Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have garnered significant attention as artificial synapses due to their ability to emulate synaptic functionalities. While previous research has predominantly focused on modulating the physical properties of the channel materials to enhance synaptic performance, the role of ion dynamics in influencing device characteristics remains underexplored. Effective regulation of ion dynamics is crucial for improving state retention and achieving long-term plasticity (LTP) in these devices. In this study, we propose a strategy to modulate the interactions between polymer semiconductors and ions in solid-electrolyte-based artificial synapses. Our findings indicate that the interplay between semiconductors and doping counterions significantly influences ion transport dynamics, thereby affecting the electrochemical doping and dedoping processes in OECTs. Notably, by suppressing the dedoping process, we achieved enhanced synaptic performances, with devices retaining 64% of the peak current after a retention time of 1000 s. Through the judicious selection of anions and optimization of their interactions with polymer semiconductors, we effectively controlled the dedoping process in OECTs, leading to improved state retention. These insights provide a novel perspective on tuning ion-polymer semiconductor interactions for the development of high-performance synaptic devices, advancing neuromorphic computing applications.

Smart photonic indicators (SPIs) offer a cost-effective and efficient way to monitor and control ethanol concentration, making them suitable for advanced digital informatics systems. The developed sensors can operate even after the removal of external stimuli, featuring exceptional optical memory and reconfigurable nanostructures, which will undoubtedly drive a revolution in colorimetric sensors. The SPI is prepared by polymerizing mixed monomers of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG600DA) and ethoxyethoxyethyl acrylate (EOEOEA) in a silica colloidal crystal template. SPIs contain periodically ordered interconnecting macropores via shape memory polymers (SMPs) that endow the films with structural colors. The evaporation of water can temporarily deform the initial periodic structure. The structure can then be restored by evaporating liquids with lower surface tension, such as water-ethanol solutions. The Laplace pressure generated during solvent evaporation competes with the elasticity of SMPs, driving nanoscale structural transformation. Consequently, the detection range of SPIs for ethanol concentration in water depends on the balance between these two driving forces. Adjusting the size of the macropores expands the detection range allowing differentiation of alcohol concentrations from 5% to 100%. SPIs with selectivity and high sensitivity hold promise for various applications, including information technology, inkless writing, and anticounterfeiting, enhancing the versatility of photonic materials.

Integrating extrusion-based fused deposition modeling (FDM) with advancements in conductive thermoplastic materials is fostering innovation in the fabrication of sensors, electrodes, and printable electronics. This review presents an in-depth analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of FDM compared to other additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, focusing on its unique capacity to create functional components. Various materials, including host materials and conductive filaments, both commercial and custom-made, are examined for their suitability in conductive component fabrication. The impact of key process parameters, such as pre-printing settings, printing parameters (e.g., layer thickness, infill density and pattern, print speed, extrusion width, raster angle and orientation, and bed temperature), and post-printing settings on the performance of conductive filaments is also discussed. The review highlights the working principles and applications of different types of sensors printed using FDM, including strain, pressure, temperature, and acceleration sensors, the fabrication of electrodes for physiological and electrochemical monitoring, showcasing the potential of FDM to integrate multifunctional sensing capabilities in a single build. Finally, the review explores the future prospects of FDM in sensor and electrode manufacturing, identifying key challenges that need to be overcome to further enhance the technology's potential in advanced applications.

Chemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) often requires harsh conditions and introduces structural defects, limiting its application in photothermal-driven oil spill remediation. Herein, we report a novel plasmon-driven photochemical reduction strategy using silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to achieve defect healing and efficient reduction of GO under solar irradiation at room temperature. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag NPs not only promotes the deoxygenation of GO to form a superhydrophobic surface but also repairs the conjugated structure of GO via hot electron transfer, reducing its defect density by 21%. The resulting Ag NPs@rGO composite exhibits strong solar-spectrum absorption (93.8%) and high photothermal conversion efficiency (89.7%). When coated on a polyurethane (PU) sponge, the material rapidly heats to 81°C within 60 s under 1 sun irradiation, significantly reducing the viscosity of crude oil and achieving an adsorption capacity of 47.2 g/g, six times higher than that of conventional carbon-based sponges. Remarkably, the sponge maintains stable adsorption performance over 36 absorption-desorption cycles and demonstrates exceptional chemical/mechanical durability. This study provides an eco-friendly approach for fabricating high-quality rGO and highlights its potential for sustainable environmental remediation material.

Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Unfortunately, inflammation remains poorly controlled and prone to relapse, even after removing the initial plaque biofilm. The unique metabolic properties of mitochondria in the periodontal microenvironment provide a promising target for novel therapeutic strategies against periodontitis. Here, we integrate metabolomics and network biology to elucidate the potential role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/mitochondrial transcription factor (Nrf2/TFAM) in regulating mitochondrial metabolism in periodontitis. Based on this discovery, it is crucial to develop an innovative nanomedicine capable of effectively modulating the mitochondrial metabolism in periodontitis. Recently, itaconate (ITA), a key metabolite linking mitochondrial metabolism and inflammation, has emerged as a powerhouse in regulating immunity through Nrf2; however, its limited permeability hinders its application in biological systems. Therefore, we synthesize ITA-based nano cocktail (INC) with cell permeability and improved biological functions. At the cellular level, INC activates Nrf2/TFAM to remodel mitochondrial metabolism and regulate macrophage immune homeostasis. In mouse models of periodontitis, INC successfully reprograms mitochondrial metabolism within the gingiva, leading to an improved inflammatory microenvironment. Our study elucidates the role of INC in modulating mitochondrial metabolism, thereby offering an innovative therapeutic strategy for the management of periodontitis and other clinical conditions resulting from mitochondrial abnormalities.

The potential of all-inorganic halide perovskite-based memristors as a solution to the limitations of traditional memory systems, particularly in the context of edge computing and next-generation digital architectures, is investigated. The rapid expansion of data-driven applications demands more efficient, secure, and scalable memory technologies, prompting this exploration of memristors for their unique resistance-switching properties. The research aims to address the challenges of data security and processing efficiency by integrating memristors into logic circuits, enabling both memory and logic operations within a single device. The study is structured around the experimental fabrication and characterization of Cs₃Bi₂I₆Br₃ perovskite memristors. A simple solution-processed spin coating method with antisolvent-assisted crystallization was employed to fabricate the memristor devices. The experimental characterization of memristors, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and electrical measurements, confirmed their structural integrity and memristive behavior, with distinct hysteresis loops indicative of nonvolatile memory properties. To analyze the behavior of the memristors in electronic circuits, a Verilog-A mathematical model was developed, and simulations were conducted using the Cadence Virtuoso Electronic Design Automation (EDA) suite. The Verilog-A model demonstrates strong agreement with measured results and validates the device's hysteresis behavior. Key findings demonstrate that metal halide perovskite (MHP) memristors exhibit excellent switching characteristics, repeatability, and integration potential with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. These properties make them suitable for implementing various logic gates, such as IMPLY, AND, and OR gates, as well as more complex digital circuits like multiplexers and full adders. The results highlight the feasibility of using these memristors for in-memory computing, where both data storage and processing occur within the memory cells, significantly enhancing computing efficiency and security. The study concludes that MHP-based memristors offer a promising path toward more compact, energy-efficient, and secure computing architectures.

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is sufficiently high for commercialization, however, the long-term stabilities of PSCs and potential Pb leakage need to be addressed seriously. Self-healing PSCs are very promising for developing long-life and flexible devices. Herein, we provide a review on self-healing PSCs and aim to contribute a valuable summary and support to the ongoing efforts devoted to this area. In the first part, the major factors affecting the stabilities of PSCs and the corresponding stability-losing mechanisms are briefly introduced, which is the groundwork for developing self-healing PSCs. The second part is a brief introduction on self-healing materials, including the key requirements, self-healing mechanisms, and the typical applications in soft electronics. With the information in the first two parts, we conduct a comprehensive review on the research of self-healing PSCs in the third part. Last but not least, the main challenges and long-term perspective for realizing the large scale utilizations of self-healing PSCs are discussed. In addition to the fields of PSCs, self-healing strategies are applicable to other flexible (opto)electronics as well. Therefore, a broad readership from varied areas of soft devices can also find interested points from this review.

Undesirable side reactions at the Zn anode interface hindered the development of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). In particular, the direct contact between the zinc (Zn) anode and aqueous media triggers side reactions such as Zn dendrites, hydrogen evolution, and corrosion. In this study, an artificial interlayer (TiO₂) is constructed on the Zn anode surface by magnetron sputtering technology. Thanks to its ultra-thin, uniform, and stable porous structure, the TiO₂ interlayer can effectively suppress and reduce side reactions through a physical barrier and regulation of ion flux. The experimental results show that the Zn||Zn symmetric cells using Zn anode with TiO₂ interlayer (TO-Zn) exhibit symmetric charge–discharge curves and an ultra-long cycle life of over 5100 h at 5 mA/cm² (1 mA∙h/cm²), which is approximately 51 times longer than the bare Zn anode (only 100 h). Compared to the bare Zn||MnO₂ full cell, the full cell assembled with TO-Zn exhibits a relatively stable cycling performance, retaining a reversible capacity of approximately 108.4 mA∙h/g after 1000 cycles. This study uses a facile process technology to provide a reference for constructing an artificial interlayer.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) electrosynthesis via a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e^– ORR) from seawater holds a promising perspective for the marine economy. However, the competitive 4e^– ORR pathway and high concentration of Cl^– in seawater pose great challenges. Recently, Zhang et al. developed high-performance electrocatalysts based on NiPS₃ nanosheets for efficient H₂O₂ production from seawater. The seawater electrolysis system based on NiPS₃ enables large-scale production of H₂O₂, which can be applied to wastewater degradation, biomass valorization, and agricultural fields. This finding facilitates the sustainable conversion of seawater into high-value products.