Themed collection Materials Horizons HOT Papers
![](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/Ajax-GA-Loader.gif)
Strategies for utilizing covalent organic frameworks as host materials for the integration and delivery of bioactives
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 1126-1151
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01492D
In situ stimulus-responsive self-assembled nanomaterials for drug delivery and disease treatment
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3197-3217
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00592E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Multiple neighboring active sites of an atomically precise copper nanocluster catalyst for efficient bond-forming reactions
We present a new type of core–shell copper nanocluster, [Cu29(StBu)13Cl5(PPh3)4H10]tBuSO3, that has multiple active sites on its surface. This nanocluster serves as a versatile heterogeneous catalyst for various C-heteroatom (C–O, C–N and C–S) bond-forming reactions.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 2494-2505
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH00098F
Control of positive and negative photo- and thermal-responses in a single PbI2@CH3NH3PbI3 micro/nanowire-based device for real-time sensing, nonvolatile memory, and logic operation
By introducing PbI2 quantum dots as trap centres in CH3NH3PbI3 micro/nanowires, abnormal optical and electrical responses can be achieved, allowing versatile integration of sensing, memory, and operation for optical and thermal data.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 2258-2270
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH00070F
Dual strategies of mild C–F scissoring fluorination and local high-concentration electrolyte to enable reversible Li–Fe–F conversion batteries
A dual strategy of mild C–F scissoring fluorination and local high-concentration electrolyte is proposed to enable highly reversible Li–Fe–F conversion batteries with a high reversible capacity of 335 mA h g−1 after 130 cycles.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 2169-2179
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01908J
Microcage flame retardants with complete recyclability and durability via reversible interfacial locking engineering
A new facile and scalable interfacial locking engineering strategy is exploited to endow reversible microcages with infinite chemical recyclability to starting monomers, exceptional durability, high flame-retardant efficiency, and extensive applicability across diverse polymers.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 1867-1876
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH00116H
Trace SO2 capture within the engineered pore space using a highly stable SnF62−-pillared MOF
A highly stable SnF62− pillared metal–organic framework offers a rare combination of outstanding SO2 capture, high selectivity and mild regeneration for future desulphurization processes.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 1889-1898
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH02222F
Soft–hard dual nanophases: a facile strategy for polymer strengthening and toughening
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 1426-1434
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01763J
Are topological insulators promising thermoelectrics?
Simply put, yes. Band inversion-driven warping makes topological insulators fascinating prospects for thermoelectric applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 1188-1198
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01930F
Highly sensitive and repeatable recording photopolymer for holographic data storage containing N-methylpyrrolidone
Schematic diagram of NMP-PQ/PMMA for collinear holographic data storage.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 930-938
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01729J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
High-yield and chirality-selective isolation of single-walled carbon nanotubes using conjugated polymers and small molecular chaperones
We show a highly effective isolation of monochiral single-walled carbon nanotubes using conjugated polymers and small molecular chaperones that facilitate polymer folding.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 758-767
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01687K
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
Scalable co-cured polyimide/poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) all-organic composites enabling improved energy storage density, low leakage current and long-term cycling stability
The all-organic high-temperature polymer dielectrics with promising scale-up potential have witnessed much progress in the energy storage area, etc.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 271-282
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01479G
Understanding radiation-generated electronic traps in radiation dosimeters based on organic field-effect transistors
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 134-140
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01507F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Contact efficiency optimization for tribovoltaic nanogenerators
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5962-5968
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01369C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Reversible and high-contrast thermal conductivity switching in a flexible covalent organic framework possessing negative Poisson's ratio
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5484-5491
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01417G
A retinomorphic neuron for artificial vision and iris accommodation
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 5753-5762
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01036H
Electro-mechanical coupling directs endothelial activities through intracellular calcium ion deployment
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4903-4913
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01049J
Surface nitrided MXene sheets with outstanding electroconductivity and oxidation stability
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4892-4902
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01180A
Sustainable mechanochemical growth of double-network hydrogels supported by vascular-like perfusion
Double-network (DN) gels are unique mechanochemical materials owing to their structures that can be dynamically remodelled during use.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4882-4891
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01038D
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
A strain-reinforcing elastomer adhesive with superior adhesive strength and toughness
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4183-4191
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00966A
Solid state solvation: a fresh view
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 4172-4182
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00988B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Selective deconstruction of mixed plastics by a tailored organocatalyst
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3360-3368
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00801K
In vivo self-assembled shape-memory polyurethane for minimally invasive delivery and therapy
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3438-3449
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00594A
Learning molecular dynamics: predicting the dynamics of glasses by a machine learning simulator
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3416-3428
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00028A
Introducing high-valence molybdenum to stimulate lattice oxygen in a NiCo LDH cathode for chloride ion batteries
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3429-3437
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00706E
![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
Wide-temperature-range multispectral camouflage enabled by orientation-gradient co-optimized microwave blackbody metastructure coupled with conformal MXene coating
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 3404-3415
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00611E
Honeycomb layered topology construction for exceptional long-wave infrared nonlinear optical crystals
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 2876-2882
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00257H
Hexagonal boron nitride nanophotonics: a record-breaking material for the ultraviolet and visible spectral ranges
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 2427-2435
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00215B
The effects of intercalated environmental gas molecules on carrier dynamics in WSe2/WS2 heterostructures
Effective tuning of carrier dynamics in two-dimensional (2D) materials is significant for multi-scene device applications.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 2417-2426
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00420A
Rational design of zinc powder anode with high utilization and long cycle life for advanced aqueous Zn–S batteries
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2023,10, 2436-2444
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH00278K
About this collection
This on-going web collection features all the articles published in Materials Horizons in the last 12 months that were particularly well received by our reviewers and Editors.
Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured!