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.

High-strength and water resistance polyvinyl alcohol fibers modified with lignin nanoparticles and boron nitride nanosheets@hyperbranched polylysine.

Development on sustainable and inexpensive polymer fibers with high mechanical and water resistance properties has garnered significant attention in infrastructure application. Herein, lignin nanoparticles (LNP) were used as a modifier, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS)@hyperbranched polylysine (HBPL) obtained were regarded as the cooperative modifier, and then polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/LNP/BNNS@HBPL composite fibers were fabricated successfully by wet and dry spinning. Vast free hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in PVA decreased due to hydrogen bonding interactions among LNP, BNNS@HBPL, and PVA, thereby attenuating intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding within PVA.

Mechanically robust and highly conductive polyacrylamide/carboxymethyl chitosan organohydrogels via synergistic physical interactions for flexible sensing.

Conductive hydrogels have revolutionized wearable electronics due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties. However, it remains a great challenge for hydrogel-based sensors to maintain both conductivity and mechanical integrity in harsh environments. Synergistic dynamic interactions provide a promising strategy to address this issue.

Nanocellulose-assisted construction of conductive gradient hydrogel for remote actuated and self-sensing soft actuator.

Hydrogel actuators show tremendous promise for applications in soft robots and artificial muscles. Nevertheless, developing a stretchable hydrogel actuator combining remote actuation and real-time signal feedback remains a challenge. Herein, a light-responsive hydrogel actuator with self-sensing function is fabricated by employing a localized immersion strategy to incorporate polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel network into semi-interpenetrating carbon nanotube/2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofiber/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (CNT/TOCN/PNIPAM) hydrogel.

"Fight Fire with Fire": Trace-Water-Induced Controllable Synthesis of Hydrophobic Armors to Stabilize Metal-Organic Cage-Based Crystalline Frameworks.

Metal-organic cage-based crystalline frameworks (MCFs) are distinguished for high porosity and diverse functionality, while their applications are constrained by degradation in wet environments. Inspired by the "fight fire with fire" method in traditional Chinese medicine, trace-water-induced synthesis of armors is proposed to stabilize MCFs. Water at ppm concentration is enriched on the hydrophilic surface of MCFs, and then polymerizes with diisocyanate under the catalysis of MCFs to form hydrophobic shells.

Competition-Coupling Trade-Off of Supramolecular Interactions in Janus Composite Quasi-Solid Electrolytes Enables High-Safety and Long-Life Lithium Metal Batteries.

The LiAlTi(PO) (LATP)-polymer composite solid electrolyte offers environmental stability and safety for high-energy lithium metal batteries (LMBs), yet suffers from interfacial instability and high interfacial resistance. Herein, a Janus self-supporting skeleton (J-SSK) is engineered via multi-scale coupling of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluorethylene) (PVDF-TrFE), LATP, 2-(3-(6-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-yl) ureido) ethyl methacrylate (UPyMA) monomer, where intermolecular multiple hydrogen bonds reinforce mechanical robustness while the Janus structure isolates LATP from direct Li contact. In situ copolymerizing vinylene carbonate (VC) and UPyMA monomer in J-SSK to construct Janus composite quasi-solid electrolyte (J-CQSE) achieves seamless integration of electrode/electrolyte interfaces and establishes hierarchical coupling across J-SSK, polymer matrix, and lithium salts.

Unleashing pyroelectricity enhancement via phase transition-driven defect alignment in KNN-based ferroelectrics.

The pyroelectric effect plays a critical role in thermal imaging and energy harvesting. Despite extensive efforts to enhance performance through doping and composite engineering, the mechanisms underlying defect dipole coupling with phase structures remain poorly understood, impeding the advancement of defect-engineered symmetry modulation. Here, we report an abnormal pyroelectric phenomenon where the pyroelectric coefficient () increases notably when poling temperature exceeds the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal phase transition temperature () in potassium sodium niobate ceramics.

Anionically-Reinforced Nanocellulose Separator Enables Dual Suppression of Zinc Dendrites and Polyiodide Shuttle for Long-Cycle Zn-I Batteries.

Zn-I batteries have emerged as promising next-generation energy storage systems owing to their inherent safety, environmental compatibility, rapid reaction kinetics, and small voltage hysteresis. Nevertheless, two critical challenges, i.e.

High-performance stretchable organic solar cells enabled by cyclic nanoring additives.

Conjugated carbon cyclic nanorings ([6]CPP) were introduced as solid additives into PM6:Y6 active layers to enhance film stretchability without sacrificing photovoltaic performance. Intrinsic stretchable organic solar cells (OSCs) with 5 wt% [6]CPP retained about 77% of their initial PCE after 25% tensile strain, demonstrating significantly improved mechanical durability compared to devices without additives.

Enhanced *COOH Adsorption over Edge-Rich Ni-N Sites for Efficient Acidic CO Electroreduction.

Single-atom Ni catalysts hold great promise for the acidic CO reduction reaction (CORR), owing to their high CO selectivity. However, their performance under industrially relevant high current conditions is limited by the weak interaction between isolated Ni-N sites and *COOH intermediates, restricting efficient CO conversion. Here, we introduced edge-rich Ni-N sites via support vacancy engineering to enhance *COOH adsorption, thereby boosting the CORR activity and selectivity in acidic media.

Unraveling the Origin of Nb-Doped Pt Nanoparticle Electrocatalysts for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction.

Owing to the high activity of Nb in CO oxidation, Nb-modified Pt electrocatalysts have recently attracted considerable attention in the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). However, the mechanism by which Nb mitigates CO poisoning and the key intermediate species involved in the MOR process on Nb-Pt catalysts are poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the origin of CO poisoning resistance and the improvement of electrocatalytic properties of Nb-doped Pt nanoparticles.

Engineering Donor-Acceptor Arrangement in Perylene Diimide-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Singlet Oxygen Photocatalysis.

The photocatalytic efficiency of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) is governed by the spatial arrangement of donor-acceptor (D-A) moieties, which strongly influences exciton transport. However, precise control over D-A alignment, especially across intra- and interlayer dimensions, remains a key challenge for optimizing singlet oxygen (O) generation. Here, we present a linker geometry-directed approach to modulate D-A organization within perylene diimide (PDI)-based COFs.

Continuous Proton Channels in Vanadium Hexacyanoferrate Enable All-Round Improved Ultra-Low-Temperature Energy Conversion.

Proton-based batteries emerge as a promising candidate for low-temperature energy conversion and storage, yet their practical implementation is constrained by cathode performance limitations. Herein, [Fe(CN)] vacancies-mediated vanadium hexacyanoferrate (VFeCN-VHCF) with contiguous proton channels is pioneered as a proton cathode material for all-round improved ultra-low-temperature energy conversion. Through operando characterization and density functional theory calculations, we reveal that the [Fe(CN)] vacancies induce the formation of V═O bonds, which serve as the active sites to store protons and endow V-VHCF to reach a high capacity.

Two-Dimensional MGeSe: Promising Photovoltaic Materials with Long Carrier Lifetime and High Photocurrent.

Two-dimensional (2D) group III-IV-VI semiconductors show great potential for application in energy conversion fields. Herein, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations in conjunction with nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulations and the nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method, the photovoltaic performance of MGeSe (M = Ga and In) monolayers is systematically investigated. The MGeSe monolayers exhibit direct band gap semiconductor characteristics with strong optical absorption in the visible light region.

Adsorption and interaction mechanisms of asphaltene subfractions on silica surfaces.

Adsorption of asphaltenes onto mineral solids contributes to fouling, scaling, and plugging issues in the oil industry. Among asphaltene subfractions, those with strong oil/water interfacial activity are expected to possess superior adsorption abilities on mineral surfaces. In this study, interfacially non-active (INAA) and active (IAA) fractions were separated from whole asphaltenes.

Prevalence and determinants of depression, anxiety, and stress among secondary school students.

Background: By investigating the depression, anxiety and stress status of secondary school students, we further analysed the influencing factors of the changes in depression, anxiety and stress among secondary school students, so as to provide references for subsequent studies and interventions on adolescent mental health.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional research study conducted in a city in Southwest China. A questionnaire survey was conducted during March-June 2022 among students attending secondary schools within a city.

Evaporation-Driven Fabric for Synergistic Water-Electricity-Lithium Co-Production.

Water evaporation constitutes a ubiquitous physical phenomenon. This natural process enables efficient energy and resource harvesting through water interacting with materials with tailored structural, chemical, and thermal properties. Here, this work designs an evaporation-driven fabric (e-fabric) that enables the utilization of water-electricity-lithium from brine through three optimized functional layers.

Turbulent Flow-Driven Synthesis of Graphene-Skinned Boron Nitride Heterostructures for Dendrite-Free Potassium Metal Batteries.

Potassium metal batteries are considered as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems. However, their practical development is hindered by the insufficient capacity output and persistent dendritic proliferation at the anode side. Here graphene-skinned hexagonal boron nitride powder is demonstrated synthesized via fluidized bed-chemical vapor deposition, realizing conformal growth of layer-controlled graphene (5-90 layers) over h-BN with atomically coupled heterointerfaces.

Unveiling the polarization switching pathway through tetragonal phase as a metastable intermediate state in ferroelectric HfZrO thin film.

The polarization switching pathway in HfZrO-based ferroelectric thin film is still not well clarified and agreed, limiting the fundamental physical understanding and performance engineering. The key question lies in clarifying the transient intermediate state during the polarization switching of orthorhombic phase. In this work, by designing the ferroelectric and dielectric stacks, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate a polarization switching pathway through an orthorhombic-tetragonal-orthorhombic phase transition in ferroelectric HfZrO where the non-polar tetragonal phase is metastable.

Activation-retardation in sol-gel reactions for additive manufacturing of transparent poly(methylsilsesquioxane) aerogels.

Coupling superior thermal insulation performance with high transparency for solar transmission and excellent processability in aerogels is a challenging yet promising subject. Here, we report a direct ink writing strategy to create transparent polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) aerogels from gel inks with desired rheology, by merely using acid-base dual modulators to achieve "activation-retardation" of polycondensation reaction. The printed aerogels are pure PMSQ, have a transmittance of 97% in the visible-near infrared range, thermal conductivity (16.