The integration of robust photon-absorption capacity, high reactive oxygen species yields and photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) into a single phototheranostic nano-agents is ideal but rarely reported. This study employed a dual-acceptor engineering strategy utilizing isoindigo and selenium-substituted [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-c]pyridine to augment the molar extinction coefficient and spin-orbit coupling effect, respectively, resulting in a substantial enhancement of photonabsorption ability and non-radiative decay energy-release process of donoracceptor type phototherapy molecules. As the optimal phototherapy agent, IID-PSe exhibited a high molar extinction coefficient two times that of photosensitizer, excellent ¹O₂ yield (15%) and PCE (34%), exhibiting great potential for phototherapy. After encapsulating with DSPE-PEG2000, IID-PSe NPs showed excellent anti-tumor phototherapy ability both in vitro and in vivo. This work provides an effective idea for designing high-performance photosensitive dyes with high efficiency phototherapy output.

Metastable endoperoxides with beta-amyloid fibrils targeting benzothiazole moieties were designed and synthesized. Singlet oxygen released from these endoperoxides by thermal cycloreversion reaction was shown to cause significant structural changes on the amyloid assemblies. Most importantly, the cytotoxicity of the beta-amyloid fibrils on the PC12 cells were significantly reduced in the presence of endoperoxides. This observation, coupled with the fact that neither external oxygen, nor light is needed for this transformation, is very promising.

Aqueous rechargeable batteries using abundant multi-ion cations have received increasing attention in the energy storage field for their high safety and low cost. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) possess a two-dimensional structure and exhibit great potential as cathodes for multi-ion intercalation. However, the insufficient active sites of LDHs result in low capacities in the discharging process. Interestingly, the LDHs after the deprotonation process exhibit favorable electrochemical performance of multi-cation intercalation. The deprotonation process of LDHs has been widely found in the oxygen evolution reaction and energy storage field, where LDHs lose H in laminates and converts to deprotonated γ-phase MOOHs (MOOs). Herein, we take a comprehensive overview of the dynamics structure transformation of the deprotonation process of LDHs. Furthermore, the development of advanced aqueous battery cathode and metal battery anode based on deprotonated LDHs for energy storage is explored and summarized. Finally, the perspective of deprotonated LDHs in the energy storage field is discussed.

Smart molecules have attracted increasing attention due to their transformative role in creating the next generation of smart structures and devices. Smart bistable coordination complexes are a class of functional complexes which have two stable states that can be reversibly switched in response to external stimuli. Such bistable molecules play a vital role in various applications, such as sensors, data storage, spintronics, smart windows, optical switches, information encryption and decryption, displays, actuators, etc. Herein, the recent research studies into the development of these smart bistable metal coordination complexes are reviewed. According to the different external stimuli, these smart bistable coordination systems have been classified and summarized, including light-responsive systems, thermally-responsive systems, electrically-responsive systems, mechanicallyresponsive systems, and some other cases. These systems are further subdivided according to the changes in signals (e.g., color, fluorescence, spin state, crystalline phase) under external stimuli. The design principles of each type of smart bistable metal complexes as well as their broad and innovative applications are comprehensively described. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this field are briefly analyzed and discussed.

In recent years, the use of light to selectively and precisely activate drugs has been developed along the fundamental concepts of photopharmacology. One of the key methods in this field relies on transiently silencing the drug activity with photocleavable protecting groups (PPGs). To effectively utilize light-activated drugs in future medical applications, physicians will require a reliable method to assess whether light penetrates deep enough into the tissues to activate the photoresponsive theragnostic agents. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging agents that allow for the detection of light penetration and drug activation in the tissues using non-invasive whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-MRI modalities. The approach relies on the use of PPG-protected MR contrast agents, which upon irradiation with light change their imaging signal. A Gadolinium(III)-based MRI contrast agent is presented that undergoes a significant change in relaxivity (25%) upon uncaging, providing a reliable indicator of light-induced cargo release. Additionally, we introduce the first light-responsive CEST-MRI imaging agent, enabling positive signal enhancement (off-to-on) upon light activation, offering a novel approach to visualize the activation of photoactive agents in living tissues. This research provides a proof-of-principle for the noninvasive, whole-body imaging of light penetration and drug activation with high temporal resolution characteristic of MR methods.

The smart emulsification and demulsification system with the light response is a useful tool in various industries, including green chemistry, catalytic reaction, pharmaceuticals, and environmental remediation. Herein, an ionic liquid crystal compound with a light triggered switch based on the azobenzene group [(4-{3-methyl-1-[3-(8-octyloxyoctyl)oxy-4-oxobutanoyl]imidazo-lium-1-yl}octyl) oxy] -N-(4-methylphenyl)benzene-1,2-diazene bromide (MOIAzo), was designed and synthesized, which could cause reversible transition between emulsification and demulsification through the light trigger. The ionic liquid has an efficient photoinduced liquefaction process, which dramatically lowers the melting point of ionic liquids from 79 to 9.2 °C. This significantly broadens the liquid state temperature of the ionic liquid crystal. The ionic liquid crystal MOIAzo exhibits both photoinduced and thermally induced nematic liquid crystal properties. The smart emulsion system was effectively employed in an eco-friendly water-saving dyeing process of cationic dyes for cationic dyeable polyester (CDP) fabrics, which used only half the amount of water compared with the conventional water bath dyeing method. After dyeing, the oil and water phases can be efficiently separated through the light irradiation, and the oil phase can be reused for the subsequent dyeing process. This novel smart emulsion dyeing method greatly reduces the water consumption and wastewater discharge. MOIAzo as a lighttriggered ionic liquid molecule opens up new dimensions in green chemistry.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a unique class of porous materials with tremendous potential for diverse applications. A key factor contributing to their versatility is their ability to precisely introduce functional groups at specific positions within pores and crystals. This review explores two prominent strategies for achieving the positional functionalization of MOFs: post-synthetic ligand exchange (PSE) and MOF-on-MOF. In PSE, the existing ligands within solid-state MOFs can be selectively replaced by the desired functional groups in solution through ligand dynamics. This invasive functionalization provides a flexible approach to fine-tuning the surface of the MOFs with the target functionality. Conversely, MOF-on-MOF strategies are additive methodologies involving the controlled growth of one MOF layer onto another. The functionality of the core and shell (or surface) can be independently controlled. This review critically examines the examples, strengths, limitations, and applications of these strategies, emphasizing their significance in advancing the field of MOF functionalization and paving the way for tailored multifunctional materials with precise and specific properties.

Three-way catalysts are widely used to control criterion pollutant emissions from the increasing gasoline engines. With the stringent requirements of automotive pollutant emission standards in various countries, Rh has become an irreplaceable component of three-way catalysts due to its superior NO_x elimination, high N₂ selectivity, and simultaneous elimination of CO and hydrocarbons. In this review, we systematically review the recent development of Rh-based three-way catalysts in terms of potential supports and effective active center construction strategies. We further summarize the key role of Rh metal in the three-way catalytic mechanism and reaction kinetics. Finally, we conclude the current challenges and future opportunities facing Rh-based catalysts. It is believed that based on the deep understanding of Rh-based three-way catalysts, the design of Rh-based catalysts with good low-temperature catalytic performance and low cost is expected to be realized in the future.

The fabrication of precisely patterned polymers at the nanoscale is of critical importance. We have previously succeeded in creating various nanopatterned polymers with nanoscale resolution through the use of in situ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) origami. However, separating nanopatterned polymers from the origami template without damaging the origami presents a significant challenge, thereby increasing costs and limiting the development of applications involving nanopatterned polymers. Here, we achieved spatially and temporally controlled release of DNA origami templates through photo-regulation by incorporating azobenzene-modified DNA into the initiator. Under UV exposure, azobenzene isomerization rapidly induces the disassociation of patterned polymers from the origami template at ambient temperatures, without damaging the DNA origami. Additionally, the released origami template can be reused as a template for the cyclic production of nanopatterned polymers. This method provides a pathway for the large-scale production of patterned polymers at reduced costs and facilitates dynamic control over the polymer-DNA complex, with potential applications in both the biomedical and chemical fields.