Browse Articles

Interfacial Radical Reaction Enables High‐Performance Graphite Anode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract The reversible K‐intercalation chemistry in graphite anode plays a critical role in advancing the development of potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) for large‐scale energy storage systems. However, the poor stability of natural solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on graphite anode as well as the co‐intercalation of K + ‐solvent into graphite has caused poor cycling stability and sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, a mechanochemical‐induced radical reaction between graphite and open‐shell Spiro‐O8 radicals has been discovered and applied to construct a uniform organic layer on graphite, in which the phenoxy radicals can efficiently facilitate the decomposition of KFSI salt to generate outer inorganic‐rich layer when the graphite was evaluated as anode for PIBs. The outer inorganic film can enhance K + transport kinetics and inhibit the co‐intercalation of K + ‐solvent, while the inner Spiro‐O8 film can effectively accommodate the volume change during the cycling process. As a result, the highly ion‐conductive Spiro‐O8 modified graphite exhibited reversible capacity of 241.0 mAh g −1 at 100 mA g −1 , high‐rate capability (147.2 mAh g −1 at 1 A g −1 ) and stable cycles more than 600 cycles with a capacity retention of 89.4 %. The interfacial radical reaction in our work provides a new avenue to solve the interface problems of graphite anode for high‐performance PIBs.

Retraction Note: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1–7)/Mas axis prevents lipopolysaccharide–induced apoptosis of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells by inhibiting JNK/NF–κB pathways

A qualitative exploration of patient experiences living with autoimmune encephalitis

Dynamic Microinterfacial Polymerization Enables Scalable Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Polymer Sheets for Quasi‐Solid‐State Electrolytes in Sodium‐Metal Batteries

Abstract Organic two‐dimensional (2D) materials hold great potential in a broad range of applications. However, their practical utility is constrained by limited structural diversity and a lack of synthetic strategies. Herein, we report that simply stirring immiscible solutions of poly(propylene glycol)bis(2‐aminopropyl ether) and 1,3,5‐benzenetricarbonyl trichloride results in a dynamic microinterfacial polymerization that affords novel 2D polymer sheets (designated as PEO‐BTA). These sheets can be transformed to Na‐ion conducting materials via treatment with sodium hydride, followed by incorporation of a prototypical MOF, HKUST‐1, to obtain composite sheets (MOF@PEO‐BTA‐Na) that retain the structural integrity of the original 2D polymer sheets. The 2D composite sheets can be assembled into self‐supporting membranes and used as a quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte (QSSE) with a remarkably high ionic conductivity value of 2.80 × 10 −3 S cm −1 and a Na + transference number of 0.95. Consequently, the QSSE facilitates uniform Na plating in Na//Na and Na//Cu cells. Na//NaTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 cells containing MOF@PEO‐BTA‐Na QSSE exhibit a high initial specific capacity (129.1 mAh g −1 at 0.5 C), superior rate capability (60.0 mAh g −1 at 20 C), and high‐capacity retention (92% after 1000 cycles at 1 C). This work establishes a new, scalable approach for synthesizing 2D organic sheets with promising applications in energy‐related areas.

Occurrence and concentration of caffeine and cadmium as micropollutants in the Red Sea coast, Egypt

Abstract This study investigated the occurrence and levels of caffeine residue and cadmium traces on the Red Sea coast of Egypt and the effects of environmental variables on caffeine concentration, in order to evaluate the anthropogenic impacts on the coastal area of the Red Sea. To accomplish this study; three different sites were taken: El-Hamraween (HMR), Abo El-Swater (SWT), and Om El-Abas (ABS). Sediment and water samples were collected from low and high intertidal zones during June 2023. Some physicochemical variables and concentrations of caffeine and Cd were measured in the collected samples. Caffeine concentration in water samples ranged from 10.94 to 14.17 µg/L at low intertidal zone in SWT and the high intertidal zone in ABS, respectively, while caffeine concentration in sediment ranged from 0.27 to 0.66 µg/g at low intertidal zone in ABS and the high intertidal zone in HMR, respectively. The results indicate significant differences among the investigated sites according to variations in anthropogenic impacts. This study showed a clear association between caffeine and cadmium concentrations with physicochemical variables. Caffeine and Cd’s correlation and anthropogenic impacts highlight the need for more research on the interactions between pharmaceutical residues and heavy metals and their effects on the environment.

Epitaxial Ag‐CsPbBr ₃ Perovskite Nanocrystal Heterostructures: Multi‐Facets Orientations, Suppressed Plasmon and Efficient Charge Transfer

Abstract Halide perovskite nanocrystals have been extensively studied for over a decade as an efficient optical material, exhibiting bright and tunable emissions. While various epitaxial perovskite heterostructures with other semiconductors or metals have been achieved, but epitaxial integration with plasmonic Ag or Au nanoparticles through facet‐specific connections has remained a key challenge. Keeping the importance of these nanocrystal heterostructures in mind, herein, we epitaxially integrated Ag nanoparticles with three different morphologies of CsPbBr 3 , each exhibiting one‐to‐one connections. The heterostructures were obtained by introducing Ag precursor either before or after CsPbBr 3 formation, depending on the reaction conditions. The feasibility of the synthesis is attributed to the presence of specific triangular and truncated facets having alternating Pb and Br atom arrangements in CsPbBr 3 . Electron microscopic analysis confirms two distinct epitaxial interfaces between cubic Ag(0) and orthorhombic CsPbBr 3, indicating the susceptibility of such nanocrystals to form heterostructures. Ultrafast spectroscopic data suggest the photoluminescence quenching arises from the photogenerated electron transfer from CsPbBr 3 to Ag. However, no significant plasmon absorption is observed, likely due to plasmon damping. These results provide new insight into plasmonic‐exciton coupling in this type of heterostructure and pave a pathway for designing other plasmonic material based heterostructures for optoelectronic applications.

Busulfan resistance in AML is associated with changes in mitochondrial copy number and lipid metabolism

Outside Front Cover: Membrane‐Penetrating Molecular Device Based on a Triplex Containing Acyclic L‐Threoninol Nucleic Acid Functionalized with Cholesterol (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 9/2026)

Superprotonic Conduction in Donor Co‐Doped Perovskites

Abstract Donor doping of oxygen‐deficient BaScO 2.5 is an unexplored strategy for achieving high proton conductivity at intermediate temperatures of 200−400 °C. In this work, a new series of BaSc 1− x − y Mo x W y O 3− δ compounds was prepared via Mo/W donor co‐doping where x is the Mo content, y is the W content, and δ is the amount of oxygen vacancies. The present work reports the enhancement of proton conductivity by the Mo/W donor co‐doping of BaScO 2.5 . BaSc 0.8 Mo 0.1 W 0.1 O 2.8 exhibits exceptional proton conductivity—0.10 S cm − 1 at 315 °C and 0.01 S cm − 1 at 193 °C—alongside outstanding chemical stability in CO 2 , O 2 , and H 2 atmospheres. The high proton conductivity originates from the synergistic effects of abundant oxygen vacancies ( δ  = 0.2) and full hydration, yielding a high proton concentration, coupled with high proton diffusivity. The high diffusivity is attributable to the reduced proton trapping compared with acceptor and isovalent doping and overdoping due to higher proton concentration. In contrast to the acceptor co‐doping, the donor co‐doping does not increase the activation energy, resulting in lower activation energy and higher proton conductivity. These findings establish donor co‐doping into the oxygen‐deficient perovskites as a powerful design principle for next‐generation proton conductors with high proton conductivity at intermediate temperatures.

The association between pre-existing cardiovascular disease and cancer treatment receipt in a population-based cancer registry

Abstract Baseline cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been linked with poorer outcomes for patients with cancer. The precise mechanisms underpinning that are poorly understood but may include reduced treatment receipt. We estimated the association between pre-existing CVD and cancer treatment receipt using population-based cancer registry records. Records of all adults diagnosed with cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in Northern Ireland in 2009–2019 were linked with comorbidity and treatment data. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of receiving various cancer treatments for patients with previous cardiovascular diagnoses were estimated using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for established confounders. Subgroup analyses were conducted for combinations of 24 tumour sites, 11 cardiovascular conditions, and 5 cancer treatment modalities. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyse time to treatment. 81,341 cancer patients were included, with a mean age of 67.1 ± 14.1 years. The most common cancers included were breast (15.8%), lung (14.1%) and colorectal cancer (13.5%). Patients with pre-existing CVD (23.4%) were 30% less likely to receive any cancer treatment than patients without (aOR = 0.70 [95%CI 0.67, 0.73]). This reduction varied between treatment modalities with 30% for chemotherapy (aOR = 0.70 [95%CI 0.67, 0.73]), 28% for radiotherapy (aOR = 0.72 [95%CI 0.66, 0.79]), and 23% for surgery (aOR = 0.77 [95%CI 0.74, 0.80]). Hormone therapy showed no significant overall difference (aOR = 1.02 [95%CI 0.94, 1.11]). At 6 months post-diagnosis, patients with pre-existing CVD had a 14% (0.14 [95%CI 0.13, 0.15]) lower probability of initiating cancer treatment compared to those without. Pre-existing CVD was associated with an overall lower odds of cancer treatment, although the magnitude of this decrement varied according to the primary tumour, treatment modality and the type of CVD. These data present granular population-based insights into the impact of cardiovascular comorbidities on receiving cancer treatment and should be accounted for when reporting survival variations and healthcare policymaking.

Outside Back Cover: Universal Catalyst Design Framework for Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis Facilitated by Local Atomic Environment Descriptors (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 9/2026)

Cobalt‐Backboned Oligomer for Record Photocatalytic CO ₂ Conversion to Ethanol

Abstract Solar‐driven conversion of CO 2 into value‐added products is promising for renewable energy storage and carbon neutrality. Although current photocatalysts demonstrate the capability to convert CO 2 into multiple carbon products including ethanol, their performance is limited by high C─C coupling energy barrier and inefficient intermediate enrichment. Here we synthesize a cobalt‐backboned oligomer as an efficient photocatalyst to generate a record‐high ethanol production rate of 497 µmol/(g·h) for CO 2 photoreduction. It also maintains high performance in cases with simulated industrial flue gas with ∼15% CO 2 and a Martian‐like atmosphere with ∼95% CO 2 . These properties stem from unique electronic modulation through metal–metal bonding and intermolecular assembly for high‐activity reaction channels. This atomically precise cobalt‐backboned oligomer opens a new avenue for designing photocatalysts.

Infrared ship target detection algorithm PEW_YOLOv8 in complex environments

Abstract In the infrared ship detection task under complex environments, issues such as high rates of missed and false detections occur due to noise, occlusion, and the indistinct features of small targets. To address these problems, this paper proposes a ship target detection algorithm, PEW_YOLOv8, based on YOLOv8. Firstly, the FFA-Net algorithm is used for image pre-processing to improve the contrast and clarity of the images. Secondly, the PGIG-Backbone network is designed. Through multi-path fusion technology, it ensures that features at different scales can complement each other, enhancing the detail expression ability of small targets. Subsequently, the enhanced multi-scale attention neck network, EMA-Neck, is designed. By means of the attention mechanism, it suppresses background noise, enhances feature information related to the target, and improves the distinguishability between the target and the background. Finally, the WIoU Loss is introduced. Through a more comprehensive method of evaluating bounding boxes, the model can better handle inter-target overlaps, occlusions, and other interferences in complex scenes. Under the same experimental conditions, compared with YOLOv8, the PEW_YOLOv8 algorithm achieves a detection accuracy of 92.2% on the Raytron Technology infrared ship dataset, increasing mAP50 and mAP50:95 by 3.9% and 3.1% respectively.

Discovering Electron‐Sponge Behavior at Organic‐Metal Interfaces for CO ₂ Electroreduction via Machine Learning

Abstract Molecular regulation at organic‐metal interfaces is crucial for C─C coupling in CO 2 electroreduction, directly influencing the formation of multi‐carbon (C 2+ ) products. However, the non‐linear interplay of electronic, spatial, and topological molecular descriptors has hindered the establishment of predictive quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSAR), limiting mechanistic insight. Herein, we employed an interpretable machine learning (ML)‐QSAR framework to link molecular features with the C─C coupling free energy barrier (ΔG‡) on Cu surfaces, uncovering the dominant role of interfacial “electron‐sponge” behavior. Mechanistically, the modifier molecule donates electrons to Cu, which subsequently redistributes them to *CO/*CHO intermediates and the molecule itself, while also directly stabilizing the intermediates. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis identifies key electronic descriptors, including low minimal local electron affinity (LEA min ), narrow HOMO‐LUMO gap and elevated HOMO energy. These descriptors govern the electron‐sponge mechanism, facilitating the reduction of ΔG‡. As a representative molecule, 3,4‐diaminofurazan (DAF), selected from a library of 5,304 graph‐theory‐derived compounds, incorporates electron‐donating and back‐donating amino and furan‐azole motifs. Experimental validation shows a 1.8‐fold increase in C 2+ Faradaic efficiency, from 42% to 77%, confirming the QSAR framework's effectiveness. This descriptor‐driven approach was further extended to Au and Ag systems, providing a scalable pathway for designing next‐generation electrocatalysts.

Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of antimicrobial double-layer mat incorporating nisin and thyme essential oil to enhance food safety

Regulating Interfacial Dynamic Self‐Adjusting Hydrophobic Layer via Cationic Molecular Structure for Ultra‐Stable Zinc Metal Anode

Abstract The structure of solution additives significantly affects the polarization and dendrite behavior of metal batteries. In this study, we propose, for the first time, the “hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance (HLB) value‐spatial configuration synergistic regulation” strategy by selecting cations with different structures as additives, successfully revealing the structure‐activity relationship between additive structures and the stability of the anode interface adsorption layer. Among them, the butyltrimethylammonium chloride additive (ADD4), which has a low HLB value and a linear structure, exhibits the most stable interfacial structure. The stable hydrophobic region formed by its spontaneous aggregation and assembly shows a repulsive effect on hydrated protons. The constructed protective layer can effectively reduce overpotential and inhibit the formation of by‐products. The battery with ADD4 exhibits excellent stability, with over 1700 cycles and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7%. The full laboratory cells and pouch cells can also maintain very good cyclability, verifying their feasibility for practical applications. This study emphasizes that exploring the relationship between the hydrophilic‐hydrophobic properties, microstructure of additive ions, and the stability of the adsorption layer is crucial for designing appropriate electrolyte‐electrode interface layers.

Association between modified cardiometabolic index and cardiometabolic multimorbidity in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from two nationwide cohort studies

Abstract The Modified Cardiometabolic Index (MCMI) is an enhanced version of the Cardiometabolic Index (CMI) and a novel integrative biomarker. Its predictive value for cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), defined as co-occurrence of multiple cardiometabolic conditions, has not been fully explored. We analyzed 7,203 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011 baseline) and 2,225 from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA, 2012 baseline), with follow-up until 2018 and 2019, respectively. MCMI was calculated as: MCMI = ln [Triglycerides × Fasting Glucose / High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol] × Waist Circumference / Height. CMM was defined based on self-reported physician diagnoses of ≥ 2 of the following: hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. To assess the association between MCMI and incident CMM, we applied Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for time-to-event relationships, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses to evaluate potential nonlinear dose–response patterns, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess and compare the dynamic predictive performance of MCMI throughout follow-up. Over 7 years, higher MCMI levels were associated with increased CMM risk in both cohorts (CHARLS: HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.16–1.21; ELSA: HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.42–2.12), with risk increasing across quartiles. Participants in the highest quartile had the greatest risk (CHARLS: HR 3.81, 95% CI 3.18–4.56; ELSA: HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.81–4.23). RCS analysis indicated a nonlinear association in CHARLS ( P  < 0.001) and a linear trend in ELSA. Subgroup analyses showed consistent associations across all subgroups in CHARLS, with significantly higher risk observed in older participants, males, those with higher education, smokers, and drinkers (P for interaction < 0.05). In ELSA, associations were consistent except for education, with no significant interactions observed. Time-dependent ROC analysis showed higher area under the curve (AUC) values for MCMI than CMI at 3 and 5 years; DeLong’s test was significant in CHARLS ( P  < 0.05) but not in ELSA. MCMI was positively associated with CMM risk in both cohorts. Its predictive performance was superior to CMI in the CHARLS cohort, whereas no significant difference was observed in ELSA. MCMI may improve clinical risk assessment in the Chinese population, although additional evidence is required to verify its predictive value across different ethnic groups.

Thirty years of contact angles reveal universal design rules for wetting control

Abstract Wettability, commonly quantified by the static contact angle (θ), governs critical interfacial phenomena including anti-icing, self-cleaning, adhesion control, and lubrication. Although conceptual thresholds for superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic states are widely cited, their empirical validation across material classes has remained limited by the absence of a comprehensive, rigorously verified dataset spanning diverse surfaces and liquids. Here, we compile and systematically analyze 110 curated static contact-angle measurements reported between 1995 and 2025, encompassing polymers, metals, oxides, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), and micro-/nano-textured surfaces measured with multiple probe liquids. Our meta-analysis quantitatively confirms the existence of universal critical thresholds, with θ ≲ 20° defining superhydrophilicity and θ ≳ 150° defining superhydrophobicity. Crucially, for textured and hierarchical surfaces, these limits emerge as geometry-dominated properties, persisting across material classes and largely independent of intrinsic surface chemistry. These validated thresholds establish clear, principle-driven design rules for engineering functional wetting behavior, moving beyond trial-and-error approaches. The resulting dataset provides a reliable benchmark for the community, supporting predictive wettability design, cross-study meta-analysis, and the development of data-driven and machine-learning models without the need for repetitive experimental measurements.

Inside Front Cover: Dual‐Synergistic S‐Scheme Heterojunction for Targeting Dibenzylamine via Cascade Photoredox Catalysis of Benzylamine (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 9/2026)

Bioorthogonally Activatable Chemiluminescence for the <i>N</i> ‐Methyl‐ <scp>d</scp> ‐aspartate Receptors Intravital Imaging

Abstract The signal attenuation caused by skull/vertebrae remains a challenge in central nervous system (CNS) receptor imaging. Chemiluminescence (CL), free from external excitation, offers unparalleled tissue penetration in optical imaging. However, existing 1,2‐dioxetane CL systems are shackled by two limitations: (i) short half‐lives (&lt;2 h) from rapid dioxetane decomposition and (ii) dependence on reactive biomolecules such as reactive oxygen species and enzymes to trigger dioxetane decomposition, rendering them incompatible with imaging nonreactive biomolecules like receptor proteins. Here we report a bioorthogonally activatable chemiluminescence (BACL) strategy that integrates click‐to‐release reactions with 1,2‐dioxetane luminophores to enable tetrazine‐triggered OFF–ON CL signals and bioorthogonally tunable half‐lives (5.2–18 h). The tissue penetration depth was up to 6 cm. Through a tetrazine‐conjugated specific ligand, BACL imaged N ‐methyl‐ d ‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in vivo with a signal background ratio of ∼182, allowing clear d ifferentiation of NMDAR expression levels between Alzheimer's disease model mice and normal controls. Beyond imaging, the bioorthogonally spatiotemporally controlled CL emission positions BACL as a potential internal light source for deep‐tissue precision phototherapeutics, bypassing external irradiation.