Themed collection Materials Horizons 10th anniversary regional spotlight collection: Europe

45 items
Minireview

Bioinspired double network hydrogels: from covalent double network hydrogels via hybrid double network hydrogels to physical double network hydrogels

This minireview discusses the advantages and challenges in constructing bioinspired double-network hydrogels mimicking the structure and/or properties of biological tissue.

Graphical abstract: Bioinspired double network hydrogels: from covalent double network hydrogels via hybrid double network hydrogels to physical double network hydrogels
Open Access Minireview

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.

Graphical abstract: Evolution of self-healing elastomers, from extrinsic to combined intrinsic mechanisms: a review
Open Access Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Dual emission in purely organic materials for optoelectronic applications
Open Access Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: It's a trap! On the nature of localised states and charge trapping in lead halide perovskites
Open Access Review Article

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.

Graphical abstract: Advances in designs and mechanisms of semiconducting metal oxide nanostructures for high-precision gas sensors operated at room temperature
Open Access Review Article

The evolution of ‘sol–gel’ chemistry as a technique for materials synthesis

From its initial use to describe hydrolysis and condensation processes, the term ‘sol–gel’ is now used for a diverse range of chemistries.

Graphical abstract: The evolution of ‘sol–gel’ chemistry as a technique for materials synthesis
Review Article

Protein corona formation around nanoparticles – from the past to the future

Existing analytical models, such as the Hill model, are a powerful tool to understand the process of protein binding to nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: Protein corona formation around nanoparticles – from the past to the future
Open Access Communication

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.

Graphical abstract: A pyridine-capped quaterthiophene as an alternative to PEDOT:PSS, processable from organic solvents and without acidity, for more stable electronic devices
Open Access Communication

Polymorph screening at surfaces of a benzothienobenzothiophene derivative: discovering new solvate forms

Variation of the thin-film preparation conditions identifies application-relevant polymorphs for particular molecular materials, where crystallization at surfaces enables the discovery of additional phases compared with classical polymorph screening.

Graphical abstract: Polymorph screening at surfaces of a benzothienobenzothiophene derivative: discovering new solvate forms
Open Access Communication

Optimization of thermoelectric properties of carbon nanotube veils by defect engineering

Defect engineering of CNT veils, by stretching and heat-repairing, is shown to be a method for optimising thermoelectric performances, as thermal conductivity can be reduced without significantly affecting Seebeck voltage and electrical conductivity.

Graphical abstract: Optimization of thermoelectric properties of carbon nanotube veils by defect engineering
Open Access Communication

Microscopic strain mapping in polymers equipped with non-covalent mechanochromic motifs

We present a generalisable methodology based on fluorescent non-covalent mechanophores for producing quantitative maps of local strain around defects within three-dimensional polymeric matrices.

Graphical abstract: Microscopic strain mapping in polymers equipped with non-covalent mechanochromic motifs
Open Access Communication

3D organic bioelectronics for electrical monitoring of human adult stem cells

Conducting polymer scaffolds enable electrical monitoring of the growth of three-dimensional human adult stem cell cultures and facilitate their differentiation into neuron-like cells.

Graphical abstract: 3D organic bioelectronics for electrical monitoring of human adult stem cells
Open Access Communication

Flexible triboelectric nanogenerators using transparent copper nanowire electrodes: energy harvesting, sensing human activities and material recognition

A high performance flexible triboelectric nanogenerator using oxidation resistant pure copper nanowire electrodes.

Graphical abstract: Flexible triboelectric nanogenerators using transparent copper nanowire electrodes: energy harvesting, sensing human activities and material recognition
Open Access Communication

A cold-responsive liquid crystal elastomer provides visual signals for monitoring a critical temperature decrease

A new generation of critical temperature indicators is developed for monitoring temperature decrease and providing irreversible visual signals. This is realized by using a switchable permeable–impermeable gold-liquid crystal elastomer membrane.

Graphical abstract: A cold-responsive liquid crystal elastomer provides visual signals for monitoring a critical temperature decrease
Open Access Communication

On the mechanistic complexity of oxygen evolution: potential-dependent switching of the mechanism at the volcano apex

The volcano plot for oxygen evolution, consisting of a plethora of different reaction mechanisms, reveals mechanistic changes in dependence of the descriptor (ΔG1) and potential-dependent switching of the preferred pathway at the volcano apex.

Graphical abstract: On the mechanistic complexity of oxygen evolution: potential-dependent switching of the mechanism at the volcano apex
Communication

What is special about Y6; the working mechanism of neat Y6 organic solar cells

Morphological modification by DIO additive facilitates charge generation in the bulk of Y6, suppresses the bimolecular recombination, which results in an increased JSC and FF of single component Y6 solar cells.

Graphical abstract: What is special about Y6; the working mechanism of neat Y6 organic solar cells
From the themed collection: 2023 Materials Horizons Most Popular Articles
Open Access Communication

Universal ion-transport descriptors and classes of inorganic solid-state electrolytes

A comprehensive first-principles database is introduced for prototypical families of inorganic solid-state electrolytes containing sets of zero-temperature DFT and finite-temperature ab initio molecular dynamic results.

Graphical abstract: Universal ion-transport descriptors and classes of inorganic solid-state electrolytes
Open Access Communication

MOF/polymer hybrids through in situ free radical polymerization in metal-organic frameworks

A simple yet powerful strategy of carrying out free radical polymerization of methacrylate monomers using a MOF-based initiator. The obtained composites maintain high catalytic activity towards a chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulant.

Graphical abstract: MOF/polymer hybrids through in situ free radical polymerization in metal-organic frameworks
Open Access Communication

Dual redox-active porous polyimides as high performance and versatile electrode material for next-generation batteries

Design of dual redox-active porous polymers towards high-energy density and performance organic electrode materials for lithium metal battery and symmetric all-organic battery applications.

Graphical abstract: Dual redox-active porous polyimides as high performance and versatile electrode material for next-generation batteries
Open Access Communication

Recyclable thermosets based on modified epoxy-amine network polymers

A simple, single stage process is reported for the creation of a recyclable thermoset material from readily available epoxy resins and aliphatic amines, crosslinked with diboronic esters.

Graphical abstract: Recyclable thermosets based on modified epoxy-amine network polymers
Open Access Communication

Passive climate regulation with transpiring wood for buildings with increased energy efficiency

The transpiring wood is able to self-regulate indoor climate resulting in improved living comfort and substantial energy savings. The material sources and the fabrication process of transpiring wood also meet sustainability criteria.

Graphical abstract: Passive climate regulation with transpiring wood for buildings with increased energy efficiency
Communication

Spectroscopic analysis of vibrational coupling in multi-molecular excited states

Temperature dependent luminescence of multi-molecular excited states like excimers and charge-transfer states is described by a Frank–Condon model based on an inter-molecular vibrational mode and different potentials for the ground and excited state.

Graphical abstract: Spectroscopic analysis of vibrational coupling in multi-molecular excited states
Open Access Communication

Frequency-dependent stimulated and post-stimulated voltage control of magnetism in transition metal nitrides: towards brain-inspired magneto-ionics

A voltage-controllable N ion accumulation effect at the outer surface of CoN films, enabling ‘post-stimulated’ learning or forgetting under deep sleep (once voltage stimuli are off), is demonstrated, triggering the development of synapse emulation.

Graphical abstract: Frequency-dependent stimulated and post-stimulated voltage control of magnetism in transition metal nitrides: towards brain-inspired magneto-ionics
Open Access Communication

Control of up-to-down/down-to-up light-induced ferroelectric polarization reversal

Control of the final state of polarization switched by illumination is achieved in BaTiO3 films by the manipulation of the internal electric fields by using suitable bottom electrodes.

Graphical abstract: Control of up-to-down/down-to-up light-induced ferroelectric polarization reversal
Open Access Communication

Effect of electronic doping and traps on carrier dynamics in tin halide perovskites

Interplay of radiative and non-radiative recombination processes in tin halide perovskites as a result of doping, oxidation and defects.

Graphical abstract: Effect of electronic doping and traps on carrier dynamics in tin halide perovskites
Open Access Communication

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.

Graphical abstract: Elastomeric microwell-based triboelectric nanogenerators by in situ simultaneous transfer-printing
Open Access Communication

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.

Graphical abstract: Pickering emulgels reinforced with host–guest supramolecular inclusion complexes for high fidelity direct ink writing
Communication

Self-glucose feeding hydrogels by enzyme empowered degradation for 3D cell culture

Self-feeding hydrogels were fabricated to obtain structural platforms for 3D cell culture but also achieving an autonomous release of glucose over time to prolong cell’s survival in-vitro and in-vivo.

Graphical abstract: Self-glucose feeding hydrogels by enzyme empowered degradation for 3D cell culture
Open Access Communication

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.

Graphical abstract: Freeform direct laser writing of versatile topological 3D scaffolds enabled by intrinsic support hydrogel
Communication

Exploring the anion chemical space of Ln2OF2−xClxH2 (Ln = Y, La, Gd): a model of electroelastic material with high mechanical sensitivity and energy harvesting

The focus of our research was to design a novel inorganic material that would combine enhanced compressibility with high piezoelectric constants.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the anion chemical space of Ln2OF2−xClxH2 (Ln = Y, La, Gd): a model of electroelastic material with high mechanical sensitivity and energy harvesting
Communication

Machine-learning interatomic potentials enable first-principles multiscale modeling of lattice thermal conductivity in graphene/borophene heterostructures

We highlight that machine-learning interatomic potentials trained over short AIMD trajectories enable first-principles multiscale modeling, bridging DFT level accuracy to the continuum level and empowering the study of complex/novel nanostructures.

Graphical abstract: Machine-learning interatomic potentials enable first-principles multiscale modeling of lattice thermal conductivity in graphene/borophene heterostructures
Communication

Dramatic increase in polymer triboelectrification by transition from a glassy to rubbery state

Glassy polymers show an impressive surge in triboelectric surface charge when crossing their respective Tg. In a rubbery state they become softer and more adhesive, therefore heterolysis of polymer bonds and material transfer becomes more probable.

Graphical abstract: Dramatic increase in polymer triboelectrification by transition from a glassy to rubbery state
Communication

Bionic synthesis of a magnetic calcite skeletal structure through living foraminifera

This communication describes the bionic preparation of a composite material in which fluorescent magnetite nanoparticles are included within the calcitic skeletal structure of the foraminifer Amphistrigina lessoni.

Graphical abstract: Bionic synthesis of a magnetic calcite skeletal structure through living foraminifera
Communication

Quantification of ion migration in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells by transient capacitance measurements

We quantify activation energy, concentration, and diffusion coefficient of mobile ions in MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells using transient ion-drift measurements.

Graphical abstract: Quantification of ion migration in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells by transient capacitance measurements
From the themed collection: #RSCPoster Conference
Open Access Communication

Ultrahigh hydrogen-sorbing palladium metallic-glass nanostructures

The hydrogenation mechanism in a Pd–Si–Cu metallic glass nanofilm, and its post-characterization by chronoamperometry/cyclic voltammetry and HR(S)TEM analyses.

Graphical abstract: Ultrahigh hydrogen-sorbing palladium metallic-glass nanostructures
Open Access Communication

Reversely toposelective vapor deposition at normal pressure and temperature by capillary condensation

Nanotopography was utilized to coat previously hardest-to-reach surfaces and to bypass issues related to traditional vapor deposition methods.

Graphical abstract: Reversely toposelective vapor deposition at normal pressure and temperature by capillary condensation
Open Access Communication

Close-loop dynamic nanohybrids on collagen-ark with in situ gelling transformation capability for biomimetic stage-specific diabetic wound healing

A self-regulated dynamic nanohybrid that can sensitively respond to hyperglycemic microenvironment is developed. The nanohybrid with a core/shell structure is produced through a single-step microfluidics nanoprecipitation method, where drugs-loaded porous silicon (PSi) nanoparticles are encapsulated by H2O2 responsive polymeric matrix.

Graphical abstract: Close-loop dynamic nanohybrids on collagen-ark with in situ gelling transformation capability for biomimetic stage-specific diabetic wound healing
Open Access Communication

Focused ion beam milling of self-assembled magnetic superstructures: an approach to fabricate nanoporous materials with tunable porosity

Focused ion beam milling of self-assembled magnetic superstructures is demonstrated as a novel approach to fabricate porous materials with tunable porosity. During exposure to the ion beam, nanoparticles in the superstructure are subjected to combined milling and melting, thus merging together into a porous network.

Graphical abstract: Focused ion beam milling of self-assembled magnetic superstructures: an approach to fabricate nanoporous materials with tunable porosity
Communication

Room temperature control of spin states in a thin film of a photochromic iron(II) complex

Thin films of a molecular spin crossover iron(II) complex featuring a photochromic diarylethene-based ligand have been grown by sublimation in ultra-high vacuum on Au(111) and investigated by photoelectron spectroscopies.

Graphical abstract: Room temperature control of spin states in a thin film of a photochromic iron(ii) complex
Open Access Communication

Rationally designed meta-implants: a combination of auxetic and conventional meta-biomaterials

Rationally designed meta-implants were found to create compression along both of their contact lines with the surrounding bone, thereby decreasing the chance of bone–implant interface failure (Hoffman's criterion) and wear particle-induced osteolysis, and improving bone ingrowth.

Graphical abstract: Rationally designed meta-implants: a combination of auxetic and conventional meta-biomaterials
Communication

Mille-feuille paper: a novel type of filter architecture for advanced virus separation applications

Mille-feuille paper is the first non-woven, wet-laid filter paper, composed of 100% native cellulose, which is capable of removing the “worst-case” model parvoviruses from water with a log10 reduction value (LRV) >5 (>99.999%).

Graphical abstract: Mille-feuille paper: a novel type of filter architecture for advanced virus separation applications
Communication

Charge selective contacts, mobile ions and anomalous hysteresis in organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells

“Compact layer-free” perovskite devices yield negligible stabilised power output, in comparison to those with charge selective contacts, elucidating mechanism for hysteresis.

Graphical abstract: Charge selective contacts, mobile ions and anomalous hysteresis in organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells
Open Access Communication

Controlled synthesis of conjugated random copolymers in a droplet-based microreactor

We report the highly controlled synthesis of conjugated random copolymers in a droplet-based microfluidic reactor.

Graphical abstract: Controlled synthesis of conjugated random copolymers in a droplet-based microreactor
Communication

Catalyst-free room-temperature self-healing elastomers based on aromatic disulfide metathesis

Bis(4-aminophenyl) disulfide has been used as a dynamic crosslink for the design of self-healing elastomers, showing quantitative healing efficiency at room-temperature, without the need for any catalyst or external intervention.

Graphical abstract: Catalyst-free room-temperature self-healing elastomers based on aromatic disulfide metathesis
Open Access Communication

Large-area arrays of three-dimensional plasmonic subwavelength-sized structures from azopolymer surface-relief gratings

Azopolymer-based holographic templates create unique large-area arrays of three-dimensional plasmonic structures when combined with ion milling.

Graphical abstract: Large-area arrays of three-dimensional plasmonic subwavelength-sized structures from azopolymer surface-relief gratings
45 items

About this collection

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Materials Horizons we have curated a collection of our most popular articles from our European contributors. For Materials Horizons it is of great importance that we represent a truly diverse array of authors and their research, to learn from each other and develop global strategies to conquer the most pressing issues in materials science. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our contributors from Europe for continuing to provide high quality research to Materials Horizons. We strive to continue our work together to increase visibility of important research happening in these regions, taking steps towards making the world a better place.

This five-part series will be showcasing some of our very best authors from across 5 regions:

Spotlight

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