Themed collection Recent Review Articles


Is the single-ion conductor cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 a binary ionic electrolyte?
Garnet-type cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 (c-LLZO) is a single-ion conductor, but the electrochemically generated charged vacancies make it a binary ionic electrolyte, which explains the current- and thickness-dependent lithium dendrite initiation dynamics.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5453-5458
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00069F
Debonding-on-demand adhesives for recycling and reusing of electronic devices
Debonding-on-demand adhesives enable the disassembly of multilayer electronic devices under external stimuli, facilitating efficient recycling and reuse of valuable components.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 4934-4939
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00468C

Reimagining drug nanocarriers: clinical realities and smarter strategies for targeted drug delivery
Lost in translation: no targeted nanoparticle has reached the clinic due to poor targeting efficacy, and overcoming this will require rethinking pharmacokinetics, optimizing dosing regimens, and addressing issues like antigen depletion.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00927H

Mitigating the P2–O2 phase transition-induced structural instability in P2-Nax[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 Na-ion battery cathodes: to dope or not to dope, that is the question
Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 (NNMO) Na-ion battery cathodes cycle well between 2 and 4 V (a) but suffer from severe decay when cycled above 4 V (b) due to P2–O2 transition. Doping strategies used to overcome this issue are discussed in this article.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00656B

Living dynamic polymeric materials
Many materials exhibit static and functional properties.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00710K
Rational design of uniform SiO2-based afterglow microparticles for photonic crystals
This article highlights recent advances in the rational design of uniform afterglow SiO2 microparticles, facilitated by pseudomorphic transformation-assisted doping, identifies key challenges, and explores opportunities in this field.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 1381-1387
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH01541J
Advancements in separator materials for aqueous zinc batteries
Aqueous zinc (Zn) batteries (AZBs) are becoming promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage because of their inherent safety, cost-effectiveness, and high theoretical capacity.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1932-1955
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00172B
Recent Advances of Stretchable Soft Antennas: Material, Structure and Integration
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00383K
Biphasic liquid metal composites as soldering systems for robust soft–rigid interfacing in stretchable hybrid electronics
The recent significant advances in biphasic liquid metal-based soldering systems for stretchable hybrid devices are systematically reviewed, offering insights into their potential for advanced electronic integration.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00405E

Dynamic DNA Superstructures with Emergent Functions
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00436E

A comprehensive analysis from the basics to the application of V-cathodes in Zn–V static and flow batteries
This mini review summarizes the recent progress of Zn–V static battery and Zn–V redox flow battery. Mechanisms, classification and structures, problems and modification strategies are discussed for future developments of these batteries.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1330-1344
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00125K

Bioactive metal sulfide nanomaterials as photo-enhanced chemodynamic nanoreactors for tumor therapy
An overview of MeSNs for photo-enhanced chemodynamic theranostics of tumors is provided in this review, offering insights into their potential for next-generation cancer treatments.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1307-1329
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00122F
Pancatalytic Biomaterials Enable Inflammation-Related Disease Intervention
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00408J
Advances and challenges of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and derivatives in photoelectrocatalytic water splitting
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01457C
Solid-State Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00953G
Uniqueness and future perspectives of 2D ferroelectric devices: applications in emerging computing paradigms and hardware security
This review charts the rise of 2D ferroelectrics and their shift from fundamental physics to devices, enabling energy-efficient in-sensor computing, logic-in-memory, reservoir computing, and hardware security primitives like TRNGs and PUFs.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00835B
The application and challenges of antimicrobial drug-loaded scaffold materials for the treatment of bone infections
Types of antibiotics for treating bone infections and preparation methods of different drug-loaded scaffolds.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1905-1931
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00378D

The gold nanoparticle–lipid membrane synergy for nanomedical applications
The integration of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with lipid bilayers, gives rise to powerful synergistic effects arising from nanoscale interactions.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1863-1881
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00292C
Confined nanoarchitectonics for nano-reactors: in situ characterization and tracking systems at the nanoscale
This review explores the application of nanoarchitectonic to confined nanostructures, with a particular focus on advanced in situ characterization and tracking techniques that reveal the dynamic processes of chemical reactions within nano-reactors.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1882-1904
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00252D
Nucleic acid-based chiral nanostructures and their biomedical applications
The chiral geometries of nucleic acids and emerging biomedical applications of nucleic acid-based chiral nanostructures are summarized in this review.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1802-1814
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00140D
Overview and SWOT analysis of nano-ferroptosis therapy for cancers
This review employs SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of nano-ferroptosis therapy, thereby identifying strategies that can inform ongoing basic research, application development, and clinical trials.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1838-1862
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00170F
Toward next-generation smart medical care wearables: where microfluidics meet microneedles
The integration of microneedles (MNs) with microfluidic platforms has emerged as a transformative approach for developing next-generation smart wearable devices aimed at precise drug delivery and real-time physiological monitoring.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1815-1837
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00060B
In situ SERS and in situ Raman: deciphering interfacial phenomena and processes
This review highlights in situ SERS/Raman for dissecting complex reactions via spectral analysis. It covers species transformation and substrate evolution in various systems, and discusses statistical methods and future perspectives.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00212E
Dual-Functional Surface Coatings Integrating Antimicrobial and Antibiofouling Mechanisms: From Material Design to Application Landscapes
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01132A
Globular Proteins as Functional-Mechanical Materials: A Multiscale Perspective on Design, Processing, and Application
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01107H

Nano-Chinese Herbal Medicines and their Delivery Strategies for Central Nervous System Diseases Therapy
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00277J
Perylene diimide-based photocatalysts: from molecular design to emerging applications
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01487E

Models connecting microstructure and charge transport in disordered semiconducting polymers: from theories to digital design
Theoretical methods connecting chemical composition, structure, electronic properties and charge transport properties are reviewed with focus on the approaches used to connect between models at different resolutions.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01079A

MXene-based electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction: advances, challenges, and perspectives
The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a crucial step toward a sustainable carbon economy, enabling the conversion of greenhouse gases into valuable fuels and chemicals.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00905G
Carbon dots gels: synergistic platforms for advanced visual information storage
This review systematically presents practical strategies for designing and fabricating carbon dot gels, while providing a comprehensive analysis of their applications in visual information storage.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01219H
Recent advances in smart responsive hydrogel microspheres for tissue regeneration: preparation, characteristics and applications
The tissue engineering strategy represents a balanced and dynamic approach that utilizes various tissue cells, bio-scaffolds and bio-agents (such as cells and drugs) to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01020A
Triboelectric Self-Powered Soft Robotics: Paving Way towards Sustainable Future
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00949A
Nanotechnology-enhanced gene therapy for hearing loss
Hearing loss is a global health concern affecting hundreds of millions of individuals, with current interventions like hearing aids and cochlear implants offering only functional improvements rather than addressing the root causes.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00520E

The emergence of metal-free molecular perovskites: challenges and opportunities
This review discusses the challenges associated with the emerging all-organic perovskite materials while outlining opportunities for their further development and applications in the future.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 6124-6132
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH01877J
Bioinspired rational design of nanozymes
This review presents a comprehensive overview of bioinspired rational design of nanozymes, guided by the catalytic mechanisms and structural characteristics of natural enzymes, and enhanced by emerging trend of machine learning assisted strategies.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5957-5974
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00746A
Recent advances in nanomaterial-based adsorbents for removal of pharmaceutical pollutants from wastewater
Adsorption is widely recognized as an effective and practical approach for mitigating the environmental hazards associated with pharmaceutical waste, owing to its operational simplicity, economic feasibility, and consistent performance.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 6043-6068
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00627A
Shape-morphing bioelectronic devices
Working principles, representative deformation modes, manufacturing methodologies, diverse applications, as well as challenges and opportunities of shape-morphing bioelectronic devices.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5994-6017
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00453E
Recent advances in garnet-based electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries: interfacial challenges and engineering strategies
In this review, we systematically analyze the interfacial challenges between garnet-type electrolytes/composite electrolytes and electrodes, mainly focusing on the interfacial failure mechanism of garnet-type based SSLMBs.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 6082-6123
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00583C
Control of molecular aggregation structures towards flexible organic photovoltaics
This review evaluates molecular aggregation structures across scales, elucidates mechanisms for enhancing tensile properties and summarizes methods to regulate structures, which provides critical insights for designing efficient and flexible OPVs.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 6069-6081
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00160A
Innovative biosensing smart masks: unveiling the future of respiratory monitoring
An innovative biosensing smart mask for the future of respiratory monitoring.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5975-5993
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00279F

Innovative engineering strategies and mechanistic insights for enhanced carbon-based electrocatalysts in sustainable H2O2 production
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest key advancements in materials engineering strategies for carbon-based electrocatalysts for H2O2 production.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 6018-6042
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00221D
Organic small-molecule cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: design strategy, application and mechanism
Recent progress on OSM-based cathodes for AZIBs has been summarized, with their molecular structure design or modification strategies being highlighted.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00394F

From solid to liquid piezoelectric materials
The piezoelectric phenomena observed in a wide range of materials from crystalline solids to 3D liquids are reviewed. Special emphasis is given to recent measurements of the piezoelectric responses of fluid ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00917K
Nanozyme-enabled cancer theranostics: bridging enzyme mimicry and material intelligence
Nanozymes, an innovative class of biocatalytic nanomaterials, have emerged as transformative tools in cancer theranostics.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01000D
Cost-effective poly(3-alkylthiophene)-based organic photovoltaics: advancing solar energy conversion and photodetection technologies
Insightfully connects low-cost poly(3-alkylthiophene) design with tailored morphology strategies for high-performance organic solar cells and photodetectors.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01115A

Small but mighty: the versatility of nanobodies in modern medicine
Nanotools in biomedicine open up novel applications in research, diagnostics, and clinical care.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00283D
Recent progress of 3D-printed polymeric gel sensors for flexible electronics
This review explores 3D-printed solvent-impregnated polymeric gels for advanced flexible sensors, emphasizing their fabrication, versatility, and future potential.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00381D

Recent advances in atomic layer deposition of superconducting thin films: a review
ALD of superconducting films for various high performance applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5594-5626
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00323G
Recent advances in photocatalytic H2O2 production: modification strategies of 2D materials and in situ application of H2O2
This review summarizes recent advances in the modification strategies of 2D materials for photocatalytic H2O2 production and its in situ applications. Additionally, the existing challenges in this field and potential solutions are discussed.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5492-5512
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00295H
Thermogalvanic hydrogels for low-grade heat harvesting and health monitoring
With the advances and ongoing research efforts discussed in this review, a continuous breakthrough in high-performance thermogalvanic hydrogels for efficient low-grade heat harvesting and wearable electronics for health monitoring is foreseeable.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5473-5491
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH01931H
Advances in chiral luminescent liquid crystals (CLLCs): from molecular design to applications
Research on circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials has evolved into a hot research topic because of their potential application prospects in the optoelectronics and chiroptical fields.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5627-5653
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH01928H
Covalent organic framework membranes for lithium extraction: facilitated ion transport strategies to enhance selectivity
Mechanistic design of COF membranes enables high-selectivity ion transport for lithium extraction via diffusion and electrodialysis.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5459-5472
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00457H

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) as a versatile semiconducting polymer for cutting-edge bioelectronics
Photo- and electro-active poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-based materials serve as efficient and highly biocompatible phototransducers for cutting-edge bioelectronic applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5570-5593
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00096C
Recent development review of Ti3C2Tx MXene-based microsupercapacitors: a multi-dimensional analysis spanning from underlying mechanisms to integrated applications
This review presents the latest advancements in the mechanisms and fabrication techniques of Ti3C2Tx-based MSCs, emphasizes their applications across various components of MSCs, and provides a summary of integrated examples of MSC-powered systems.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5539-5569
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00423C
Silicon anode modification strategies in solid-state lithium-ion batteries
This research proposes performance-boosting strategies for silicon anodes in solid-state batteries by leveraging nanostructuring, doping and compositing. Moreover, it surveys the field's perspective and charts future research directions.
Mater. Horiz., 2025,12, 5513-5538
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00434A
Recent advances in flexible and wearable OLEDs for biomedical applications: a review
This review highlights recent advances in flexible OLED technologies tailored for biomedical applications, with emphasis on their current use in phototherapy and prospects in wearable healthcare.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00742A
Microbubble-enhanced cold plasma (MB-CAP) for pathogen disinfection in water: a sustainable alternative to traditional methods
Ensuring access to safe drinking water is a key global priority.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00945F
Synthesis planning for atomically precise metal nanoclusters
This review presents a comprehensive three-stage synthesis planning framework for atomically precise metal nanoclusters, demonstrating how data-driven approaches can systematically address design and synthesis challenges to enhance rational design.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00353A
Polyimide-driven innovations as “inert” components in high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Polyimide-based “inert” components in LIBs include separators, solid-state electrolytes, protective layers, and binders.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00822K
Decoding halide perovskites for neuromorphic and memristive devices
Bridging biological neural systems and halide perovskite-based neuromorphic hardware for next-generation intelligent applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00534E
2D materials-based flash memory device: mechanism, structure, application
Conceptual overview of 2D materials-based flash memory: architectures, materials, and applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00803D
Research progress on clay-based hybrid proton exchange membranes for fuel cells
Recent advances in clay-based proton exchange membranes are reviewed, focusing on microstructural design and regulation of proton transport channels.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00720H

Continuous biosignal acquisition beyond the limit of epidermal turnover
Advances in chronic wearable biosignal acquisition are reviewed, emphasizing biointerfaces, wireless power, multimodal sensing, analytics, and challenges in epidermal turnover, accuracy, power and clinical translation.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00758E
From microchannels to high shear reactors: process intensification strategies for controlled nanomaterial synthesis
A pioneering review of process intensification strategies in nanomaterial synthesis, detailing mechanisms and applications to accelerate advances in the field.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00336A
Recent advances in metal–organic frameworks for Li–O2 batteries: advantages, challenges, and innovative design
MOFs, as cathodes, photocathodes, and solid-state electrolytes, greatly boost Li–O2 battery performance by enhancing catalytic efficiency, safety, and energy density—paving the way for advanced, practical energy storage solutions.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00823A
Photonic crystal-based structural color switches
This review categorizes PC-based structural color switches into four distinct approaches, establishing a mechanistic framework to analyze their stimulus-responsive behaviors and applications in sensors, anticounterfeiting, and display.
Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00768B
Rolling circle amplification/transcription-based nanotechnology for efficient delivery of nucleic acid drugs
This review gives an overview of RCA/RCT-based nanocarriers for nucleic acid drug delivery, systematically summarizing their nanoization strategies, drug loading approaches, targeting modalities, and controlled release mechanisms.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00364D
Tattoo electrodes in bioelectronics: a pathway to next-generation wearable systems
This review provides an overview of recent progress in tattoo electrodes, emphasizing fabrication techniques and material selection, and explores their broad range of applications in wearable bioelectronic systems.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1501-1516
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00175G

Exploring the intricacies of protein–nanoparticle interaction and its implications in chronic diseases: a comprehensive review
Nanoparticles upon interaction with proteins form a protein corona, altering their characteristics. This corona influences nanoparticles' biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1615-1641
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00076A
Wearable biosensors for health monitoring: advances in graphene-based technologies
This paper reviews graphene nanostructures as promising materials for wearable biosensors, detailing their synthesis, tunability, and biocompatibility, and outlining their role in next-generation wearable diagnostics for real-time health monitoring.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1542-1574
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00141B
About this collection
In addition to first reports of new concepts, Materials Horizons and Nanoscale Horizons publish topical review and minireview articles.
Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.