albert
Published: February 2025

One of the main challenges of the rising field of the Internet of Things (IoT) is the self‐sustainable supply of energy to the sensors. Among the available environmental sources, heat can be harvested by means of thermoelectric devices. This work presents a new generation of densely packaged all‐silicon micro‐thermoelectric generators (µTEGs) with planar architecture. Optimized boron‐doped Si nanowires with 80 ± 30nm in diameter are epitaxially integrated as dense arrays into these generators for an improved performance. A procedure to reliably place a heat sink on top of the devices, enlarging the fraction of external thermal gradient captured by the thermoelectrically active nanowires, is described. These improvements enhance the generated voltage up to eight times with respect to that of a bare µTEG, leading to output powers well within the range of IoT needs (10 – 100 µW cm−2). Specifically, the µTEG on top of a heat source above 200°C and under still air convection conditions generates more than 14 µW cm−2. When exposed to the same temperatures and to an airflow of 1.3 m s−1 (equivalent to a light breeze) the power density increases above 150 µW cm−2. Moreover, a long‐term stability study running the device in load matching conditions for a period of 1000 h does not show degradation below 200°C. Finally, the suitability of connecting the µTEG with the current state of the art DC–DC converters is discussed, showing how eventual transients in real operation conditions can allow the device to reach the required cold start‐up voltages. Overall, these results demonstrate the readiness of the presented µTEG as a reliable power source for miniaturized IoT applications.
Threefold Möbius Machine
Authors: Yang Xiaochen , Zhao Weiqiang , Ma Jiayao , Hu Zhiming , Liu Xinmeng , Fu Lei , Xu Chuhan , Lv Jiuan , Zhang Lei , Chen Yan
Published: February 2025

Soft machines crafted from stimuli‐responsive materials hold great potential for intelligent autonomous systems. To stably generate a self‐sustainable motion under constant stimuli, it is essential to overcome the challenges of geometric design, physical modeling, and mechanical‐guided parametric study. Here, inspired by the classical Möbius strip, a threefold Möbius machine made from humidity‐responsive agarose films is proposed. A theoretical model is built based on moisture diffusion and developable surface to unveil the mechanisms of curvature‐driven rotary motion with shape conservation, and to establish the quantitative correlations between the motion speed and the geometric and environmental parameters to optimize the design under given constraints. As a result, a Möbius machine capable of operating in a constant humid environment for 252 hours is developed. It can also continuously output mechanical work and sense ambient humidity. It is envisaged that T the integration of intelligent structural design principles and physical modeling will push the development of innovative robotic systems to the next level.
Photo‐Manipulating the Interlayer Spacing of MXene Toward Switchable Electrochemical and Gas Sensing Functionality
Authors: Fang Yan , Hao Lu‐Lu , Xiao Jing‐Yi , Meng Yin‐Shan , Liu Tao
Published: February 2025

Manipulating the interlayer spacing of 2D MXene materials through rapid and noninvasive light methodology represents a promising approach to tuning their physical and chemical properties, which will promote their practical applications in photo‐sensing and photo‐switchable devices. In this study, a new pillared Ti3C2Tx MXene compound is presented, which exhibits tunable interlayer spacing behavior through the introduction of photoisomeric cationic azobenzene derivatives. UV–vis absorption spectra confirm that the increase in inter‐flake distance originated from the trans‐to‐cis isomerization of the p‐[2‐(2‐hydroxyethyldimethylammonio)ethoxy]azobenzene (AZ+Br–), while the reverse process is driven by visible light induced cis‐to‐trans relaxation. As a consequence, the interlayer spacing of Ti3C2Tx MXene can be effectively adjusted by the conformational changes of the AZ+ layer, achieving a reversible expansion and contraction of ≈0.5 Å under alternating UV/visible light irradiations. Electrochemical analysis reveals that the conductivity and capacitance can be reversibly photo‐switched with high durability and repeatability. In addition, the adjustable interlayer spacing enables the photo‐controlled gas capture and release feature, showing that AZ+‐Ti3C2Tx with larger interlayer spacing can accommodate more ethanol molecules and exhibit higher sensitivity to ethanol vapor changes. This work provides a feasible strategy for the design of novel 2D MXene‐based materials and devices with tunable and photo‐responsive functionality.
Strong and Tough Eutectogels with Broad‐Range Tunable Mechanical Properties via the Hydrogen Bond Network‐Specific Effect
Authors: Huo Xiaosheng , Wang Junlong , Cong Zhenhua , Liu Chen , Cai Chunjing , Wang Yaxuan , Zhang Xiangqian , Li Chengning , Lan Si , Niu Jian
Published: February 2025

Eutectogels represent promising materials for technological applications due to their excellent ionic conductivity, thermal and electrochemical stability, and nonvolatility. Nonetheless, most existing eutectogels suffer from low strength and toughness. Herein, a strategy to broadly alter the mechanical properties of eutectogels by tuning the aggregation states of polymer chains through the specific hydrogen bond network of a deep eutectic solvent is reported. The prepared eutectogels exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, including record‐breaking toughness (203.38 MJ m−3) and strength (31.53 MPa), outperforming even the toughest reported eutectogels and surpassing synthetic polymers such as PDMS, synthetic rubber, and natural spider silk. By tailoring the deep eutectic solvent's hydrogen bond network through careful selection of the number and types of hydrogen bonding functional groups, the mechanical properties of eutectogels can be precisely tuned across a wide range. Specifically, tensile strength is adjusted from 8.19 to 31.53 MPa, toughness from 69.84 to 203.38 MJ m−3, and modulus from 3.38 to 13.01 MPa. Given the diversity of deep eutectic solvents, the proposed strategy allows for rational design of their hydrogen‐bond networks to further optimize the mechanical properties of eutectogels, providing a versatile approach for the controlled preparation of high‐strength, tough eutectogels.
Tough and Closed‐Loop Recyclable Thermoplastic Elastomers From Sequential Ring‐Opening Copolymerization of Bio‐Renewable β‐Methyl‐δ‐Valerolactone and δ‐Valerolactone
Authors: Yu Xinxin , Wang Liying , Zhang Min , Dong Xinyu , Shen Yong , Li Zhibo
Published: February 2025

Despite the great successes achieved for the closed‐loop recyclable polymers in the last decade, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with closed‐loop recyclability and good mechanical performances are largely underexplored. In this contribution, the preparation of PδVL‐b‐PβMVL‐b‐PδVL triblock copolymers via one‐pot sequential ring‐opening copolymerization of bio‐renewable β‐methyl‐δ‐valerolactone (βMVL) and δ‐valerolactone (δVL) is achieved. The obtained triblock copolymers behave as TPEs that exhibit superior tensile strength and toughness as well as comparable elasticity to the most previously reported polyester‐based and commercial styrenic copolymer‐based TPEs. Remarkably, these triblock copolymers can be depolymerized to recover pristine monomers with a high yield by simply heating the materials under reduced pressure in the presence of stannous octoate as the catalyst. The recovered monomers can be separated or directly used to prepare TPEs with comparable performances to original TPEs, thus establishing a closed‐loop life cycle.
Programmable WSe2 2D Lateral p‐n Junctions Controlled by Dual Floating Gates
Authors: Jiazila Nuertai , Song Peng , Wei Chijun , Liu Xuanye , Gao Hui , Sun Jiequn , Du Chengze , Guo Hui , Yang Haitao , Bao Lihong , Gao Hong‐Jun
Published: February 2025

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials with inherent flexibility, transparency, and sizable bandgap have gained significant attention as promising candidates for future semiconductor nanodevices. However, complementary doping in these 2D semiconductors remains a challenge because conventional ion implantation can lead to permanent damage to the atomically thin 2D channels. Here, programmable WSe2 2D lateral p‐n homojunction controlled by dual floating gates on a SiO2/Si substrate, achieving a rectification ratio of ≈105 and three dynamically switchable current levels is demonstrated. By injecting charges into two floating gates by applying voltage pulses with different polarities, lateral p‐n, n‐p, n‐n, p‐p homojunction can be formed. The ideality factors for the p‐n and n‐p junctions are extracted as ≈1.56 and ≈1.57, respectively. The WSe2 p‐n homojunction shows a maximum photovoltage responsivity of 6.67 × 109 V W−1 under a weak light power of 0.09 nW. These results demonstrate outstanding electrical and optoelectronic properties in the programmable 2D lateral p‐n junctions, establishing a solid foundation for the development of future non‐volatile reconfigurable devices.
Nanotheranostics with Radionuclides for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Cui Minhui , Zhu Mengmeng , Tang Dongsheng , Cao Zheng , Xiao Haihua , Shang Kun
Published: February 2025

Anti‐tumor theranostic radionuclide nanosystems have gained significant attention as an emerging therapeutic strategy. This review systematically elucidates the concept and recent advances of anti‐tumor nanotheranostic systems with radionuclides, with a focus on the design of nanocarriers, precise selection of radionuclides, and their advantages and limitations in clinical translation. This review also explores the integration of radionuclide imaging with various treatment modalities, including photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy. Furthermore, the combination of radionuclide therapy with fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging technologies, which broadens the application of nanotheranostics, is discussed. Finally, the review outlooks the future development of anti‐tumor nanotheranostics with radionuclides and proposes a key research focus.
FeIr Alloy Optimizes the Trade‐Off Between Nitrate Reduction and Active Hydrogen Generation for Efficient Electro‐Synthesis of Ammonia in Neutral Media
Authors: Xiong Jie , Jiang Lingyue , Zhu Botao , Huang Shujie , Wu Shuo , You Kaixuan , Li Xiaohong , Feng Lai
Published: February 2025

Electrochemically promoted nitrate reduction reaction (NITRR) holds great potential for the “green” synthesis of ammonia (NH3). However, NITRR in neutral media, though close to the practical scenario, is often limited by an insufficient supply of active hydrogen (*H) due to sluggish water cleavage. In this work, it is demonstrated that a bimetallic alloy FeIr can optimize the trade‐off between nitrate reduction and *H formation in neutral media. As a result, FeIr exhibits excellent catalytic performance toward neutral NITRR with a Faradaic efficiency of NH3 up to 97.3% and a high yield rate up to 11.67 mg h−1 cm−2 at a low working potential of −0.6 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), surpassing the monometallic catalysts as well as the majority of Fe‐based state‐of‐the‐art. It is also found that the FeIr displays remarkable electron rearrangement between hetero‐atoms due to their significant orbital hybridization, which benefits not only the *H formation but also the NITRR process. Moreover, coupling FeIr‐based NITRR with methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) results in sustainable productions of NH3 and formate with a combined FE of nearly 200% at a cell‐voltage of 2 V. This work thus demonstrates a promising strategy for designing efficient catalysts toward neutral NITRR.
Stretchable Serpentine Electrodes with High Fidelity Fabricated Using Orientation‐Controlled Surface Energy‐Directed Assembly
Authors: Yuan Siqing , Wang Guangji , Fan Zebin , Wang Yihuan , Zhang Jingwei , Yu Guojia , Chai Zhimin , Zhao Dewen , Lu Xinchun
Published: February 2025

Stretchable serpentine electrodes have garnered significant attention in diverse fields such as embodied artificial intelligence, electronic skin, free‐form displays, stretchable integrated circuits, etc. However, current micro/nano fabrication processes often struggle with compatibility issues on stretchable substrates or face challenges related to scalability, fidelity, and resolution. Here, the study has developed an orientation‐controlled surface energy‐directed assembly (SEDA) process for fabricating high‐fidelity, high‐resolution serpentine electrodes with a linewidth of 600 nm. This process involves pulling out the serpentine patterns from nanomaterial suspensions in alignment with their axial orientation, ensuring that enclosed hydrophobic regions between the hydrophilic patterns and the three‐phase contact line (TPCL) do not form. Consequently, the TPCL can freely recede, facilitating high selectivity in assembly. In addition to orientation, the length‐to‐spacing (L/S) ratio of the serpentine pattern and the pulling speed also play crucial roles in determining the pattern fidelity. Specifically, at slow pulling speeds and low L/S ratios, the lateral receding time of the TPCL is shorter than its longitudinal receding time, leading to excellent assembly selectivity. To demonstrate the versatility of the orientation‐controlled SEDA process, serpentine electrodes are assembled from various nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles, silver nanowires, carbon nanotubes, and liquid metal, on diverse substrates such as silicon, paper, polydimethylsiloxane, and thermoplastic polyurethane. The stretchable serpentine electrodes exhibit distinct strain‐resistive performance, and have been applied in various fields, including mechanical strain‐gated transistors, speech recognition micromotion sensors, interconnect circuits for light‐emitting diode displays, and human‐machine interaction gloves.
Enabling High Initial Coulombic Efficiency for Li‐ion Storage via 3D SnS2@rGO Anode With Tailorable Cavity Size
Authors: Zhao Jinyang , Zhu Chengyu , Mao Jianjiang , Cheng Fei
Published: February 2025

The construction of a 3D conductive structure with cavities is an effective strategy to suppress volume change and shuttle effect of tin sulfide materials during lithium storage, while the influence of cavity size on its electrochemical properties is yet to be clarified due to the lack of controllable methods. Herein, a 3D network‐structured hybrid material is reported by a template‐induced self‐assembly strategy, featuring adjustable spherical cavities with uniformly anchored ultrafine SnS2 nanosheets inside (3D‐SnS2@rGO), which allows for an ideal cavity volume occupancy rate of 98%. Moreover, the integrated and interconnected 3D cavity structure raises lithium‐ion diffusion kinetics and provides transport pathways for electrons. The optimal 3D‐SnS2@rGO material demonstrates superior initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 88% and a notable reversible capacity of 1274 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 along with an excellent capacity retention rate of 102% over 340 cycles. Even after 1000 and 2500 cycles at the current densities of 1 and 5 A g−1, it maintains capacities of 910 and 410 mAh g−1, indicating outstanding volume adaptability and space utilization. Additionally, this facile method can be applied to synthesize other high‐performance anode materials (such as MoS2) with similar integrated 3D structure and high ICE, indicating its good scalability.
A Cu‐Cu2O/Ni2P Heterostructure for Efficient Tandem Catalysis of Electrosynthesis of Ammonia from Nitrate Reduction Reaction in Neutral Medium
Authors: Zhao Huilin , Liu Pengfei , Cheng Xuetao , Fan Chao , Liu Jian , Kan Dongxiao , Wang Yan‐Qin
Published: February 2025

Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (eNO3RR) in neutral conditions is an effective and sustainable method for ammonia production while treating nitrate pollution. Nevertheless, it still faces a great challenge due to the complicated multiple proton‐coupled‐electron process in eNO3RR. Herein, an efficient heterostructure electrocatalyst Cu‐Cu2O/Ni2P has been successfully fabricated for neutral ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrate reduction. Cu‐Cu2O/Ni2P exhibits outstanding eNO3RR performance with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) as high as 96.4% and ammonia yield rate of 14636 µg·h−1·cm−2 at −1.0 V (vs RHE) in 0.1 m PBS solution, which outperforms most of the reported eNO3RR electrocatalysts in neutral media. More importantly, the catalyst demonstrates an exceptional stability for 30 consecutive electrolysis cycles and outstanding durability even at large current density of 440 mA cm−2 in a flow cell. The tandem catalysis mechanism of NO3− → NO2− → NH3 by the synergism of two components of Cu‐Cu2O and Ni2P in Cu‐Cu2O/Ni2P is verified by the experimental and theoretical calculations. Cu‐Cu2O has strong adsorption capacity for NO3− and which can be reduced into NO2−, while Ni2P can facilitate the water splitting, which promotes the abundant *H production, thus boosting the subsequent hydrogenation process during eNO3RR process whilst inhibiting the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Bioinspired Dual‐Function Device Integrating Fog Harvesting and Hydro‐To‐Electricity Conversion for Sustainable Supply of Freshwater and Electricity
Authors: Zhou Wen , Zhu Xiaohui , Quan Zijing , Tian Guizhong , Wang Pinkun , Feng Xiaoming , Li Bo , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: February 2025

Utilizing ubiquitous fog to engineer a dual‐function device that integrates fog harvesting and hydro‐to‐electricity conversion, thereby overcoming geographical and hydrological constraints, provides an opportunity to promote sustainable freshwater and electricity supply. However, inefficiency remains the key challenge to the advancement of fog energy development and practical applications. Herein, a bio‐inspired dual‐function device (BDFD) integrating efficient fog harvesting and a solid‐liquid triboelectricity nanogenerator is developed. Specifically, biomimetic fog‐water collector (BFWC) is designed inspired by the excellent fog‐catching capability of Cactus and the ultra‐fast water transport of Sarracenia. BFWC is then combined with a solid‐liquid triboelectric nanogenerator to develop the BDFD. Additionally, the mechanism by which the structural parameters of BFWC influence mist condensation and water transport is revealed. The effects of height, angle, and frequency of condensate droplets on power generation performance are also systematically investigated. Remarkably, BFWC achieved a fog collection efficiency of 48940 mg cm−2 h−1, a 305% improvement over the non‐bionic samples. Meanwhile, the transfer charge is quantified at 28.9 nC, demonstrating that BDFD can efficiently convert the mechanical energy of the condensed droplet into electrical energy. Therefore, this bionic strategy enhances the efficiency of the atmospheric fog energy utilization apparatus and offers prospects for mitigating deficiencies in freshwater and power resources.
Hydrogel‐Based Moisture Electric Generator with High Output Performance Induced by Proton Hopping
Authors: Cheng Yan , Zhu Tianxue , He Qinhong , Wen Feng , Cheng Yun , Huang Jianying , Lai Yuekun , Li Huaqiong
Published: February 2025

The development of harnessing energy from surrounding humidity has been impeded by obstacles such as ambiguous ion migration mechanism and the restricted electrical output of devices designed to generate power from moisture. Herein, a novel hygroscopic network is presented that enhances ion migration by employing a random copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) and 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS). This method strategically positions sulfonic acid groups within hydrogels, which can release protons, in the presence of LiCl. Both experimental data and molecular dynamic simulations indicate that ion migration primarily occurs through a proton hopping mechanism, protons are released from the ─SO3H and interact with adjacent confined water molecules, creating a network that facilitates swift proton migration along hydrogen‐bonded chains. The developed single sulfonic acid side chain@hydrogel‐based moisture‐electric generator (SHMEG) exhibits a sustained open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.89 V and a current density of 173 µA cm−2 for over 1400 h. Additionally, the SHMEG's scalability allows it to be connected in series or parallel, which provides adaptability and lightness. These features render the SHMEG suitable for powering a variety of commercial devices, such as mobile phone, health monitoring sensors and nighttime illumination, making it a promising, high power, and environmentally friendly energy solution.
Dynamic Covalent Oleogel with Mechanical Force‐Induced Reversible Phase Transition for Self‐Adaptive Lubrication
Authors: Xie Ao , Zhang Jiaying , Wang Xin‐Gang , Ruan Xiaopeng , Bao Luyao , Xu Hao‐Zhe , Qi Changmin , Bai Yanyan , Zhang Ming , Liang Yijing , Yu Qiangliang , Cai Meirong , Zhou Feng , Liu Weimin
Published: February 2025

Substantial progress has been made in stimulus‐responsive and performance‐tunable hydrogels, yet endowing organogels with dynamic adaptive properties remains challenging. Especially, the development of adaptive functional oleogel materials is further constrained by weak interactions between the oil and the gel network, along with the high viscosity of oil. Herein, the state self‐adaptability of oleogels is enabled by constructing mechanical responsive dynamic covalent networks via ring‐opening polymerization of thioctic acid (TA). Mechanically responsive breaking and rebuilding of disulfide bonds endow mechanical force‐induced reversible phase transition of poly(TA) oleogels. Mechanical force‐induced disulfide bond breakage disrupts the gel network, transforming the gel into a sol state. Once the mechanical force is removed, the rapid bonding of sulfur radicals rebuilds the gel network. Furthermore, this highly generalizable strategy has the potential as a self‐adaptive lubricant. Self‐adaptive oleogels can exist in a gel or sol state that adapts to whether the machine is running or stopped. Systematic tribological tests confirm the excellent lubricating properties of poly(TA) oleogels and their outstanding performance stability in adapting to changing friction conditions. This adaptive poly(TA) oleogels provides insights for developing oleogel functional materials with dynamic properties, as well as a new strategy for the development of smart lubricating materials.
Machine Learning in Polymer Research
Authors: Ge Wei , De Silva Ramindu , Fan Yanan , Sisson Scott A. , Stenzel Martina H.
Published: February 2025

Machine learning is increasingly being applied in polymer chemistry to link chemical structures to macroscopic properties of polymers and to identify chemical patterns in the polymer structures that help improve specific properties. To facilitate this, a chemical dataset needs to be translated into machine readable descriptors. However, limited and inadequately curated datasets, broad molecular weight distributions, and irregular polymer configurations pose significant challenges. Most off the shelf mathematical models often need refinement for specific applications. Addressing these challenges demand a close collaboration between chemists and mathematicians as chemists must formulate research questions in mathematical terms while mathematicians are required to refine models for specific applications. This review unites both disciplines to address dataset curation hurdles and highlight advances in polymer synthesis and modeling that enhance data availability. It then surveys ML approaches used to predict solid‐state properties, solution behavior, composite performance, and emerging applications such as drug delivery and the polymer–biology interface. A perspective of the field is concluded and the importance of FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) data and the integration of polymer theory and data are discussed, and the thoughts on the machine–human interface are shared.
A Printed Microscopic Universal Gradient Interface for Super Stretchable Strain‐Insensitive Bioelectronics
Authors: Song Kaidong , Zhou Jingyuan , Wei Chen , Ponnuchamy Ashok , Bappy Md Omarsany , Liao Yuxuan , Jiang Qiang , Du Yipu , Evans Connor J. , Wyatt Brian C. , O’ Sullivan Thomas , Roeder Ryan K. , Anasori Babak , Hoffman Anthony J. , Jin Lihua , Duan Xiangfeng , Zhang Yanliang
Published: February 2025

Stretchable electronics capable of conforming to nonplanar and dynamic human body surfaces are central for creating implantable and on‐skin devices for high‐fidelity monitoring of diverse physiological signals. While various strategies have been developed to produce stretchable devices, the signals collected from such devices are often highly sensitive to local strain, resulting in inevitable convolution with surface strain‐induced motion artifacts that are difficult to distinguish from intrinsic physiological signals. Here all‐printed super stretchable strain‐insensitive bioelectronics using a unique universal gradient interface (UGI) are reported to bridge the gap between soft biomaterials and stiff electronic materials. Leveraging a versatile aerosol‐based multi‐materials printing technique that allows precise spatial control over the local stiffnesses with submicron resolution, the UGI enables strain‐insensitive electronic devices with negligible resistivity changes under a 180% uniaxial stretch ratio. Various stretchable devices are directly printed on the UGI for on‐skin health monitoring with high signal quality and near‐perfect immunity to motion artifacts, including semiconductor‐based photodetectors for sensing blood oxygen saturation levels and metal‐based temperature sensors. The concept in this work will significantly simplify the fabrication and accelerate the development of a broad range of wearable and implantable bioelectronics for real‐time health monitoring and personalized therapeutics.
Robust Nanoscale Anode Protective Layers toward Fast‐Charge High‐Energy‐Density Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Chuanfa , Cui Yin , Lin Shenghao , Ma Pengwei , Ji Yiwei , Cen Zongheng , Yu Guofang , Li Shimei , Liu Shaohong , Wu Dingcai
Published: February 2025

Mechanically stable and structurally homogeneous lithium–electrolyte interfacial layers are crucial in stabilizing lithium (Li) anodes for practical Li metal batteries. Herein, an ultrathin (≈84 nm) and robust artificial protective layer is constructed with reactive two‐dimensional (2D) molecular brushes as building blocks. The artificial protective layer can in situ react with underlying Li metal to produce a nanoscale poly(lithium styrenesulfonate)‐grafted graphene oxide (GO‐g‐PSSLi) layer on the outermost surface and an infinite Li–Ag solid solution in the anode. The nanoscale GO‐g‐PSSLi layer well integrates a large number of single Li‐ion conducting PSSLi chains and 2D robust GO backbones, thereby enabling molecular‐level homogeneous and fast Li‐ion diffusion as well as remarkable mechanical strength. Meanwhile, the simultaneously formed Li–Ag solid solution is beneficial for rapid Li transport in the anode to reduce the Li nucleation barrier and facilitate homogeneous deposition of Li. With such artificial protective layers, a prototype pouch cell with a thin Li metal anode (50 µm) and a high‐loading cathode (21.6 mg cm−2) delivers an impressive cycle life of over 350 cycles with 69% capacity retention under harsh conditions. Remarkably, ultrahigh charging power density of 456 W kg−1 and energy density of 325 Wh kg−1 can be simultaneously achieved in an Ah‐level pouch cell.
Rare‐Earth Oxychlorides as Promoters of Ruthenium Toward High‐Performance Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Electrolyzers
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Chen Yanan , Wang Xinyu , Di Yajing , Müllen Klaus , Zhang Zhengping , Wang Feng
Published: February 2025

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline environments is vital for hydrogen production, owing to the extra water dissociation and hydroxyl desorption steps. Here, rare‐earth oxychlorides (REOCl) are proposed as innovative promoters for ruthenium as HER electrocatalyst in alkali. The lamellar structure of REOCl with weakly bond [Cl] layers can facilitate the formation of an internal electric field that enhances interphase charge transfer. Taking ruthenium/ neodymium oxychloride (Ru/NdOCl) composites as a case study, sub ≈4 nm Ru nanoparticles are successfully embedded into NdOCl crystals through a rapid self‐exothermic process, and the highly‐coupled Ru−Cl/O−Nd interfaces are observed as metallic Ru particles with the edge of the NdOCl lamellar layers, where the [Nd2O2] and [Cl] layers act as the negative and positive charge transfer channels, respectively. The enhanced charge transfer between REOCl and Ru makes the highly‐coupled Ru/REOCl catalysts show better electrocatalytic activity than both the benchmark Pt and Ru catalysts in alkaline electrolyte. This work will encourage more novel promoters for electrocatalysis and other emerging technologies.
Biopolymeric Gels: Advancements in Sustainable Multifunctional Materials
Authors: Lei Chuxin , Li Qing , Chen Wenshuai , Yu Guihua
Published: February 2025

With the growing emphasis on building a global sustainable community, biopolymeric gels have emerged as a promising platform for environmentally friendly and sustainable applications, garnering significant research attention. Compared to conventional synthetic gels, biopolymeric gels offer numerous advantages, including abundant and renewable raw materials, energy‐efficient and eco‐friendly fabrication processes, tunable physicochemical properties, and superior biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in multifunctional biopolymeric gels. It begins by introducing various biopolymeric building blocks and their intrinsic properties across multiple scales. Subsequently, the synthetic strategies for biopolymeric gels are thoroughly discussed, emphasizing versatile gelation strategies, multiple approaches for fabricating gels, diverse processing approaches to achieve tailorable gels with desired functionalities. The sustainable applications of biopolymeric gels are systematically explored, focusing on their roles in energy storage, environmental remediation of water management, thermal management, and bioelectronics. Finally, the review concludes with an outlook on the challenges and opportunities for advancing biopolymeric gels as key materials in the pursuit of sustainability.
Interface‐Specific Excitation of Coherent Phonons at the Buried GaP/Si(001) Heterointerface
Authors: Mette Gerson , Ishioka Kunie , Youngkin Steven , Stolz Wolfgang , Volz Kerstin , Höfer Ulrich
Published: February 2025

Ultrafast charge‐carrier and phonon dynamics at the buried heterointerface of GaP/Si(001) are investigated by means of two‐color pump‐probe reflectivity measurements. The carrier‐induced reflectivity signal exhibits a resonant enhancement at a pump‐photon energy of 1.4 eV, which is assigned to an optical transition at the interface. In addition, the transient reflectivity is modulated by a coherent oscillation at 2 THz, whose amplitude also becomes maximum at 1.4 eV. The observed resonant behavior of the oscillation, in combination with the characteristic wavelength‐dependencies of its frequency and its initial phase, strongly indicates that the 2‐THz mode is a difference‐combination mode between a GaP‐like and a Si‐like phonon at the heterointerface and that the corresponding second‐order Raman scattering process can be enhanced by a double resonance involving the interfacial electronic states.
Robust, Multimodal Capacitive Sensors Using Carbon Nanotube Paper Composites for Human and Robot Finger Tracking in Human–Robot Collaboration
Authors: Kim Shawn , Kim Dohoon , Chung Jake , Cheng Yu‐Jen , Li Tianyi , Ahn Sanggyeun , Kim Heung Soo , Chung Jae‐Hyun
Published: February 2025

Robust multimodal capacitive sensors can significantly enhance human–robot collaboration (HRC) across sectors such as healthcare, daily life support, and manufacturing. Despite this potential, achieving high‐precision 3D recognition of fingertip movements using capacitive sensors remains challenging. This study demonstrates multimodal capacitive sensors for proximity, pressure, and permittivity sensing in HRC applications. The goal is to accurately detect subtle fingertip movements, enabling precise control of a robotic arm in 3D space. The circular capacitive sensors, made from a carbon nanotube‐paper composite (CPC), generate a high electric field and proximity. These sensors are integrated into two types of controllers: a desktop controller for intuitive and robust control, and a handheld controller for enhanced portability. An algorithm is presented for accurate 3D fingertip tracking under scenarios involving wet‐ and gloved hands, to ensure a reliable interface in harsh environments. Additionally, the use of multimodal sensors integrated into robot fingers is demonstrated to detect pressure and permittivity changes, allowing the operator to identify objects. Two tasks of moving objects and distinguishing alcohol from water demonstrate the system's effectiveness for industrial applications, such as efficient HRC, hazardous material inspection, and remote work.
Flower‐Shaped Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Loaded with Au Nanoparticles for Efficient and Highly Stable Production of Dihydroxyacetone from Glycerol Oxidation
Authors: Xiong Zhile , Zhang Xiaoli , Huang Jiali , Xie Weidong , Chen Yuewen , Cui Li , Wang Yimin , Zhang Xiya , Liu Hai
Published: February 2025

The selective oxidation of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone (DHA) represents a critical method for efficiently utilizing glycerol, a primary byproduct of biodiesel production. However, the challenge of balancing catalyst activity and recycling stability significantly limits the practical application of this process. Herein, the glycerol conversion performance is effectively modulated by controlling the nanostructure of the support in Au‐supported catalysts. Zinc oxide carriers with morphologies of nanorods (NRs), nanoflowers (NFs), and nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully prepared and loaded with Au nanoparticles (NPs) to obtain a series of Au/ZnO‐Z catalysts. Among them, the catalyst composed of flower‐shaped zinc oxide nanostructures loaded with Au NPs (Au/ZnO‐NF) exhibits optimal performance, with a glycerol conversion of 92.9% and a DHA selectivity of 69.5%. Notably, Au/ZnO‐NF demonstrates exceptional cycling stability surpassing most of the currently reported catalysts, maintaining a glycerol conversion of 75.2% and a DHA selectivity of 75.1% even after five cycles. Comprehensive characterization and experimental analysis demonstrat that the Au/ZnO‐NF catalysts exhibit low reduction temperatures, the smallest Au nanoparticle size, excellent crystallinity, and significantly enhance adsorption of O2 and the adsorption and conversion of polyols at glycerol secondary hydroxyl moiety.
Photothermal Therapy: From Encouraging Lab Results to Lackluster Clinical Translation
Authors: Buiel Jonathan , Robert Jordan , Mekhjian Dikran , Chauhan Deepak S. , Banquy Xavier
Published: February 2025

Cancer is a pervasive and complex disease that poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. The prevalent therapeutic options, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, pose detrimental side effects. Consequently, non‐invasive and selective therapeutic strategies are sought, such as nanoparticle‐mediated photothermal therapy (PTT). This technique employs benign photothermal agents that gather within tumors post‐injection. Under near‐infra‐red light exposure, these agents induce localized hyperthermia, killing tumor cells. Here, the laboratory development, recent advances, and clinical status of photothermal therapy are examined. Despite two decades of development, photothermal therapy has yielded few clinical trials. A standout agent, the gold nanoshell, holds promise for prostate cancer treatment as the only one in human clinical trials. To provide context, PTT is compared to photodynamic therapy, which has over 250 human trials in 40 years, highlighting the need to bridge the gap for effective photothermal therapy translation. Therefore, we delve into the gap of clinical implementation between photothermal therapy and similar technologies, such as photodynamic therapy, laser interstitial thermal therapy, and cancer nanomedicines, offering insights and potential solutions.
Exploring New Bioorthogonal Catalysts: Scaffold Diversity in Catalysis for Chemical Biology
Authors: Zhang Yan , Huang Qizhen , Lei Fang , Qian Wanlong , Zhang Chengfeng , Wang Qi , Liu Chaoqun , Ji Haiwei , Wang Faming
Published: February 2025

Bioorthogonal catalysis has revolutionized the field of chemical biology by enabling selective and controlled chemical transformations within living systems. Research has converged on the development of innovative catalyst scaffolds, seeking to broaden the scope of bioorthogonal reactions, boost their efficiency, and surpass the limitations of conventional catalysts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in bioorthogonal catalyst research based on different scaffold materials. Through an in‐depth analysis of fabrication strategies and applications of bioorthogonal catalysts, this review discusses the design principles, mechanisms of action, and applications of these novel catalysts in chemical biology. Current challenges and future directions in exploring the scaffold diversity are also highlighted. The integration of diverse catalyst scaffolds offers exciting prospects for precise manipulation of biomolecules and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in chemical biology. In addition, the review fills in the gaps in previous reviews, such as in fully summarizing the presented scaffold materials applied in bioorthogonal catalysts, emphasizing the potential impact on advancing bioorthogonal chemistry, and offering prospects for future development in this field.
The Diminution of R‐Loops Generated by LncRNA DSP‐AS1 Inhibits DSP Gene Transcription to Impede the Re‐Epithelialization During Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Yang Chen , Lian Hong , Luo Hengli , Song Chenlin , Lin Jianghong , Liang Zhuoxian , Yang Yulin , Hong Xiaosi , Li Shaohua , Chen Yanbo , Wu Liangyan , Yan Li , Chen Sifan , Ren Meng
Published: February 2025

Re‐epithelialization constitutes a critical stage in the intricate process of wound healing, yet its mechanisms in the context of diabetic wounds remain elusive. In this study, the role of the mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET) vis‐à‐vis the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of keratinocytes in diabetic wound re‐epithelialization is investigated. The findings reveal an impediment in the MET process, rather than EMT, which significantly compromised re‐epithelialization in diabetic wounds. Furthermore, Desmoplakin (DSP) gene expression, encoding a key desmosome protein, is down‐regulated in diabetic rats. This down‐regulation coincided with aberrant hypo‐demethylation of the DSP promoter. The inhibition of DSP expression is linked to reduced occupancy of Ten‐eleven translocation 3 (TET3) at the DSP promoter, consequently suppressing TET3‐dependent DNA demethylation. Additionally, a novel lncRNA termed DSP‐AS1is identified, which is antisense to DSP. Notably, DSP‐AS1 expression is down‐regulated in diabetic skin wounds, and it interacted with TET3, a DNA demethylase. Notably, DSP‐AS1 is found to form R‐loops, triple‐stranded DNA:RNA hybrids, at the DSP promoter, facilitating TET3 localization to the DSP promoter. Collectively, the findings suggest that reduced R‐loop formation by DSP‐AS1 impairs DSP gene transcription by repressing TET3‐mediated DNA demethylation. This disruption of the orchestrated re‐epithelialization process contributes to refractory diabetic wound healing.
Excellent Thermoelectric Performance Realized in Copper Sulfide Magnetic Nanocomposites Via Modified Solid States Reaction
Authors: Yang Tian‐Yu , Wang Zi‐Yuan , Yan Xi , Wang Chong‐Yu , Zhang Yi‐Xin , Ge Zhen‐Hua , Feng Jing
Published: February 2025

Solid‐state reactions, which are the basic reactions involved in the preparation, processing, and application of materials, are ubiquitous in material science and chemistry research. In the fields of metallurgy and geology, a significant number of complex chemical reactions occur during the smelting of ores. Inspired by the smelting of copper concentrate, this work applies modified metallurgical chemical reactions to the field of (thermoeletric) TE materials. By controlling the reaction temperature and composition, porous copper sulfide magnetic nanocomposites can be formed. Regulating the composition generates numerous precipitates and Cu‐rich phases, and controlling the microstructure facilitates the formation of porous structures. The second phase and porous structure effectively decreased thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the introduction of ferromagnetic Fe3O4 particles plays a role in reducing carrier concentration and forming potential barrier scattering low energy carriers, which improves the Seebeck coefficient of the samples. Ultimately, the optimum figure of merit (ZT) of ≈1.3 at 773 K for the Cu1.8S + 2 wt.% Fe3O4 bulk sample and an average ZT of 0.57 over the entire operating temperature range. The modified solid states reaction between oxides and sulfides could be employed to optimize electrical and thermal transport properties for sulfide TE material, as well as sulfide batteries, sulfide photoelectric materials, and sulfide catalytic materials.