Themed collection Materials Horizons HOT Papers

This review introduces three strategies (encapsulation, covalent binding and coordinated bonding) for construction of COF-based nanoplatforms for the integration and delivery of bioactives including small molecule, biomacromolecule and exosome.

This review reveals the principles and relationships between the structures and properties of in situ self-assembled nanomaterials, explores the assembly driving forces, and provides guidance for development of in situ targeted drug delivery systems.

This minireview highlights the superiority of machine learning interatomic potentials over the conventional empirical interatomic potentials and density functional theory calculations for the analysis of mechanical and failure responses.

Soft–hard dual nanophases are constructed in PLA, leading to the synchronously improved stiffness, ductility and toughness. This work contributes to constructing nanostructure in polymers and overcoming the trade-off between stiffness and ductility.

Simply put, yes. Band inversion-driven warping makes topological insulators fascinating prospects for thermoelectric applications.

Schematic diagram of NMP-PQ/PMMA for collinear holographic data storage.

We show a highly effective isolation of monochiral single-walled carbon nanotubes using conjugated polymers and small molecular chaperones that facilitate polymer folding.

This work presents a one-step molten salt synthesis approach to achieve a tunable isotype heterojunction in N-rich crystalline C₃N₅. The crystalline C₃N₅ successfully improved solar-driven hydrogen, benzaldehyde and H₂O₂ production.

The all-organic high-temperature polymer dielectrics with promising scale-up potential have witnessed much progress in the energy storage area, etc.

An investigation into the origins of radiation-generated traps utilizing characterization of large area transistor arrays, spectral analysis of the trap density of states, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and GIWAXS.

A quantification method is proposed to determine the effective contact area and assess the contact efficiency of large-scale tribovoltaic nanogenerators, and the corresponding optimization strategy is also provided to enhance their output performance.

A highly flexible covalent organic framework demonstrating dynamic and largest reversible thermal conductivity switching ratios shown thus far in any material system with immense potential for application in thermal management of microelectronics.

We describe a retinomorphic neuron using neuromorphic photoreceptors for artificial vision and iris accommodation that mimic the hierarchical structures and biological functions of retinal cells for light sensing and signal processing.

The use of confined electric fields reveals an analogous electro-mechanical coupling behavior in endothelial cells, which can integrate electrical and mechanical signals to direct the endothelial fate through intracellular calcium ion deployment.

Annealing MXenes in ammonia enhances electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance by nitriding the surface. The nitridation effect on single and multi-sheet of MXene including the chemical reaction for terminal removal was investigated.

Double-network (DN) gels are unique mechanochemical materials owing to their structures that can be dynamically remodelled during use.

Advanced Li–S batteries made by solid-state single-ion conducting hybrid electrolytes Co-assembling binary core–shell polymer nanoparticles achieved ionic conductivity of 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹, electrochemical stability of >6 V, and elastic moduli of 0.12 GPa at 25 °C.

A strong and ductile polyurethane adhesive with mechano-responsive characteristics is synthesized to exceptionally show the different phenomenon of only interfacial failure yet still exhibiting superior adhesive strength and toughness.

The static and dynamic dielectric properties of amorphous matrices of interest for use in OLEDs are addressed via a careful experimental and theoretical analysis of Raman and time-resolved emission spectra of simple dyes dispersed in the matrix of interest.

The developed highly efficient and versatile organocatalyst can deconstruct multiple condensation polymers selectively and sequentially into corresponding monomers, while keeping other polymers such as polyolefins or cotton intact.

Advanced elastomers are highly demanded for the fabrication of medical devices for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A diselenide-containing, shape-memory and self-healing polyurethane for MIS is illustrated in myocardial infarction therapy.

A graph-based machine learning model is built to predict atom dynamics from their static structure, which, in turn, unveils the predictive power of static structure in dynamical evolution of disordered phases.

MoNiCo-Cl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with rich oxygen vacancies are proposed as cathodes toward chloride ion batteries. Mo⁶⁺ can not only modulate the electronic properties at chloride adsorption sites, but improve the redox activity of LDHs.

Gold catalyses Si etching in dry plasmas via Metal-Assisted Plasma Etching (MAPE). Here, MAPE is shown to be uniquely inhibited by both heavily doped n- and p-type Si, in contrast with reactive ion etching and metal assisted chemical etching (MACE).

An orientation-gradient co-optimized graded Gyroid-shellular (GGS) SiOC-based metastructure with conformal MXene coating (MXene@SiOC) is proposed to achieve wide-temperature-range microwave/infrared/1.06 μm-laser/visible-light-compatible camouflage.

Hg₃AsSe₄X (X = Br and I) derived from honeycomb layered topology of GaSe, achieved superior optical properties including strong SHG effects, suitable band gaps, large birefringence and wide IR transparency range.

A global trend towards miniaturization and multiwavelength performance of nanophotonics drives research on novel phenomena as well as surveys for high-refractive index and strongly anisotropic materials and metasurfaces, where hBN has a central role.

Effective tuning of carrier dynamics in two-dimensional (2D) materials is significant for multi-scene device applications.

The In modified layer on Zn powder can effectively suppress corrosion and homogenize the deposition of Zn²⁺. When used as anode, the Zn–S full cells deliver a superior cyclability under high Zn utilization.

Luminescent HOF-based force-sensitive skin sensors with stretched, bent, pressed mechanochromism responses were fabricated for sensing human biophysical signals.

A new strategy for large-scale preparation of topological deformation actuators via the regulation of polyethylene orientation factor is shown. Using the triboelectric effect, the actuator can be applied to object feature recognition.

BiOCl flowerlike microspheres exhibit a favorable cycling performance ascribed to their unique structure. The reaction mechanism of BiOCl contains two steps involving a conversion reaction of BiOCl to Bi as well as the alloying reaction of Bi to Mg₃Bi₂.

A lateral flow paper chip is a promising platform for fast PCR because Joule heating of a PCR solution contained in the paper membrane leads to fast thermocycling. Moreover, amplicon can be detected by the naked eye in the lateral flow paper chip.

Tissue-mimetic hybrid bioadhesives for the repair of intervertebral disc after nucleotomy is proposed, comprising a viscoelastic glue for delivering cells to fill the cavity and a tough adhesive sealant to prevent re-herniation post-nucleotomy.

The novel antiperovskites exhibit a low dimensional electronic structure, making them a potential luminous material. Herein, our study explored the new and ecofriendly antiperovskites to identify six promising luminous candidates.

The supramolecular nanoformulation DOX@LacAC4A integrates passive, active and stimuli-responsive targeting capabilities. It can improve drug accumulation at tumor sites and effectively suppress the growth of tumor cells.