Themed collection Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering

38 items
Minireview

Upcycling of thermosetting polymers into high-value materials

The strategies implemented for upcycling thermoset waste are first reviewed, followed by their strengths and weaknesses; lastly, future directions are highlighted.

Graphical abstract: Upcycling of thermosetting polymers into high-value materials
Minireview

Navigating nMOF-mediated enzymatic reactions for catalytic tumor-specific therapy

nMOF-mediated enzymatic reactions have spurred intensive research, securing their place as “magic bullets” for catalytic tumor-specific therapy.

Graphical abstract: Navigating nMOF-mediated enzymatic reactions for catalytic tumor-specific therapy
Review Article

Graphene-based electrochemical sensors for antibiotics: sensing theories, synthetic methods, and on-site monitoring applications

The successful construction of objective sensors needs to focus on the theoretical elaboration of sensing mechanisms and practical applications for on-site monitoring antibiotics.

Graphical abstract: Graphene-based electrochemical sensors for antibiotics: sensing theories, synthetic methods, and on-site monitoring applications
Review Article

Graphene-based polymer composites in thermal management: materials, structures and applications

This review highlights advancements in the thermal management of graphene-based polymer composites, emphasizing material selection, preparation, modification, structural design, and innovative applications.

Graphical abstract: Graphene-based polymer composites in thermal management: materials, structures and applications
Review Article

Nanoionics enabled atomic point contact construction and quantum conductance effects

Atomic point contact structures are constructed by the electric field-driven nanoionics technique to achieve stable and adjustable quantum conductance states for various applications.

Graphical abstract: Nanoionics enabled atomic point contact construction and quantum conductance effects
Review Article

Advances and challenges in MXene-based electrocatalysts: unlocking the potential for sustainable energy conversion

This review summarizes the design strategies of MXene-based catalysts for HER, OER, ORR and NRR, including surface modification, MXene lattice substitution, morphology, defect and heterostructure engineering.

Graphical abstract: Advances and challenges in MXene-based electrocatalysts: unlocking the potential for sustainable energy conversion
Review Article

Visible-light-excited organic room temperature phosphorescence

This review summarizes great advancements in visible-light-excited RTP, mainly focusing on the construction strategies, optical properties, underlying emission mechanisms, and innovative applications.

Graphical abstract: Visible-light-excited organic room temperature phosphorescence
Review Article

Photodynamic therapy with NIR-II probes: review on state-of-the-art tools and strategies

The current state-of-the art on NIR-II-activated photosensitizers and their applications for the deep tumor treatment, as well as recent efforts that combine NIR-II activated PDT with other complementary therapeutic routes.

Graphical abstract: Photodynamic therapy with NIR-II probes: review on state-of-the-art tools and strategies
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Strategies for utilizing covalent organic frameworks as host materials for the integration and delivery of bioactives
Review Article

Biomimetic anti-freezing polymeric hydrogels: keeping soft-wet materials active in cold environments

The bio-inspired general synthesis strategies of anti-freezing hydrogels and their potential application fields.

Graphical abstract: Biomimetic anti-freezing polymeric hydrogels: keeping soft-wet materials active in cold environments
Communication

Precise diagnosis of tumor cells and hemocytes using ultrasensitive, stable, selective cuprous oxide composite SERS bioprobes assisted with high-efficiency separation microfluidic chips

In this study, we reported a flower-like Cu2O@Ag SERS substrate for distinguish three types of cancer cells from white blood cells by using machine learning-assisted LDA, after separating cancer cells from blood samples via a microfluidic chip.

Graphical abstract: Precise diagnosis of tumor cells and hemocytes using ultrasensitive, stable, selective cuprous oxide composite SERS bioprobes assisted with high-efficiency separation microfluidic chips
Communication

High-throughput development of tough metallic glass films

An experimental framework for high-throughput development of tough metallic glass films as strain-sensing materials for application in the field of soft electronics was proposed.

Graphical abstract: High-throughput development of tough metallic glass films
Communication

Electrothermally powered synergistic fluorescence-colour/3D-shape changeable polymer gel systems for rewritable and programmable information display

Bioinspired electrothermally activated polymer gel systems with synergistic fluorescence-colour/3D shape changing properties are developed for rewritable and programmable information displays.

Graphical abstract: Electrothermally powered synergistic fluorescence-colour/3D-shape changeable polymer gel systems for rewritable and programmable information display
Communication

Empowering soft conductive elastomers with self-reinforcement and remarkable resilience via phase-locking ions

This work reports a self-reinforcing ion-conductive elastomer with an ultimate strength of ∼51.0 MPa and an instant resilient efficiency of ∼92.9%, which can be utilized for grid-free position recognition sensors.

Graphical abstract: Empowering soft conductive elastomers with self-reinforcement and remarkable resilience via phase-locking ions
Communication

High density lath twins lead to high thermoelectric conversion efficiency in Bi2Te3 modules

By introducing the active telluride Ag9GaTe6 in p-type Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3, lath twin boundaries are induced as differential scattering centers for carriers and phonons, leading to improved ZT values and high thermoelectric conversion efficiencies.

Graphical abstract: High density lath twins lead to high thermoelectric conversion efficiency in Bi2Te3 modules
Communication

Enhanced environmental adaptability of sandwich-like MoS2/Ag/WC nanomultilayer films via Ag nanoparticle diffusion-dominated defect repair

A self-healing MoS2/Ag/WC sandwich-like architecture utilizes spontaneous Ag atom diffusion to repair film defects and ensure long-lasting lubrication in extreme environments.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced environmental adaptability of sandwich-like MoS2/Ag/WC nanomultilayer films via Ag nanoparticle diffusion-dominated defect repair
Communication

Dynamic metal–ligand coordination enables a hydrogel with rewritable dual-mode pattern display

Dual-mode hydrogels with structural and fluorescent colors are made of rigid pDGI and flexible PAAm/PAAc-CDs. Al3+ binding shifts the structural color and the fluorescence simultaneously, which can be restored.

Graphical abstract: Dynamic metal–ligand coordination enables a hydrogel with rewritable dual-mode pattern display
Communication

A high-temperature-triggered crosslinking reaction to achieve excellent intrinsic flame retardancy of organic phase change composites

A latent crosslinking reaction between the polymer aerogel and organic PCMs was designed, enabling the PCC to form a copolymer monolith with improved charring ability and intrinsic fire safety when overheated, without flame-retardant modification.

Graphical abstract: A high-temperature-triggered crosslinking reaction to achieve excellent intrinsic flame retardancy of organic phase change composites
Communication

Phase stabilization via A-site ion anchoring for ultra-stable perovskite light emitting diodes

To enhance the operational stability of perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs), 1H,1H-perfluorohexylamine was employed to anchor ions and stabilize perovskite phase, yielding ambient stable film and ultra-stable PeLEDs with 37.2-year T50 lifetime.

Graphical abstract: Phase stabilization via A-site ion anchoring for ultra-stable perovskite light emitting diodes
Communication

Engineering of robust conjugated polymer-based aerogels via surface-initiated polycondensation towards sunlight-driven seawater desalination and uranium extraction

This work shows a strategy for the preparation of uniform and high stability sp2C-CPP-based aerogels to simultaneously enhance their photothermal and photocatalytic performance.

Graphical abstract: Engineering of robust conjugated polymer-based aerogels via surface-initiated polycondensation towards sunlight-driven seawater desalination and uranium extraction
Communication

Ionically assembled hemostatic powders with rapid self-gelation, strong acid resistance, and on-demand removability for upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Multi-functional hemostatic powders with rapid self-gelation, strong acid tolerance, and on-demand removability have been developed via ionic assembly of HTCC and phytic acids for treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Graphical abstract: Ionically assembled hemostatic powders with rapid self-gelation, strong acid resistance, and on-demand removability for upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Communication

High resistance of superconducting TiN thin films against environmental attacks

Single-crystalline TiN(111) films in acid and alkaline solutions show a superior corrosion resistance compared to polycrystalline TiN films, with unexpected stability and durability of superconducticity.

Graphical abstract: High resistance of superconducting TiN thin films against environmental attacks
Open Access Communication

van der Waals-bonded graphene clusters enhance thermal conductivity of phase-change materials for advanced thermal energy management

Through highly oriented arrangement of graphene, ultra-low junction thermal resistance structure, and phase-change microcapsule technology, we developed composites with high thermal conductivity (103 W m−1 K−1) and fast phase-change heat absorption.

Graphical abstract: van der Waals-bonded graphene clusters enhance thermal conductivity of phase-change materials for advanced thermal energy management
Communication

A flexible dual-mode sensor with decoupled strain and temperature sensing for smart robots

The neutral surface in the structural design enables a flexible dual modal strain sensor with strain–temperature decoupling. At the same time, material selection ensures stable sensing of temperature and strain over a wide temperature range.

Graphical abstract: A flexible dual-mode sensor with decoupled strain and temperature sensing for smart robots
Communication

Highly elastic relaxor ferroelectrics for wearable energy storage

The first report using peroxide cross-linking to create intrinsic high-elastic relaxor ferroelectric materials for elastic energy storage.

Graphical abstract: Highly elastic relaxor ferroelectrics for wearable energy storage
Communication

Slippery hydrogel surface on PTFE hollow fiber membranes for sustainable emulsion separation

Establishing an efficient and sustainable membrane module is of great significance for practical oil/water emulsion separation.

Graphical abstract: Slippery hydrogel surface on PTFE hollow fiber membranes for sustainable emulsion separation
Communication

Ultramicroporous crosslinked polyxanthene-poly(biphenyl piperidinium)-based anion exchange membranes for water electrolyzers operating under highly alkaline conditions

The ultramicroporous crosslinked polyxanthene-poly(biphenyl piperidinium)-based anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer demonstrated exceptional electrolysis performance under highly alkaline conditions.

Graphical abstract: Ultramicroporous crosslinked polyxanthene-poly(biphenyl piperidinium)-based anion exchange membranes for water electrolyzers operating under highly alkaline conditions
Communication

Designing a photocatalytic and self-renewed g-C3N4 nanosheet/poly-Schiff base composite coating towards long-term biofouling resistance

A new long-term anti-biofouling composite coating combining g-C3N4 nanosheets with degradable green poly-Schiff base resins, which integrates the dual functions of enhanced dynamic self-renewal and photocatalytic antibacterial activities.

Graphical abstract: Designing a photocatalytic and self-renewed g-C3N4 nanosheet/poly-Schiff base composite coating towards long-term biofouling resistance
Communication

Sulfur-regulated CoSe2 nanowires with high-charge active centers for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonium

The structural evolution of CoSe2 from 2D to 1D is achieved through the precise regulation of sulfur. The obtained S-CoSe2 NWs can efficiently mobilize nitrate reduction to ammonia in temperate environments.

Graphical abstract: Sulfur-regulated CoSe2 nanowires with high-charge active centers for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonium
Communication

A self-organized sandwich structure of chromium nitride for ultra-long lifetime in liquid sodium

A novel interface-engineering strategy consisting of the subtle control of the phase transition direction and interface diffusion reaction was proposed, successfully realizing self-organized surfaces and interfaces for use in harsh environments.

Graphical abstract: A self-organized sandwich structure of chromium nitride for ultra-long lifetime in liquid sodium
Communication

Highly oriented BN-based TIMs with high through-plane thermal conductivity and low compression modulus

Large-scale production of highly oriented BN-based TIMs with high through-plane thermal conductivity and low compression modulus.

Graphical abstract: Highly oriented BN-based TIMs with high through-plane thermal conductivity and low compression modulus
Communication

Optimizing the energy level alignment for achieving record-breaking efficiency in hot exciton deep red OLEDs

Efficient hot exciton emitters are crucial for having a narrow energy gap between the lowest singlet excited (S1) state and the second triplet excited (T2) state while also ensuring that the T2 state is slightly higher than that of the S1 state.

Graphical abstract: Optimizing the energy level alignment for achieving record-breaking efficiency in hot exciton deep red OLEDs
Communication

Pulsed laser welding of macroscopic 3D graphene materials

A laser welding technique that allows for rapidly joining macroscopic 3D graphene materials together under ambient conditions is theoretically proposed and experimentally realized.

Graphical abstract: Pulsed laser welding of macroscopic 3D graphene materials
Communication

Dynamic covalent polymer engineering for stable and self-healing perovskite solar cells

Utilizing acylhydrazone-bonded waterborne polyurethane as a dynamic covalent polymer engineering approach, self-repairing perovskite solar cells demonstrate excellent durability with activation occurring at a relatively low temperature of ∼60 oC.

Graphical abstract: Dynamic covalent polymer engineering for stable and self-healing perovskite solar cells
Communication

Pioneering research on blue “hot exciton” polymers and their application in solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes

Molecular orbital management strategy has enabled the first “hot excitons” polymer materials with multiple excitons transfer channels between Tn and Sm states and the large spin–orbit coupling between the energetically close Tn and Sm states.

Graphical abstract: Pioneering research on blue “hot exciton” polymers and their application in solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes
Communication

Dual-infinite coordination polymer-engineered nanomedicines for dual-ion interference-mediated oxidative stress-dependent tumor suppression

Dual-infinite coordination polymer-engineered nanomedicines Fc@Ca–TA NPs for dual-ion interference-mediated oxidative stress-dependent tumor suppression.

Graphical abstract: Dual-infinite coordination polymer-engineered nanomedicines for dual-ion interference-mediated oxidative stress-dependent tumor suppression
Communication

Dynamic competitive strains enabled self-supporting Janus nanostructured films for high-performance airflow perception

A smart spiderweb composed of graphene/carbon sphere hybrid in a self-supported form was rationally designed, which enabled dynamic strain competition to efficiently perceive both an ultralow airflow of 0.0087 m s−1 and high velocity of 23 m s−1.

Graphical abstract: Dynamic competitive strains enabled self-supporting Janus nanostructured films for high-performance airflow perception
Communication

A fully hydrophobic ionogel enables highly efficient wearable underwater sensors and communicators

A fully hydrophobic ionogel sensor possesses excellent underwater sensing performance with high sensitivity, rapid responsiveness and superior durability, showing great potential in underwater communication and marine biological research.

Graphical abstract: A fully hydrophobic ionogel enables highly efficient wearable underwater sensors and communicators
38 items

About this collection

In celebration of the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) 20th anniversary, Materials Horizons has published this collection showcasing some of the recent and impactful research from the institute.

NIMTE, as a research institute affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was officially founded in April 2004. NIMTE aims to strengthen the cross-integration of materials science, as its main discipline, with other disciplines in chemistry, physics, information technology, medical engineering and mechanical engineering. NIMTE primarily pursues research conducting fundamental, forward-looking and world-leading developments in the field of materials science.

This collection features work previously and recently published in Materials Horizons from researchers based at the institute. We hope that the broad range of research showcased in the collection will serve as an indicator of the impactful work being published at the NIMTE.

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