Dimethylformamide (DMF) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were chosen as precursors for the synthesis of a carbon-coated and fully nitrogen-doped Ni₉S₈/Ni₃S₂ nanocomposite denoted as N-NiS-X, which was successfully prepared through a simple oil bath chelation process followed by annealing. The N-NiS-2 electrode revealed optimal electrochemical performance with a sulfur addition of 18.6 mmol. The synthesized composite demonstrated a first-cycle discharge capacity of 1151.3 mAh·g⁻¹ at 50 mA·g⁻¹, with initial Coulombic efficiency measuring 64.4%. Following 500 cycles of galvanostatic charge–discharge testing at 0.5 A·g⁻¹, this prepared electrode maintained 110.1% of its original capacity, which suggested superior kinetic characteristics during electrochemical processes. Electrochemical impedance analysis further demonstrated a reduction in the solution resistance and charge transfer resistance to 5.17 and 32.46 Ω, respectively, highlighting enhanced charge transport capabilities. Consequently, the dual roles of in situ nitrogen doping and carbon coating, which effectively suppress the volume expansion effect of Ni_xS_y, are realized by DMF and PVP as nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively. These functionalities markedly improve the structural integrity and electrical conductivity of materials, thereby highlighting their substantial prospects for commercial applications.

Fe-doped SrTiO₃, SrTi_1−xFe_xO₃ (STFO, x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7), were prepared using the solid-state reaction method and their performances in photocatalytic dye degradation and supercapacitor applications were tested. STFO samples were characterized using XRD, EDX, and XPS to confirm its cubic perovskite structure and chemical compositions. The morphology and particle size were analyzed via SEM. UV‒Vis spectroscopy reveal that Fe³⁺ could tune the bandgap and an optimized bandgap of 2.15 eV was found in STFO (x = 0.5), which is suitable for visible photocatalysts. Raman spectra could characterize the longitudinal and transverse optical modes (LO and TO), which revealed the phonon vibration of STFOs. The decolorization efficiency of the MB dye is found to be 87.71% at 220 min under visible light. The decolorization kinetics was found to be of the pseudo-first-order type with the R² value of 0.66 and the degradation rate constant of 0.02 min⁻¹. STFO (x = 0.7) was found to be the optimized supercapacitor material with the specific capacitance of 1028.45 F·g⁻¹, energy density of 0.0073 W·h·kg⁻¹, and power density of 22.74 W·kg⁻¹ at the current density of 0.22 A·g⁻¹. This study is anticipated to encourage exploring more potential lead-free perovskite materials with high dielectricity and low cost for photocatalytic and energy storage applications.

Bioactive glass (BG) is a biomaterial capable of repairing, replacing, and regenerating body tissues, possessing the ability to form bonds between tissues and materials. The degradation products of BG can promote the generation of growth factors, proliferation of cells, gene expressions of osteoblasts, and regeneration and repair of bone tissues. With the continuous development of materials science and technology, more and more evidence has shown the potential of BG in the development of bone materials. This article not only reviews preparation methods of BG (containing BG particles, BG porous materials, and BG-based composite hydrogels) and BG-based composites (such as BG/polymer, biometallic ions-doped BG, and non-metallic/BG), but also elaborates on their regenerative potential and comprehensive applications in bone repair. Meanwhile, the shortcomings of BG are pointed out, and the future application prospects of BG are also discussed, providing valuable guidance on the effective improvement of the BG performance for bone clinical applications in future.

Layered cobalt oxides are emerging as a pivotal class of cathode materials due to their high theoretical energy density, tunable interlayer spacing for efficient ion diffusion, and structural resilience under electrochemical cycling. Here, we report the synthesis of barium cobaltite (Ba_xCoO₂, x ≈ 0.34) through a two-step solid-state reaction coupled with ion exchange, establishing a stable layered structure consisting of alternating Ba−O layers and edge-shared CoO₆ octahedral sheets. This unique architecture provides an expanded interlayer spacing (c-axis: 1.23 nm) and efficient Li⁺ diffusion channels, enabling a lithium-ion battery (LIB) with the Ba_xCoO₂ cathode to achieve ultrahigh reversible capacities of 820.7 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.1C and 483.2 mAh·g⁻¹ at 5C, along with 99.37% Coulombic efficiency retained over 1000 cycles, demonstrating remarkable cycling stability. Comparative studies on a sodium-ion battery (SIB) also reveal the superior capacity of the LIB, attributed to smaller ionic radius of Li⁺ and stabilized electrode–electrolyte interface. These results demonstrate that the combination of structural resilience and fast ion kinetics position Ba_xCoO₂ as a promising candidate for high-energy-density storage systems. Further optimization of the Ba/Co ratio and defect engineering may unlock enhanced cyclability for practical applications.

In the heterogeneous electro-Fenton (Hetero-EF) process, the generation and activation efficiency of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an important factor affecting the performance. Based on ability of Mxene to regulate charge density at metal active sites and enhance electronic transport efficiency, a nanoflower-shaped CoSe and plate-shaped Ti₃C₂ composite (CoSe/Ti₃C₂) was developed for use as a Hetero-EF cathode catalyst. The results showed that CoSe/Ti₃C₂ had excellent degradation performance, with a sulfamerazine (SMR) (10 mg·L⁻¹) degradation efficiency of 100% within 80 min in the pH range of 3–7. CoSe/Ti₃C₂ (n = 2.59) had a lower transfer electron number compared to that of CoSe (n = 3.21) and was more inclined towards 2e-ORR. Theoretical calculations showed that Ti₃C₂ regulated the d-band center of CoSe, weakening adsorption strength of Co sites for the *OOH intermediate and making it more inclined to generate H₂O₂. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and quenching experiments indicated the presence of •OH, •O₂⁻, and ¹O₂ in the system, all of which participated in the degradation of pollutants. The construction of a multi reactive oxygen species system enhanced the interference resistance during degradation.

Magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) has emerged as a promising non-invasive approach for tumor treatment. However, the clinical translation of MHT has been significantly hampered by two critical challenges: insufficient magnetothermal conversion efficiency and compromised biosecurity of conventional magnetic nanoparticles. Addressing these limitations, we developed an innovative biomimetic synthesis strategy by engineering cobalt-doped magnetoferritins (PcFn-Co-x) within recombinant hyperthermophilic archaeon ferritin (PcFn) cages at a precisely controlled biomineralization temperature of 90 °C. This breakthrough approach yielded monodisperse PcFn-Co-x nanoparticles with core sizes (13.3‒19.6 nm) that remarkably surpass the conventional size limitations of ferritin inner cages. The optimized PcFn-Co-5 nanoparticles demonstrated unprecedented magnetothermal performance, achieving a record-high specific absorption rate (SAR) of 910 W·g⁻¹ under biologically safe excitation conditions (33 kA·m⁻¹ and 150 kHz). Magnetic characterization revealed that the cobalt doping significantly modulates the magnetic energy barrier by enhancing coercivity and magnetic anisotropy, with SAR values showing a remarkable positive correlation with these magnetic parameters. This work presents a novel paradigm for the biomimetic synthesis of high-performance magnetoferritins and pave the way for their clinical application in MHT.

The surface microstructure of continuous aramid fibers (AFs) is significant for AF/unsaturated polyester (UP) resin composites. The chemical modification of the AF surface is the key point to enhance mechanical properties of AF/UP composites. In this study, the polyethyleneimine (PEI)‒polydopamine (PDA) coating was formed on the continuous AF surface via a one-step process. Morphologies and functional groups of PEI‒PDA-coated AFs were studied. It was revealed that the interfacial bonding strength between PEI–PDA-AFs and the UP matrix was increased by 82.47% due to formation of the chemical bonding between amino groups on PEI and hydroxyl groups on UP. The tensile strength of the PEI–PDA-AF/UP composite reached 959.07 MPa, increased by 34.19% compared with that before modification. This study presents a simple and efficient method to prepare high-strength continuous AF/UP composites which could be used in engineering fields of deep-sea pipeline, aerospace, construction, military, safety, sports equipment, etc.

Advanced materials with surface patterning can improve light management in optoelectronic devices. In this work, we employed nanoimprinting lithography (NIL) using a hard polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold to fabricate two-dimensional periodically structured films from cellulose acetate (CA). This periodic structure was selected to scatter the light to increase its optical path. The mold features translated well to the patterned CA films, as shown by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses. The films showed an average peak-to-peak distance of (750 ± 40) nm and an average height of grooves of (130 ± 7) nm. Optical characterization confirmed a high transparency (> 90%) in the studied 300–800 nm range. These patterned cellulose films were applied atop dye solar cells to enhance light harvesting and improve device efficiency. The application of these films increased the average short-circuit current density by 17% ± 3% and efficiency by 18% ± 2% of the solar devices. Our results underscore that the easy and accessible NIL method can help develop patterned cellulose films for facile light-management patterning for optoelectronic device technologies.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly prevalent in skin-related impairments and accelerate chronic ulcer progression. The routine subcutaneous administration approaches combining drug delivery with microenvironment intervention are widely developed for skin-related treatment but lack effective outcomes. Herein, we present a cuttlefish ink-derived nanoparticles (CNPs)-integrated microneedles patch, silk fibroin and cuttlefish ink-derived melanin nanoparticles (SC-MNs), that can easily be inserted into the skin and alleviate ROS. The microneedle tips, formed from silk fibroin and treated with methanol vapor annealing, turn to increased β-sheet and enhanced mechanical strength. Meanwhile, the tips can rapidly detach from SC-MNs in mildly acidic conditions due to the introduction of NaHCO₃. SC-MNs also exhibited a unique ROS obliteration capacity. Furthermore, under near-infrared irradiation, SC-MNs triggered photothermal performance, which elicited reliable tumor cell-killing effects. Collectively, these SC-MN patches described here can provide a promising platform for combined ROS-scavenging and photothermal therapy, which makes them a potential candidate in skin-related disease management.

Constructing specific noble metal/metal–organic framework (MOF) nano-heterostructures is an effective strategy for promoting water electrolysis, yet remains highly challenging due to complex synthesis methods, difficulties in structural characterization, and the demanding nature of performance optimization. In this work, a heterojunction electrocatalyst was developed through growing Ru nanoparticles on NiFe‒MOF nanosheets (NSs) supported by nickel foam (NF) using an easily accessible solvothermal method followed by an annealing strategy. Owing to the electronic interaction between Ru nanoparticles and NiFe‒MOF NSs, the optimized Ru@NiFe‒MOF/NF catalyst exhibits excellent bifunctional performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (with an overpotential of 84 mV at 10 mA·cm⁻²) and the oxygen evolution reaction (with an overpotential of 240 mV at 10 mA·cm⁻²) in a 1.0 mol·L⁻¹ KOH solution, which is superior to that of commercial catalysts. This study highlights a promising strategy for designing and developing efficient electrocatalysts for overall water electrolysis.

The surface engineering has been testified to be an effective strategy for optimizing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. Nevertheless, many of these techniques involve complex and multiple synthesis process, which leads to potential safety hazards, raises the cost of production, and hinders the scaled-up application. Herein, a facile strategy (i.e., quenching with lanthanum nitrate cold salt solution) was adopted to fabricate the surface of Co₃O₄ grown on nickel foam, and boost the electrocatalytic performance for OER. Analyses of the experimental results show that the surface engineering strategy can induce many defects on the surface of Co₃O₄, including microcracks and oxygen vacancies, which provides more active sites for electrochemical reaction. Consequently, the treated sample exhibits significantly improved OER electrocatalytic activity, requiring only 311 mV to deliver 100 mA·cm⁻² for OER in alkaline solution. This work highlights the feasibility of designing advanced electrocatalysts towards OER via quenching and extends the use of quenching chemistry in catalysis.

Graphene materials like turbostratic graphene exhibit remarkable promise for an array of applications, spanning from electronic devices to aerospace technologies. It is essential to develop a fabrication method that is not only economical and efficient, but also environmentally sustainable. In this study, the molten salt-assisted magnesiothermic reduction (MSAMR) method is proposed for the synthesis of few-layer turbostratic graphene. K₂CO₃ serves as both the carbon source and the catalyst for graphitization, facilitating the formation of the graphene structure, while in-situ generated MgO nanoparticles exert confinement and templating effects on the growth of graphene. The molten salts used effectively prevent the aggregation and the Bernal stacking of graphene sheets, ensuring the few-layer and turbostratic structure. The synergistic effects of K₂CO₃, in-situ generated MgO, and molten salts guarantee the formation of few-layer turbostratic graphene at a relatively low temperature, characterized with 4–8 stacking layers, a mesopore-dominated microstructure, and a high degree of graphitization.

With the accelerated development of urbanization, it is urgent to develop new green and effective fungicides for water disinfection, which can effectively sterilize without causing bacterial drug resistance and environmental burden. In this work, the new ternary nanofiber (NF) heterojunctions, Ag/ZnO/g-C₃N₄ (Ag/ZCN), with high specific surface area were controllably fabricated through the photodeposition of different amounts of Ag quantum dots on electrospun ZCN NFs. Ag/ZCN with 6 wt.% Ag was found to exhibit the highest antibacterial activity superior to that of ZCN and ZnO NFs, which completely killed E. coli or S. aureus within 30 min under solar light. Moreover, it maintained high stability during four consecutive photocatalytic cycles. The photocatalytic Z-scheme charge transportation mechanism of Ag/ZCN was confirmed through structure characterization and free radical capture experiments. It was verified that the active oxygen substances such as ∙OH, ¹O₂, and a certain amount of ∙O₂⁻ were mainly produced in the photocatalytic sterilization process. Therefore, the Z-scheme NF heterojunction Ag/ZCN has great application potential in actual environmental water disinfection.

A novel and eco-friendly ethyl acetate/water solvent system was employed to create stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions of curcumin (Cur)-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/bovine serum albumin (BSA) without the need for surfactants. The size of emulsion droplets decreased with the rise of the BSA concentration but increased with the drop of the oil-to-water (OTW) volume ratio. Upon electrospinning, the morphology of Cur-loaded PCL/BSA composites transformed from bead-like structures to uniform fibers as the BSA concentration rose from 0% (w/v) to 10% (w/v). With the enhancement of the OTW volume ratio, the composite fibers displayed an increased diameter and a consistently uniform morphology. The highest modulus of elasticity (0.198 MPa) and the largest elongation at break (199%) of fibers were achieved at the OTW volume ratio of 7:3, while the maximum tensile strength (3.83 MPa) was obtained at 8:2. Notably, the presence of BSA resulted in the superhydrophilicity of composite fibers. Moreover, all composite fibers exhibited sustained drug release behaviors, especially for those with the OTW volume ratio of 7:3, the release behavior of which was the best to match the first-order model. This study is expected to improve biofunctions of hydrophobic PCL and expand its applications in biomedical fields.

It is undoubtedly a challenge to design an efficient and recyclable photocatalyst for the degradation of tetracycline (TC). In this study, a MoS₂@C composite catalyst was fabricated through the simple sulfurization of alginate-based spheres encapsulating ammonium molybdate by thiourea. The incorporation of porous carbon as a co-catalyst significantly augmented reactive active sites, endowing it with great specific surface area and effectively preventing the aggregation of MoS₂ nanoparticles. While offering abundant catalytic sites for the reaction, the structure with interconnected channels promoted the adsorption of the reactant. The MoS₂@C composites showed excellent photocatalytic performance, achieving a photodegradation ratio of 87.01% for TC within 60 min, superior to that of pure MoS₂. Additionally, the photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of TC was also investigated through free radical trapping experiments in combination with the electron spin resonance technique.