Robust Antifogging and Antifouling Coating Tailored with Zwitterionic Nanocellulose for Multi-Functional Applications.

Biofouling often occurs simultaneously with fogging, presenting significant challenges to visibility, safety, and operational efficiency. The development of biocompatible coatings that offer both antifouling performance and stability under fogging conditions is highly sought after. A method to form multifunctional coatings is presented, utilizing a zwitterionic nanocellulose composite material that demonstrates both antifogging and antifouling properties, suitable for application on various surfaces.

Enabling Ultra-High Work Capacity and Scalable Processability of Liquid Crystal Actuators through Densely Entangled Structures.

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are important soft actuators that show strong promise in many fields where traditional rigid actuators or robotics are impractical. However, their real-world applications are lacking primarily due to inadequate actuation performance and complicated fabrication processes. Here, a novel design is reported that significantly enhances actuation performance while simplifying the fabrication process.

Bioinspired 3D Vermiculite/Aramid Nanocomposites for High-Performance Flexible Electrical Insulation.

Modern electronic systems are evolving toward miniaturized designs, flexible architectures, and high-power-density requirements. However, progress in developing electrical insulation materials that integrate mechanical robustness, flexibility, and thermal stability remains a critical challenge. This study introduces a novel nacre-inspired aramid-vermiculite nanopaper featuring a 3D interconnected layered network, designed for use in flexible electrical insulating applications.

Physicochemical, polymeric and microbial modifications of wood toward advanced functional applications: a review.

As concern for environmental sustainability continues to grow, wood, as a renewable resource and a composite of natural polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), has garnered increasing research attention. Traditional wood may have certain limitations in specific applications, such as being susceptible to moisture and biological degradation, as well as shortcomings in strength and durability. Therefore, wood modification has become a crucial strategy to enhance its performance and broaden its range of applications.

Thermopower regulation of thermocells electrolyte engineering: progress and prospects.

Thermocells (TECs) represent a promising technology for sustainable low-grade waste heat (<100 °C) harvesting, offering distinct advantages such as scalability, structural versatility, and high thermopower. However, their practical applications are still hindered by low energy conversion efficiency and stability issues. In recent studies, electrolyte engineering has been highlighted as a critical strategy to enhance their thermopower by regulating the solvation structure and redox ion concentration gradient, thereby improving conversion efficiency.

Metal organic frameworks derived Fe-CoF/MXene composites as efficient Electrocatalysts for the overall water splitting.

Transition metal fluorides because of the high electronegativity of fluorine may enhance the local electron density of the metal sites and promote water molecule dissociation and charge transfer. However, enhancing the intrinsic activity of fluorides to improve material stability remains a challenge. Herein, we develop an innovative four-step synthetic strategy (electrochemical deposition → co-precipitation → ligand exchange → in situ fluorination) to engineer three-dimensional porous Fe-doped CoF nanocubes vertically anchored on MXene (Fe-CoF/MXene/NF).

IRF7 drives resistance to oncolytic virotherapy by restricting viral replication and suppressing antitumor immunity.

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy by inducing direct tumor lysis and stimulating antitumor immunity. However, tumor-intrinsic resistance remains a major barrier to their efficacy. In this study, we established an OV-resistant MC38 colon cancer model (MC38) and identified interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), a key regulator of type I interferon signaling, as significantly upregulated in resistant cells.

g-CN/BiO hetero-nanosheets as a superior electrocatalyst for nitrate reduction to ammonia.

The faradaic efficiency of the electro-synthesis of ammonia using the nitrate reduction reaction (NORR) relies on an electrocatalyst to hydrogenate NO and simultaneously suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Due to the formation of a heterostructure, the faradaic efficiency of g-CN/BiO reaches 91.12% at -0.

High-Performance Air-Stable Polymer Monolayer Transistors for Monolithic 3D CMOS logics.

The monolayer transistor, where the semiconductor layer is a single molecular layer, offers an ideal platform for exploring transport mechanisms both theoretically and experimentally by eliminating the influence of spatially correlated microstructure. However, the structure-property relations in polymer monolayers remain poorly understood, leading to low transistor performance to date. Herein, a self-confinement effect is demonstrated in the polymer monolayer with nanofibrillar microstructures and edge-on orientation, as characterized by the 4D scanning confocal electron diffraction method.

Potassium optimization of sodium hydrogen vanadate thin nanosheets with superior performance for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

In this work, a series of potassium ion (K) pre-intercalated sodium hydrogen vanadates (K-HNVO) are prepared through a facile route. The introduction of K modulates the microstructure of the pristine sodium metavanadate and increases the interlayer spacing, thereby resulting in improved charge transport kinetics. Moreover, the pillaring effect of K enhances the structural stability of the pristine material.

Flexibility-Induced Robustness in Molecular Catalysts for Electrocatalytic CO Reduction.

CO electroreduction to produce fuels and chemicals is of great significance. Molecular catalysts offer valuable advantages in light of their well-defined active sites and tunable structural and electronic properties. However, their stability is often compromised by rigid conjugated structures.

Hydrogen-Bond-Directed Chirality Transfer in Helical Polyacetylene-Perovskite-PDMS Elastomeric Films for Stretching-Tunable Multicolor Circularly Polarized Luminescence.

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has emerged as a critical technology for anticounterfeiting and optical display applications due to its unique chiroptical properties. We report a multicolor CPL-emitting elastomeric film (P37/PSK@SiO-PDMS) that synergistically combines chiral helical polyacetylene (P37) and a surface-engineered perovskite (PSK@SiO) through hydrogen-bond-directed assembly. Confinement within the PDMS matrix drives P37 to self-assemble into a chiral supramolecular structure through hydrogen bonding, inducing a chiroptical inversion.

Unveiling Ion-Transport Dynamics in 2D Nanofluidic Anion-Selective Membranes toward Osmotic Energy Harvesting.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanofluidic architectures with nanoconfined interlayer channels and excess surface charges have revolutionized membrane-based reverse electrodialysis systems, demonstrating highly efficient osmotic energy collection through strong electrostatic screening of electric double layer (EDL). However, the ion-transport dynamics in 2D nanofluidic anion-selective membranes (2D-NAMs) still remain unexplored. Here, we combine density functional theory and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to systematically explore ion transport in the 2D-NAMs.

Growth of highly uniform 2-inch MoS wafers using liquid precursor spraying.

With the progress of study, MoS has been proven to show excellent properties in electronics and optoelectronics, which promotes the fabrication of future novel integrated circuits and photodetectors. However, highly uniform wafer-scale growth is still in its early stage, especially regarding how to control the precursor and its distribution. Herein, we propose a new method, spraying the Mo precursor, which is proven to fabricate highly uniform 2-inch monolayer MoS wafers.

Shortwave infrared absorbing and fluorescent BODIPY J-aggregates for high-contrast imaging.

J-Aggregates hold significant promise for high-resolution shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging, yet achieving robust SWIR absorption and emission simultaneously has been hindered by hypsochromic shifts in absorption and emission quenching caused by undesirable H- and random aggregation. To address this, we developed highly fluorescent BODIPY J-aggregates exhibiting absorption and emission spanning 1000-1600 nm. A key innovation was the implementation of a zig-zag molecular design, which effectively suppressed H-aggregation and minimized intermolecular interactions, thereby enabling anti-quenching SWIR emission.

Stimulating Efficiency for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Splitting Electrolyzers: From Material Design to Electrode Engineering.

Unlabelled: Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are a promising technology for large-scale hydrogen production, yet their industrial deployment is hindered by the harsh acidic conditions and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in iridium-based electrocatalysts (IBEs), emphasizing novel optimization strategies to enhance both catalytic activity and durability. Specifically, we critically examine the mechanistic insights into OER under acidic conditions, revealing key degradation pathways of Ir species.

Heterogeneous recycled carbon black derived from pyrolytic waste tire rubber with strong, wideband electromagnetic wave absorption.

To contribute to the circular and sustainable economy framework, waste tire rubber reclamation by extracting carbon black through pyrolysis and heat treatment and then ingeniously designing it as an electromagnetic wave absorbing (EWA) material is proposed herein. The results showed that the pyrolysis-recycled carbon black (RCB) was heterogeneous with multiple interfaces, making it suitable for EWA application. The RCB was processed at 500 °C-1000 °C to study the changes in the composite and microstructure as well as the EWA properties.

A water-soluble NIR-II fluorescent probe for non-invasive real-time detection of blood ATP optoacoustic and fluorescence imaging.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a critical biomolecule in cellular energy metabolism, with abnormal levels in the bloodstream linked to pathological conditions such as ischemia, cancer, and inflammatory disorders. Accurate and real-time detection of ATP is essential for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. However, conventional biochemical assays and other techniques suffer from limitations, including invasive sample collection, time-consuming procedures, and the inability to provide dynamic, monitoring.

Semiopen Ag@Au Plasmonic Nanotube Arrays Synergizing Molecular Confinement and Multimodal SERS for Lung Cancer Breath Diagnostics.

Exhaled breath analysis offers noninvasive, early lung cancer detection via volatile organic compound (VOC) biomarkers, surpassing blood-based methods. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is ideal for this purpose, combining molecular fingerprint specificity with single-molecule sensitivity. However, conventional SERS substrates face a fundamental limitation: while porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks effectively adsorb VOCs through their subnanometer pores (0.

A CuBiO/TiO p-n Heterojunction for Enhancing the Barrier Protection of a Nickel-Based Layer on the Magnesium Alloy.

Herein, CuBiO microspheres were first deposited on TiO nanotube arrays to develop a p-n CuBiO/TiO heterojunction by a facile hydrothermal protocol. The variations in the photoinduced open-circuit potential, photocurrent, and electrochemical parameters of the nickel-plated magnesium alloy (Mg/Ni) demonstrated the remarkably strengthened photoelectrochemical efficiency and photocathodic protection (PCP) capability caused by the CuBiO modification. This enhancement is attributed to establishing a built-in electric field and intensified light absorption in a broadened wavelength spectrum, confirmed by the valence band XPS and ultraviolet-visible spectra.

Nanoengineered Scheelite-Structured SrWO Decorated on MXene Sheets: A Novel Platform for Electrochemical Sensing of the Anti-Cancer Drug Nilutamide with DFT Insights.

The persistent presence of the pharmaceutical pollutant nilutamide (NLT) in environmental and biological systems poses a serious threat to ecosystems and human health, necessitating efficient and sustainable detection strategies. In this study, we present a nanoengineered SrWO@MXene electrocatalyst as a high-performance platform for electrochemical sensing. The hybrid material seamlessly integrates the catalytic activity and electrochemical stability of SrWO with the exceptional conductivity and tunable surface chemistry of MXenes, resulting in a synergistic architecture optimized for rapid and selective NLT detection.

Construction of environmentally friendly multifunctional core-shell flame retardant and its application in flame retardant polylactic acid.

The flammability and poor ultraviolet (UV) aging resistance of polylactic acid (PLA) limit its applications outdoors and in fields requiring flame retardancy. To address these limitations, this study designed ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as the core, the biopolymer chitosan (CS) as the inner shell, and lignin (LK) as the outer shell. CS and LK are deposited on the surface of APP via electrostatic interaction in the aqueous phase to prepare a core-shell structure flame retardant APP@CS@LK with anti-UV aging properties.

Multi-scale design of the structure and mechanical performance of the deep-sea hydrothermal mussel (Bathymodiolus aduloides) shell.

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are renowned for being among the most extreme environments on Earth. However, the mussel shells found in these vent sites demonstrate remarkable productivity, despite being subjected to high pressure as well as unusual levels of heavy metals, pH, temperature, CO, and sulphides. To comprehend how these mussels endure such extreme conditions, a systematic comparative study was conducted, focusing on the unique chemical composition, structural designs, and mechanical properties of hydrothermal vent mussels (Bathymodiolus aduloides) in comparison to shallow-water mussels (Mytilus edulis).

Mesoporous Zr MOFs regulated by linear ligand replacement strategy to achieve single Ru(bpy) molecule encapsulation for ratio ECL detection of miRNA-21.

Rational optimization of the pore size and topology of porous nanocarriers is crucial for improving the loading amount of luminophore and enhancing electrochemiluminescence (ECL) performance. In this study, an equimolar linear ligand replacement strategy was employed to synthesize novel mesoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for encapsulating Ru(bpy) (Ru@Zr MOFs) under room temperature without an acid modulator. Ingenious ligand substitution allows precise control of pore size, enabling encapsulation at the single-molecule level within mesoporous cages.