Developing durable electrocatalysts with high activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media is critically important for clean power production. In this study, MoS-NbS heterostructure nanosheets are synthesized from a solid-state reaction method followed by liquid phase exfoliation, and their catalytic performance is optimized. The MoS-NbS heterostructure nanosheets with optimal precursors ratio exhibit promising attributes for applications in the HER and OER compared to pristine MoS and Nb under the same conditions. The MoS-NbS heterostructure nanosheets catalyst on glassy carbon electrodes shows the minimum overpotential of 159 mV for HER and 295 mV for OER at a current density of 10 mA cm in 0.5 m HSO. This research offers valuable insights into the fabrication of heterostructure nanosheets and evaluates their potential as effective electrocatalysts for water splitting compared with pristine 2D materials in an acid environment.

The nanoscale morphologies of COFs deeply affect their performance in practical applications. However, it still lacks studies to well understand their formation mechanism for guiding and controlling the synthesis for desired nanomorphology. To achieve more mechanistic insights into the formation of nanofibrous COFs, herein a series of nanofibrous and non-fibrous COFs are synthesized and the intrinsic relationships among the morphology, chemical constituent, structure planarity, and the DFT calculated interlayer stacking energy are investigated comprehensively. The study reveals the planarity of building monomers is not decisive for forming the nanofibrous COFs. The presence of electron-withdrawing triazine group in amine monomers and the electron-donating ─OH group in aldehyde monomers are essential for suppressing the growth of COF crystallites in x-y plane and promoting the stacking in z-direction to form nanofibrous COFs. The COF morphology can be modulated by the functional groups in monomers by regulating the competition between lateral reaction activity and interlayer stacking energy. The prepared nanofibrous COFs exhibited two-fold increased catalytic activity and better stability than the non-fibrous counterpart in hydrodechlorination. The new insights and proposed mechanism here can help open up a domain for precise designing and modulating the COF nanomorphology from molecular level for specific application.

This study develops a highly densified bronze-type TiO₂ (TiO(B)) anode to enhance the volumetric energy and power density of supercapacitors. By integrating ultracentrifugation with strategic carbon reduction via annealing, a TiO₂(B) anode with fluid-like lubrication, high compressibility, and improved electrode density is synthesized. The annealing process facilitated a hierarchical nanoporous TiO₂(B) network while preventing agglomeration, achieving an electrode density of 2.24 g cm⁻, surpassing conventional values. The densified electrode exhibited an exceptional volumetric capacity of 400 mAh cm⁻, maintaining high-rate performance at 120C. This approach effectively links mechanical and physicochemical properties to electrochemical performance, offering a scalable strategy for optimizing TiO₂(B) anodes. The findings highlight the potential of highly densified TiO₂(B) for hybrid supercapacitors, particularly in applications requiring maximum energy and power density within compact volumes. These advancements hold promise for electric mobility, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage, where efficiency and performance are critical. By demonstrating a method for achieving high-density energy storage, this study provides a framework for next-generation supercapacitor materials. Addressing the growing demands of modern technologies, this research advances high-performance, space-efficient energy storage solutions crucial for future energy applications.

To overcome the limitations of commercializing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a one-step feasible route is reported to prepare a hybrid matrix of molybdenum oxides (MoO, x = 0 and 1) thin film anode. In this direction, the electrical conductivity barriers of MoO dielectric are overcome by reinforcing conductive MoO via the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) route. The intermixed array of nanograins and nanoflakes grown over stainless-steel (SS) foil delivers a maximum gravimetric capacitance of 281 F g and a specific capacity of 348 mAh g at 1 A g. The synergistic integration of metal oxides facilitates multiple valencies, interfacial structural stability, and abundant ion transport channels to achieve a wider voltage window of 3.50 V. Subsequently, the prepared Li||MoO-MoO@SS configuration possesses electric double-layer and pseudocapacitive energy storage capacity leading to remarkable specific energy 77.78 Wh kg and excellent specific power 13.75 kW kg. The high-rate capacity tests for continuous 1200 charge-discharge cycles disclose retention of ≈88% and ≈100% Coulombic efficiency on a 2-fold enlargement of current density. The longer lifespan and higher rate capacity of nanohybrid anode owing to reversible lithiation/delithiation further recommend its candidacy in developing LIBs for next-generation portable electronics.

The efficient capture, conversion, and storage of solar energy present significant promise for advancing green energy utilization. However, pristine phase change materials (PCMs) are inherently inadequate for optical capture and absorption. To improve photothermal conversion properties, PCMs and metal-organic frameworks derived Co nanoparticle-anchored carbonized hollow fiber are advantageously integrated. The robust hollow carbon fiber tubular structure promises efficient thermal energy storage, fast phonon transfer, and excellent durability and structural stability after long heating-cooling cycles. Plasmonic Co nanoparticles and broadband-absorbing high graphitized hollow carbon fiber synergistically enhance light harvesting and energy conversion in composite PCMs, achieving 94.38% photothermal conversion efficiency (100 mW cm). This integration enables the simultaneous generation of electrical and thermal energy under randomly incident solar radiation. Attractively, the designed photothermoelectric system steadily realizes a continuous output voltage of 309.8 mV and output current of 70.0 mA (100 mW cm). This advantageous integrated design strategy provides constructive insights for developing next-generation composite PCMs toward efficient photothermoelectric conversion and storage systems.

2D hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (2D HOIPs) are of interest for optoelectronic and phase-change applications. Using ultra-fast (flash) differential scanning calorimetry (FDSC), this study shows the 2D HOIPs (S-Cl-MBA)PbI and (R-Cl-MBA)PbBr (Cl-MBA referring to 4-chloro-α-methylbenzylamine) form a glass on cooling. Both show evidence of a liquid-to-glass transition during quenching from the liquid state; on reheating, a glass-to-liquid transition is followed by crystallization and melting. Using continuous heating in FDSC, the temperature dependence of the liquid viscosity of (S-Cl-MBA)PbI is characterized. The kinetic fragility of the liquid is similar to that of bulk metallic glass-formers and significantly lower than that of organic and phase-change chalcogenide liquids. On cooling the liquid, glass formation is first impeded by thermal degradation, then crystallization. The stages of thermal degradation can be related to known mechanisms. This study highlights the reduced glass-transition temperature and the liquid fragility as key parameters in guiding the optimization of 2D HOIP compositions for targeted applications.

The cathode materials set the limitation of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) in capacity and restrict their development. Vanadium-based materials show unsatisfactory conductivity and strong interactions with Zn as well as a narrow voltage window. Herein, an integrated network structure is obtained by modulating the voltage window to phase transition from VO to HVO. This has multiple advantages: low crystallinity and abundant active sites; good electrolyte wetting; and two-electron transfer for high specific capacity. The AZIBs exhibit impressive rate performance (545 mAh g at 0.1 A g and 185 mAh g at 20 A g) and cycling performance (179 mAh g after 15 000 cycles at 20 A g), stable operation even at -20 °C (391 mAh g at 1 A g, 97 mAh g at 10 A g). AZIBs have high power density and high energy density based on the mass of cathode material (405 Wh kg at 74 W kg and 102 Wh kg at 11 127 W kg). The pouch-type cell can run for over 500 h, has a maximum energy density of 45.5 Wh kg. The phase transition mechanism and energy storage mechanism are identified, which is conducive to promoting the development of cathodes for AZIBs.

Microendoscopy, a crucial technology for minimally invasive investigations of organs, facilitates studies within confined cavities. However, conventional microendoscopy is often limited by probe size and the constraint of using a single excitation wavelength. In response to these constraints, a multichannel microendoscope with a slender profile of only 360 µm is engineered. Functional signals both in situ and in vivo are successfully captured from individual single cells, employing a specially developed software suite for image processing, and exhibiting an effective resolution of 4.6 µm, allowing for the resolution of subcellular neuronal structures. This system enabled the first examination of calcium dynamics in vivo in murine tracheal tuft cells (formerly named brush cells) and in situ in kidney podocytes. Additionally, it recorded ratiometric redox reactions in various biological settings, including intact explanted organs and pancreatic islet cultures. The flexibility and streamlined operation of the microendoscopic technique open new avenues for conducting in vivo research, allowing for studies of tissue and organ function at cellular resolution.

Periodontitis is a prolonged inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection. Oxidative stress induced by inflammation leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and difficulties in bone tissue regeneration. ROS-scavenging agents regulate the periodontal tissue microenvironment, which is of great significance in the treatment of periodontitis. In this study, a zinc-cobalt bimetallic organic framework (Zn/Co-MOF) is constructed to alleviate local tissue inflammation and bone resorption in periodontitis by cascading antioxidant activity. In vitro experimental results show that the Zn/Co-MOF not only provides effective cellular protection against ROS attack in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1), but also promotes osteogenic differentiation. In vivo experiments in rat periodontitis models confirm that Zn/Co-MOFs can reduce local periodontal tissue inflammation, reduce osteoclasts, and promote the recovery of alveolar bone height defects, which is beneficial for the treatment of periodontitis. RNA sequencing results show that the Zn/Co-MOF promotes bone tissue regeneration mainly through activated Wnt pathways, which accelerate osteogenic differentiation. Overall, the Zn/Co-MOF exhibits antioxidant capacity and promotes bone regeneration, making it a promising strategy for the treatment of periodontitis.

Hard carbon (HC) exhibits great potential as a promising candidate for sodium-ion batteries owing to its inherent advantages. However, the main challenges in utilizing HC stem from its low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor rate performance caused by its excessive surface defects. In this study, an effective strategy of employing alkali lignin (AL) is proposed, derived from pulp waste, as a binder for HC to create a uniform and inorganically enriched solid electrolyte interface. AL can modify the surface defects of HC through strong π-π interactions between the aromatic ring of AL and HC, while ingeniously grafting abundant active ─OH and ─COOH groups onto the electrode surface. The strong binder force between AL and electrolyte salts facilitates the formation of an ultra-thin NaF-rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer (10 nm), thereby achieving an exceptional ICE of 91%. Furthermore, owing to its electrochemical activity, AL enables HC anode to exhibit an increasing slope capacity during cycling, compensating for capacity decay at high current densities. Consequently, when assembled into a full battery configuration, excellent rate performance is achieved with a reversible capacity of 282 mAh g even at a current density of 5A g.

Metal sulfides are promising materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to unique structures and high theoretical capacity. However, issues like poor conductivity, large volume changes, and polysulfide dissolution limit practical application. This study introduces a novel Christmas tree-like heterostructure composed of BiS and VS encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon shell (BiS/VS@CN), synthesized by sulfurizing dopamine-coated BiVO precursor. The in situ synthesis ensures excellent lattice matching between BiS and VS, minimizing interface states and enhancing effective built-in electric field. This design accelerates electrochemical reaction kinetics; moreover, it promotes progressive reaction that mitigates structural fragmentation, suppresses degradation, and prevents polysulfide dissolution and shuttle. Additionally, the CN shell effectively passivates the surface states of BiS and VS nanostructures, lowering surface barrier and improving overall conductivity. As a result, BiS/VS@CN-based half-SIBs demonstrate remarkable long-cycle stability, maintaining 387.1 mAh g after 1600 cycles at 2 A g, and excellent rate performance with 376.3 mAh g at 5 A g. Full-SIBs using NaV(PO)//BiS/VS@CN exhibit outstanding cycling stability, retaining 117.2 mAh g after 200 cycles at 1 A g, along with 218 Wh kg high energy density at 145.3 W kg. This work highlights the potential of heterostructures in advancing metal sulfide-based SIBs for high-performance energy storage.

The heightening concerns over an outbreak of hazardous radioiodine from nuclear waste and carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels have restricted access to clean water and air. In this work, three Cd-MOFs (1-3) are self-assembled under environment-friendly conditions using i) a polypyridyl linker spanned by a flexible poly(methylene) spacer, and ii) a bent dicarboxylate linker. With a change in the length of the flexible methylene spacer, the dimensionality of the MOFs is tuned between 3D (1) and 2D (2 and 3). The microscopic images reveal that 1 displays larger particle sizes and a more pronounced morphology compared to 2 and 3. These MOFs show high thermal stability (up to 300 °C) and wettability. A controlled polar feature of 1-3 is utilized to achieve a high uptake capacity of iodine (I or I ) from water bodies (2.46-2.37 g g) and vapor (3.31-2.65 g g). With remarkable CO uptake by 1-3, the sorbate CO is further fixated into market-value products in quantitative conversions and atom economy under room temperature and solvent-free conditions. A comprehensive theoretical support is provided by configurational biased Monte Carlo (CBMC) simulations to reveal the exact locale and binding energies of the sorbates (I, CO, and epoxide) toward these MOFs.

This work reports a comprehensive study on the morphology, composition, and electronic structure of CoAl layered double hydroxide (CoAl-LDH) during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To capture electrochemically induced transformations, operando spectroscopic and microscopic methods are combined. The complementary data provided by operando near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and electrochemical atomic force microscopy (AFM), reveal that under OER conditions, CoAl-LDH is fragmented into smaller particles due to Al leaching. This process forms a "resting" phase with an average Co oxidation state of 2.5+, which readily transforms into the OER-active β-CoOOH phase upon further potential increase. This work exemplifies how operando methods enable precise tracking of oxidation state changes, element dissolution, and structural transformations at the nanoscale while the electrocatalyst is active. This approach contrasts with conventional pre- and post-mortem characterization, which would instead suggest CoO formation. These findings extend beyond the specific example of CoAl-LDH, emphasizing the crucial importance of selective cation leaching, recrystallization, and morphological restructuring, since these processes play a key role not only in designing advanced multi-element materials but also in understanding the complex nanoscale mechanisms that govern the activation and durability of practical electrocatalysts.

Recent advances in wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) demonstrate a burgeoning potential to significantly enhance photovoltaic efficiencies beyond the Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction cells. This review explores the multifaceted improvements in WBG PSCs, focusing on novel compositions, halide substitution strategies, and innovative device architectures. The substitution of iodine with bromine and organic ions such as FA and MA with Cs in the perovskite lattice is emphasized for its effectiveness in achieving higher open-circuit voltages and reduced thermalization losses. Furthermore, the integration of advanced charge transport layers and interface engineering techniques is discussed as critical to minimizing open-circuit voltage (V) deficits and improving the photo-stability of these cells. The utilization of WBG PSCs in diverse applications such as semitransparent devices, indoor photovoltaics, and multijunction tandem devices is also explored, addressing both their current limitations and potential solutions. The review culminates in a comprehensive assessment of the current challenges impeding the industrial scale-up of WBG PSC technology and offers a perspective on future research directions aimed at realizing highly efficient and stable WBG PSCs for commercial photovoltaic applications.

Self-collation of perovskite nanocrystals into superstructures of larger length scales has been growing in research interest due to their dramatically enhanced performance in various nano-devices, modulating their optical and electrical traits. Herein, the unique concentration-dependent self-assembly of phenethylamine (PEA)-capped CsPbBr (PCPB) perovskites spanning a size range of nano to micron level without structural phase alteration is infered. By optimizing various synthetic parameters like PEA amount, and solvents, the self-coalescence in PCPB crystal growth is controlled. Furthermore, the highest-concentrated PCPB (C5) has improved the charge transfer (CT) efficiency to 1,4-Napthoquinone (NPQ), corroborated with stronger binding between C5 and NPQ, compared to the lowest-concentrated PCPB (C1). Incorporating NPQ into such concentration-dependent PCPB enhances their local conductance unveiling the CT-induced current rise, while the detrimental insulating property of PEA molecules reduces the conductance in C5 compared to C1. These outcomes offer a foundation for tailoring the properties of self-assembled perovskites for optoelectronic devices and energy conversion technologies.

This study utilizes a method to enhance the structural and thermal stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by incorporating an alkali halide interlayer between the electron transport layer (ETL) and perovskite, which is known to improve device efficiency. This passivation technique significantly reduces residual stress within the perovskite at room temperature (3.68 MPa → 2.56 MPa) and maintains structural integrity under thermal cycling (-40 to 85 °C) as per IEC 61215: 2016 standards. Following 50 cycles, the treated film exhibits a minimal increase in residual stress (≈5.34 MPa), in contrast to the control film (≈29.72 MPa) based on Williamson-Hall 2θ - SinΨ analysis. The incorporation of wide-bandgap alkali halides facilitates a strong lattice registry, thereby enhancing structural reliability. Moreover, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) confirms a reduction in defect formation, correlating with macroscopic lifetime studies. This also increases open circuit voltage (V) (1.08 V → 1.15 V) and device efficiency (17.9% → 20.6%). Notably, the treated device retains ≈71% of its initial PCE after 50 thermal cycles, whereas control devices ceased operation after 30 cycles due to thermal stress-induced interfacial delamination. This approach effectively prevents interlayer delamination, improving long-term structural reliability and, thereby, enabling efficient and thermally stable PSC deployment.

Developing cost-effective precious metal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is key to realizing the economic viability of acidic water electrolysis. Herein, galvanic displacement is employed for in situ formation of bimetallic Pt/Ru deposits on H-intercalated TiO nanotube arrays. It is found that a two-step procedure yields polydisperse deposits with a dominant fraction of Ru nanoparticles coated with atomic and subnanometric Pt islands. These Pt|Ru nanointerfaces induce charge transfer from Pt to Ru, which modulates the electronic structure of Pt sites for accelerated HER kinetics. By varying the platinization time in the second step, a balance between the exposure of catalytically active Pt|Ru nanointerfaces and the total number of Pt surface sites is achieved. The optimized composite, termed Ru-30min@Pt-30min, requires an overpotential of 58 mV to deliver a current density of 100 mA cm in 1.0 m HClO and maintains performance stability and structure integrity under prolonged operation. Moreover, it presents a 3.5-fold increase in precious metal mass activity over Pt/C at η = 80 mV. Theoretical calculations reveal that the electronic interactions generated by Pt-modification of Ru and hydrogenated TiO surfaces provide multiple active sites with improved H energetics compared to pure Pt and Ru.

High-performance thermoelectric materials are essential for efficient low-temperature (300-400 K) heat energy harvesting, with n-type AgSe being a promising candidate. To further enhance the thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of AgSe, aliovalent doping has emerged as a key strategy. However, achieving wet-chemical aliovalent doping of AgSe at ambient temperature has proven challenging. In this work, a high zT of 1.57 at 398 K is reported for an optimally Cd(II)-doped AgSe sample, specifically in the structurally phase-pure AgCdSe, which is successfully synthesized via an aqueous-based method at room-temperature (300 K). The AgCdSe sample also exhibits an impressive average zT of 1.12 over the temperature range of 315-400 K. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for both the pristine and doped samples reveal significant changes in the electronic band structures, including notable modulations in the density of states near the Fermi energy, particularly for the Ag-3d states. The remarkable thermoelectric performance of AgCdSe is attributed to an optimization of charge carrier induced by the Cd(II)-doping.

Due to the abundant availability of Na resources, Na batteries garner significant attention. Anode-free Na batteries, devoid of active negative materials, are deemed promising candidates for the next generation of high-energy-density Na batteries. The cyclic stability of anode-free Na batteries primarily hinges on the stability of the limited Na supplied by the cathode, and the design of the anode substrate plays a pivotal role. In this study, a cost-effective aluminum-tin eutectic alloy substrate is developed using a straightforward melting process. In eutectic alloy, tin element is present in its metallic form, which facilitates the disruption of the compactness of the Passivation film (AlO). Besides, tin metal and tin dioxide on the surface of the eutectic alloy show a strong Na affinity (strong binding energy with Na atom and lower Na nucleation barrier), thereby promoting the uniform nucleation of sodium. This eutectic alloy substrate enables highly reversible Na plating/stripping with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.97%, and the cycle life exceeds 4000 cycles. Coupling with NaV(PO), the AlSn-2%-NVP full cell exhibits a capacity retention of up to 81% after 100 cycles, significantly outperforming coated carbon aluminum foils and aluminum foils. This study introduces an efficient approach to the anode-free Na battery.

Isomerization of nanoclusters is helpful for understanding the relationships between structures and properties. Surface-protecting ligands play a crucial role in controlling the atomic packing mode of the inner core. The synthesis and total structural determination of the all alkynyl-protected gold nanocluster (NEtCHCl)[Au(C≡CCHPh)] (Au-1) are reported. Au-1 and the previously reported [Au(C≡CCH-4-CF)] (Au-2) constitute the largest alkynyl-protected nanocluster quasi-isomers (> 100 metal atoms). Both Au consist of an fcc Au kernel and a shell of 24 RC≡C─Au─C≡CR staples, but the specific arrangements are different. The application of the flexible alkynyl ligands creates a significant difference in the face-centered cubic (fcc) kernel structure in Au-1, showing a different electronic structure, thermal- and photo-stability. Transient absorption spectra reveal that Au-1 still does not show any metallic characteristics, even though it has a smaller energy gap (Eg) than Au-2.

Stretchable electronic skins with multifunctional sensing capabilities are of great importance in smart healthcare, wearable display electronics, intelligent robots, and human-machine interfaces. Thermoplastic elastomers play a pivotal role as soft substrate in the field of stretchable electronics. However, the dynamic interactions of common thermoplastic elastomers often result in high hysteresis and fatigue damage, limiting their performance and durability. In this study, a highly resilient and fatigue-resistant elastomer is developed by employing La-complexes as crosslinkers. The woven structure formed between the prepolymer ligands and lanthanum (III) metal ions establishes stable coordination interactions and introduces additional entanglements around the coordination crosslinkers. Furthermore, this woven structure self-assembles into hierarchical nanoarchitectures, which serve as physical crosslinks, significantly enhancing the mechanical strength. As a result, the new elastomers exhibit exceptional mechanical strength (Young's modulus ≈3.47 MPa; maximum stress ≈16.52 MPa), resilience (residual strain during cyclic stretching at 100% strain ≈8%), fatigue resistance (strength retention rate ≈90% after 2000 cycles stretching), and stable thermomechanical properties (creep strain ≈14.43% and residual strain ≈0.22% at 80 °C 0.1 MPa). Leveraging this high-performance polyurethane elastomer, ultra-thin flexible electrodes are fabricated, which can achieve stable and long-term monitoring of the physiological signals of human body.