Browse Articles

Elastic Ferroelectric by Radiation Crosslinking

ABSTRACT With the rapid advancement of wearable electronics, elastic ferroelectrics, which have been prepared by thermal and photochemical crosslinking, possess tremendous potential applications in wearable devices. However, challenges arose from these crosslinking reactions, such as high crosslinking temperature, long processing time, initiator residues, limited penetration depths. In contrast, radiation crosslinking, triggered by high‐energy particles at room temperature, yields materials with enhanced properties by offering advantages like the absence of active end‐groups and initiators, fast crosslinking speed, deep penetration, and environmental friendliness. In this study, the elastification of ferroelectric polymers, with normal ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) as the matrix and a crosslinking sensitizer with unsaturated double bonds, was realized via electron beam radiation crosslinking. By adjusting the absorbed doses and the feed ratios of P(VDF‐TrFE) and the crosslinking sensitizer, the crystallinity of the elastic ferroelectrics was controlled, effectively balancing ferroelectricity and resilience. The resulting elastic ferroelectrics maintain stable ferroelectric response under tensile strains up to 55%, exhibiting excellent elasticity and ferroelectric properties. This study presents a simple but efficient approach for preparing intrinsically elastic ferroelectric without high‐temperature reaction, and eliminating the need for heating and cooling steps, providing a potential universal platform for constructing various elastic ferroelectrics.

Engineering Stress‐Potential Coupled Interface on Ultrathin Lithium Anodes Toward 450 Wh Kg ⁻¹ ‐Level Long‐Cycling Lithium Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Dendrite‐free lithium anodes are crucial for developing practical high‐energy‐density batteries (>400 Wh/kg) with extended cycle life, but conventional interface design lack self‐adaptive adjustment against dendrite growth during Li plating. Herein, we obtain a dendrite‐free ultrathin Li@FcCHO anode by engineering a stress‐responsive nano‐interface on lithium strips via a mechanochemical reaction between ferrocene carboxaldehyde (FcCHO) and metallic Li. As proved by in situ Kelvin probe force microscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy tests, the Li@FcCHO anode shows local potential response to the Li plating stress. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations show that the local surface potential change originates from stress‐induced redistribution of anion‐pair coordination. The stress‐potential coupled interface layers induce uniform and dendrite‐free Li deposition beneath the interface by suppressing dendritic Li from capturing Li + with the extra electric field. As a result, the Li@FcCHO anode exhibits ultralong cycling life over 5000 h under high areal capacity conditions, whilst a practical 452 Wh/kg pouch cell (9 Ah) based on the Li@FcCHO anode can survive over 470 cycles with capacity retention of 85.20%. This work pioneers a stress‐potential coupled interface design to advance practical ultrathin Li anodes for next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries.

Nanobodies against Clostridioides difficile CDTb provide a toolkit for potent toxin neutralization and highly sensitive quantitation

Laser‐Induced High‐Density Bi–F–C Sites to Unleash Potent Li⁺ Adsorption for Stable Lithium Anodes

Abstract The synthesis of high‐loading single‐atom materials remains a significant challenge due to the intrinsic tendency of metal atoms to aggregate. To overcome this limitation, an electrostatic pre‐organization and laser‐driven carbonization (EPO–LDC) strategy is developed. Nafion sulfonates electrostatically pre‐organize Bi 3+ at the molecular scale, while ultrafast laser quenching enables non‐equilibrium synthesis, initiating simultaneous carbon reconstruction and fluorine‐mediated covalent bonding within nanoseconds. This rapid thermal confinement kinetically restricts atomic diffusion, thereby circumventing the aggregation pathways inherent to conventional thermal processes. Concurrently, fluorine ligands offer thermodynamic stabilization through strong Bi─F bonds and optimize charge redistribution via electronegativity‐driven orbital hybridization. This dual stabilization achieves a high‐density (9.63 wt.%) atomic dispersion of bismuth within a fluorinated porous carbon network (Bi@CF) without aggregation. Theoretical calculations reveal that Bi–F–C sites exhibit an exceptional Li adsorption energy of −9.82 eV, far exceeding those of conventional lithiophilic anodes (−1–−5 eV). The combination of atomic‐scale lithiophilicity and laser‐induced hierarchical porosity enables multiscale ion regulation, resulting in remarkable electrochemical stability. The EPO–LDC strategy thus provides a scalable industrial pathway for producing high‐loading single‐atom architectures with precisely tailored coordination environments.

Suppressing Thermal Aggregation of Fullerene Enables ISOS‐L‐3 Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

ABSTRACT Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), as the promising candidates for practical photovoltaics, always undergo severe degradation under standard commercial testing conditions (ISOS‐L‐3, 1 sun + RH≥50% + 85°C), posing a major obstacle to their commercialization. One of the inherent bottlenecks lies on that the fullerenes would spontaneously aggregate into crystalline clusters at high temperature, causing the irreversible interface destruction. Herein, drawing inspiration from the bionic spider web, “fullerene‐fixed web” is constructed to firmly immobilize [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) molecules via in situ polymerized 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS)‐derived siloxane network. The hydrolyzed and polymerized APTMS forms a robust 3D framework that confines PCBM through strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions, thereby suppressing its thermal aggregation. Simultaneously, the exposed amino groups of the network passivate the perovskite surface defects and strengthen the perovskite/ETL interfacial coupling. As a result, the target inverted PSCs achieve a champion efficiency of 26.39% (certified 26.27%) and retain over 90% of initial performance after 800 h age under ISOS‐L‐3 condition—significantly outperforming the control (24.98%, T 90 < 250 h). This work provides a feasible and effective pathway toward achieving highly efficient and photothermally durable perovskite photovoltaics.

Neurofascin stabilization by contactin-associated protein-like 2 and CTCF alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction in Schwann cells during facial nerve injury

A Hidden Photoinduced Phase‐Transition Pathway in Strain‐Engineered VO ₂

ABSTRACT Photoexcitation provides a versatile route to drive quantum materials into nonequilibrium states, opening opportunities for phase engineering beyond conventional tuning parameters such as temperature, magnetic field, pressure, or chemical doping/substitution. VO 2 , a prototypical correlated oxide, has long served as a model system for understanding photoinduced insulator–metal transitions, yet the sequence of structural and electronic transitions remains intensely debated. Here, we uncover a hidden photoinduced transition pathway in epitaxially strained VO 2 thin films, in which the structural transition precedes the electronic insulator–metal transition, reversing the canonical temporal order. Femtosecond X‐ray diffraction reveals a transient structural state characterized by the disappearance of vanadium dimers generating dynamic tensile strain, while time‐resolved terahertz spectroscopy shows that the electronic gap closes only after the strain relaxation. This lattice‐driven transition highlights the pivotal role of Mott correlations in dictating electronic properties under nonequilibrium conditions. Our findings establish strain–light coupling as a design principle for ultrafast control of phase transitions, offering new avenues for reconfigurable electronic and photonic devices based on correlated oxides.

Confinement‐Locking Strategy Enables Ionogels With Remarkable Mechanical Robustness and Fatigue Resistance

ABSTRACT Ionogels with favorable mechanical robustness, high conductivity, and excellent resistance to tear and fatigue are crucial for portable energy devices and/or flexible electronics. However, the intrinsic plasticizing effect and network dilution caused by ionic liquids (IL) compromise their mechanical robustness. Herein, a confinement‐locking strategy is developed to produce mechanically robust and fatigue‐resistant phase‐separate ionogels. First, a portion of soft segments is confined within the hard domains to buffer stress and facilitate hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding) assemblies reorganization. Second, the IL are confined within soft phases, which eliminates the interference with hard segments and consequently enhances the stability of H‐bonding networks. The synergistic effects of robust H‐bonding networks, extensive supramolecular interactions between soft segments (polycaprolactone, PCL) and IL, strain‐induced crystallization of PCL, and stress‐damping by confined soft segments endow the ionogel with an exceptional combination of tensile strength (∼45.4 MPa), fracture toughness (256.1 MJ·m − 3 ), elongation at break (1576.6%), elastic recovery (>91%), ionic conductivity (1.04 mS·cm −1 ), tear strength (∼108.1 kJ·m − 2 ), and a record‐high fatigue threshold (8796 J·m − 2 ), enabling the ionogel with great potential in perceptive artificial ligaments.

Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of 2D Semiconducting Bi ₂ O ₂ S for High‐Performance Field‐Effect Transistor

Abstract Bi 2 O 2 S has emerged as a promising 2D semiconductor for high‐performance field‐effect transistor (FET) applications, effectively addressing limitations observed in conventional 2D materials, including environmental instability, challenges with achieving optimal bandgaps, and insufficient static power efficiency. However, practical application of Bi 2 O 2 S has been hindered by synthesis challenges; previous methods often relied on high‐temperature processes (>700 °C) for precursor sublimation resulting in the formation of undesired phases or solution‐based approaches that compromise material quality. In this work, the growth of single‐crystalline Bi 2 O 2 S nanoplates at a low temperature of ≈400 °C is demonstrated using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), achieving a bandgap of 1.2 eV compatible with Si‐based devices. Fabricated Bi 2 O 2 S‐based FETs through this process exhibit excellent electrical performance, with a maximum on/off ratio of 3.6 × 10⁹ and a field‐effect mobility of 227 cm 2  V −1  s −1 , benefiting from the low effective mass (0.15 m 0 ) inherent to Bi 2 O 2 S. Furthermore, Bi 2 O 2 S photodetectors display remarkable optoelectronic characteristics, including a high responsivity of 11,577 A W −1 , rapid response time in the millisecond range, and a specific detectivity of 10 14 Jones. These results confirm Bi 2 O 2 S's potential as a versatile semiconductor for next‐generation electronics, offering both BEOL‐compatible low‐temperature synthesis and high‐speed, low‐power device capabilities.

A reversible feedback mechanism regulating mitochondrial heme synthesis

Molecular Engineering of Electron Transport Layers via Steric Hindrance and Chelation Toward Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

ABSTRACT Fullerene derivatives, such as C 60 and PCBM, are widely used as electron transport layers (ETLs) in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to their high electron mobility and well‐aligned energy levels. However, their poor photo‐thermal stability and weak interactions with perovskite limit further progress. To address these challenges, we develop a novel fullerene derivative, 2Py, as the ETL for inverted PSCs via a synergistic strategy combining steric hindrance modulation and chelation group incorporation. This molecule delivers three key benefits: moderate steric hindrance inhibits ETL aggregation during thermal aging; chelation groups enhance interfacial interactions with the perovskite layer; and improved hydrophilicity promotes uniform SnO x film growth via atomic layer deposition (ALD). 2Py ETL enables an efficiency of 26.07% for inverted PSCs based on a 1.55‐eV bandgap. Wide‐bandgap (1.80 eV) and narrow‐bandgap (1.25 eV) PSCs achieve efficiencies of 19.94% and 24.06%, respectively. Notably, these devices demonstrate exceptional photo‐thermal stability, achieving T 99 >1080 h under 85°C heating and T 99 >1250 h under maximum power point tracking at 45°C, outperforming PCBM‐based devices. This molecular design strategy paves new pathways for enhancing ETL performance and stability in inverted PSCs.

NIR‐II Light‐Activated Neurostimulation Enabled by Broad‐Angle Light Concentrating

ABSTRACT Precise, wireless control of battery‐free implantable neurostimulators using light offers a promising avenue for treating neurological disorders, while the strong tissue absorption, scattering, and alignment uncertainties under in vivo conditions limit their reliability. Here, we harness the deep tissue penetration of second near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 1000–1400 nm) light to develop a NIR‐II light‐activated neurostimulation based on integrated photothermal and pyroelectric energy conversion with a special broad‐angle lens‐free light concentrator. The flower‐inspired light concentrator enables efficient harvesting of scattered, non‐collimated light deep within tissues and eliminates the angular dependence common to existing systems. The synergistic photothermal‐pyroelectric conversion mechanism enables effective utilization of diffuse 1064 nm NIR‐II laser illumination and facilitates substantial device miniaturization, resulting in an exceptionally high voltage‐to‐volume output ratio. In vitro and in vivo evaluations confirm its biocompatibility and ability to precisely activate the nerve and modulate limb motion in frogs. Furthermore, in vivo studies in rabbits demonstrate that the device, following subcutaneous implantation, enables immediate light‐triggered electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve through pulsed 1064 nm NIR‐II laser irradiation. This work establishes a robust and minimally invasive paradigm for light‐controlled neuromodulation, offering broad applicability in next‐generation bioelectronic systems.

Enzymatically Switchable Pyroptosis‐Inducing Polymer Conjugate to Coordinate Host Immune Responses in Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract Gasdermin‐D‐mediated pyroptosis, an immunogenic cell death predominantly occurring in antigen‐presenting cells, is pivotal in orchestrating innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, this dynamic process holds significant potential as an effective cancer immunotherapy strategy. However, its adequate spatiotemporal control in cancer remains challenging. An Enzymatically switchable Pyroptosis‐Inducing polymer Conjugate (EPIC) is reported that selectively triggers chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) in the lysosome in the presence of Cathepsin B, abundant in cancer cells. When exposed to cancer cells in vitro, EPIC generates reactive oxygen species via self‐immolation‐mediated CRET, triggering lysosomal membrane disintegration, followed by activation of the signaling cascade that cleaves gasdermin‐D. Cleaved gasdermin‐D forms pyroptotic pores in the cancer cell membrane, promoting the efflux of damage‐associated molecular patterns and inflammatory cytokines. When systemically administered into the tumor‐bearing mice, EPIC provokes a robust immune response by promoting dendritic cell maturation and reinvigorating cytotoxic NK cells. Combination of EPIC with anti‐PD‐1 antibody enhanced infiltration of tumor‐specific cytotoxic T cells and promoted memory T cells, resulting in a durable remission of established tumors with complete tumor regression in more than half of the treated mice. Overall, EPIC has potential as a nanoplatform with multifaceted advantages for precise and effective cancer immunotherapy.

Magnetic Domain Texture in Fe ₃ O ₄ Thin Films on SiO ₂ Nanospheres

Abstract Topographically complex interfaces offer a promising route to engineer magnetic textures in oxide thin films, with potential implications for next‐generation spintronic and neuromorphic devices. Here, Fe 3 O 4 thin films are grown on self‐assembled SiO 2 nanospheres to investigate how local curvature, together with polycrystalline morphology, influence magnetic behavior compared to flat films. STEM and GISANS confirm connected growth with preserved lateral ordering, while XMCD‐PEEM reveals in‐plane magnetic domains that extend across both nanosphere‐patterned and flat regions. Despite the low net magnetization of the Fe 3 O 4 caps, their domain orientations align with neighboring flat areas, indicating correlated domain behavior across structurally different regions. These findings demonstrate how nanoscale topography and morphology can be leveraged as design parameters to modulate magnetism in complex oxides.

Ser500 phosphorylation acts as a conformational switch to prime eEF-2K for activation

A Gradient Nanodomain High‐Entropy Polymer Electrolyte Tape for Pressure‐Free Solid‐State Lithium Batteries

ABSTRACT High‐entropy polymer electrolytes (HEPE) have attracted significant attention owing to their exceptional design flexibility in properties and thin‐film processability. However, building high‐performance HEPE with well controlled nanodomains of multi‐components remains a critical challenge due to serious microphase separation. Here, we report a tri‐phase high‐entropy polymer electrolyte (HEPE) tape featuring ultrafine soft‐rigid gradient nanodomains approaching the single‐chain length scale, to achieve notable simultaneous enhancements in mechanical, electrochemical, and interfacial properties. The HEPE is realized through Li + ‐bond‐regulated nanophase separation of polyethylene oxide (PEO), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVFH), leading to high‐entropy microstructures at the levels of chain conformation and phase domains. Consequently, the HEPE exhibits a high room‐temperature ionic conductivity of 0.24 mS∙cm −1 , exceptional mechanical properties (strength of 22.1 ± 2.3 MPa, toughness of 87.7 MJ∙m −3 , elastic recovery of 66.7%), and interfacial adhesion toughness of 325 ± 15 N∙m −2 . Benefitting from these properties, the HEPE can generate physico‐electrochemical synergistic effects on stabilizing the lithium metal anode with a long cycling life of 750 h at 0.1 mA∙cm −2 . The resultant solid‐state Li|HEPE|NCM811 cell delivers a high capacity of 205.5 mAh∙g −1 even without stack pressure. This study indicates a promising high‐entropy tri‐component mixing strategy for the design and fabrication of HEPEs.

High‐Entropy Alloy‐Based Artificial Enzymes With Modulated D‐Band Center and pH‐Controllable ROS Biocatalysis for Stage‐Specific Treatment of Inflammatory and Infectious Oral Diseases

ABSTRACT Periodontitis, characterized by tenacious polymicrobial biofilms and persistent oxidative stress, presents a formidable therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. Current treatment modalities often fall short in achieving simultaneous biofilm eradication and inflammatory resolution. Here, we present the de novo design of high‐entropy alloy (HEA, PtPdRuRhIr)‐based artificial enzymes with modulated d‐band center and pH‐controllable biocatalysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for stage‐specific treatment of inflammatory and infectious periodontitis. Our studies demonstrate that the unique structure of PtPdRuRhIr‐based HEA stabilizes the d‐band center, enhances the electron density of Ru atoms, and optimizes the binding strength of oxygen species, thus enabling exceptional ROS biocatalysis and pH‐controllable switching between antioxidase‐like functions at physiological pH conditions and peroxidase‐like activity under acidic infectious environments. Therefore, the PtPdRuRhIr‐based HEA simultaneously exhibits superior regenerative functions by mitigating oxidative damage and bioadaptive antibacterial properties by generating bactericidal ROS. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations demonstrate suppression of inflammatory cytokines, functional regeneration of alveolar bone, and also microenvironment‐adaptive disruption of biofilm. By integrating pH‐dependent anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activities with immunomodulatory capacity in a single nanoplatform, this smart biocatalyst represents a promising therapeutic strategy for periodontitis and other biofilm‐associated inflammatory disorders, effectively bridging the gap between microbial clearance and tissue restoration.

La(OH) ₃ ‐Based Lithium Ionic Conductor for Quasi‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract Quasi‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (QSSLMBs) hold great promise for next‐generation energy storage but face major challenges for applications, including air instability of electrolytes, high synthesis cost, and poor interfacial compatibility. Here, La(OH) 3 ‐based Li + conductor Li 0.15 Sr 0.525 La 0.6 (OH) 3 (LSLOH) is reported, which is air‐stable and cost‐effective. LSLOH serves as an ionic conductor exhibiting Li⁺ conductivity of 0.1 mS cm −1 at 30 °C. To improve interfacial transport, LSLOH is incorporated into a polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐LiTFSI polymer electrolyte (PL) to form a quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte (PL‐LSLOH). LSLOH provides additional Li⁺ transport channels, while La 3+ and Sr 2+ interact with TFSI − to promote Li⁺ mobility. Moreover, LSLOH induces the formation of a LiOH and Li 2 O‐rich solid electrolyte interphase, effectively suppressing Li dendrite growth. As a result, the LiNi 0.6 Co 0.1 Mn 0.3 O 2 | PL‐LSLOH | Li pouch cells achieve 2.2 mAh cm −2 at 0.83 mA cm −2 (with cathode loading of 19 mg cm −2 ) over 200 cycles with 92.5% initial capacity retention, underscoring the potential for scale‐up. For the first time, this work demonstrates La(OH) 3 ‐based lithium ionic conductors and electrolyte design that address key barriers to the QSSLMBs.

A neural glycan HNK-1 is transferred to recipient cells via small extracellular vesicles

Molecular Gardening for Neuroinflammation via Nose‐to‐Brain Delivery: A Ca ²⁺ Responsive DNA Nanocage‐Hydrogel System With Neuron Targeting and STING Inhibiting

ABSTRACT Intranasal administration offers a rapid and non‐invasive route to deliver therapeutics directly from the nasal cavity into the brain for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, its efficacy is hampered by limited CNS targeting efficiency and rapid clearance in the nasal microenvironment. Here, a Ca 2+ responsive alginate hydrogel drug delivery system (namely SA@T SCC ) encapsulating a STING inhibitor within a neuronal targeting aptamer‐modified DNA nanocage for intranasal administration is developed. SA@T SCC demonstrates enhanced nasal retention, sustained release, and efficient transport of cargo into the CNS, leading to robust accumulation in the brain and spinal cord of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, eventually promoting remyelination, suppressing neuroinflammation, and restoring motor function. Mechanistically, SA@T SCC , acting as a molecular “gardener” in the diseased CNS “ecosystem,” could directly repair “stressed plants” neurons by inhibiting STING‐autophagy‐ferroptosis, restore neuronal health instead of broadly spraying “pesticides” immunosuppressants, calm “disrupted pollinators” microglia, and reverse neuroinflammation. Despite the exploration of STING inhibition for EAE treatment, the concept of nose‐to‐brain drug delivery and neuron targeting intranasal platform enabling precise modulation of the CNS microenvironment could be further extended for other chronic neurodegenerative diseases.