Themed collection Recent Open Access Articles


Advanced technologies for the fabrication of MOF thin films
In this Minireview, we discuss several appealing approaches that have been developed in the last few years for the fabrication of MOF thin films, highlighting their assets and the challenges still faced.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 168-178
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00898B

Evolution of self-healing elastomers, from extrinsic to combined intrinsic mechanisms: a review
We propose a timeline classifying self-healing polymers in generations based on the healing mechanism, and correlated with historical development.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2882-2902
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00535E

Twenty-five years of polymersomes: lost in translation?
In this minireview, we discuss the progress of polymersome formulations towards clinical translation and highlight key opportunities and challenges.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 1297-1309
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9MH01669D

Towards a classification strategy for complex nanostructures
The range of possible nanostructures is so large and continuously growing, that collating and unifying the knowledge connected to them, including their biological activity, is a major challenge.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2017,2, 187-198
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NH00219F

Technology progress on quantum dot light-emitting diodes for next-generation displays
This article focuses on state-of-the-art technologies used in the research on materials, devices and processes to achieve high-performance QD-LEDs.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2021,6, 68-77
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NH00556H

Materials science based on synthetic polysaccharides
Automated Glycan Assembly produces well-defined oligosaccharides for detailed structural characterization. These glycans can assemble into supramolecular materials with different morphologies.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 963-969
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9MH01936G

Physical magnification of objects
For hundreds of years, scientists have magnified images of objects to reveal their detailed composition and structure. Now, scientists are beginning to physically magnify objects themselves.
Mater. Horiz., 2019,6, 11-13
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8MH00931G

Three interfaces of the dental implant system and their clinical effects on hard and soft tissues
Comprehension of bone–implant, gingiva–abutment and implant–abutment interfaces is necessary in material development. Mechanical complications of the implant–abutment interface provoke biologic complications of the other two interfaces.
Mater. Horiz., 2022,9, 1387-1411
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH01621K

Chemically modified carbon nanostructures and 2D nanomaterials for fabrics performing under operational tension and extreme environmental conditions
Textile fabric fibers meet functionalized carbon nanostructures and 2D nanomaterials, enabling the fabrication of novel fabrics with advanced qualities against operational limitations and extreme environmental conditions.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 3187-3200
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH01077H

Non-flammable liquid electrolytes for safe batteries
This review summarizes eight different strategies to formulate non-flammable liquid electrolytes to improve safety of alkali-metal-ion batteries such as lithium-ion, sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 2913-2928
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00748C

Heparanized chitosans: towards the third generation of chitinous biomaterials
Sulfation of chitosan makes this polymer a closer mimic of heparins and heparan sulfates, giving rise to the so called heparanized chitosan, that exert their biological activities through their capacity to interact with a range of biological targets.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 2596-2614
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00728A

Artificial intelligence and machine learning in design of mechanical materials
This review revisits the state of the art of research efforts on the design of mechanical materials using machine learning.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1153-1172
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01451F

Highly selective gas sensing enabled by filters
Sorption, size-selective & catalytic film or particle-bed filters dramatically enhance gas sensor selectivity. We critically review 300+ articles and tutorially give guidelines for systematic filter design in air quality, health & food applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 661-684
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01453B

Dual emission in purely organic materials for optoelectronic applications
In this review, types and mechanisms of dual emission, as well as recent new insights for the design and applications of efficient novel dual emissive organic materials are presented.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 33-55
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01316A

Recombination junctions for efficient monolithic perovskite-based tandem solar cells: physical principles, properties, processing and prospects
Here, we review the physics and the technology of the recombination junction in perovskite-based tandem solar cells, with a summary of the most successful works.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2791-2809
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00990C

Defects in complex oxide thin films for electronics and energy applications: challenges and opportunities
This review focuses on recent progress in defect-engineered novel functionalities of complex oxide thin films for electronics and energy applications, and current challenges and perspectives.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2832-2859
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00899K

Advances in design engineering and merits of electron transporting layers in perovskite solar cells
The electron transport layer plays an essential part for high-performing perovskite solar cells, on which successful extraction of charges from light harvester and the transfer to the electrode are critically dependent.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2276-2291
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00586J

Lignin-based smart materials: a roadmap to processing and synthesis for current and future applications
Lignin-based smart materials are emerging into advanced material applications as stimuli-responsive actuators, sensors, controlled release systems, and more.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2237-2257
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00798F

The damaging effects of the acidity in PEDOT:PSS on semiconductor device performance and solutions based on non-acidic alternatives
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate), PEDOT:PSS, has been widely used as an effective hole transporting material in many different organic semiconductor devices for well over a decade.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 1759-1772
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9MH01978B

Erbium complexes as pioneers for implementing linear light-upconversion in molecules
Trivalent erbium, Er3+, with its 4f11 electronic configuration, was the first lanthanide cation for which linear upconversion could be induced in a molecular complex. The reasons for this success and its perspectives are discussed in this review.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 1279-1296
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9MH01899A

About the amplification factors in organic bioelectronic sensors
A systematic comparison between electrochemical and organic bioelectronic sensors reveals a unified rational description for a transistor amplified detection.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 999-1013
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9MH01544B

Graphitic carbon nitride and polymers: a mutual combination for advanced properties
The present review highlights the combination of graphitic carbon nitride and polymers for materials with outstanding properties.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 762-786
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9MH01497G

It's a trap! On the nature of localised states and charge trapping in lead halide perovskites
The recent surge of scientific interest for lead halide perovskite semiconductors and optoelectronic devices has seen a mix of materials science sub-fields converge on the same “magical” crystal structure.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 397-410
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9MH00500E

Designing conjugated porous polymers for visible light-driven photocatalytic chemical transformations
A review on the recent developments in controlling the structural, photophysical and electronic properties of conjugated porous polymer (CPP) photocatalysts is presented.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 15-31
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9MH01071H

Advances in designs and mechanisms of semiconducting metal oxide nanostructures for high-precision gas sensors operated at room temperature
A comprehensive review on designs and mechanisms of semiconducting metal oxides with various nanostructures for room-temperature gas sensor applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2019,6, 470-506
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8MH01365A

The progress and prospects of non-fullerene acceptors in ternary blend organic solar cells
This review summarizes the advantages of non-fullerene acceptors and their applications in ternary blend organic solar cells.
Mater. Horiz., 2018,5, 206-221
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7MH00958E

Elastomeric microwell-based triboelectric nanogenerators by in situ simultaneous transfer-printing
An ultrastretchable triboelectric nanogenerator is developed by simultaneous transfer printing. The nanogenerator demonstrates all-in-one, self-powered touch, motion and force sensing that can function as artificial skin for soft robotic components.
Mater. Horiz., 2022,9, 1468-1478
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MH00074A

Pickering emulgels reinforced with host–guest supramolecular inclusion complexes for high fidelity direct ink writing
Direct ink writing (DIW) of Pickering emulsions offers great potential for constructing on-demand objects.
Mater. Horiz., 2022,9, 835-840
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH01741A

Biohybrid plants with electronic roots via in vivo polymerization of conjugated oligomers
Conjugated oligomers polymerize in vivo on the root system of intact plants forming an extended network of tissue integrated conductors while the plants continue to grow and develop. The conducting roots are used to store energy in the plant.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 3295-3305
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH01423D

van der Waals solid solution crystals for highly efficient in-air photon upconversion under subsolar irradiance
The concept of van der Waals solid solutions has been demonstrated to yield photon upconversion (UC) organic crystals with extraordinary performance, opening a domain of versatile dispersion-force-based systems in the quest for superior UC solids.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 3449-3456
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH01542G

Exploring and expanding the Fe-terephthalate metal–organic framework phase space by coordination and oxidation modulation
Modulated self-assembly of Fe-terephthalate metal–organic frameworks allows fine control over phase formation, offers insight into kinetic and thermodynamic landscapes, and the discovery of novel materials in an already well-studied complex system.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 3377-3386
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH01663F

Freeform direct laser writing of versatile topological 3D scaffolds enabled by intrinsic support hydrogel
By combining a photocurable and a thermogelling hydrogel, it is possible to perform 3D freeform structuring via two-photon-polymerization and to manufacture concatenated parts without additional support structures.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 3334-3344
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00925G

Colossal expansion and fast motion in spin-crossover@polymer actuators
Bilayer spin-crossover nanocomposites show robust and controllable actuation cycles upon an electrical stimulus. The anisotropic shape of the particle and the mechanical coupling with the matrix can intensify the work output of the actuators.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 3055-3062
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00966D

Charge trapping with α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles accompanied by human hair towards an enriched triboelectric series and a sustainable circular bioeconomy
The PDMS@α-Fe2O3 NP film and human hair-based high performance TENG harvests mechanical energy while expanding waste hair utilization, initiating a rising approach toward the circular bio economy that will play a key role in avoiding climate crisis.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 3149-3162
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00919B

Light-controlled versatile manipulation of liquid metal droplets: a gateway to future liquid robots
A light-controlled method for the versatile manipulation of liquid metal droplets is introduced. This approach shows the ability of inducing concurrent motion of multiple liquid metal droplets using infrared light without complex and bulky systems.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 3063-3071
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00647A

Aged layered double hydroxide nanosheet–polyvinyl alcohol dispersions for enhanced gas barrier coating performance
The oxygen transmission rate of a PET coated film showed a 37-fold decrease using a dispersion of LDH nanosheets in polyvinyl alcohol that was prior aged for 8 weeks compared to the film coated with the equivalent freshly prepared LDH/PVA dispersion.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 2823-2833
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00433F

Boosting nanomedicine performance by conditioning macrophages with methyl palmitate nanoparticles
Methyl Palmitate Nanoparticles (MPN) boost the tumor accumulation and chemotherapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines by transiently and reversibly inhibiting the phagocytic properties of tissue-resident macrophages.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 2726-2741
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00937K

Hidden spontaneous polarisation in the chalcohalide photovoltaic absorber Sn2SbS2I3
We reveal spontaneous symmetry breaking in an emerging class of mixed-metal chalcohalides, yielding strong lattice polarisation which could aid electron–hole separation in solar photovoltaics.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 2709-2716
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00764E

Scalable nanoporous carbon films allow line-of-sight 3D atomic layer deposition of Pt: towards a new generation catalyst layer for PEM fuel cells
A self-supported, binder-free and scalable nanoporous carbon scaffold serves as an excellent host for the efficient and uniform atomic layer deposition of Pt nanoparticles, showing exemplary performance as a cathode catalyst layer in a PEM fuel cell.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 2451-2462
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00268F

Self-powered ultrasensitive and highly stretchable temperature–strain sensing composite yarns
A step towards functionally-integrated and autonomous systems, where functions such as sensing and energy storage/harvesting should ideally be carried out by a single material, while retaining its ability to withstand large elastic deformations.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 2513-2519
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00908G

Tilt and shift polymorphism in molecular perovskites
Tilt and shift polymorphism in molecular perovskites is introduced, categorising irreversible perovskite-to-perovskite phase transitions in a concise concept.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 2444-2450
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00578B

Are the rates of dexter transfer in TADF hyperfluorescence systems optically accessible?
Dexter quenching is a likely loss mechanism in hyperfluorescent OLEDS, but changes in delayed emission kinetics in analogous optical experiments come from something else.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1805-1815
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01666G

Metastable Ta2N3 with highly tunable electrical conductivity via oxygen incorporation
Metastable Ta2N3 with bixbyite structure is directly deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering. Concerted experimental and computational efforts reveal the crucial role of oxygen impurity in both the synthesis and in tuning the electronic structure.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1744-1755
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00017A

Dislocation-toughened ceramics
Dislocations are mobile at low temperatures in surprisingly many ceramics but sintering minimizes their densities. Enabling local plasticity by engineering a high dislocation density is a way to combat short cracks and toughen ceramics.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1528-1537
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH02033H

The pursuit of stability in halide perovskites: the monovalent cation and the key for surface and bulk self-healing
The fine equilibrium between photodamage and self-healing determines the defect density in halide perovskites. Here we analyze the chemistry of the processes on the surface and in the bulk of APbBr3 single crystals. (A = MA, FA, Cs).
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1570-1586
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MH00006C

Metal- and halide-free, solid-state polymeric water vapor sorbents for efficient water-sorption-driven cooling and atmospheric water harvesting
Metal- and halide-free, solid-state polymeric water vapor sorbents are developed with improved water sorption capacity, reduced corrosivity, and solid state, leading to efficient water-sorption-driven cooling and atmospheric water harvesting.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1518-1527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH02051F

Negative X-ray expansion in cadmium cyanide
X-ray radiation induced unit-cell contraction and phase transition selection in the negative thermal expansion material cadmium cyanide.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1446-1453
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01989E

Cancer-microenvironment triggered self-assembling therapy with molecular blocks
Molecular blocks (4-MB) were designed to circulate as a single molecule or as a few molecules in blood vessels and self-assemble in response to a tumor specific conditions, as a cancer therapeutic agent.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 1216-1221
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH02058C

Ultratough and ultrastrong graphene oxide hybrid films via a polycationitrile approach
The newly established polycationitrile chemistry was used as a powerful molecular crosslinking strategy to engineer ultratough and ultrastrong GO/polymer hybrid films.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2021,6, 341-347
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NH00073J

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular networks to screen nano–bio interactions
The vascular bioactivity/safety of nanomaterials is typically evaluated by animal testing, which is of low throughput and does not account for biological differences between animals and humans such as ageing, metabolism and disease profiles.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2021,6, 245-259
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NH00550A

Patterning and control of the nanostructure in plasma thin films with acoustic waves: mechanical vs. electrical polarization effects
Plasma thin film deposition assisted with acoustic waves renders a patterned structure due to sheath ions local bombardment effects.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 515-524
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01540G

A highly selective electron affinity facilitated H2S sensor: the marriage of tris(keto-hydrazone) and an organic field-effect transistor
The proposed H2S gas sensor is a novel heterojunction combination that can readily absorb toxic gases, changing the channel resistance of the device. The OFET device is a highly stable and selective tool that can help in taking preventive measures.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 525-537
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01420F

Direct-writing microporous polymer architectures – print, capture and release
Direct-writing of droplets onto fluid surfaces by inkjet printing to dial-in a required pattern, structure and function into a polymer film.
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 179-186
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01460E

Gallium chiral nanoshaping for circular polarization handling
Core/shell nanohelices with VIS-CD are grown using FIBID, with the Ga+ source shaping the metallic core and the gas precursor the dielectric shell
Mater. Horiz., 2021,8, 187-196
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01078B

All-graphene-based open fluidics for pumpless, small-scale fluid transport via laser-controlled wettability patterning
We present an all-graphene based open microfluidic manufacturing technique by manipulating the surface wettability of spin-coated graphene ink films via laser-controlled patterning. The approach is rapid, flexible, and opens diverse applications in fluid transport.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2021,6, 24-32
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NH00376J

Great chiral fluorescence from the optical duality of silver nanostructures enabled by 3D laser printing
A 3D laser printing technique for realizing unprecedented stereo-chiral-luminescent silver nanostructures was developed to achieve a record-high fluorescent anisotropic factor.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 3201-3208
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01207F

Directional ultrafast charge transfer in a WSe2/MoSe2 heterostructure selectively probed by time-resolved SHG imaging microscopy
Directional interlayer charge transfer in TMD heterostructure probed by time- and polarization-resolved second-harmonic imaging microscopy.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2020,5, 1603-1609
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NH00396D

Bandgap determination from individual orthorhombic thin cesium lead bromide nanosheets by electron energy-loss spectroscopy
Bandgap from individual orthorhombic thin CsPbBr3 nanosheets, measured with electron energy-loss spectroscopy as a function of thickness.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2020,5, 1610-1617
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NH00477D

Chirality enhancement in macro-chiral liquid crystal nanoparticles
Chirality amplification in mesomorphic gold nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with chiral ligands and liquid crystal (LC) groups in LC matrices is detected. Attaching LC groups to NPs leads to a significant increase of the helical twisting power.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 3021-3027
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01274B

Charge transfer excitons in a donor–acceptor amphidynamic crystal: the role of dipole orientational order
Large amplitude motions in molecular solids are responsible for anomalous electrical characteristics in amphidynamic crystals. Here we explore the implications for charge transfer excitons photophysics.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2951-2958
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH01044H

Tough sheets of nanowires produced floating in the gas phase
SiNWs are continuously grown in the gas phase and directly collected as tough, macroscopic sheets that are flexible and free-standing.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2978-2984
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00777C

Dynamic intermolecular interactions through hydrogen bonding of water promote heat conduction in hydrogels
Dynamic intermolecular forces through hydrogen bonding between water and polymer chains are shown to enhance thermal transport in soft materials.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2936-2943
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00735H

Nanostructured amorphous gallium phosphide on silica for nonlinear and ultrafast nanophotonics
A system of amorphous gallium phosphide nanopatches is shown to be a flexible, cheap and efficient platform for ultrafast and nonlinear nanophotonics.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2020,5, 1500-1508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NH00461H

Polarization-dependent asymmetric transmission using a bifacial metasurface
Using linearly birefringent structure and induced transmission, asymmetric transmission with arbitrary polarization pair has been realized through metasurfaces, with impartment of two different phases into transmission and reflection space.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2020,5, 1487-1495
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NH00319K

The biomolecule corona of lipid nanoparticles contains circulating cell-free DNA
The biomolecule corona spontaneously adsorbed onto lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs), upon incubation with human plasma, contains circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
Nanoscale Horiz., 2020,5, 1476-1486
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NH00333F

Giant magnetoelectric effect in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/Ta ultrathin films on a ferroelectric substrate
We demonstrate a giant magnetoelectric effect in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/Ta ultrathin films on a ferroelectric substrate.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2328-2335
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00796J

Monitoring supported lipid bilayers with n-type organic electrochemical transistors
An n-type, accumulation mode, microscale organic electrochemical transistor monitors the activity of a pore-forming protein integrated into a lipid bilayer.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2348-2358
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00548G

Self-stratification of amphiphilic Janus particles at coating surfaces
Durable hydrophobic coatings are created by adding amphiphilic Janus particles to binder polymers through the unique self-stratification behaviours, which offer a novel and cost-effective solution to challenges in waterborne emulsion coatings.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2047-2055
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00589D

Cost-effective materials discovery: Bayesian optimization across multiple information sources
Multi-information source Bayesian optimization and how it can be used to capture relevant information from cheap approximations to accelerate research in the materials sciences.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2113-2123
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00062K

Local manipulation of metamagnetism by strain nanopatterning
Our work demonstrates the local enhancement of antiferromagnetic phase stability in FeRh films by strain nanopatterning.
Mater. Horiz., 2020,7, 2056-2062
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MH00601G
About this collection
This collection contains recent Open Access articles published in Materials Horizons and Nanoscale Horizons. New articles will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.