New papers: 956 | Updated: May 24, 2026 | Next update: May 31, 2026

Physics

Showing all 38 journals
Nanotechnology May 22, 2026
In this study, we demonstrate that an atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 dielectric interlayer uniformly covering both the channel and contact regions effectively reduces the Schottky barrier height (SBH) of tellurium (Te) field-effect transistors (FETs), providing a facile strategy to mitigate Fermi-level pinning. An ultrathin 3 nm Al2O3 interlayer inserted between the metal electrode and Te channel leads to significantly better electrical performance than that of Te FETs with channel-only Al2O3 passivation. Specifically, the drain current increases by a factor of 2.5, while the hysteresis window of the threshold voltage is reduced from 14.4 to 8.1 V. Transmission line measurements reveal a substantial decrease in contact resistance from 23.9 to 1.47 MΩ•μm, which is attributed to the reduction in SBH from 57.8 to 19.9 meV. These results highlight the importance of simultaneous channel and contact interface engineering and establish the Al2O3 interlayer as an effective approach for realising reliable p-type Te FETs.
Optical Materials May 22, 2026
Journal of Physics Condensed Matter May 22, 2026
We present a Ginzburg-Landau theory on statics and dynamics of BaTiO 3 -type ferroelectrics in the paraelectric phase with the cubic structure, where the order parameter is the polarization p. Unique effects are caused by the electrostrictive (ES) coupling between p and the elastic displacement u. We show that the ES coupling gives rise to a central peak in the Fourier-Laplace transform of the displacement time-correlation function at small wave numbers. It emerges and grows with a narrow width as the transition is approached. Such central peaks have long been observed in a number of scattering experiments in various ferroelectrics, but their origin has not been well understood. From the acoustic part of the displacement dynamic correlation we obtain the frequency-dependent elastic moduli C * 11 (ω), C * 12 (ω), and C * 44 (ω), whose singular parts arise from the ES coupling, We then calculate the singular sound velocity and attenuation. In the central peak and the elastic moduli, the frequency ω appears in the scaled form ωτ D , where τ D is the Debye relaxation time in the frequency-dependent dielectric constant.
Journal of Physics Condensed Matter May 22, 2026
Dissipative coupling refers to the effect where two systems interact with each other mediated by dissipation channels. Recent advances in controlling light-matter systems have opened new avenues to explore non-Hermitian effects arising from dissipative coupling, such as level attraction and anomalous dispersions. In this work, we perform a parametric study of these effects in a polariton system, i.e., a light-matter superposition, under both dissipative and coherent coupling. We characterize the effects of different sources of non-Hermitian behavior and analytically identify the conditions for the emergence of negative effective mass, exceptional points, and bound states in the continuum as a function of the light-matter detuning, the coherent-to-dissipative coupling ratio, and the relative decay rate of the non-interacting subsystems. We also analyze the classical limit of the polariton system within a non-Hermitian framework, employing coherent states.
Journal of Physics Condensed Matter May 22, 2026
Abstract Boron’s inherent electron deficiency drives its aggregation into versatile structures, forming the basis for diverse allotropes. The B 12 icosahedron serves as an essential building block for solid boron but, when isolated, suffers from electronic frustration associated with unsatisfied bonding requirements. As a regulatory environment to resolve this frustration, large boron clusters tend to form core – shell structures. This review establishes an evolutionary roadmap for the ‘House’ of icosahedral B 12 , providing a crucial missing link between 0D molecular seeds and 3D condensed phases. We summarize recent experimental and theoretical advances, focusing on structural characteristics and functionalities of clusters such as B 54 , the experimentally validated B 56 − , and larger clusters including B 80 and B 92 . Furthermore, we discuss the ‘anchor effect’ of B 12 —acting as a structural and electronic template—in derived systems (B 12 @ M 20 A 12 ( M =Li, Ca, Mg, Al; A =B, C, N, Al) and B 12 @Ca 14 ) for hydrogen storage, highlighting their potential to inhibit metal aggregation. Challenges in the field and prospects for future development are also discussed.
Journal of Physics Condensed Matter May 22, 2026
We examine the low-lying collective quasiparticle modes of a mixture of flattened infinite-pancake Bose-Einstein condensates having dipolar and non-dipolar atomic species. The dipolar atomic species have permanent magnetic dipolar moments. We employ Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory to investigate the distinct axial collective spectra at zero and finite temperatures corresponding to phase separation phenomena stemming from the dipole-dipole interaction of dipolar atomic species. When the dipolar interaction is tuned to be repulsive, the number of zero-energy axial modes decreases, reflecting the system's tendency towards mixing. For a large number of atoms per unit area, we show that the attractive (repulsive) dipolar interaction strengths lead to ground states with non-dipolar (dipolar) atomic species at the periphery, and this leads to a discontinuity in quasiparticle mode evolution. We finally reveal that miscibility driven by thermal fluctuations at finite temperatures exhibits dipole mode hardening of axial excitations, confirmed by the loss of long-range phase coherence through the correlation function. The mode mixing in the dispersion relations ascertains a dipolar strength-dependent mis-
cibility transition and the low-lying quasiparticle mode evolution.
Journal of Physics Condensed Matter May 22, 2026
Black phosphorus has attracted considerable interest as a two-dimensional semiconductor because of its high carrier mobility and unique anisotropy. The surface of black phosphorus has recently been demonstrated to host a variety of emergent phenomena, including an anisotropic Dirac semimetal state, a dipole liquid phase, and even strongly correlated effects. In this Perspective, we first summarize the electronic band structure of black phosphorus, with an emphasis on the surface resonance bands that experience tunable electronic reconstruction. We address the critical role of surface resonance bands in the screening of an external electric field. Around surface impurities, charging phenomena reveal reduced screening and spatially inhomogeneous electron localization, which invites an interplay between localization, electronic reconstruction, and correlation. We propose the surface of black phosphorus as a versatile playground for tunable electronic states and interactions, where many open questions and interesting directions remain to be explored.
Journal of Physics Condensed Matter May 22, 2026
The electronic ground state in the layered antiferromagnetic compound SrRu$_2$O$_6$ is semiconducting. However, the band gap estimated from fitting of the Arrhenius model to the high temperature region (300K-200K) of the electrical- transport data in SrRu$_2$O$_6$ is typically found to be significantly smaller than the theoretically predicted value. Here we show that in high temperature region, the Arrhenius, the Variable Range Hopping (VRH) as well as modified VRH exhibit similar goodness of fit, when fitted to transport data. Interestingly, the Fluctuation-Induced Tunneling (FIT) model is observed to exhibit an excellent fit in a much wider temperature range. For SrRu$_2$O$_6$, which inherently possesses a quasi two-dimensional crystal structure, the FIT model point towards the intriguing possibility of thermal fluctuations induced tunneling of charge carriers across the conducting and insulating layers. We also explored the role of morphology and defects in a number of SrRu$_2$O$_6$ samples prepared in different batches. Data on multiple samples brings out the profound role of intrinsic defects and associated strain in the nature of electrical conduction, especially at lower temperatures.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
Solar-to-chemical energy conversion via carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling provides a promising route for producing energy-dense molecules under sustainable conditions. Here, we report the design and implementation of hybrid CuO-Pd Mie resonator photocatalysts for the oxidative homocoupling of phenylacetylene to 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne. The integration of Pd nanoclusters with dielectric CuO nanostructures enables efficient light absorption and interfacial charge separation across a Schottky junction, collectively driving enhanced photocatalytic activity. The hybrid nanocatalyst exhibits complete conversion with excellent selectivity under visible-light irradiation, while base-free conditions further highlight its environmental compatibility. We quantified and differentiated light-induced electronic effects from light-induced heating effects. At ambient temperature (∼28 °C), irradiation at 0.3 sun produced a 3.3-fold enhancement in the reaction rate (i.e., 230% increase) relative to dark conditions (∼26 °C), indicating a significant contribution from light-induced electronic effects. Increasing the illumination intensity to 1 sun raises the reaction temperature to ∼115 °C without external heating. Further, it enhances the reaction rate by 4.8-fold (i.e., 380% increase) compared to dark-heating conditions, demonstrating a strong dependence of catalytic activity on photon flux. Control experiments reveal negligible activity for pristine CuO, confirming the essential role of Pd in facilitating bond formation. Transient reflection measurements confirm that interfacial electron transfer from CuO to Pd governs enhanced reactivity. Overall, this work establishes CuO-Pd Mie resonators as an earth-abundant platform for solar light-driven C-C coupling, offering an example pathway to decarbonize chemical synthesis while advancing solar-to-chemical energy conversion technologies.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by Brucella, which is a facultative intracellular pathogen. Brucellosis poses a significant challenge to vaccine development due to the ability of Brucella to evade innate immunity, primarily through its atypical and low-toxicity lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To improve the suboptimal immunogenicity of subunit vaccines, a pathogen-mimicking nanovaccine was engineered to deliver the antigen and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA, a detoxified LPS analogue) in the present study. A fusion protein (SO) of the outer membrane protein 19 (Omp19) and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) acted as the antigen. SO was conjugated with an octaarginine peptide to absorb anionic MPLA (a TLR4 agonist), followed by self-assembly into uniform nanoparticles by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The resultant vaccine (SOMs) enhanced the uptake by APCs, promoted the maturation of dendritic cells in vitro, and effectively activated the TLR4 signaling pathway. Immunization with SOMs induced a robust and balanced immune response in BALB/c mice, as reflected by substantially elevated antigen-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibody titers and potent cellular immunity. The vaccine protected BALB/c mice against Brucella melitensis strain M5, along with no apparent systemic toxicity. This work validates a pathogen-mimicking vaccine strategy that counteracts the immune stealth of Brucella by replenishing critical TLR4 signaling. This strategy is promising for developing effective vaccines against intracellular pathogens.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
The introduction of guest metal molecules into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is an outstanding method to prepare dual-atom catalysts (DACs) with good oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. However, most of the MOF-derived dual-atom catalysts reported to date exhibit a microporous structure and, therefore, suffer from the underutilization of active sites and poor mass transfer. This study employed NH2-MIL-101 as a precursor to form defect-bearing mesoporous Fe-NC via one-step pyrolysis for adsorbing [Co(en)3]3+, followed by secondary pyrolysis to generate Fe–Co binuclear site catalysts. The mesopores of NH2-MIL-101 are beneficial to [Co(en)3]3+ introduction and can improve the mass transfer of the ORR. Furthermore, the elevated nitrogen content within the [Co(en)3]3+ complex facilitates the co-coordination of Fe and Co with nitrogen, thereby enhancing the formation of Fe–Co diatomic sites. As a result, the obtained FeCo-NC-40 catalyst showed excellent ORR performance with a half-wave potential of 0.915 V (vs RHE). In addition, the liquid-phase Zn–air battery employing FeCo-NC-40 as the cathode catalyst demonstrated a peak power density of 178.13 mW·cm–2 and achieved a discharge specific capacity of 806.13 mAh·g–1 at 10 mA·cm–2, and there was no significant decay in stability for 10 days of continuous cycling.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
Integrating high-performance p-type oxide semiconductors into monolithic three-dimensional (3D) architectures remains challenging due to the scarcity of thermally robust p-type materials compatible with back-end-of-line (BEOL) processing. SnO is a promising p-type oxide for thin-film transistors (TFTs); however, its implementation in top-gate and dual-gate architectures remains limited, and high-temperature processing often induces ambipolar conduction that degrades device operation within practical BEOL thermal budgets (∼350 °C). Here, we demonstrate high-performance top-gate and vertically symmetric dual-gate SnO TFTs based on polycrystalline SnO films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The ALD-grown SnO exhibits intrinsic p-type conductivity without postdeposition annealing, enabling top-gate TFTs with on/off ratios up to 105. Vertically symmetric dual-gate TFTs further achieve on/off ratios above 106 and a peak field-effect mobility exceeding 4 cm2/V·s. By replacing Pt with W as the source/drain electrodes, robust p-type conduction is preserved after 350 °C annealing, satisfying BEOL thermal constraints. In addition, the top-gate operation mode suppresses thermally activated electron current by over 3 orders of magnitude. The devices exhibit stable operation under bias stress and long-term storage with good device-to-device reproducibility. These results establish a thermally robust p-type SnO TFT platform for BEOL-compatible monolithic 3D oxide electronics.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
This study systematically investigates the impact of thallium (Tl+) on zinc electrowinning from acid sulfate electrolytes, revealing significant concentration-dependent effects. The application of additives to mitigate the detrimental effects of Tl+ was also explored. At concentrations below 0.8 mg/L, Tl+ exhibits slight decrease on current efficiency (CE) and energy consumption (EC), while higher levels (3.0–5.0 mg/L) reduce CE by 7.41–15.37% and increase EC by 9.63–30.25%. Microstructural characterization shows Tl+ induces pore formation and promotes the preferred (110) orientation. The combined results of molecular dynamics (MD), density functional theory (DFT), and electrochemical experiments reveal that thallium codeposition with zinc enhances hydrogen evolution. This enhancement stems from strong Tl+-H2O interactions, characterized by a binding energy of −13.7 eV, which induce bubble accumulation and initiate pore formation. Additionally, the potential difference between zinc (−0.76 V) and thallium (−0.34 V) facilitates localized galvanic corrosion, causing zinc redissolution. Composite additive A1 effectively mitigates these detrimental effects, increasing CE by 3.86%, reducing EC, and restoring compact (110)-oriented growth. Moreover, A1 preferentially adsorbs onto the cathode surface before H2O and Tl+, forming a protective interfacial layer that effectively suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), thereby enhancing overall process performance.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
The design of high-performance electrocatalysts for the environmentally friendly synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e– ORR) method, which presents a promising alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process, remains a significant challenge. Thus, there is an urgent demand for the development of highly efficient and selective electrocatalysts for H2O2 generation. Herein, a cost-effective, precious metal-free Aurivillius oxide and heteroatom-based carbon composite material, i.e., Bi2MoO6/g-C3N4 (BMO/gCN), synthesized by the solvothermal method, is demonstrated for the 2e– ORR. The optimized composite catalyst (1:1 BMO/gCN) exhibits superior H2O2 selectivity of 86–97% at a wide potential range of 0.2–0.6 V versus RHE and electron transfer number (n) values between 2.06 and 2.27 in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. The synthesized electrocatalyst exhibits consistent H2O2 selectivity, as demonstrated by a 50 h durability test at 0.3 V versus RHE. The Faradaic efficiency and H2O2 yield rate reached a maximum of 98% and 860 mmol g–1 h–1, respectively, at 0.3 V versus RHE after 5 h of electrocatalysis for H2O2 production. To further support the experimental finding, density functional theory calculations using the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional with Grimme’s D3 dispersion correction are performed. The BMO/gCN composite structure exhibits the favorable Gibbs free energy profile for the 2e– ORR pathway, with spontaneous OOH* formation (ΔG = −1.00 eV) and highly exothermic H2O2 generation (ΔG = −1.28 eV), confirming its superior catalytic activity and selectivity toward H2O2 production. This work presents a fresh approach to an efficient electrocatalyst for 2e– ORR.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
The structural disorder of conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) presents a trade-off among electrical conductivity, ion transport dynamics, and the efficient utilization of active sites. Here, we present a multiscale engineering strategy that employs M-Nx coordination-induced d-π orbital hybridization coupled with covalent interfacial grafting to synergistically reconstruct efficient electron pathways and enhance intrinsic conductivity. The introduction of hierarchical pores facilitates rapid ion permeation and shortens diffusion distances, effectively mitigating sluggish ion kinetics. A brominated salicyl-cyclohexanediamine ligand was designed to coordinate with Co2+, forming a stable Co–N2O2 tetradentate structure. The cobalt coordination unit was connected with an electron-rich triazine-alkyne monomer via a Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling, yielding a locally ordered conjugated framework. Subsequently, a stable core–shell-like tubular heterostructure was fabricated by covalently grafting CMPs onto carbon nanotubes via in situ interfacial polymerization. The resulting extended π-delocalization lowers charge-transfer barriers, and the synergistic coupling between Co d-orbitals and the π-backbone promotes enhanced electronic delocalization, thereby collectively optimizing the electron transport pathway. This work demonstrates that precise cobalt coordination combined with covalent grafting effectively overcomes the intrinsic limitations of CMPs in conductivity, active-site accessibility, and interfacial ion kinetics, offering a universal and scalable pathway for designing organic–inorganic hybrid electrodes.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) provides a promising approach for recycling nitrate from wastewater into ammonia, but its practical implementation requires catalysts capable of efficient and selective nitrate-to-ammonia conversion. Here we report Cu nanoflakes grown on Cu foam with tunable morphology and facet exposure as efficient catalysts for NO3RR to NH3. Compared with their Cu nanowire counterparts, the Cu nanoflakes showed a 5-fold higher NO3RR current density with an 81% Faradaic efficiency for NH3 production at a low overpotential of 0.15 V vs RHE. This performance arises from a 3-fold enhancement in intrinsic activity, enabled by an optimal ratio and synergy between exposed Cu(100) and Cu(111) facets, which facilitate a tandem pathway involving nitrate-to-nitrite conversion followed by nitrite reduction to ammonia. The Cu nanoflake electrode was further evaluated in a single-pass flow-cell configuration for continuous NO3RR electrolysis, achieving ∼97% NH3 Faradaic efficiency at 0 V vs RHE across varying nitrate concentrations and sustaining stable performance over ∼100 h of operation. These results establish facet engineering as an effective strategy for designing Cu-based NO3RR catalysts for nitrate remediation and sustainable ammonia production.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
Radiation therapy often causes oxidative stress and inflammation in normal tissues due to the generation of excessive radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). This can subsequently lead to radiation-induced skin injury (RISI), which manifests as tissue damage ranging from dermatitis to ulcers. One approach to addressing these challenges is to develop biocompatible functional materials that can facilitate repair and improve treatment tolerance by neutralizing ROS. In this study, a water-responsive lipid gel (LG) delivery system was constructed using Kangfuxin liquid (KFX, the ethanol extract of Periplaneta americana L.), soybean lecithin (SPC), and glycerol dioleate (GDO), based on KFX’s broad-spectrum free radical scavenging ability, anti-inflammatory properties, and prorepair properties. Due to the molecular self-assembly properties of SPC and GDO, the KFX LG system can physically cross-link to form an in situ gel barrier upon contact with water. The barrier exhibits exceptional tissue adhesion, long-term slow-release properties, and good biocompatibility. The versatile KFX LG system has also been found to effectively remove various types of free radicals and reduce levels of proinflammatory factors. In a mouse model of radiation dermatitis, the radioprotective properties of the KFX lipid gel were demonstrated to be effective in alleviating radiation dermatitis. This study explored the radioprotective potential of KFX LG biomaterials in the context of radiation dermatitis, highlighting the application of radioprotectants as a promising RISI treatment strategy.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
Perovskite quantum dot light-emitting diodes (Pe QLEDs) hold significant application potential in next-generation displays, but the device performance remains compromised by the acidity and hygroscopicity of the widely adopted hole injection layer (HIL), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Molybdenum oxide (MoOx) has garnered significant attention due to its excellent environmental stability; however, there is still a lack of research on the influence of different molybdenum ion contents on the physicochemical properties of molybdenum oxide itself and its application as a hole injection layer (HIL) in red Pe QLEDs. In this work, three MoOx solutions with the conduction band level from −4.70 to −5.15 eV were prepared by modulating the H2O2 ratio to regulate the Mo5+ and Mo6+ content, and different MoOx were adopted as HIL to systematically investigate the influence of energy landscapes on device performance. A gradient conduction band energy was realized, and optimal hole injection was obtained when the ratio of Mo5+ is 48.1%, with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 28.6% realized. This efficiency is comparable to that of PEDOT:PSS-based devices and represents the highest value reported for MoOx-based red Pe QLEDs. Besides, the operational stability was enhanced from 3.0 to 10.6 h, and after being stored for 48 h in a high-humidity environment, the half-life (T50) remained above 3.0 h, far exceeding that of PEDOT:PSS-based devices, which nearly lost their operational stability. The proposed MoOx-based Pe QLEDs exhibited significantly improved operational and storage stabilities.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
Self-assembled monolayers of polyalanine α-helices exhibit distinct structural phases with implications for chiral-induced spin selectivity. We combine scanning tunneling microscopy and theoretical modeling to reveal how chiral composition governs supramolecular organization. Enantiopure systems form hexagonal lattices, while racemic mixtures organize into rectangular phases with stripe-like features. Our interaction potentials derived from density-functional based tight binding calculations show that opposite-handed helix pairs exhibit stronger binding and closer packing, explaining the denser racemic structures. Crucially, we demonstrate that the observed STM contrast arises from antiparallel alignment of opposite-handed helices rather than physical height variations. These findings establish fundamental structure-property relationships for designing peptide-based spintronic materials.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 22, 2026
Crystalline phases of transition-metal dichalcogenides offer unique structural configurations and tunable properties, driving phase engineering toward advanced fundamental and applied research. While strain is a recognized driver for modulating phase evolution, achieving spatially precise control over phase transitions remains a significant challenge. In this work, we present a lithography-compatible technique to modulate the phase evolution of TaS2 flakes by using patterned Al2O3 nanofilm stressors. By employing standard photolithography and lift-off processes, exfoliated 1T-TaS2 flakes were integrated with controllable patterned Al2O3 overlayers. Through a combination of on-chip comparative Raman spectroscopy and cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that the strain induced by the Al2O3 stressor is the governing factor in modulating TaS2 phase evolution with a thickness-dependent mechanical response. Our work provides a facile and scalable platform for spatially precise strain engineering to modulate phase transitions in transition-metal dichalcogenides toward the fabrication of phase-engineered structures in future nanoelectronic studies.
Europhysics Letters (EPL) May 22, 2026
Abstract Convergent Cross Mapping (CCM ) is a widely used nonlinear approach for detecting causality in complex systems, with applications in ecology, neuroscience, and economics. Traditionally, CCM employs Euclidean distance for nearest-neighbor identification, but this choice can be limited in high-dimensional, noisy, or scale-heterogeneous data. To address this, we systematically compare six metrics—Euclidean, Standardized Euclidean, Manhattan, Chebyshev, Cosine, and Correlation—within the CCM framework. Using coupled Logistic and Lorenz–R¨ossler systems, we assess their ability to capture causal dynamics under weak, strong, and asymmetric coupling. We further apply them to empirical data of neuronal multi-unit activity and behavioral rhythms in rodents, highlighting their performance in real-world conditions. Results reveal that no single distance metric is universally optimal: Chebyshev distance performs well for short sequences; Cosine distance excels in strong symmetric coupling; Standardized Euclidean is robust to scale differences and noise; Euclidean remains stable across settings; while Correlation distance underperforms due to its linearity. These findings underscore the importance of distance selection in CCM and provide methodological guidance for diverse applications.
ACS Nano May 22, 2026
The development of energy-efficient spin–orbit torque devices hinges on realizing field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization with minimal power consumption. Here, we demonstrate robust field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization at room temperature, enabled by out-of-plane spins generated in the Weyl semimetal NbIrTe4. The critical switching current density is 3.6 × 106 A/cm2, corresponding to the lowest power consumption reported among intrinsic low-crystal-symmetry materials, 16 times lower than that of WTe2 and 4 times lower than that of TaIrTe4. The switching polarity remains stable up to an in-plane magnetic field of 19 mT, confirming the robustness of the field-free operation against magnetic perturbations. Loop-shift measurements and first-principles calculations consistently reveal a large out-of-plane spin Hall conductivity in NbIrTe4, σs,z ≈ 2.61 × 104 (ℏ/2e)(Ω·m)−1, responsible for the highly efficient and stable magnetization switching. These findings position NbIrTe4 as a compelling member of the emerging class of low-symmetry materials and offer a promising pathway toward the development of energy-efficient, all-electric spin–orbit torque devices.
ACS Nano May 22, 2026
Pain management typically relies on pharmaceutical treatments, which frequently carry a risk of dependence and exhibit limited efficacy. The utilization of implantable electroceuticals is a developing field that shows great promise as an alternative. However, current devices are incapable of providing long-term, reliable electrical stimulation in situ. Here, we present a light-controlled, battery-integrated nerve conduit with tunable output, enabled by the light-induced reversible relocation of water molecules in the electrolyte. Precise modulation of the nerve conduit’s electrical output is realized through the modulation of light intensity and pulsing protocols. The design of the device eliminates the need for external control circuitry, thus minimizing the size and maximizing energy efficiency. Consequently, the nerve conduit possesses a total volume of just 26 mm3. This compact and conformal design enables direct nerve interfacing, and hence facilitates precise and programmable neuromodulation in situ. Moreover, in vivo studies demonstrate its efficacy in the inhibition of peripheral nerve pain for a period of up to 30 days.
ACS Nano May 22, 2026
Flexible tactile-sensing devices are crucial for enhancing precision in wearable interaction electronics. However, traditional array-based sensing units encounter challenges in high environment robustness and spatial resolution. To address this limitation, we propose an array-free tactile-sensing E-textile that attains superior spatial resolution by exploiting non-faradaic junction effect between the E-textile and the human body. Upon finger contact, ions in the dermis redistribute directionally at the interface, creating a purely capacitive coupled nonfaradaic junction behavior that rapidly generates tactile-sensing signals (<40 ms). These signals demonstrate continuous, linearly graded, and complementary characteristics that enable accurate touch coordinate localization, allowing the E-textile to trace tactile trajectories (e.g., handwriting) at superior resolution without auxiliary integrated circuitry. Notably, the E-textile exhibits excellent robust performance under harsh conditions like extreme temperature (-30-80 °C, with error <0.0017%), mechanical damage, and cyclic washing (>50,000 cycle). Interestingly, this sensing approach can be extended to various mediums such as paper, wood, and water, showcasing its versatility for interactive applications. With its high spatial resolution, durability, and multimodal compatibility, the proposed E-textile offers a promising platform for next-generation human-machine interfaces.
Nano Letters May 22, 2026
There is an urgent need to develop antigen presentation platforms that can induce broadly systemic immunity against multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) subvariants. Here, virus-mimicking particles (VMP) are functionalized with substantial receptor binding domain protrusions from Delta variant SARS-CoV-2 on particle surface, programmed by biotin-streptavidin interaction. The fabricated VMP reveal superior pulmonary biodistribution and retention for at least 1 day in C57BL/6 female mice after oropharyngeal aspiration exposure. VMP at higher dosage elicit a robust and broad systemic immune response against SARS-CoV-2 variants in K18 human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) transgenic mice. Furthermore, ACE2 expression in males dramatically decreases after high-dose VMP inhalation, while that in females remains comparable to baseline, which might be the reason that females are less vulnerable to the adverse effects than males. Overall, VMP are a promising candidate for next-generation viral inhibitors and immune stimulating particles against current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.