Browse Articles

A One‐Pot Carbonyl‐Functionalization Strategy for Hybrid Multi‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter Towards Highly Efficient Narrowband Blue and Yellow‐Green OLEDs

Abstract The incorporation of fused carbonyl structures into multi‐resonance (MR) molecular frameworks is a promising strategy for precise emission color tuning and spectral narrowing. However, few molecules have been developed through this strategy, primarily because of the harsh reaction conditions required for carbonyl‐related reactions. Herein, a feasible one‐pot synthetic approach is reported for embedding carbonyl groups as lockers in B/N‐based skeletons under mild conditions, yielding BN‐CO, a blue boron/nitrogen/carbonyl hybrid MR emitter. Owing to enhanced molecular planarity and rigidity, BN‐CO exhibits an emission maximum (λ e ) of 462 nm with an ultra‐narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 16 nm. These carbonyl groups also function as versatile modification sites. Subsequent aza‐annulation affords a yellow‐green‐emitting BN‐CN (λ e = 546 nm, FWHM = 26 nm), which uniquely combines imine/amine with B/N MR characteristics while exhibiting a significant 84 nm emission red‐shift. The corresponding organic light‐emitting diodes exhibit high maximum EQEs (33.5% for BN‐CO and 38.0% for BN‐CN). Notably, BN‐CN‐based devices exhibit extremely low efficiency roll‐offs (EQE = 34.2% at 100,000 cd/m 2 ) and a maximum luminance of 5.61×10⁵ cd/m 2 . The proposed approach provides a versatile route for fabricating novel MR architectures and enables the use of carbonyl groups as tunable modification sites facilitating molecular engineering.

Direct optical activation of human IRE1 identifies unique patterns of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mRNA regulation in the unfolded protein response

On‐Surface Synthesis of Bismuth Monolayers through Ice‐Confined Redox Reactions

ABSTRACT 2D bismuth possesses a unique combination of properties, such as cryogenic‐free quantum spin Hall effects and intrinsic single‐element ferroelectricity, making it highly promising for next‐generation electronic devices. However, the synthesis of 2D bismuth via exfoliation or direct growth is hindered by the low structural anisotropy of bulk bismuth crystals. To address this challenge, we demonstrate an unprecedented ice‐confined bottom‐up strategy for growing 2D bismuth. This approach involves kinetically controlled nucleation in liquid nitrogen (‐196 °C), followed by redox‐driven anisotropic growth within the confined space between ice and aluminum surfaces at −20 °C. The surfactant‐free process yields solution‐processable crystalline 2D bismuth with micrometer‐scale lateral dimensions and atomic‐level thickness, where 72% of the sheets are 1–3 layers thick. Thanks to its oxophilic surfaces, the as‐grown 2D bismuth effectively captures CO 2 molecules and facilitates their conversion to *OCHO intermediates during electrochemical CO 2 reduction, leading to an excellent formate Faraday efficiency of 95.6%. Moreover, this versatile synthetic route can be extended to other functional 2D metals, including silver, copper, and tellurium, thereby opening new avenues for the design of advanced catalysis, electronics, and related technologies.

An Immune Nanoenhancer Revitalizes Chemotherapeutics to Tailor Tumor‐Derived dsDNA for Anticancer Immunoengineering

ABSTRACT Immunotherapy has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment; however, most current strategies target only isolated steps of the cancer‐immunity cycle and therefore struggle to achieve durable clinical success. Central to immune surveillance, the cGAS‐STING pathway orchestrates innate and adaptive responses by promoting dendritic cell maturation, cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration, and durable immunological memory. However, chemotherapeutic activation of this axis remains elusive due to a paucity of safe, efficacious, and translatable inducers of tumor‐derived double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA). Here, we report a rationally engineered immune nanoenhancer platform–C‐iNE/A, that reprograms approved chemotherapeutics to initiate robust dsDNA‐driven cGAS‐STING activation in tumors even at low drug doses. Guided by machine learning, we optimize chemotherapeutic encapsulation and combine it with photophysically triggered mild hyperthermia to impair DNA repair while sparing healthy tissues. This cascade promotes intratumoral dsDNA accumulation, immunogenic release, and sustained immune activation. C‐iNE/A elicited potent immune responses across tumor models, enhancing dendritic cell maturation, amplifying cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration, suppressing metastasis, and establishing memory T cell populations. Our approach establishes a generalizable strategy to convert conventional chemotherapeutics into immune activators at safe drug doses, offering a clinically relevant platform to overcome current limitations in STING‐based immunotherapy and advance the next generation of tumor‐immunomodulatory regimens.

Metallophilic Non‐van der Waals Roll‐ups Engineered for Long‐Life Metal Batteries

Abstract Metal hybrid electrodes are promising for high‐energy‐density batteries owing to their high theoretical capacities. However, their practical employment is hampered by the inherent incompatibility between molten metals and composite materials resulting from the high surface tensions. Herein, unique metallophilic non‐van der Waals (non‐vdW) roll‐ups of transition metal carbides are produced via metal‐bonding adjacent atomic layers in scrolled MXenes, featuring a nano‐sized hollow structure and abundant surface dangling bonds as well as remarkable thermal stability up to 800 °C. These features enable the formation of chemical bonding and strong capillary forces between the non‐vdW roll‐ups and molten metals such as Li, Ga, Mg, and their alloys, leading to the unexpected metallophilic property. As a result, the surface tensions of metal‐based composites are significantly reduced, facilitating the fabrication of thin metal hybrid foils with high mechanical tensile strengths. For instance, a Mg foil incorporated with non‐vdW Al‐V 2 CT x roll‐ups exhibits a high tensile strength up to 204 MPa, ≈2 times that of bare Mg. When employed as an anode in magnesium batteries, the full cell coupled with the Mo 6 S 8 cathode delivers long‐term cycling stability with ≈90.0% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1 C, attributed to the low diffusion resistance of the hybrid electrode.

Author response to “Commentary on detoxification of deoxynivalenol by pathogen-inducible tau-class glutathione transferases from wheat” by Dr. Latika Shendre

100 Years of Raney Ni Catalyst

ABSTRACT Raney Ni, a porous Ni catalyst derived from alkali‐leached Ni–Al alloy, has anchored itself in the field of catalysis for a century since its 1924 invention by Raney. Its dual merits—high activity and in situ hydrogen storage—enable applications in various fields. This review condenses its evolution: from alloy design to functional tailoring via doping/milling, emphasizing structure–activity correlations and sustainable chemistry impacts. Despite its long‐standing utility, comprehensive reviews on Raney Ni's century‐long evolution have been scarce. This review systematically summarizes its development—from discovery and preparation refinement to performance modification and application expansion—highlighting its enduring role in catalysis and providing insights for future sustainable material research.

Sialoglycans on human T cells attenuate death programs executed through the Fas pathway

Decoupling Density–Strength–Toughness in Wood Modification via Molecular Compaction

ABSTRACT Herein, we report a “molecular compaction” strategy that breaks the long‐standing density–strength–toughness coupling in wood. Instead of conventional mass densification, ionic carbon quantum dots (ICQDs) are introduced into the cell wall to trigger in situ polymer reorganization. At an ultralow concentration of 0.25%, the material achieves a 62% increase in strength and a 30% increase in toughness while slightly reducing bulk density by 0.4%. Mechanistically, ICQDs serve as multifunctional nano‐modifiers: hydrogen bonding with cellulose as well as hemicellulose and π – π interactions with lignin promote higher crystallinity, greater chain orientation, and tighter microfibril packing, yielding densified yet thinner cell walls. The modified wood further exhibits enhanced antifungal and UV resistance. Multiscale structural and spectroscopic analyses corroborate this compaction pathway–crystallinity and orientation increase without lumen filling or bulk densification. The solution‐processable, low‐additive protocol is compatible with standard impregnation routes, enabling scalable manufacturing and facile translation to other lignocellulosic substrates. This low‐additive, mechanism‐guided approach establishes a general route to lightweight, durable, high‐performance bio‐based composites for sustainable applications.

A Low‐Concentration All‐Phosphate Electrolyte for High‐Voltage and High‐Safety Lithium‐Ion Batteries

ABSTRACT The majority of safety incidents associated with lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) arise from the utilization of highly volatile and flammable carbonate electrolytes. The adoption of non‐flammable all‐phosphate‐solvent electrolytes could significantly enhance the safety of LIBs. Nevertheless, all‐phosphate‐solvent electrolytes at low‐concentrations (≈1  m ) are not compatible with commercial graphite anodes. Herein, we design and synthesize a new six‐membered cyclic phosphate (HTP) with intrinsic graphite passivation ability as electrolyte solvent. Conventional tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) phosphate (FTEP) is introduced as co‐solvent to regulate the electrolyte solvation structure through solvent–solvent interactions between HTP and FTEP, which facilitates Li + de‐solvation and contributes to the formation of a highly robust inorganic‐polymeric CEI/SEI. The resulting low‐concentration electrolyte with all‐phosphate‐solvent not only exhibits wide potential window, unmeasurably high flash point, excellent non‐flammability and thermal stability, but also promises the 4.5 V graphite||LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 full‐cells to operate stably at extreme temperatures up to 100°C and pass various rigorous safety tests. This work provides new insights into the design of non‐flammable electrolytes for high‐voltage and high‐safety LIBs and are broadly applicable to other batteries.

A Bioinspired Force‐Inducible Hydrogel Conduit for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract Long‐gap peripheral nerve injury (PNI) presents a significant challenge since the growth cone at the proximal end fails to detect and respond to neurotrophic signals from the distal ends, even when bridging the long‐gap with nerve guide conduits (NGCs), impeding the motivated growth of new axons. In this study, a bioinspired force‐inducible multichannel nerve guide conduit (FI‐MNGC) is developed, constructed from silk fibrin‐based hydrogel. By mimicking the gradient capillary architectures in vascular plants, the FI‐MNGC utilizes a multichannel design with gradient apertures that can self‐generate enhanced capillary forces, which not only promote directed axon growth but also guide the directed delivery of Schwann cells (SCs) toward the distal ends of the injured nerve, without the need for any external stimuli. Implemented in a rat model with a 16 mm and a rabbit model with a 30 mm long‐gap sciatic nerve defect, the FI‐MNGC significantly accelerates the recovery process, paralleling the efficacy of autografts in nerve regeneration, functional recovery, and repair speed. This innovative approach offers a promising alternative to autografts, enhancing the potential for clinical implementation in long‐gap PNI therapies.

Catechol-linker and receptor-mediated site-specific delivery of bortezomib against non-small cell lung cancer

Engineering Temperature‐Switchable Conducting Metal–Phenolic Network Films

ABSTRACT Designing energy‐efficient materials capable of transitioning between insulating and conducting states with ultrahigh ON/OFF ratios is a key challenge in advancing electronic materials. Herein, a class of materials exhibiting temperature‐tunable insulator–metal transitions based on the facile chemistry of metal–phenolic networks (MPNs) is reported. Enhanced π – π stacking in the materials at elevated temperatures triggers a transition from insulating to highly conductive states, as confirmed experimentally and by molecular dynamics simulations. The MPN films (∼10–300 nm thick) exhibit ultrahigh OFF‐state resistance, tunable transition temperatures (354–504 K), ultrafast switching speeds (<1 µs), high ON‐state Hall mobility (117 cm 2 V −1 s −1 ), scalability (>18 cm 2 ), tunable electrical properties (via ligand and metal choice), and compatibility with diverse electronic devices and circuits. This work offers a pathway to developing low‐cost, customizable material platforms for smart electronics.

Tailored Biodegradable Copolymers With Random‐Block Architecture for High‐Performance Absorbable Tissue Ligation Clips

ABSTRACT To address the balance between mechanical strength and flexibility in absorbable tissue ligation clips, a novel copolymer poly(L‐lactide‐r‐ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) (PLCL‐b‐PLLA) with random‐block molecular architecture is developed by integrating the flexibility of PLCL random copolymer and the high strength of PLLA homopolymer. Three random‐block copolymers with different LLA/CL ratios are designed and synthesized. Among them, the copolymer with an LLA/CL ratio of 75:25 (PLC75‐RB) exhibits the most balanced overall performance. The PLC75‐RB copolymer is injected into Hem‐o‐lok–shaped clips (CLIP75‐RB), and the CLIP75‐RB possesses sufficient closure force and favorable rebound ability, meeting the requirements for tissue ligation. The degradation evaluation indicates that the CLIP75‐RB maintains effective closure force for up to 4 weeks and then begins to degrade gradually. Further validation in a rabbit unilateral nephrectomy model confirms that CLIP75‐RB effectively performs ligation function and subsequently undergoes controlled degradation. The histological analysis demonstrates the good biocompatibility of the clips. The random‐block PLCL‐b‐PLLA copolymers expand the range of biodegradable polymers, and the PLC75‐RB exhibits well‐matched mechanical performance and degradation behavior, highlighting the potential for the next generation of absorbable tissue ligation clips.

Suppressing Energetic Disorder of Organic Semiconductors for Semitransparent Photovoltaics and Thin‐Film Transistors

Abstract The weak intermolecular interaction and short‐range aggregation endow organic semiconductors with the merits of flexibility, light weight, and solution processibility, while introducing more disorders at the same time. The greater degree of disorders in organic semiconductors, compared to inorganic semiconductors, is one of the major obstacles to their performance; thus, minimizing disorders is a key approach to boost the performance of organic electronics. Here, a strategy of using phthalate esters is introduced as assembly‐inducing agents (AIAs) to improve the packing ordering of organic semiconductors, thereby reducing the energetic disorders and improving the device performance. With dioctyl phthalate AIA, the organic semiconductor PM6 shows a 24% reduction in Urbach energy, 11% narrower absorption full width at half maximum, and suppressed absorption tails in thin film. In organic field‐effect transistors, this strategy offers a lift of hole mobility by 33.3%. In semitransparent organic photovoltaics, this strategy improves the average visible transmittance by 11.2% while maintaining the power conversion efficiency, yielding a high light utilization efficiency of 4.63% in optical structure‐free devices. This work provides a facile and effective approach to suppress the energetic disorder of organic semiconductors and opens up a new avenue for fabricating high‐performance organic electronics.

Lipopeptide ligands captured by MHC class I molecules undergo dynamic conformational changes that affect their antigenic strength

Size‐Effect Stiffening and Densification Strain Regulation Shape Micro Metamaterials for Ultra‐High, Cycle‐Stable Energy Absorption

ABSTRACT Thin‐walled metamaterials hold great promise for energy absorption, yet a fundamental conflict persists between high energy absorption and cycle stability in most existing designs, which is the key challenge for applications of these materials. Here, a new kind of energy‐absorbing and cycle‐stable integrated (ECI) microscale metamaterials are presented that overcome this limitation, surpassing conventional thin‐walled metamaterials in compression strength and energy absorption by 1–4 orders of magnitude. Cyclic loading experiments show that the programmable ECI micro metamaterials retain 87% of their energy absorption capacity after multiple cycles. These breakthroughs stem from a novel design methodology that harnesses size‐effect‐induced bending stiffness enhancement together with densification strain regulation. Guided by this approach, the rotatable frames with tunable densification strain and curvature‐optimized micro shells with enhanced bending stiffness were innovatively coupled, leading to a 630% improvement in compressive strength and energy absorption over macroscale equivalents. Dynamic characterization reveals that the optimal ECI micro‐metamaterial significantly outperforms conventional energy‐absorbing materials and lattice structures, specifically exceeding them by an average of 124% in rebound attenuation. This work redefines the performance envelope of thin‐walled metamaterials and provides a new paradigm for designing ultra‐robust protective systems through geometric‐stiffness hybridization.

High‐Performance Zero‐Gap Glycerol‐Fed Electrolyzer for C ₃ Chemicals and Hydrogen Production

ABSTRACT The electrochemical oxidation of biomass‐derived glycerol offers a promising low‐voltage alternative to water oxidation in electrolyzers, enabling the co‐production of hydrogen and value‐added chemicals. However, achieving high conversion rates at current densities above 300 mA cm −2 remains challenging due to the rapid deactivation of platinum‐based catalysts. Here, we present a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) featuring a platinum‐decorated nickel foam (Pt/NiF) anode that sustains operation for 24 h at 500 mA cm −2 with an average cell voltage of just 1.21 V, outperforming all previously reported glycerol‐fed electrolyzers operating below 1.5 V. The system exhibits >88% selectivity toward C3 products, achieving 227 mA cm −2 partial current density for lactic acid and 9% single‐pass glycerol conversion. In situ impedance spectroscopy identifies voltage‐dependent regimes linked to platinum hydroxide formation, glycerol oxidation, and oxygen evolution. Systematic variation of electrolyte composition and temperature reveals an optimized window (1.2–1.4 V, 55–65°C) for sustained performance. Under these conditions, a single 24 h cycle co‐generates ∼175 mmol of H 2 and 45 mmol of C3 products. These results establish new operational and mechanistic benchmarks for efficient, low‐voltage electrochemical valorization of biomass‐derived polyols at industrially relevant rates.

Chip‐Scale Graphene/IGZO Cold Source FET Array Enabling Sub‐60 mV dec ⁻¹ Super‐Steep Subthreshold Swing

Abstract In this study, the first sub‐60 mV dec −1 super‐steep subthreshold swing (SS) of graphene/InGaZnO (IGZO) cold‐source field‐effect transistor (CSFET) arrays is demonstrated. The linear density of states of the Dirac‐cone‐type graphene suppresses the Boltzmann thermal tail near the graphene/IGZO interface which in turn causes super‐exponentially decaying electron density with increasing energy, leading to an extremely low off current and SS value. In particular, by introducing an HfO 2 high‐k dielectric with a low body factor, the surface potential is effectively modulated, further reducing SS by ≈46.4 mV dec −1 . Furthermore, highly uniform sub‐60 mV dec −1 SS with a yield of ≈89.1% is achieved in the IGZO CSFET 8 × 8 array devices, with a record SS value of 23.66 mV dec −1 compared to previously reported oxide‐semiconductor transistors. The proposed IGZO CSFET device is expected to drive significant advancements in high‐speed and ultralow‐power electronic circuits.

The role of DNAJC3 in enhancing glioma progression and regulating the tumor immune microenvironment