Silicon oxide (SiO) has great potential as a high-capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries, but its practical use is limited by excessive volume expansion (>200%) and rapid capacity fade, especially at high temperatures. Traditional strategies, like carbon coating and nanostructuring, only partially address these issues. This study introduces a novel approach by synthesizing porous SiO microspheres encapsulated within a conformal ZnO shell (MS-ZnO). The internal porosity absorbs volumetric strain, while the ZnO shell provides mechanical stability, preventing electrode disintegration. MS-ZnO (M-Z: Zinc oxide coating on SiO) shows significantly reduced swelling (32.4% vs 94.8% for ZnO unmodified SiO (P-M)) and a high reversible capacity of 978.65 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles, double that of unmodified SiO. At 90 °C, MS-ZnO maintains a stable Coulombic efficiency of ~75%, compared with ~32% for unmodified SiO, indicating excellent thermal stability. In full-cell tests with LiFePO₄, MS-ZnO delivers 151 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2C with 83.5% capacity retention after 100 cycles. GITT and DFT analysis reveal that the ZnO shell enhances Li⁺ diffusion and mechanical strength. This work presents ZnO encapsulation as a transformative strategy to overcome volume change and thermal instability, unlocking the potential of SiO anodes for high-performance, high-safety lithium-ion batteries.

The high-performance flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (FSAC) plays a critical role in advancing the innovation of next-generation portable electronics. However, FSACs face challenges in achieving high capacitance and energy density. Herein, we develop a novel electrode strategy by self-assembling polyaniline (PANI)/lignin conjugated porous nanoparticles (PLNPs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The PLNPs are homogeneously distributed between RGO layers through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions to configure the interlayer spacing spatially. As a result, the composite film achieves a high area-specific capacitance of 1151 mF cm⁻², which is 10 times higher than that of the pure RGO film. Moreover, the film exhibits excellent rate performance (~74%) and cycling stability (~76.88% after 10 000 cycles). The assembled flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (PLNPs@RGO//Ti₃C₂Tx) exhibits a specific capacitance of 113.87 F g⁻¹ and a high energy density of 35.58 Wh kg⁻¹ (177.92 μWh cm⁻²). This novel PLNPs@RGO composite film opens up a new window in the development of high-performance FSACs.

As promising contact material candidates in solid oxide cells, spinel-type MnCo_2-xCu_xO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) and Cu_1.5Mn_1.5O₄ powders were synthesized via sol–gel and co–precipitation methods to investigate the effects of Cu doping on electrical and structural properties. Cu substitution introduced additional variable-valent cations and elevated Mn oxidation state via charge compensation. This valence modulation promoted electron hopping between abundant Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ and Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ redox pairs, leading to higher electrical conductivity. Cu doping also reduced lattice rigidity, as evidenced by increased thermal expansion coefficients. After 1000-h aging at 850 °C in air, a multi-layer assembly with MnCo_1.5Cu_0.5O₄ as contact layer exhibited a stable area-specific resistance (ASR) value of ~10 mΩ cm² and good compatibility with MnCo₂-coated SUS441 interconnects. Post-mortem analysis revealed that the resistance was mainly attributed to a well-defined Cr oxide interlayer. Though Cu_1.5Mn_1.5O₄ contact layer led to a thinner oxide scale, continuous Cr outward diffusion may deteriorate the cell performance. Finally, MnCo_1.5Cu_0.5O₄ was applied to a single-cell stack under H₂O/CO₂ co-electrolysis operation for 600 h and achieved an electrolysis voltage of ~1.3 V at a current density of 0.4 A cm⁻². Overall, Cu-doped Mn-Co spinels demonstrate great potential as highly conductive contact materials with tunable thermal properties for solid oxide electrolysis cell applications.

Solar-driven photothermal CO₂ reduction into multicarbon (C₂⁺) products represents a promising yet challenging route for sustainable fuel production. A key obstacle remains the inefficient C–C coupling due to poor CO₂ activation and limited charge utilization, especially under full-spectrum light. Herein, we propose a heterojunction photocatalyst that synergistically integrates the topological insulator Bi₂Te₃ with oxygen-doped TiO_2-X to address these challenges. The metallic nature of Bi₂Te₃ enables broad-spectrum photon harvesting from UV to near-infrared and generates substantial photothermal heat, while the oxygen vacancies in TiO_2-X create an asymmetric electronic environment that promotes CO₂ adsorption, bending, and activation. The built-in electric field formed at the heterointerface drives efficient electron transfer from Bi₂Te₃ to TiO_2-X, which suppresses charge recombination and ensures a prolonged electron supply for multistep reduction reactions. Under full-spectrum irradiation without external heating, the optimized Bi₂Te₃/TiO_2-X catalyst achieves a remarkable C₂⁺ production rate of 15.08 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ with selectivity toward C₂H₄ and C₂H₆. Combined photoelectronic measurements and theoretical analyses confirm that the synergistic photothermal–photocatalytic effect and tailored charge dynamics collectively lower the energy barrier for C–C coupling. This work offers a strategic material design leveraging topological insulators and defect engineering for efficient CO₂-to-C₂⁺ conversion.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are critical to the charge/discharge performance of zinc–air batteries (ZABs). The slow reaction kinetics of OER significantly limit the performance improvement of ZABs. Herein, an ingenious dual-doping strategy was devised, wherein Mn atoms substituted some of the metal ions in NiCo₂O₄ to induce lattice distortion and generate oxygen vacancies. F atoms were then substituted into these vacancies to synthesize NiMn_0.075Co₂O_4-XF_X. By activating and stabilizing lattice oxygen, stable synergistic effects between adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) and lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) are achieved. Without generating any active impurity phases, the intrinsic activity of the catalyst was enhanced. Electrochemical tests exhibit that NiMn_0.075Co₂O_4-XF_X presents a small Tafel slope of 62.80 mV·dec⁻¹, low overpotential of 321 mV at 10 mA·cm⁻² for the OER, which is superior to that of the commercial RuO₂ catalyst. Furthermore, the ZABs assembled by the optimal catalyst (NiMn_0.075Co₂O_4-XF_X) deliver a peak power density of 257.6 mW·cm⁻², which exceeds that of the conventional Pt/C + RuO₂ catalyst. In situ test results indicate that the dual-doping strategy effectively activates lattice oxygen, reducing the voltage required to generate the surface active phase during the OER. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that this dual-element doping strategy shifts the O-2p band center toward the Fermi level and enhances hybridization of the metal 3d orbitals, promoting the evolution of AEM toward LOM. This work provides a strategic research for precisely regulating catalysts to enhance the intrinsic activity.

Uncontrolled crystallization kinetics and intrinsic defects in perovskite films critically limit photovoltaic performance. Herein, we introduce a multisite bonding strategy using bidentate ligand N,N-Diethyl-1,2-ethanediamine dihydrochloride (DED) to simultaneously modulate crystallization dynamics and suppress defects. The dual amine groups of DED establish a bidentate configuration that coordinates undercoordinated Pb²⁺ ions and I⁻ vacancies and forms hydrogen bonds with FA⁺ cations. In situ characterization reveals this synergistic interplay suppresses the nucleation kinetics and retards the rapid FAI–PbI₂ reaction, thereby extending the crystallization window to facilitate lattice strain release and enhance crystalline quality. Consequently, this multisite bonding function improves the lattice stress, decreases the density of defect states, extends carrier lifetime, and mitigates nonradiative recombination. Optimized devices achieve a champion PCE of 25.19% with minimal hysteresis while exhibiting exceptional stability, retaining 90.3% initial efficiency after 2000 h ambient aging and 92.1% after 600 h under maximum power point tracking. This work demonstrates the potential of bidentate ligand-mediated multisite bonding for developing efficient and operationally stable perovskite photovoltaics.

Electrolytic hydrogen production assisted by the sulfion oxidation reaction (SOR) offers a low-cost, energy-efficient alternative to conventional methods by replacing the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which reduces the required anode potential. However, scaling this technology requires bifunctional electrocatalysts that efficiently drive SOR and sustain the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at high current density in concentrated sulfion electrolytes. Herein, using a coordinated regulation strategy of interface and ligand, we constructed a nickel cobalt sulfide/ligand-functionalized nickel cobalt hydroxide composite catalyst (NiCo-S/NiCo-OH-CL) with rich sulfide/hydroxide heterointerfaces via a hydrothermal ion exchange method, using a metal–organic framework as the precursor. Benefiting from the porous network, sulfur-repellent hydrophilic surface, and dual electronic structure regulation from heterointerfaces and ligands, it demonstrates excellent SOR and HER activity. The constructed coupled electrocatalytic system requires an ultra-low cell voltage of only 0.62 V at a current density of 100 mA cm⁻², achieving a cathodic hydrogen Faraday efficiency of ≥95% and operational stability for over 3200 h or 133 days. The sulfur and hydrogen yields reach 0.36 kg h⁻¹ m⁻² and 0.036 kg h⁻¹ m⁻², respectively. This work advances a synergistic interface-ligand modulation strategy for bifunctional catalysts and demonstrates a pathway for energy-efficient hydrogen production and sulfur recovery.

The development of high-performance p-type transparent conductors (TCs) is essential for advancing transparent and flexible electronics yet remains a significant challenge due to the lack of effective p-type materials with high hole mobility and sufficiently large work function. Copper iodide (CuI) has emerged as a promising p-type TC due to its wide bandgap (~3.1 eV), high transparency (>70%), and excellent hole transport properties. However, optimizing its electrical and optical performance requires precise control over its crystallinity and carrier concentration. Here, we present a room temperature, wafer-scale gas-phase synthesis method for sulfur-doped CuI, where sulfur pre-doping significantly enhances crystal quality and carrier mobility while achieving excellent visible-light transmittance (86%), ultra-low sheet resistance (75 Ω sq⁻¹), and a high work function (>5.9 eV), resulting in a record-high figure of merit (95 000 (MΩ)⁻¹) among p-type TCs. Our pre-doping strategy yields superior electrical and optical properties without compromising material stability. Furthermore, this scalable and damage-free synthesis method offers a practical pathway for integrating CuI into next-generation transparent electronics, optoelectronics, and flexible devices.

Rechargeable Li metal batteries offer high energy density due to the high capacity and low reduction potential of Li metal anodes, but their practical application is hindered by dendritic growth that induces significant volume expansion, low Coulombic efficiency (CE), and safety risks. To address these challenges, we rationally designed an electrolyte based on a systematic investigation of the effect of anion-rich environments on interfacial stability. To specifically probe the role of anions, we employed a concentrated electrolyte system. Lithium bis(fluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) was selected as the lithium salt in combination with diethyl ether (DEE), a monodentate ether that reduces steric hindrance and promotes simplified solvation behavior. The optimized 6 m LiFSI-DEE electrolyte enabled Li symmetric and Li/Cu cells to cycle stably for over 1200 h at 0.5 mA c m⁻² and 1 mAh cm⁻², demonstrating superior interfacial stability, a benefit that extended to Li/LFP full cells and Cu/LFP anode-less cells, both of which showed significantly improved cycling performance. The 6 m electrolyte promotes anion decomposition, forming a LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that stabilizes the interface. In addition, the interfacial morphological evolution was directly visualized by operando optical microscopy and SEM, confirming a more uniform and compact Li deposition. These results highlight that anion concentration effectively modulates the Li⁺ solvation environment and SEI chemistry, providing a robust design strategy for next-generation Li metal battery electrolytes.

Zinc-ion hybrid capacitor (ZIHC) with high-energy density and inherent safety is considered an emerging energy storage technology. However, its rate performance and cycling stability under high-current density conditions are limited by the electrical conductivity and mesoporosity of electrode materials, failing to meet the demand for fast charging. Herein, a novel strategy is proposed to prepare highly mesoporous carbons (MCs) by using high-graphitized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as precursors. The enhanced dispersion of CQDs in molten KOH during activation occurs, thereby enabling more intimate contact and effective activation. MCs are endowed with ultrahigh mesopore ratio (83.3%), high-specific surface area (3328 m² g⁻¹), and sound electrical conductivity (11.39 S cm⁻¹). The ZIHCs assembled with MCs deliver superior energy density (218.24 Wh k g⁻¹). Even at a high-current density of 20 A g⁻¹, the electrode maintains a specific capacity of 116.4 mAh·g⁻¹. The excellent rate capability stems from the efficient synergistic effect formed by the conjugated π-electron system of graphitic microdomains in the carbon skeleton and the ion transport channels of mesoporous structures. The work highlights CQDs as an innovative precursor for constructing mesoporous carbons and enables high-rate energy storage devices.

The integration of bioplastics with Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) enables environmentally friendly energy harvesting, but their combustibility and inefficiency restrict their application in high-temperature environments. Herein, inspired by lotus leaves, a robust, heat-resistant, chitosan-based bioplastic is developed via an ethanol-induced surface association (EISA) effect for superinsulated multifunctional TENGs. This approach created a surface topological structure of the bioplastic with a high charge density and large contact area on the upper surface, complemented by a smooth lower surface. The unique structure and intrinsic nitrogen-phosphorus synergy endowed the bioplastic with enhanced energy harvesting ability, superior mechanical strength and exceptional non-combustibility (limiting oxygen index exceeds 70%, UL94 V-0 rating). With these attributes, a noncombustible bioplastic-based TENG with ultra heat-resistance (above 200 °C), excellent stress- and temperature-sensitivity, along with high energy harvesting capacity is designed. It enables stable high electrical output even when exposed to external fire sources and facilitates temperature and stress monitoring in fire scenarios. Overall, this study presents a promising approach to designing super flame-retardant bioplastic-based TENG with temperature and stress sensitivity, suitable for intelligent firefighting applications such as early fire detection, fire scene monitoring, and firefighter hazard alerts.

Polypropylene is a promising eco-friendly cable insulation material owing to its impressive electrical properties, yet its inherently inferior mechanical performance limits direct application. Blending with elastomers is commonly employed to address mechanical deficiencies in polypropylene, but it induces phase incompatibility and space charge accumulation, compromising insulation performance. Moreover, the interfaces are prone to damage under high mechanical or electrical stress, and such damage is often irreversible, hindering the long-term stability of the composites. Herein, a nitrogen-boron crosslinked polypropylene/polyolefin elastomer (NBPP) composite is developed through post-modification and dynamic covalent chemistry. The dynamic bonds at the interface link immiscible phases and localized charge migration, while trap-rich regions in the bulk phase suppress carrier mobility. This interface-guided, bulk-trapped structure effectively enhances phase compatibility and reduces space charge accumulation. The optimized sample achieves a breakdown strength of 572 kV mm⁻¹ and minimal electric field distortion (~8.6% at 70 °C under 50 kV mm⁻¹). The reversible nature of the borate ester bonds enables self-healing under thermal activation, allowing recovery from multiple types of damage and repeated thermal reprocessing. This approach provides an innovative strategy for high-performance, sustainable, and self-healing polymeric insulation materials for next-generation high-voltage direct current transmission systems.

Fluorinated compounds have long played a key role in solid-state lithium metal polymer batteries (SSLMPBs). Yet, growing environmental and safety concerns associated with fluorine have intensified the search for safer and more sustainable alternatives. Cyano-substituted imidazoles have recently emerged as promising candidates to replace conventional sulfonyl imide-based anions, offering efficient charge delocalization and the potential to form fluorine-free anions. In this work, we introduce lithium 2,4,5-tricyanoimidazolide (LiTIM), a fluorine-free lithium salt, as a component of a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and as a catholyte in LiFePO₄ (LFP)-based cathodes. To assess the impact of fluorine, LiTIM is compared to its fluorinated analogues: lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)imidazole (LiTDI) and lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(pentafluoroethyl)imidazole (LiPDI). In-depth physicochemical and electrochemical characterization reveals that LiTIM exhibits competitive lithium diffusion coefficient (D_Li+, at 40 °C, D_Li+ (LiTIM) = 5.2 × 10⁻⁹ cm² s⁻¹ > D_Li+ (LiPDI/PEO) = 1.7 × 10⁻⁹ cm² s⁻¹ > D_Li⁺ (LiTDI/PEO) = 1.4 × 10⁻⁹ cm² s⁻¹) and full cell performance (capacity retention at C/5, after 200 cycles (LiTIM/PEO = 92% > LiTDI/PEO = 88% > LiPDI/PEO = 82%)) comparable to that of its fluorinated counterparts. This is primarily attributed to its restricted anion mobility (D_anion (LiTIM/PEO) = 1.1 × 10⁻⁸ cm² s⁻¹ < D_anion (LiPDI/PEO) = 1.6 × 10⁻⁸ cm² s⁻¹ ≈ D_anion (LiTDI/PEO) = 1.7 × 10⁻⁸ cm² s⁻¹) and competitive LiCN-based solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formation. These findings highlight the viability of LiTIM as a nonfluorinated salt for SSLMPBs, offering a pathway toward more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and safer battery technologies.

Replacing the traditional oxygen evolution reaction with the alcohol oxidation reaction (AOR) can significantly reduce anodic overpotential and offer high-value chemicals simultaneously. However, its progress is severely hampered by the intricate catalyst synthesis and inadequate control over the electronic structure of active sites. Here, we propose a strategy for nonequilibrium regulation of catalyst electronic structures via laser irradiation. By precisely modulating the number of laser pulses, the Ni²⁺/Ni³⁺ ratio can be effectively tailored. The NiL-100 electrode demonstrates excellent performance for the electrooxidation of multiple alcohols. Specifically, the current density of ethanol oxidation exceeds most of the Ni-based catalysts reported so far, with 92.66% FE for acetic acid. Combining the first-principles calculations, we establish the structure–activity relationship of catalysts: the laser-tuned electronic structure optimizes the adsorption energy of reaction intermediates, then improves the catalytic activity. This work introduces an efficient, simple, green, and low-cost method for the efficient manufacturing of self-supporting electrodes that enables precise regulation of electronic structures, which will provide new insights for the large-scale manufacturing of high-performance catalysts.

NASICON-type Na₃Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂ (NZSP) is a promising electrolyte for solid-state sodium battery due to its high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical window. Unfortunately, the sodiophobicity of NZSP leads to extremely poor interfacial contact, which represents a substantial hindrance to its practical application. Herein, a “one stone two birds” strategy is proposed to decompose the contamination layer of NZSP and form a super-sodiophilic and electron-blocking hybrid interlayer consisting of Na₃Sb alloy, NaCl and Na₂O. The hybrid interlayer can not only improve the wettability of NZSP to Na and promote the rapid migration of Na⁺ ions, but also effectively prevent the electron from intruding into the electrolyte at the interface and inhibit the growth of dendrites. Consequently, a dendrite-free sodium plating/stripping can be achieved even at critical current densities as high as 1.4 mA cm⁻² and the sodium symmetric cell can be stably cycled for more than 3600 h at 0.5 mA cm⁻²/0.5 mAh cm⁻². In addition, the solid-state full cell coupled with the Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode delivers capacities of 103.3 mAh g⁻¹ under 0.5 C for 300 cycles at room temperature. This work offers an effective and innovative strategy to address the interfacial issues of solid-state sodium metal batteries.

Effectively eliminating ethylene (C₂H₄) during postharvest phase and distribution of fruits and vegetables continues to pose a significant technical hurdle. Although S-scheme heterojunctions have shown promise in optimizing charge carrier separation and redox capacity for ethylene degradation, their catalytic efficiency is still limited by insufficient oxygen activation kinetics. Herein, a novel S-scheme heterojunction composed of CdS quantum dots and CeO₂ nanocubes was first rationally designed and was innovatively constructed for the first time, leveraging the oxygen-affinitive characteristics of CeO₂ and guided by DFT calculations to enhance interfacial charge transfer and oxygen activation. The optimized 10-CdS–CeO₂ composite exhibited superior photocatalytic activity under visible light exposure, exhibited a quasi-first-order reaction rate reaching 1.72 min⁻¹, 35 and 297 times higher than CdS and CeO₂, respectively. Even under low-intensity illumination (50 mW·cm⁻²), complete ethylene degradation was observed within 4 min, surpassing all previous literature known to the authors. Mechanistic investigations via in situ irradiated XPS, UPS, PL, TRPL, and ESR confirmed strong interfacial interactions, efficient S-scheme charge separation, and accelerated O₂ activation. The findings establish a reliable theoretical and experimental basis for guiding the development of next-generation high-performance photocatalysts for ethylene scavenging, providing a promising strategy for postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Renewable electrically driven water splitting technology is a crucial approach to obtaining clean hydrogen energy. However, the slow kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) significantly limit the overall efficiency. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) was first employed to design and verify the feasibility of introducing Cu to enhance conductivity, thereby improving catalytic performance. Subsequently, the NiFeCu electrocatalyst with a Cu-rich dendritic structure was synthesized via a magnetic field-assisted electrodeposition strategy. Numerical simulations by COMSOL and Fluent reveal the role and mechanism of the magnetic field, especially the “magnetic diffusion effect” of improving the diffusion coefficient of Cu ions by reducing the radius of hydrated Cu²⁺ ions and the viscosity of the solution. Thermodynamic calculations show that the magnetic Gibbs free energy of the reaction process increases by 170 kJ m ol⁻¹ when a 0.5 T magnetic field is applied, proving that the magnetic field can accelerate the reaction. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis further confirmed that the Cu-rich structure donates electrons to Ni and Fe, optimizing the adsorption of intermediates. When the current density is 10 mA c m⁻², the HER and OER overpotentials of NiFeCu-0.5 are 44 and 188 mV in 1 m KOH, and only 1.48 V ultralow battery voltage is needed for overall water splitting. This research provides a new idea for designing high catalytic activity bifunctional catalysts and opens up a new direction for applying magnetic fields in material preparation and structural optimization.

The rising global demand for energy-efficient cooling highlights radiative cooling materials as a promising alternative to energy-intensive air conditioning. However, most existing systems suffer from fixed optical properties, limited adaptability, and poor durability. This work presents a multifunctional, color-adaptive radiative cooling coating that incorporates thermochromic microcapsules, hexagonal boron nitride, and hollow glass microspheres into a polydimethylsiloxane matrix via a scalable blending process. The coating exhibits a reversible thermochromic transition at ~45 °C, enabling dynamic spectral regulation that enhances solar reflection at elevated temperatures while suppressing overcooling at lower ones. Combined with broadband optical performance (solar reflectance of 91.7% and mid-infrared emissivity of 94.3%), the coating achieves an average sub-ambient cooling of 4.44 °C under outdoor conditions and a 6.7 °C reduction compared to commercial coatings in indoor simulation experiments. Beyond cooling efficiency, the micro/nano hierarchical surface imparts robust superhydrophobicity (contact angle >150°), self-cleaning capability, and long-term stability in corrosive, humid, and UV-rich environments. By synergistically integrating adaptive optical regulation, high-radiative cooling power, and durable surface protection, this work establishes a scalable strategy for next-generation smart coatings, paving practical pathways toward energy-saving buildings and sustainable thermal management technologies.

Crossmodal perception enabled by the human somatosensory system can be followed to effectively perceive and analyze multiple sensory signals. Here, we construct an artificial crossmodal sensory neuron system by integrating pressure–temperature bimodal sensors with a Hf_0.5Zr_0.5O₂-based complementary memristor, which emulates the tactile perception, neural coding, and synaptic processing functions of humans. With the developed bimodal sensor, the pressure and temperature information can be collected and further converted to electrical signals with excellent sensitivities of 26 407 kPa⁻¹ and −3.34%°C⁻¹, respectively. The complementary memristor can enable information storage and simulate biological synaptic functions, achieving bioinspired neuromorphic processing of sensory signals. Combined with machine learning, this artificial crossmodal sensory neuron system presents an improved accuracy of 96.67% in recognizing temperatures and shapes of distinct objects. This work demonstrates potential applications of the integrated system in advanced neuromorphic hardware for wearable human-machine interfaces and biomimetic robotics.

The development of metal–organic framework triboelectric materials is crucial for applying nanomaterials to new energy conversion technologies. This work utilized the SC-SC ligand substitution method to regulate the 3D MOF pore channel environment, thereby generating a hierarchical framework structure composed of bridging ligands with different conjugation levels. The triboelectric generation experimental results showed that ZUT-10-bpe has excellent output capabilities with a short-circuit current of 116.14 μA and a power density of 4531.52 mW m⁻², respectively. The density functional theory results indicated that ZUT-10-bpe has the smallest HOMO-LUMO band gap and the highest HOMO energy level. The combined density of states calculation and multiphysics field simulation confirmed that introducing organic ligands with π conjugation systems and adjusting the degree of planar conjugation can significantly enhance electron generation and improve electron transfer, thereby significantly improving the triboelectric activity. Additionally, the self-powered pollution degradation experiment demonstrated that ZUT-10-bpe@TENG has a degradation efficiency of over 96% for various organic dyes within 90 min. This research provides a new perspective for MOF-based TENG in water pollution treatment.

Dielectric capacitors, known for their high-power density and reliability, are key components in advanced electronics and electrical systems. However, the trade-off between polarization and breakdown strength in dielectric materials has significantly limited the improvement of energy storage density. In this work, a dual-phase structure is engineered in situ through phase separation to tackle this issue. Our results demonstrated that by introducing Hf into BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ ferroelectrics, a linear-like pyrochlore phase with high breakdown strength and low hysteresis loss is induced. Moreover, the phase ratio between the BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ and pyrochlore phases can be effectively controlled by adjusting the Hf content. As a result, this dual-phase in situ symbiosis structures exhibits simultaneously high polarization, low hysteresis loss, and high breakdown strength. Consequently, an ultrahigh energy density of 132.4 J cm⁻³ with an efficiency of 76% at a relatively low electric field of 4.9 MV cm⁻¹ is achieved. This study highlights that the in situ construction of a dual-phase structure via Hf doping provides a simple and effective approach to optimizing the energy storage properties of dielectric capacitors.

High-entropy oxides with five or more metal components in a single oxide phase, hold attractive potential to enhance the lithium polysulfides adsorption–catalysis ability in Li-S batteries due to the noteworthy synergistic effect of the multiple metal sites. Herein, we have synthesized an RuO₂-based high-entropy oxide, that is, (RuIrFeCoNi)O₂ via a simple molten salt method for Li-S batteries. Our results prove that the introduction of multiple metal components endows high-entropy oxide with moderate adsorption of lithium polysulfides and promising bidirectional catalysis on the liquid–solid conversion between soluble lithium polysulfides and insoluble Li₂S. Particularly, compared with the quaternary (RuFeCoNi)O₂ catalyst, the inferior kinetics enhancement of the lithium polysulfides generation, but the superior promotion of Li₂S deposition for high-entropy oxide greatly favors the inhibition of shuttle effect. Such an asymmetric catalysis behavior induces remarkable electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries assembled with high-entropy oxide-modified separator. High specific capacities of 1641.1 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and 812.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 C are achieved. Remarkably, superior cycle stability is realized with a low capacity decay rate of only 0.060% per cycle within 1000 cycles at 1 C rate. This study unveils the catalytic mechanism of high-entropy oxide in promoting polysulfide conversion and offers a robust foundation for designing efficient catalysts for Li-S batteries.

Violet phosphorene, an emerging two-dimensional semiconductor material, demonstrates unique potential for optoelectronics. Here, the effect of oxidation treatment on the nonlinear optical absorption and carrier dynamics properties of two-dimensional violet phosphorene nanosheets was investigated. The results reveal that partially oxidized violet phosphorene exhibits enhanced saturable absorption properties and significantly shortened carrier relaxation lifetimes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and first-principles calculations indicate that the introduction of oxygen atoms forms P=O and P–O–P bonds, leading to a p-orbital hybridization and a restructuring of the electronic structure. This shifts the valence band maximum upward and lowers the conduction band minimum due to oxygen defect states, resulting in a reduced bandgap and optimized carrier dynamics. For further verification, passively Q-switched and mode-locked lasers operating at 1 μm were demonstrated, utilizing two-dimensional violet phosphorene and oxidized violet phosphorene nanosheets as saturable absorbers, respectively. Compared with violet phosphorene-based lasers, oxidized violet phosphorene-based pulsed lasers achieve better pulse-width compression in both passively Q-switched and mode-locking operations (passively Q-switched: 343.52 ns vs 412.81 ns; mode-locking: 290 fs vs 404 fs). These results confirm that oxidation engineering effectively enhances the ultrafast nonlinear optical responses of two-dimensional violet phosphorene, laying a foundation for optimizing its optoelectronic properties and ultrafast photonics applications.

Antimony-based materials have gained significant attention as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity and excellent rate performance. However, metal sulfides such as Cu₂S and Sb₂S₃ exhibit an initial capacity drop followed by a subsequent capacity recovery. To address these challenges, copper antimony sulfide (CuSbS₂) is synthesized and evaluated as an anode material for SIBs. The synthesized CuSbS₂ effectively mitigates these capacity variations (330 mAhg⁻¹ at 2.0 Ag⁻¹ after 200th cycles) and demonstrates superior rate performance. Moreover, comprehensive electrochemical analyses, including the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis from in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), capacitive contribution assessment, and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) measurements, confirm its improved kinetic properties compared to Sb₂S₃. This study provides valuable insights into the rational design of bimetallic sulfides and contributes to the advancement of electrochemical performance analysis and the development of high-performance SIB anode materials.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes are widely recognized for their low surface energy and strong resistance to salt accumulation in membrane distillation (MD) processes. However, challenges such as limited interfacial adhesion and unfavorable morphological characteristics hinder the fabrication of fibrous membranes and compromise vapor flux and long-term stability. This study introduces a simple and efficient one-step fabrication method for PTFE nanofibrous membranes. By incorporating a water-soluble precursor of polyimide (PI) into an aqueous PTFE emulsion, followed by thermal imidization during PTFE sintering, a uniformly distributed PI microphase is formed within the PTFE matrix. This approach enhanced nanofiber surface roughness, controlled fiber morphology and membrane porosity, and prevented fiber fusion and shrinkage. The resultant PTFE/PI membranes exhibit strong three-dimensional super-hydrophobicity and self-cleaning capabilities, with a water contact angle of 156 ± 4°. Under direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) with 3.5 wt% NaCl feed at a temperature difference of 40 °C, the membranes delivered a high water vapor flux of 52.2 ± 2 L m⁻² h⁻¹, approximately 206% higher than pure PTFE nanofibrous membranes, while maintaining salt rejection nearly 100%. Moreover, the membranes demonstrate stable performance over 168 hours of continuous operation.

Perovskite single crystals have shown great potential in both direct and indirect X-ray detection. In direct detection, high leakage current and response drift caused by low resistivity and severe ion migration will lead to low device sensitivity and stability. In indirect detection, the reabsorption behavior and afterglow phenomenon caused by edge transitions in the scintillator will seriously damage its scintillation performance, thereby limiting the high-quality imaging of the detector at low doses. Herein, we demonstrate a brand-new co-firing slow solidification process to prepare large-sized In-doped Cs₃Cu₂I₅ single crystals for direct and indirect detection. The regular-shaped Cs₃Cu₂I₅: In wafer used for indirect detection achieves a light yield of 74 368 Ph MeV⁻¹, which is the highest related to indium-doped Cu-based perovskites. The controlled cooling Cs₃Cu₂I₅: In single crystals, achieve a detection limit of 29.98 nGy s⁻¹ and a spatial resolution of 15.1 lp mm⁻¹. We further fabricate a direct X-ray detector with a vertical structure of Au/Cs₃Cu₂I₅: In single crystal/Cu. The resistivity of the detector prepared by controlled cooling is 1.43 × 10¹¹ Ω × m, which is three orders of magnitude higher than that of the detector obtained by natural cooling (2.55 × 10⁸ Ω × m). Meanwhile, under an electric field of 100 V mm⁻¹, the sensitivity of the controlled cooling detector is 4507 μC Gy⁻¹ cm⁻², 188% higher than that of the natural cooling detector (2392 μC Gy⁻¹ cm⁻²). These results prove that our process will provide new insights into high-sensitivity X-ray detection and low-dose X-ray imaging.

The stability of buried interfaces is critical to the long-term performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), yet it is often compromised by the light-induced oxidation of iodide ions, followed by structural degradation. To address this issue, we incorporated boric acid (BA) into the SnO₂ electron transport layer (ETL). The addition of BA not only enhances the carrier mobility and hydrophilicity of the SnO₂ layer but also effectively suppresses the deprotonation of formamidine iodide (FAI) and the oxidation of iodide ions. As a result, the stability of the perovskite film on the BA-SnO₂ substrate under intense ultra-violet illumination was highly improved. Furthermore, devices with the modified ETL retained 80% of their initial efficiency after 1500 h of aging at 85 °C, significantly outperforming the control devices, which retained only 60%. This work demonstrates that ETL modification with BA is a highly effective strategy for stabilizing buried interfaces and enhancing the overall durability of PSCs.

Phosphorus-based materials have emerged as promising high-capacity anodes for next-generation batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and suitable operating voltage. However, practical applications are hindered by intrinsic limitations such as poor electrical conductivity, significant volume expansion, and sluggish ion kinetics. This review presents an innovative dimension-based classification framework, including zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) phosphorus allotropes, to systematically explore the structural characteristics, synthesis methods, and electrochemical properties. We highlight the critical role of composite strategies, particularly with carbon and other functional materials, in mitigating the above challenges and enhancing electrochemical performance. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of phosphorus-carbon composites, heteroatom doping, and interfacial design strategies for improving cycling stability and rate capability. Furthermore, we examine the synergistic effects of heterostructures formed between different phosphorus allotropes, which significantly improve charge transport, structural stability, and cycling durability. This review aims to provide an outlook for the current challenges and future directions for the development of phosphorus-based electrodes in lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and potassium-ion batteries, thus unlocking the potential of high-performance phosphorus.

Amorphous carbon has emerged as a promising anode material for sodium-ion (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to its high specific capacity, abundant defects, and low production cost. Nevertheless, its practical application remains hindered by suboptimal rate performance and low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Heteroatom doping, particularly with sulfur (S), has proven to be an effective strategy for addressing these limitations. In this study, S was successfully incorporated in a controlled amount into the amorphous porous C framework via a combination of low-temperature carbonization and a facile fumigation process. The introduction of S and the low-temperature treatment synergistically induced a higher density of structural defects, which contributed to significantly enhanced rate performance of the sulfur–carbon (S/C) composite. Furthermore, controlled S doping facilitated the formation of a thinner and more stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during the initial cycling, thereby minimizing irreversible sodium consumption and leading to a substantial improvement in ICE. As an anode for SIBs, the optimized S/C composite delivers a high reversible capacity of 480 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and maintains a capacity of 232.6 mAh g⁻¹ even at 5.0 A g⁻¹. Notably, an ICE of 83.1% is achieved under a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹. When applied as the anode for PIBs, the composite exhibits a reversible capacity of 439.2 mAh g⁻¹ and an ICE of 61.2% at the same current density. This work provides a viable and scalable approach to simultaneously enhance the rate performance and ICE of amorphous C.

π-d conjugated coordination polymers hold promising electrode candidates for advanced sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) while they commonly encounter challenges such as restricted electron delocalization and utilization of redox-active sites during electrochemical cycling. Herein, we propose a core-shell composite (CNT@Ni-DHBQ) as the cathode for SIBs via in situ polymerization, in which 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DHBQ) serves as the organic ligand, Ni²⁺ as the metal center, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive scaffolds. The well-defined core-shell architecture offers a large specific surface area with numerous exposed sites, enabling fast electron transport and superior rate capability. In addition, robust π-π stacking between Ni-DHBQ and conductive CNT framework significantly enhances cycling stability. A reversible carbonyl (C=O) based redox mechanism in CNT@Ni-DHBQ during cycling is revealed by ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This molecular- and microstructure-engineered strategy provides a feasible strategy to boost the energy-storage performance of organic cathodes in SIBs.

Lithium–sulfur batteries are known as promising next-generation energy storage devices owing to their elevated theoretical energy density (∼2600 W h kg⁻¹), cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Nonetheless, the issues of lithium polysulfide shuttle effect, considerable volume expansion, inadequate electrical conductivity, and slow redox kinetics have hindered their practical application. The use of high-entropy-stabilized oxides consisting of numerous different chemical elements that provide phase stabilization by a high configurational entropy presents an innovative and efficient approach to resolve these issues of lithium–sulfur batteries. Meanwhile, understanding of the unique properties and versatile applications of entropy-driven phases remain incomplete. This review not only offers a comprehensive examination on the entropy-driven phase structures of high-entropy-stabilized oxides but also highlights their application in improving the efficacy of sulfur composite cathodes in lithium–sulfur batteries batteries. The structural and electrochemical benefits of different types of high-entropy-stabilized oxides for use in lithium–sulfur batteries batteries are analyzed, elucidating their roles in enhancing sulfur usage, mitigating shuttle effects, and facilitating stable cycling. The analysis delineates prospective avenues in the synthesis, characterization, and system integration of lithium–sulfur batteries batteries, expediting the commercialization of high-entropy-stabilized oxide-based lithium–sulfur batteries battery technology.

Cellulose-based proton exchange membranes have garnered increasing attention for their abundance, sustainability, and environmental compatibility. However, their intrinsically low proton conductivity has restricted their practical use in fuel cells. Herein, we report a scalable dual-functional strategy that simultaneously introduces side-chain sulfonation (–SO₃H) and nanosizes cellulose fibers, yielding sulfonated nanocellulose for proton exchange membranes with high mechanical robustness, suppressed methanol permeability, and excellent environmental stability. Molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations reveal that the grafted –SO₃H groups lower the proton dissociation energy and enable the formation of continuous hydrogen-bonded networks, facilitating efficient proton transport. Meanwhile, the sidechain induced multibranched nanofiber structure improved both water and proton adsorption. Consequently, sulfonated nanocellulose-based proton exchange membranes achieve proton conductivities of 128 and 44.2 mS cm⁻¹ at 80 °C under 98% and 33% relative humidity, respectively. Notably, the low-humidity conductivity exceeds that of the benchmark Nafion 212 membrane (20.3 mS cm⁻¹) by more than twofold. This work demonstrates a sustainable and scalable approach to overcoming the intrinsic limitations of cellulose and provides a promising route toward cost-effective and durable proton exchange membranes for next-generation fuel cells.

Aqueous zinc–sulfur batteries have drawn considerable interest owing to their high theoretical capacity, intrinsic safety, and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, the sulfur cathode typically exhibits sluggish two-electron solid-state conversion reactions, resulting in a lower discharge voltage and inefficient sulfur utilization. Herein, we design a nickel single-atom-anchored on N-doped carbon hollow structure featuring an internal three-dimensional network-like skeleton as the sulfur host to address these issues. The nickel single-atom-anchored on N-doped carbon hollow structure synergistically combines atomic Ni-N₄ catalytic sites as well as a hollow structure possessing a high specific surface area and hierarchical nanopores. Consequently, the resulting S@Ni-SAs/NCHS achieves a high sulfur loading of ~74 wt% and a specific capacity of 1664.6 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ with a low polarization of 0.35 V. Besides, it maintains a capacity of 1154.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 5 A g⁻¹ and shows a retained capacity of 1038.6 mAh g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹, which corresponds to a decay rate of 0.03% per cycle. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the Ni-N₄ site serves as an efficient electron donor, facilitating charge transfer and reducing the energy barrier of the rate-determining step from 1.845 eV to 1.458 eV. Furthermore, a pouch cell with a high areal sulfur loading demonstrates specific capacities of 1200–1400 mAh g⁻¹ under various bending states with discharge plateaus about 0.8 V, retaining 83.4% capacity after 200 cycles. This work underscores the critical role of integrating Ni atomic catalysis with well-developed porosity within the carbon hollow structure for developing high-performance aqueous zinc–sulfur batteries.

Polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high specific capacity, low operating potential, structural stability, and tunable components. However, its practical application is hindered by poor intrinsic electronic/ionic conductivity and unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, in this work, a phosphorus (P)-doped SiOC material was successfully synthesized, and the P is incorporated into the SiOC network via P–O–Si bonding. This P-doping strategy introduced additional free electrons and enhanced the ordering of free-carbon phase. Also, it induced the formation of LiF and Li₃PO₄-rich SEI. These modifications collaboratively led to good rate performance and cycling stability. The optimized SiOC-P electrode delivered a high reversible capacity of 860.1 mAh g⁻¹, an excellent capacity retention of 81.1% after 700 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹, and a good rate capacity of 383.4 mAh g⁻¹ even at 5.0 A g⁻¹. Density functional theory calculations also reveal that Si–O–P promotes the ionic/electronic transport among the SiOC-P bulk. This work offers valuable insights into heteroatom doping strategies for tailoring SiOC-based materials and facilitates their practical application in high-energy-density batteries.

To address the conflicting challenges of energy density, rate performance, and safety in lithium metal batteries and self-generated lithium metal anodes, we propose a synergistic optimization strategy that employs a high-density polyphenylene sulfide (PPS-separator) and a dimethyl carbonate-based electrolyte. Density functional theory calculations and experiments demonstrate that due to its weak polyphenylene sulfide adsorption energy (−0.3261 eV) and small molecular size, the dimethyl carbonate solvent can construct efficient ion hopping channels at the polyphenylene sulfide crystal interface, achieving a room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.02 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ (3.5 times that of conventional ceramic separators). Functional additives (LiPO₂F₂/FEC/VC) are used to optimize the electrode interface, forming a LiF/Li₂CO₃ dual-phase composite SEI, which drives uniform two-dimensional lithium metal deposition and reduces interfacial impedance. The system has been stably cycled 435 cycles under extreme conditions, maintaining a capacity retention of over 80%. The intrinsic flame retardancy of polyphenylene sulfide-separator, coupled with its minimal electrolyte requirements, facilitates electrolyte vaporization-induced self-blocking of ion channels during nail penetration tests. This effectively suppresses thermal runaway in 6-Ah high-nickel NCM811/SiC pouch cells, keeping peak temperatures below 50 °C and offering a novel approach to resolving the trade-off between high energy density and high safety.

As the component dimensions in integrated circuits shrink to extreme scales, the complexity of interconnect systems is increasing significantly, necessitating an urgent and comprehensive upgrade of interconnect materials and manufacturing processes. As the “bridge” linking various on-chip components, the performance of interconnect materials directly influences the overall chip performance, and their evolution has long been a critical driver of advances in chip technology. In recent years, copper-carbon nanotube (Cu-CNT) interconnects have garnered significant attention because they offer electrical conductivity that surpasses that of pure copper, along with a more straightforward fabrication process. Despite the exceptional overall performance of Cu-CNT composites, systematically elucidating their bulk behavior and interfacial bonding mechanisms remains a formidable challenge. Overcoming this bottleneck requires an in-depth investigation of the complex interactions at the Cu-CNT interface and assessment of their effects on the material's mechanical stability and thermal management performance. This review summarizes the applications of atomic-scale first-principles calculations, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, multiphysics modeling, and machine learning methods to Cu-CNT materials and illustrates their use with examples from recent representative studies. Specifically, it emphasizes the pivotal role of machine learning in deciphering the mechanisms of Cu-CNT composites over multiple spatial and temporal scales. This review provides a systematic reference for academic research and engineering applications of Cu-CNT-based chip interconnect materials and offers perspectives for the development of next-generation high-performance interconnects.

The rampant dendrite and parasitic reactions in aqueous zinc-ion batteries seriously hinder its practical application. Herein, a novel organic/inorganic dual interface layer is developed by in-situ constructing of zinc hydroxide sulfate hydrate (ZHS) under the induction of a di-pentaerythritol (DPE) pre-coating. This design achieves dendrite-free Zn deposition through the synergistic integration of crystallographic orientation regulation and dynamic self-adaptive protection. The crystallographic orientation includes two dimensions: 1) Hydrogen-bond-guided horizontal growth of zinc hydroxide sulfate hydrate (ZHS) along the (001) crystal plane, and 2) ZHS-induced epitaxial alignment of Zn deposition on the (002) plane. This dual crystallographic modulation achieves uniform interfacial ion flux distribution and suppresses the formation of dendrites. Simultaneously, the dynamic evolution of the DPE/ZHS interphase adaptively alleviates mechanical stress during plating/stripping cycles, ensuring conformal interfacial contact and effectively mitigating water-induced side reactions. As a result, the engineered Zn anode exhibits exceptional cycling stability, surpassing 4500 h at 1 mA cm⁻² with a coulombic efficiency of 99.79%, while full cells paired with V₂O₅ cathodes retain nearly 100% capacity after 3000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹. This work provided a novel perspective on regulating interfacial byproducts to stabilize Zn anodes.

With the rapid development of affordable energy, hydrogen can serve as an ideal long-term energy storage medium and a commodity chemical/fuel precursor for energy conversion. Solid oxide electrolysis cells produce hydrogen from water with a high electrical efficiency in an environmentally friendly manner. However, the long-term durability of solid oxide electrolysis cells is yet to be fully understood, especially in terms of decoding the fundamentals behind the degradation mechanisms. In this work, testing of solid oxide electrolysis cells was conducted at voltages well above the thermoneutral voltage of ~1.3 V to expose potential degradation mechanisms that could occur when solid oxide electrolysis cell is tested in a galvanostatic mode with voltage increasing over time. While standard electrochemical techniques did not reveal obvious degradation beyond the initial break-in period, high-resolution analyses uncovered intergranular and transgranular voids and cracks in the yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte that were not observed during normal operation at 1.3 V. A comprehensive study of representative state-of-the-art and thin-film electrolyte and barrier layers was performed to establish a correlation between high voltages and structural changes in yttria-stabilized zirconia. Void formation in yttria-stabilized zirconia was attributed to strain-vacancy interactions at high voltages, whereas the barrier/electrolyte interdiffusion layer and Ni precipitation in yttria-stabilized zirconia were ruled out as triggers of void formation. This study provides insight into the operational boundaries of real-time solid oxide electrolysis cells service, indicating that operating at voltages well above the thermoneutral voltage should be avoided.

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries suffer from the infamous lithium polysulfides (LPSs) shuttle effect, which generates reduced utilization of active materials and polysulfide-corrosion-accelerated lithium dendrite, ultimately resulting in poor capacity and cycling stability. While various natural clays have demonstrated effective adsorption for LPSs, there is no consensus on the adsorption mechanisms and active sites. Inspired by the distinct acid–base chemistry of clay basal and edge surfaces, we designed a capsule-shaped silicate clay (H-ATP-N₂) that is rich in protonated edge hydroxyl groups (-OH²⁺). The synthesis involved a two-step process: first, microwave-assisted acid treatment was used to efficiently activate the surface of fibrous attapulgite. Next, N₂ plasma etching was applied to further enrich the material with the -OH₂⁺. These specific methods were chosen to optimize the activation and functionalization of attapulgite, enhancing its ability to serve as a highly effective polysulfide-trapping interface for improved electrochemical energy storage. Compared with the surface hydroxyl sites, the -OH₂⁺ act as Lewis acid sites to accept lone electron pairs from LPSs, thereby exhibiting a stronger interaction to successfully inhibit the shuttle effect. With the protonated edge hydroxyl groups in attapulgite dominating LPSs adsorption via a Lewis acid–base adsorption mechanism, the H-ATP-N₂ cathodes deliver a 1139.9 mAh g⁻¹ capacity at 0.1 C, and a reversible capacity of 808.6 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at 0.5 C with an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.04% per cycle, which have surpassed the vast majority of reported clay-based cathodes.

The persistence of antibiotics such as tetracycline in aquatic systems poses severe environmental and health risks by potential antimicrobial resistance. To address this, a hybrid photo-electro-Fenton oxidation system based on MXene-derived electrodes was developed for efficient tetracycline degradation. The integration of photo, electro, and Fenton processes synergistically enhances hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation and charge-carrier separation, ensuring superior removal efficiency. The cathode was synthesized via a Schiff base formation method, which facilitates functionalization of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene with ferrocene, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–visible spectrometry. The Ti₃C₂–TiO₂ photoanode was fabricated by electrochemical oxidation of Ti₃C₂T_x. The photocatalytic properties of anatase TiO₂, when combined with Ti₃C₂T_x, create a Schottky junction that significantly improves charge separation, thereby enhancing the photo-electrocatalytic activity of the system. The hybrid photo-electro-Fenton (PEF) system demonstrates a substantial enhancement in tetracycline removal efficiency (∼90%) compared to unmodified Ti₃C₂T_x-based electrodes (∼46%). Furthermore, the Ti₃C₂–TiO₂ Schottky photoanode showed enhanced removal efficiency over a commercial P25-based photoanode for photocatalytic degradation. Through this hybrid PEF oxidation system, the removal efficiencies achieved above 90% in neutral and acidic pH, indicating significant efficacy for the advanced oxidation process. The transformation products formed during the PEF process were analyzed with liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, showing breakdown of tetracycline and decreasing ecotoxicity with increasing treatment time. Moreover, the MXene-derived electrode system demonstrates stability and consistent degradation performance over numerous cycles, making it a promising material for environmental remediation applications.

Fish scales, as products of long-term natural evolution, are biomaterials featuring an intricate integration of inorganic and organic components, exhibiting species-specific multilayered micro-nano structures. Owing to its gradient mineralization, the scale shows a progressive decrease in hardness from the outer to the inner layer, which facilitates a continuous shift from rigidity to flexibility. This hierarchical structure provides important inspiration for the development of novel flexible biomimetic protective materials. Beyond structural design inspiration, the primary components of fish scales (e.g., hydroxyapatite, collagen) possess excellent biocompatibility and multifunctionality, endowing them with broad prospects across diverse fields including biomedicine, environmental remediation, energy storage, cosmetics, food, and agriculture. However, transforming this potential into practical use faces significant challenges. These arise from the technical contradiction of extracting key components efficiently while preserving their bioactivity, coupled with the industrial bottleneck of achieving both precise biomimetic reconstruction of their natural nanocomposite structure and scalable manufacturing. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in fish scales research, with a focus on their role as biomimetic models and functional applications, and critically discusses the challenges and future opportunities toward industrialization.

Meeting global climate targets and sustainable energy demands requires carbon-neutral fuels and innovative conversion pathways. Solar fuels via methane valorization offer a promising approach by harnessing concentrated solar energy to convert abundant methane resources (e.g., natural gas or biogas) into clean hydrogen and synthetic fuels, effectively storing solar energy in chemical bonds while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This review article provides a comprehensive assessment of solar-driven thermochemical methane conversion pathways including solar reforming, methane pyrolysis, and chemical looping. It introduces a unified performance benchmarking framework, establishing consistent metrics for efficiency, conversion, and yield to enable fair cross-comparison of these diverse pathways. Furthermore, techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment are integrated, offering a holistic evaluation of each pathway's practical viability and environmental impact. By bridging fundamental solar-thermal reactor performance with economic and environmental perspectives, the review highlights key trade-offs and opportunities, guiding the development of scalable solar fuel technologies for a carbon-neutral future.

Two-dimensional staggered heterostructures, featuring by the intrinsically facilitate charge separation, provide promising platforms for efficient photocatalytic water splitting. However, their carrier dynamics generally follow two competing pathways: type II and Z-scheme, with the distinct governing mechanisms in photocatalysis remain elusive. Here, through stacking or sliding ferroelectric control, we realize three switchable phases within an In₂Se₃/SnSe heterostructure, and uncover how interlayer polarization governs carrier dynamics for enhanced photocatalytic activities and efficiencies. First-principle results show that transitions between type II and Z-scheme models can be driven by the reversal of interlayer electric fields (E_int) or donor–acceptor band edge exchanges, which will further modulate their carrier separation, redox potential alignment, interlayer carrier lifetime, carrier dynamics, spontaneous thermodynamic feasibility, and energy conversion efficiency. Compared with the inactive type II (↑ Se⁻) phase, strengthened E_int in the type-II (↓ Se⁻) phase suppresses interlayer e–h recombination to prolonged carrier lifetimes, while the Z-scheme (↓ Sn⁺) accelerate this recombination, forming new active band edges. Thereby, both yield higher redox potentials for superior photocatalytic activities and efficiencies. These results uncover how stacking-induced polarization defines carrier-dynamics in staggered heterostructures, establishing interlayer engineering as an effective route toward next generation of switchable and high efficient 2D photocatalysts.

Architecting nanometric cluster electrocatalysts with high density of active atoms offers a valuable avenue to simultaneously augment atomic utilization efficiency and catalytic stability. Herein, nanometric IrO_x and RhO_x clusters are anchored onto the spinel Co₃O₄ framework (CoMO_x, M = Ir, Rh), yielding a unique amorphous/crystalline heterostructure. The optimized CoMO_x catalysts with precise-tuning calcination treatment present a favorable electrocatalytic activity with low OER (CoIrO_x: 235 mV @ 10 mA cm⁻²) and HER (CoRhO_x: 157 mV @ 10 mA cm⁻²) overpotentials. Operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in combination with density functional theory calculations reveal that the strong interfacial electronic coupling between nanometric clusters and the spinel Co₃O₄ matrix enhances the electron density near the Fermi level and upshifts the d-band center, thereby facilitating hydrogen release during the HER and lowering the OER rate-determining step (OH*→O*) free energy.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an incurable inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation, with a continuously increasing global prevalence. Although infrared (IR) therapy has demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential, conventional devices that can only emit single-wavelength IR often exhibit limited tissue penetration and poor suboptimal spectral overlap with mammalian absorption. Herein, we develop a broad-spectrum infrared (BSIR) device enabled with an almost defect-free graphene based radiator to deliver high output IR aligned with mammalian IR absorption spectra. In a mouse model of UC, BSIR treatment significantly alleviated disease symptoms and promoted mucosal recovery. Crucially, this study shows that BSIR radiation induces the relocation of T lymphocytes to the spleen, leading to reduced immune cell infiltration and inflammation in the colon. Gene expression analysis further reveals enhanced innate immune activity and cell regeneration in colonic tissue. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that BSIR represents a safe, noninvasive therapeutic strategy for UC. More broadly, this study highlights spectrum-matched IR irradiation as a novel modality for immune modulation, with potential translational relevance for other deep-tissue inflammatory diseases.