Physics

Metal-organic framework (MOF) heterostructures with multi-segmented emission and integrated responsiveness hold great potential application in integrated photonic devices, yet reported MOF heterostructures always focus on the assembly of homologous chromophore ligands with similar energy levels, restricting their further function integration. Herein, the first heteronuclear MOF heterostructure is reported based on an identical auxiliary-ligand bridging strategy towards multi-function-integrated photonic devices. Designed ligands with distinct chromophore structures were epitaxially assembled by identical auxiliary-ligand bridging method to construct the heteronuclear MOF heterostructures. Distinct chromophore structures of ligands endow each MOF block with different energy-level structures, which generate disparate photon-responsive behaviors and gain processes in different individual regions. On the basis, the heteronuclear MOF heterostructure can simultaneously integrate different photonic functionalities, including narrow-band light sources, optical modulation and optical waveguides, which further functions as a prototype of integrated photonic circuit with dynamic logic gate operation. These results offer a novel strategy for the development of MOF heterostructures for multifunctional integrated photonic devices.

ABSTRACT Directly switching the type of electron transfer from Type‐II to S‐scheme at the heterojunction interfaces of a two‐component photocatalyst is crucial for improving charge separation efficiency in semiconductor‐based photocatalysis technology. A major challenge lies in the effective control of the interfacial band‐edge position or electronic properties of a two‐component photocatalyst. Here, we constructed a “directional valve” in a Zn x Cd 2‐x S 2 –crystalline carbon nitride (Zn x Cd 2‐x S 2 –CN) heterojunction through Fermi level modulation to selectively switch Type‐II to S‐scheme charge transfer. Experimental validation using advanced scanning probe microscopy and in situ photoemission directly observed the switched electron transfer dynamics. The metal probe‐assisted in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) directly demonstrates the electron transition from Type‐II to S‐scheme pathways at the interface, corroborated by illumination‐induced surface potential shifts. Furthermore, the S‐scheme charge transfer in Zn x Cd 2‐x S 2 –CN heterojunction contributed to a four times higher CO 2 photoreduction activity than the Type‐II one. This study provides a new paradigm for rationally controlling interfacial charge dynamics through band engineering.

ABSTRACT Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large‐scale energy storage, yet their development is constrained by the cathode that suffers from energy‐intensive synthesis and poorly understood interlayer‐ion chemistry. NH 4 V 4 O 10 (NVO) exemplifies these challenges, as hydrothermal preparation hampers scalability and the stabilizing role of intercalated cations remains ambiguous. Here, by revisiting vanadium‐oxide synthesis history and nucleation mechanisms, we establish a nucleation‐kinetics–driven, pH‐controlled supersaturation strategy that enables mild and scalable NVO synthesis. Moreover, this method provides a reliable platform for systematic interlayer chemistry studies. A comparative investigation of cations‐intercalated NVO establishes a unified descriptor, weighted ionic potential, δ = Z/r × EN( (valence/radius) × electronegativity), which quantifies the effective polarizing power and metal–oxygen interaction of interlayer cations. Experimental correlation and theory analysis identify the most effective stabilizing species. To further enhance capacity without sacrificing stability, redox‐active molecules are co‐intercalated into Al 3+ ‐stabilized NVO. The resulting cathode exhibits accelerated Zn 2+ transport, modified redox chemistry, and additional charge storage, delivering high specific capacities of ∼420 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 , 248 mAh g −1 at 5 A g −1 , and ∼83% retention over 8000 cycles. Overall, this work integrates scalable synthesis and descriptor‐guided interlayer design to advance high‐performance vanadium‐oxide cathodes toward practical AZIBs.

ABSTRACT This study presents a groundbreaking strategy for overcoming critical limitations in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by introducing multidentate molecular‐mediated buried‐interface reconstruction. Focusing on the persistent challenges of chemical and electronic disorder at the NiO x /self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) interface, we utilize a bisphosphonate molecular mediator to orchestrate a coherent interfacial framework. This strategy simultaneously passivates NiO x defects, regulates SAM assembly, and coordinates with undercoordinated Pb 2+ at the perovskite interface. The resulting multidentate interaction not only homogenizes the interfacial energetics but also suppresses nonradiative recombination, thereby stabilizing carrier dynamics and enhancing device performance. With this approach, we achieve champion‐certified efficiencies of 27.31% for small‐area rigid PSCs, 24.52% for flexible devices, and 17.11% for large‐area flexible modules (684.75 cm 2 ). Remarkably, the engineered interface also demonstrates exceptional durability, with flexible modules retaining over 94% of their initial power output after 3250 h of operation. This work establishes a scalable and versatile paradigm for buried‐interface engineering in PSCs, offering a path toward the development of high‐performance, ultra‐stable flexible photovoltaics with broad application potential.

ABSTRACT Thermoelectric catalytic therapy represents an emerging therapeutic modality for diverse diseases such as cancer, but faces limitations in efficacy and safety due to low thermoelectric efficiency and systemic toxicity risks. Herein, we report an in situ H 2 S‐activated plasmonic nanozyme, Cu 2 O‐HTB@D, fabricated by co‐loading Cu 2 O nanoparticles and 4‐hydroxythiobenzamide (4‐HTB) into tetrasulfide‐rich dendritic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (DMONs) for near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) plasmonic thermoelectric (PTE) cancer catalytic therapy. Upon accumulation in the tumor microenvironment, the tetrasulfide‐rich DMON framework reacts with overexpressed glutathione (GSH), triggering structural disintegration and release of Cu 2 O and 4‐HTB. Subsequently, H 2 S generated from the reaction of DMONs and 4‐HTB with GSH induces in situ conversion of Cu 2 O into Cu 2‐x S. The resulting Cu 2‐x S exhibits strong NIR‐II plasmonic and PTE properties with peroxidase‐, catalase‐ and oxidase‐like multi‐enzymatic activities, enabling robust ∙OH and ˙O 2 ‾ generation amplified by plasmonic hyperthermia and PTE effects under 1064 nm laser irradiation. In vivo studies demonstrate exceptional tumor suppression in a triple‐negative breast cancer murine model with high targeting specificity and minimal systemic toxicity after intravenous administration of Cu 2 O‐HTB@D. This strategy highlights a clinically translatable approach for spatially controlled catalytic therapy via in situ generation of plasmonic nanozymes.

ABSTRACT Efficient methane storage remains a fundamental challenge for the deployment of adsorbed natural gas technologies, owing to the long‐standing difficulty of simultaneously achieving high gravimetric and volumetric storage capacities. Here, we report a directed materials‐design strategy that links molecular precursor topology to defect evolution and hierarchical pore formation in porous carbons. By exploiting the distinct pyrolytic topologies of cyanide‐based ionic liquid anions, we program defect densities in carbon frameworks and guide the development of micro‐mesoporous architectures through chemical activation. This approach yields a hierarchical porous carbon with an ultrahigh Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller area of 5011 m 2 g −1 and a physically accessible pore volume of 2.48 cm 3 g −1 as determined by skeletal density and tap density measurements, enabling exceptional methane storage performance at room temperature. At 298 K and 100 bar, this material achieves a gravimetric adsorption capacity of 0.48 g g −1 . Accordingly, its volumetric adsorption capacity reaches 228 cm 3 (Standard temperture and pressure, STP) cm −3 at a tap density of 0.337 g cm −3 and 275 cm 3 (STP) cm −3 at a compacted density of 0.407 g cm −3 . Beyond methane storage, our findings establish a generalizable paradigm for constructing high‐performance porous carbons by topologically programming defects and pore hierarchies, with implications for energy storage and gas adsorption technologies.

ABSTRACT Lanthanide(III) coordination scintillators feature efficient triplet harvesting and narrow‐band emission, making them promising for X‐ray imaging applications. However, their rigid coordination environments hinder melt‐processing into large‐area, transparent glassy scintillator screens. Herein, a “rigid‐node flexible‐linker” molecular design strategy that facilitates chain‐mobility‐enabled glass‐forming in lanthanide coordination scintillators by constructing one‐dimensional (1D) coordination chains is proposed. By integrating dibenzoylmethane antenna with flexible dual‐phosphine‐oxide linkers (OP‐Cn, n = 2, 4, 6, 8), a series of 1D Eu‐OP‐Cn coordination polymers is constructed, enabling the simultaneous realization of efficient ligand‐sensitized radioluminescence and the chain‐mobility required for vitrification, thereby allowing transformation from crystalline powders into glassy states. Benefiting from rigid local coordination environments that suppress nonradiative decay, crystalline Eu‐OP‐C2 exhibits a near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield (97.5%) and an ultrahigh relative light yield of 70379 photons MeV −1 . Besides, elongating the alkyl‐chain length increases segmental flexibility, allowing Eu‐OP‐C6/C8 to form water‐stable, transparent glassy scintillators via melt‐quenching method. Notably, Eu‐OP‐C8 glass delivers radioluminescence intensity 12.1 times higher than Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 , enabling high‐resolution X‐ray imaging (> 30 lp mm −1 ) and real‐time underwater X‐ray videography (2K, 60 fps). Moreover, this strategy is readily extendable to Tb 3+ , Sm 3+ and Dy 3+ , establishing a general molecular‐design paradigm for melt‐processable lanthanide coordination glassy scintillators.

Perovskite heterostructures, which integrate two or more functional materials into one coupled system, have emerged as an important strategy for stabilizing perovskite materials and enabling high-performance optoelectronic devices. Through rational design of composition and interfaces, these heterostructures can reduce defect density, suppress ion migration, relieve structural strain, and improve resistance to moisture, heat, and light. They can also combine the complementary advantages of different components in structural and optoelectronic properties. These features give perovskite heterostructures clear benefits for both material stability and device operation. In solar cells, they enhance interfacial stability and device durability, while supporting efficient charge extraction. In light-emitting diodes, they help maintain phase and emission stability, suppress non-radiative losses, and extend operational lifetime. In this Review, we summarize recent advances in the design, compositional engineering, interfacial mechanisms, and optoelectronic applications of perovskite heterostructures. We also discuss the key challenges and future directions in this field.

ABSTRACT A key aim in spintronics is to achieve current‐induced magnetization switching via spin‐orbit torques without external magnetic fields. For this, the focus of recent work has been on introducing controlled lateral gradients across ferromagnet/heavy‐metal devices, giving variations in thickness, composition, or interface quality. However, the shallow gradients achievable with growth techniques limit the impact of this approach and understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms. Here, crystalline phase gradients are patterned on a mesoscopic length scale in tungsten thin films using direct‐write laser annealing. Through transmission electron microscopy, resistivity, and second harmonic measurements, the continuous transformation of the phase of tungsten films from the highly spin‐orbit coupled, high‐resistivity phase to the minimally spin‐orbit coupled, low‐resistivity phase with increasing laser fluence is tracked. Gradients with different steepness and arbitrary shapes are patterned in the tungsten phase. When interfaced with CoFeB, current‐induced spin‐orbit torques resulting from tungsten with a sufficiently steep gradient can switch the magnetization without an applied magnetic field. Therefore, exploiting the unique microstructure of mixed‐phase W allows precise control of the local electronic current density and direction, as well as local spin‐orbit torque efficiency, providing a new avenue for the design of efficient spintronic devices.

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide We report the structural and optoelectronic properties of lead-free CsGeI 3 and CsGeBr 3 perovskites, unveiling the critical role of local symmetry distortions in defining their emission properties. CsGeBr 3 exhibits broad photoluminescence from self-trapped excitons, due to local octahedral distortion and a large distribution of the average bond lengths. On the contrary, by using temperature-dependent pair distribution function analysis and hybrid-functional molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that CsGeI 3 adopts a monoclinic local structure responsible for its narrow near-infrared (NIR) emission (∼745 nm, FWHM ≈ 110 meV at room temperature), the narrowest reported for Ge-based perovskites and in line with tin iodide perovskites. Notably, the high level of structural order also supports the achievement of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) at room temperature with an exceptionally low threshold (75 μJ/cm 2 ), positioning it as a promising candidate for lead-free NIR light-emitting and laser applications.

Unique properties that emerge at the nanoscale make nanomaterials pivotal in the quest to discover and develop new functionalities. Consequently, it is crucial to adapt existing synthetic strategies or develop alternate ones to access materials traditionally found in bulk form. While significant work has been conducted on the synthesis of binary and ternary chalcogenides, it has primarily focused on a limited class of materials. Herein, we report our efforts to expand the solution-based synthesis of other 2-D and 3-D ternary chalcogenide nanomaterials, with a focus on the MnX 2 Se 4 (X = Bi, Sb, In) family. This class of materials is of great potential for topological, thermo/photoelectric, battery, and catalytic applications. We demonstrate the synthesis of these manganese-based ternary selenides using a two-pot, hot-injection solution-phase synthesis approach. Two distinct formation pathways were observed depending on the choice of the trivalent metal, while the use of octadecene and MnX 2 (X = I, Br) proves key to accessing the target compounds. The MnBi 2 Se 4 and MnSb 2 Se 4 particles were Se-rich as evidenced from surface and bulk composition analysis, requiring a postsynthesis treatment with a dodecanethiol-oleylamine mixture. Diffuse reflectance measurements, along with Kubelka–Munk analysis and electronic structure calculations, revealed that MnBi 2 Se 4 and MnSb 2 Se 4 possess direct band gaps of ∼1.0 and 1.3 eV, respectively, increasing to 1.5 eV for MnIn 2 Se 4 . Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility studies showed an absence of long-range magnetic ordering in the 7–300 K range despite AFM coupling suggesting short-range AFM correlations for all three ternary chalcogenides. Insights gained from this research could be applicable to other similar systems and can serve as a guide to precursor and reaction parameter selection.

has high TE performance but suffers from severe zinc (Zn) ion migration under an external field. This work uses powder atomic layer deposition (pALD) to engineer atomic-scale zinc oxide (ZnO) interfaces that simultaneously suppress Zn ion migration and enhance phonon scattering. Through precise ZnO coatings (50 to 200 cycles), we create continuous barriers that immobilize interstitial Zn ions, eliminating Zn motion and inhibiting phase decomposition. Optimized 100 ALD cycle coatings reduce lattice thermal conductivity by >20% through intensified boundary-phonon scattering, yielding a stabilized, nondegrading figure of merit compared to uncoated performance. Crucially, the thermal stability of 100-ALD-cycle-coated sample persists through 39,260 thermal cycles under gradients of 220 kelvin, and Seebeck coefficient mapping exhibits a uniform distribution along temperature difference. Our approach establishes pALD as a promising atomic-level interface design in migration-prone TE materials, bridging high performance with long-term operational reliability.

The design of high-entropy alloys is effective in lowering thermal conductivity but often reduces carrier mobility, thereby limiting electrical transport properties. Understanding the relationship among configurational entropy, thermal conductivity, and carrier mobility in high-entropy alloys is critical for enhancing thermoelectric performance. We demonstrate that a systematic and substantial increase in configurational entropy in half-Heusler alloys leads to an asymptotic reduction of lattice thermal conductivity. The reduced phonon group velocity and enhanced phonon scattering induced by atomic-scale chemical disorder result in a low lattice thermal conductivity of 2 watts per meter per kelvin at room temperature, with an achievable minimum of about 1.48 watts per meter per kelvin as disorder further increases, approaching the amorphous limit. Single-phase stabilization, along with optimized carrier mobility, is essential to preserve high electrical conductivity. Our results provide fundamental insights into integrating specific strategies with high-entropy design to simultaneously achieve low thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance, advantageous for high-temperature thermoelectric power generation applications.

Chiral microstructures exhibit distinctive mechanical, electrical and optical properties, but reliable methods to generate unidirectional rotation with precise control remain limited. Previously, Zeng et al. developed “capillary machines,” macroscopic machines with hollow channels that braid microscale wires into specific topologies using interfacial capillary forces. Here, we report a versatile ratcheting mechanism that is flow rate dependent. Under high–flow rate conditions, robust unidirectional rotation of the floating object is generated by the interplay between interfacial flows and capillary forces. Simulations reveal that interfacial flows depend on the actuation direction, leading to the observed hysteresis. Leveraging this principle, we successfully braid multiple microwires into a hierarchically twisted bundle without destructive torsion. By coupling interfacial hydrodynamics with geometric design, this approach establishes a scalable strategy for fabricating delicate chiral architectures, opening transformative paradigms in interface-mediated microassembly.

Active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback is widely viewed as the most promising solution to the long-standing cooling flow problem in galaxy clusters, yet previous models prescribe jet properties inconsistent with accretion physics. We perform an idealized hydrodynamic simulation of a galaxy cluster with no merger history and a relaxed state, with its other properties similar to the Perseus cluster using the MACER framework, incorporating both jets and winds whose properties are constrained by general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of black hole accretion and observations. The combined feedback reproduces key observables, including cold gas mass, star formation rate, thermodynamic radial profiles, and black hole growth, while jet-only or wind-only models fail. The success arises from turbulence driven by jet-wind shear that enhances kinetic-to-thermal energy conversion, boosting heating efficiency by factors of 3 and 6 relative to wind-only and jet-only cases, respectively.

ABSTRACT Cycling performance and ageing mechanisms of high‐temperature sodium–metal chloride cells were investigated using a modified Na–NiCl 2 chemistry, where Fe and Zn replace Ni in the cathode. These abundant metals reduce cost and environmental impact while maintaining theoretical capacity. Metal utilization was increased from 30% to 39% compared with state‐of‐the‐art Na–NiCl 2 cells. A single cell and a five‐cell module were operated for three months at 300°C, demonstrating stable cycling and high energy efficiency. The single cell achieved near‐complete utilization of its theoretical capacity with excellent coulombic and voltage efficiencies even under elevated current densities. Aging manifested as a gradual decline in discharge energy, linked to rising Zn 2 + ‐reduction overpotentials at low states‐of‐charge. Post‐mortem analysis revealed NaCl‐rich layers at the cathode–electrolyte interface and gas‐induced porosity, indicating active‐material redistribution and side reactions during extended cycling. These reactions were mitigated in a five‐cell module by lowering the upper cut‐off voltage by 0.1 V (2.55 V→2.45 V). The module exhibited similar initial behavior but required current adjustments to counter capacity fade caused by rising cycle resistance, ultimately stabilizing at a substantial fraction of theoretical capacity. These findings highlight the potential of Fe, Zn‐based sodium–metal chloride cells as cost‐effective alternatives to Ni‐based cell chemistries.

Graphene field-effect transistor (G-FET) biosensors require precise surface functionalization to achieve high sensitivity and stability. However, existing methods lack spatial control capabilities and may cause extensive damage to graphene's electrical properties. In this study, we introduce an atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based precision functionalization technique, enabling site-specific modification of graphene via redox reactions at a biased probe tip. This approach allows stable，localised immobilization of cTnI-specific aptamers, minimising graphene damage and yielding high-performance G-FET biosensors. The resulting sensor detects cardiac troponin I at concentrations as low as 0.01 pg/mL, exhibiting linear resistance response and strong selectivity in concentration gradient assays. This technology provides a scalable solution for constructing multiplexed biosensing within a single sensor.