Themed collection Celebrating 10 Years of Materials Horizons: 10th Anniversary Collection
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Reflections from Seth Marder on 10 years of Materials Horizons
Inaugural Editorial Board Chair Seth Marder reflects on the early days of the journal in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Materials Horizons.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4656-4657
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH90051G
Looking back over 10 years of Materials Horizons
Current Editorial Board Chair Martina Stenzel reflects on the last 10 years of the journal in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Materials Horizons, looking back at her time as Scientific Editor, and now Chair of the Editorial Board.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4658-4659
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH90052E
Multifunctional nacre-like materials
We summarise progress in the fabrication and mechanics of nacre-like materials in recent years and explore pathways to translate nacre-like materials to real-life applications, while providing avenues for future work.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5371-5390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01015E
Superstructures of water-dispersive hydrophobic nanocrystals: specific properties
Superstructures of hydrophobic nanocrystals dispersed in water acting as heating nanoelements are internalized in cells creating photothermal damage.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4746-4756
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00949A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
N-Type polymeric mixed conductors for all-in-one aqueous electrolyte gated photoelectrochemical transistors
An n-type organic photoelectrochemical transistor produces large and reversible current changes in response to light-intensity variations in aqueous electrolytes. A long exciton lifetime of the n-type gate ensures a high photovoltage response.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 2937-2949
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH00267A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Robust multiferroicity and magnetic modulation of the ferroelectric imprint field in heterostructures comprising epitaxial Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 and Co
Magnetoelectric composite multiferroic comprising ferroelectric doped HfO2 and ferromagnetic cobalt coupled films is demonstrated to be a promising candidate for energy efficient memory computing.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 2388-2396
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01966G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Electrochemical modulation of mechanical properties of glycolated polythiophenes
This work investigates the changes in the mechanical properties of glycolated polythiophenes induced by electrochemical addressing and by electrolyte concentration, due to its ability to stabilize water.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 2021-2031
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01827J
Kirigami-enabled stretchable laser-induced graphene heaters for wearable thermotherapy
Stretchable later-induced graphene (LIG) heaters with kirigami structures are produced via laser engraving/cutting for wearable thermotherapy. Such a heater has a rapid electrothermal response and robust performance for on-body use.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 2010-2020
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01884A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Robust myco-composites: a biocomposite platform for versatile hybrid-living materials
We report the development of strong and robust myco-composites compatible with additive manufacturing. We exemplify unique applications of this hybrid-living materials platform with fabrication of bio-welded containers and flexible mycelium textiles.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 1689-1703
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01277H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Unveiling the role of linear alkyl organic cations in 2D layered tin halide perovskite field-effect transistors
2D tin halide perovskites are promising semiconductors for FETs owing to their fascinating electronic properties. The charge transport properties of 2D tin halide perovskites are systematically investigated using linear alkyl ammonium cations with different carbon chain lengths.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 1177-1187
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01883K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Unlocking the potential of self-healing and recyclable ionic elastomers for soft robotics applications
Mechanically strong, self-healing and recyclable rubber-based ionic elastomers for soft robotics hand.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 708-725
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01312J
Constructing asymmetric gradient structures to enhance the energy storage performance of PEI-based composite dielectrics
The asymmetric gradient design of the polymer-based composite dielectric can inhibit carrier injection and transport simultaneously, which significantly improves the energy density at room temperature and high temperature.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 726-736
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00907F
A simple route to functionalized porous carbon foams from carbon nanodots for metal-free pseudocapacitors
Sulfonyl-capped laser-converted 3D turbostratic carbon foams enable efficient faradaic reactions, resulting in a 157.6 F g−1 supercapacitor that is stable after 15 000 cycles, comparable to state-of-the-art pseudocapacitors and hybrid capacitors.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 688-699
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01032E
Deciphering the anisotropic energy harvesting responses of an above room temperature molecular ferroelectric copper(II) complex single crystal
A molecular ferroelectric complex [Cu2(l-phe)2(bpy)2(H2O)](ClO4)2·2H2O exhibits anisotropic responses. This shows excellent mechanical/thermal energy harvesting efficiencies in single-crystal-PENG device, which exceed that of certain bulk oxides.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 454-459
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01336G
Isotype heterojunction: tuning the heptazine/triazine phase of crystalline nitrogen-rich C3N5 towards multifunctional photocatalytic applications
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 408-418
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01115A
Porous SnO2 nanosheets for room temperature ammonia sensing in extreme humidity
2D SnO2 nanosheets based chemiresistive sensor with microporosity and oxygen rich-surface detects ammonia at room temperature in extreme humidity at ppb levels for breath based early disease diagnostics and healthcare.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 184-195
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01078C
Thermally activated delayed fluorescence tetradentate ligand-containing gold(III) complexes with preferential molecular orientation and their application in organic light-emitting devices
A new class of TADF pyridine-/pyrazine-containing tetradentate C^C^N^N gold(III) complexes is reported. Through strategic structural modifications, the horizontal alignment of the emitters and the resulting OLED performance can be enhanced.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 151-162
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00910F
Covalent organic frameworks with flexible side chains in hybrid PEMs enable highly efficient proton conductivity
Electrochemical hydrogen compression (EHC) is an emerging energy conversion technology.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 141-150
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01604H
Molecularly induced order promotes charge separation through delocalized charge-transfer states at donor–acceptor heterojunctions
The energetic landscape at the interface between electron donating and accepting molecular materials favors efficient conversion of intermolecular charge-transfer (CT) states into free charge carriers (FCC) in high-performance organic solar cells.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 173-183
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00526G
Biomimetic growth in polymer gels
Modeling growth and shape change in polymer gels.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 163-172
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00983A
Crystal-structure simulation of molecular semiconductors: brickwork-related crystal structures of methylthiolated peri-condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
We demonstrate the simulation of brickwork-related polymorphs with conditional branching for methylthiolated peri-condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which allows us to discuss the likelihood of the appearance of each polymorph.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5492-5499
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01055D
Superprotonic conductivity in RbH2−3y(PO4)1−y: a phosphate deficient analog to cubic CsH2PO4 in the (1 − x)RbH2PO4 – xRb2HPO4 system
The compounds RbH2PO4 and Rb5H7(PO4)4 display eutectoid behavior, with superprotonic α-RbH2−3y(PO4)1−y forming at a eutectoid temperature of 244 °C in a cubic, CsCl-type structure with a high concentration of phosphate vacancies.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5555-5563
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00852E
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A spectroscopic assessment of static and dynamic disorder in a film of a polythiophene with a planarized backbone
The total static disorder reduces, even to zero, upon increasing the conjugation length of a pi-conjugated polymer, as shown here for the regioregular polythiophene PDOPT. This is intrinsically linked to the nature of the pi-conjugated system.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5538-5546
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01262J
Development of self-cooperative nanochaperones with enhanced activity to facilitate protein refolding
A self-cooperative nanochaperone mimics the cooperation of Hsp40 with Hsp70 was reported. The Hsp40-mimetic facilitates the transfer of client protein into the Hsp70-mimetic hydrophobic microdomain, significantly enhancing the chaperone activity.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5547-5554
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00619K
Additive-free molecular acceptor organic solar cells processed from a biorenewable solvent approaching 15% efficiency
We report on the use of molecular acceptors and donor polymers processed with a biomass-derived solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran to facilitate bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics with power conversion efficiency approaching 15%.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5564-5576
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01133J
Antimicrobial polymer-siRNA polyplexes as a dual-mode platform for the treatment of wound biofilm infections
Dual therapeutics use cationic polymers to kill bacteria and deliver siRNA to macrophages to decrease inflammation and enhance wound healing.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5500-5507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01108A
3D Printing of continuous fiber composites using two-stage UV curable resin
A two stage UV-curable resin is an ideal feedstock material to enable the printing of continuous fiber composites with outstanding mechanical properties. It also enables the repair, reshaping, and recycling of printed composites.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5508-5520
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01304A
Nanoarchitected graphene/copper oxide nanoparticles/MoS2 ternary thin films as highly efficient electrodes for aqueous sodium-ion batteries
Tri-component thin films based on MoS2, graphene and CuO/Cu2O nanoparticles were prepared, characterized and applied as electrodes in aqueous-based Na-ion batteries.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5521-5537
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00982C
Infected wound repair with an ultrasound-enhanced nanozyme hydrogel scaffold
An all-round therapeutic strategy based on high-density platinum nanoparticle assemblies nanozymes was developed to simultaneously scavenge ROS, generate O2 and regulate the immune system for accelerating diabetic wound healing.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5474-5483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01054F
Hierarchical Fermat helix-structured electrochemical sensing fibers enable sweat capture and multi-biomarker monitoring
A smart clothing system based on electrochemical sensing fibers that can effectively capture sweat and monitor multiple physiological markers.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5192-5201
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00989K
Single-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized by laser ablation from coal for field-effect transistors
Coal was transformed by laser ablation into single-walled carbon nanotubes, which were used to fabricate field effect transistors after one-step purification.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5185-5191
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01053H
Electrolessly tin-plated sulfur nanocomposite for practical lean-electrolyte lithium–sulfur cells with a high-loading sulfur cathode
An electrolessly tin-plated sulfur nanocomposite is designed for a practical high-loading sulfur cathode, which attains excellent electrochemical utilization, stability, and cyclability in lean-electrolyte lithium–sulfur cells.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4857-4867
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00871A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A pyridine-capped quaterthiophene as an alternative to PEDOT:PSS, processable from organic solvents and without acidity, for more stable electronic devices
Doped quater(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), capped either side of the chain with two pyridine units, is a promising alternative to PEDOT:PSS, as it removes the issue of acid-induced degradation of devices caused by PEDOT:PSS.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5087-5098
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01060K
Are MXenes suitable for soft multifunctional composites?
A material design framework is formulated to investigate how MXenes’ size, layered structure, and volume fraction impact the elasticity and functionality of their composites, expediting their application in flexible electronics and wearables.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5110-5125
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00916E
Ultrasmall water-stable CsPbBr3 quantum dots with high intensity blue emission enabled by zeolite confinement engineering
A “break-and-repair” strategy for confinement synthesis of ultrasmall CsPbBr3 quantum dots in a zeolite to achieve efficient and stable blue photoluminescence.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5079-5086
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01092A
Electron transfer bridge inducing polarization of nitrogen molecules for enhanced photocatalytic nitrogen fixation
Employing rare earth metal atoms as an electron transfer bridge, directional polarization was achieved for inert nitrogen molecules, leading to a significant enhancement in photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5053-5059
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01041D
3D-printed epidermal sweat microfluidic systems with integrated microcuvettes for precise spectroscopic and fluorometric biochemical assays
3D-printed microfluidic systems that incorporate rigid polymeric structures in soft elastomeric encapsulation layers gently bond to the skin, to capture sweat and provide the basis for accurate, spectroscopic measurements of sweat biomarkers.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4992-5003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00876B
Machine learning-assisted optimization of multi-metal hydroxide electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
Development of electrocatalysts may be aided by machine learning integration into experimental workflows.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5022-5031
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00788J
Composite formation of covalent organic framework crystals and sugar alcohols for exploring a new class of heat-storage materials
The concept of forming composites of covalent organic framework crystals and sugar alcohols (SAs)—green and low-cost phase change materials—has solved the long-standing problem of SAs’ strong supercooling, which degrades the stored thermal energy.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4922-4929
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00905J
Induction heating: an efficient methodology for the synthesis of functional core–shell nanoparticles
While magnetic induction heating has found uses in hyperthermia, metallurgy, and catalysis, its potential in material synthesis remains largely unexplored. This study unveils its promising role in crafting core-shell nanoparticles from magnetic cores.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4952-4959
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00908D
Two-step fabrication of COF membranes for efficient carbon capture
A two-step method to fabricate COF nanosheets is proposed, comprising framework assembly and functional group switching. Functionalized COF-316 membranes were fabricated and demonstrated excellent separation performance.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5016-5021
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00981E
Material descriptors for thermoelectric performance of narrow-gap semiconductors and semimetals
Simple descriptors to search for low-temperature thermoelectric materials.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4256-4269
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01013A
Defect-stabilized and oxygen-coordinated iron single-atom sites facilitate hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis
Oxygen-coordinated iron single-atom sites (Fe–O4) modified with vacancy defects show high 2e−-ORR catalytic performance. The Fe–O4 moiety is relevant to the selectivity and kinetic rate of the 2e− pathway while vacancy defects enhance the stability.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4270-4277
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00882G
Inclination of polarized illumination increases symmetry of structures grown via inorganic phototropism
Inorganic phototropic growth produces ordered, anisotropic semiconductor mesostructures via a template-free, light-mediated process. Asymmetric inclination of the input illumination counterintuitively increases the symmetry of the output structures.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4251-4255
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00839H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A polymer library enables the rapid identification of a highly scalable and efficient donor material for organic solar cells
A scalable, two-step synthesis facilitates the preparation of a polymer library of varying side chain and co-monomer, enabling rapid photovoltaic device screening. FO6-T emerged as the optimal donor achieving 15.4% PCE with L8BO as the acceptor.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4202-4212
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00787A
All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries enabled by single-ion conducting binary nanoparticle electrolytes
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4139-4147
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00913K
Integrating the atomically separated frontier molecular orbital distribution of two multiple resonance frameworks through a single bond for high-efficiency narrowband emission
Two isomeric emitters are developed by connecting two multiple resonance (MR) frameworks via a single bond. The connection following the resonance alignment enhances atomic frontier molecular orbital separation, resulting in narrower emission.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4224-4231
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00881A
3D printed microstructured ultra-sensitive pressure sensors based on microgel-reinforced double network hydrogels for biomechanical applications
3D printed microstructured pressure sensors based on microgel-reinforced double network hydrogels show high toughness and sensitivity, and are used to fabricate a flexible sensor array for biomechanical and motion tracking applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4232-4242
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00718A
A solar/radiative cooling dual-regulation smart window based on shape-morphing kirigami structures
A kirigami-inspired smart window is presented with a solar/radiative cooling dual-control function and improved durability. It is promising for building energy saving and outperforms state-of-the-art dual-regulation smart windows in the literature.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4243-4250
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00671A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Stable organic electrochemical neurons based on p-type and n-type ladder polymers
Rigid ladder-type conjugated polymers enable the development of stable and high-performance organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) and complementary OECT-based amplifiers for brain-inspired artificial neurons.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4213-4223
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00858D
Charge–orbital synergistic engineering of TM@Ti3C2O1−xBx for highly selective CO2 electrochemical reduction
Charge–orbital synergism is achieved by doping boron atoms into Ti3C2O2. The TM-to-C and B-to-C π-back bonding contribute to the activation of CO2 molecules and CO intermediates in the CO2RR process.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4278-4292
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00503H
Designing a slippery/superaerophobic hierarchical open channel for reliable and versatile underwater gas delivery
By taking inspiration from Pitcher plant and hummingbird’s beak, we display a slippery/superaerophobic hierarchical open channel for durable and functional gas transport to diversify the gas/liquid exchanging process in an aqueous environment.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3351-3359
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00898C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Doping density, not valency, influences catalytic metal-assisted plasma etching of silicon
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).
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3393-3403
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00649B
Ferroelectrically tunable magnetic skyrmions in two-dimensional multiferroics
Four-fold degenerate magnetic skyrmions are demonstrated in 2D multiferroics of Co2NF2. When interfacing with monolayer MoSe2, Ferroelectrically controllable skyrmion physics can be realized.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3450-3457
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00572K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Harnessing cavity dissipation for enhanced sound absorption in Helmholtz resonance metamaterials
Drastically enhanced sound absorption can be achieved in Helmholtz resonators by simply reshaping the cavity and bringing the cavity walls close to the pore.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 2892-2903
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00428G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Room-temperature stacking disorder in layered covalent-organic frameworks from machine-learning force fields
Large-scale computer simulations of layered covalent-organic frameworks reveal temporal and spatial fluctuations that can be described as zigzag disorder.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 2883-2891
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00314K
About this collection
This year, we are delighted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Materials Horizons!
This special collection celebrates and thanks members of our community who have supported the journal over the last 10 years, and we are honoured that these authors have shared their latest discoveries with us.
We believe that Materials Horizons will continue to be the home of innovative, and impactful materials science research for many years to come and hope you enjoy reading the diverse range of papers featured in the anniversary collection.