Physics

ABSTRACT Photocatalytic reduction of U(VI) is a promising approach for the treatment of uranium‐containing solutions and resource recovery. However, due to the low charge transfer efficiency and the weak ability to activate dissolved oxygen, most photocatalysts are unable to reduce U(VI) under ambient air conditions, limiting the practical application of this approach. In this study, nano‐hollow cubic NiCo‐layered double oxide (NiCo‐LDO) was prepared using Ni 2+ ‐etched ZIF‐67 as a precursor and was employed for the photocatalytic reduction of U(VI). Within 180 min of illumination, the NiCo‐LDO achieved a U(VI) removal efficiency of 98.0% under ambient air conditions, which is 2.5 and 4.2 times higher than those of NiO and Co 3 O 4 , respectively. The efficiency of U(VI) removal remained above 98% after five cycles of reuse. Benefiting from uniformly dispersed heterojunctions and the oxygen vacancies, NiCo‐LDO exhibits efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Furthermore, the increased d‐band center and hollow cubic structure effectively enhance its adsorption for U(VI) as well as the activation of dissolved oxygen. Together, these features promote electron transfer and oxygen activation, enabling the efficient U(VI) reduction under ambient air conditions. These findings offer implications for designing catalysts applicable to the photocatalytic reduction of U(VI) in practical scenarios.

ABSTRACT Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 , LFP) batteries are being retired at increasing rates due to their widespread use in electric vehicles. Conventional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling routes remain energy‐intensive and economically challenging, while direct regeneration often fails because antisite defects (Fe M1 ) block Li + diffusion. Here we report a vacancy‐driven regeneration strategy that destabilizes these kinetically persistent defects. Pre‐generated Li vacancies (Li v ) trigger selective oxidation of adjacent to , inducing electronic redistribution across the Fe M2 ‐O‐Fe M1 bridge and weakening the antisite configuration. This local electronic modulation lowers the migration barrier of Fe M1 , enabling its low‐temperature back‐migration to native lattice sites and reopening Li + diffusion pathways prior to relithiation. The regenerated LFP exhibits markedly improved electrochemical performance and achieves stoichiometric homogenization across spent cathodes with diverse degradation histories. Lithium resources on the lithiated anode can be gently extracted and utilized as a lithium supplement for cathode materials, with simultaneous regeneration of the anode. Techno‐economic and environmental analyses reveal substantial advantages of this process over both hydrometallurgical recycling and mineral mining processes.

ABSTRACT Even with native aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) passive film, the aluminum (Al) current collector is susceptible to pitting corrosion and anodic dissolution under high voltage (>4.0 V vs. Li + /Li). Herein, a corrosion‐inhibiting binder (named as CSAP) with an ion‐hydrogen bond synergistic network is developed for 5 V‐class LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO) batteries, the abundant carboxylate (─COO − ) on the backbone plays a key role in coordinating with Al 2 O 3 , resulting in a stable organic–inorganic hybrid interphase that effectively resists the attack of corrosive species generated from lithium salt. Minor current response is exhibited from the CSAP‐treated Al current collector compared with the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) counterpart during 36 h chronoamperometry test, directly indicating the suppressed corrosion reactions. A similar conclusion can be arrived at from the lower content of corrosion mass loss in finite element analysis. Furthermore, the suppression of transition‐metal ion dissolution endowed by CSAP is verified through the structural retention observed in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Benefiting from these merits, a discharge capacity of 139.4 mAh g −1 is maintained in the LNMO/CSAP battery after 600 cycles at 1 C, compare with 109.7 mAh g −1 of the PVDF counterpart. More encouragingly, a discharge capacity of 108.1 mAh g −1 is exhibited for the LNMO/CSAP battery at 12 C.

ABSTRACT Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) face operational stability challenges due to dynamic interfacial stress accumulation and defect regeneration under photo‐thermal stresses. Here, we introduce a photo/thermo‐responsive dynamic molecule, 5‐sulfosalicylic acid (5‐SAS), to construct an intelligent adaptive interface. 5‐SAS undergoes reversible solid–liquid transitions: in its molten state, it diffuses to repair grain boundaries and fill voids; upon cooling, it resolidifies into a flexible buffer layer, enabling dynamic self‐healing and stress relaxation. Unlike static passivation methods, our strategy enables continuous defect repair during operation, addressing the trade‐off between efficiency and stability. This physical healing mechanism synergizes with its multi‐dentate ligand coordination chemistry (sulfonic acid, carboxyl, and phenolic hydroxyl groups), which passivates undercoordinated metal ions and defects. The champion device achieves a record PCE of 26.23% with an FF of 85.93%, retaining over 91% of its initial PCE after 1500 h of continuous operation and light‐soaking aging. This work validates a novel self‐healing strategy to address PSCs stability bottlenecks.

ABSTRACT Cuproptosis has emerged as a promising paradigm for anticancer therapy. Although various studies have employed copper ionophores to facilitate intracellular copper delivery, these agents primarily promote copper accumulation and trigger subsequent cuproptosis, lack the capacity for real‐time monitoring and dynamic regulation of the therapeutic process. In this study, we designed a series of NIR‐II fluorescent copper‐coordinating ligands, designated as Et‐X. Among them, the optimal candidate was identified based on its superior coordination affinity and used to construct the Et‐DPA‐Cu complex. This complex can release Cu + in response to elevated glutathione levels within the tumor microenvironment, initiating Fenton‐like reaction and inducing cuproptosis. Simultaneously, based on photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) mechanism, the complex exhibits an “off–on” fluorescence transition upon releasing of Cu + , thereby enabling real‐time NIR‐II fluorescence imaging with high contrast. To further enhance tumor selectivity and biocompatibility, the complex was encapsulated within DSPE‐mPEG 5K to form a nano‐prodrug, termed EDCP. Experimental results reveal that EDCP effectively accumulates in tumor tissues via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, achieving potent cuproptosis‐mediated tumor suppression while permitting high‐resolution NIR‐II fluorescence imaging. Overall, this work presents a robust nano‐prodrug platform that integrates therapeutic precision and diagnostic capability, holding substantial promise for advanced cancer theranostics.

ABSTRACT Eu 2+ ‐doped red‐emitting color converters are extremely scarce and often exhibit limited photoelectric performance and thermal stability under high‐flux solid‐state lighting (SSL) conditions, primarily due to imprecise control of Eu 2+ site occupancy and the lack of a robust protective matrix. In this work, high‐performance red‐emitting Mg 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18 (MAS): Eu 2+ glass‐ceramics (GCs) were developed via amorphous structure engineering. This composite material demonstrates a high crystallinity of 98.2%, an internal quantum yield (IQE) of 99.8%, an external quantum yield (EQE) of 73.2%, and an integrated luminescence intensity loss of only 7.0% at 423 K, presenting competitive overall performance in state‐of‐the‐art red‐emitting color converters. Further, the broad applicability and potential of the MAS: Eu 2+ GCs in lighting applications were verified through the fabrication of high‐quality light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) excited by violet chips and blue laser‐driven lighting systems. This study provides systematic guidance for the targeted development of Eu 2+ ‐doped luminescent materials, particularly Eu 2+ ‐doped GCs, and contributes to the development of next‐generation lighting technologies.

ABSTRACT Realizing next‐generation, high‐energy‐density lithium storage relies critically on overcoming the fundamental structural instabilities of high‐capacity silicon anodes. While nanoscale silicon (Si NPs) successfully circumvents severe pulverization, practical application remains bottlenecked by rapid capacity fading. Historically, materials design has relied on a restrictive paradigm: forcefully suppressing spontaneous Si NP agglomeration and inward solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) permeation, which otherwise yields an electrochemically inert SEI/Si composite (“dead Si”). Herein, a fundamental paradigm shift is introduced: harnessing—rather than conventionally suppressing—nanoscale agglomeration to trigger a beneficial structural self‐adaptive activation. To realize this, a highly scalable, synergistic Si/graphite/amorphous carbon (nSi/Gr/C) architecture is constructed. Initially, a robust dual‐carbon framework mechanically isolates the internal structure from severe SEI infiltration while securing continuous, redundant electron‐transfer pathways. Shielded within this stable conductive network, primary Si NPs undergo a modulated agglomeration. Driven by the drastic volume contraction during subsequent delithiation, these domains autonomously evolve into a highly active, metastable nanoporous “silicon sponge” characterized by ultra‐small ligaments (<10 nm). This dynamically generated sub‐10 nm architecture intrinsically buffers massive volume fluctuations and significantly accelerates lithium‐ion and electron mass transfer kinetics, yielding exceptionally stable lithium storage and remarkable full‐cell commercial viability. By converting a historically deleterious degradation mechanism into a driving force for nanoscale structural optimization, this work establishes a highly viable pathway to unlock the full potential of next‐generation Si‐based anodes.

ABSTRACT The deployment of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) for grid load regulation and CO 2 utilization faces a persistent challenge: how to achieve high catalytic activity and long‐term structural stability simultaneously in fuel electrodes under harsh co‐electrolysis conditions. In this study, we address this challenge by introducing multivalent vanadium (V) into the B site of the iron‐based perovskite (La 0.5 Sr 0.5 ) 0.95 FeO 3−δ (LSF). Through combined experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we uncover a dual regulatory effect. V doping modulates the electronic structure of Fe active sites, lowering the oxygen vacancy formation energy; meanwhile, it strengthens lattice stability through robust V─O bonding. This synergy between defect chemistry and thermomechanical integrity allows the optimized fuel electrode, (La 0.5 Sr 0.5 ) 0.95 Fe 0.95 V 0.05 O 3−δ (LSFV 0.05 ), to deliver high electrochemical performance with tunable syngas ratios, where the CO to H 2 ratio can be adjusted from 1.1 to 5.0, and sustain stable operation for over 300 h without carbon deposition or delamination. Our results establish a multivalent cation‐doping strategy that reconciles surface catalysis with bulk stability, offering a pathway toward efficient and durable SOEC electrodes capable of operating under fluctuating grid conditions.

ABSTRACT The electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia under ambient conditions represents an effective approach for wastewater treatment and ammonia synthesis. However, the lack of purposeful design on active sites for specific catalysis in key reaction steps, make enhanced ammonia production rates a persistent bottleneck. This study introduces a molecular occupation single‐atom deposition strategy that precisely controls deposition sites, enabling the design of an efficient and selective electrocatalyst with multi active sites, featuring a unique Co─Cu─O coordination structure. At 50 mg‐N L −1 low nitrate concentration, the catalyst achieves ammonia production rate of 0.37 mmol h −1 cm −2 with a Faradaic efficiency of 96.9%. Multiple in situ techniques and theoretical calculation confirm that the Cu and Co interface sites synergy promotes N‐O bond cleavage via bond elongating for *NO 2 during the adsorption process, while ammonia molecular vacancies facilitate charge transfer for rapid proton‐coupled processes resluting in energy barrier decrease. This mechanism accelerates critical reaction steps (*NO 2 → *NO → *NOH), thereby boosting ammonia generation. The work establishes a novel pathway for precise site engineering in single‐atom electrocatalysts and offers a groundbreaking methodology for high‐efficiency NO 3 − ‐to‐NH 3 conversion.

ABSTRACT Islet encapsulation transplantation holds great promise for restoring endogenous insulin production in type 1 diabetes patients. However, current hydrogel systems face considerable challenges, including radical‐induced islet damage during gelation, mechanical stress injury from excessive swelling, and inherent foreign body response. Herein, a retrievable zwitterionic hydrogel is developed via photoinitiated copolymerization of an acrylate‐modified carboxybetaine zwitterionic macromonomer (PCBOAA) with a small fraction of the hydrogen‐bonding monomer N‐acryloyl glycinamide (NAGA), enabling rapid gelation (8 s) and substantial mitigation of radical generation under blue‐light irradiation. Incorporation of NAGA into the hydrogel network via copolymerization reinforces hydrogen‐bonding interactions among polymer chains, which not only efficiently mitigates hydrogel overswelling but also prevents mechanical stress‐mediated islet injury. The resulting PCBOAA 8 ‐PNAGA 1 hydrogel displays high water content (>92.9%) to allow efficient mass transfer, sufficient flexibility and mechanical stability to endure dynamic mechanical environment of peritoneal cavity, along with outstanding antifouling performance to confer the significantly attenuated immune reaction and fibrous encapsulation. Islets encapsulated within the PCBOAA‐PNAGA hydrogel can achieve sustained correction of hyperglycemia, normalized glucose tolerance, and markedly reduce HbA1c levels (4.6%) for at least 3 months. Notably, the retrieved hydrogel implants maintain structural integrity, while islets still exhibit high viability and preserve dual insulin/glucagon secretory function.

ABSTRACT Conformal thin‐film sensors enable in situ monitoring of harsh service environments in hot‐section components. Nevertheless, rapid oxidation and structural degradation at ultrahigh temperatures significantly restrict their long‐term stability and reliability. Inspired by the layered protection–support–function organization of cactus tissues, we design a bioinspired multilayer thin‐film strain sensor for sustained operation under ultrahigh‐temperature conditions. The sensor is composed of a top glass–glaze layer, an intermediate HfO 2 /SiCN composite microgrid, and an underlying platinum resistive sensing layer. During operation at 1300°C–1500°C, the glass–glaze layer limits oxygen ingress, while the HfO 2 /SiCN microgrid provides structural confinement and interfacial support for the Pt sensing network, collectively suppressing thermally accelerated oxidation and microstructural degradation. As a result, the sensor achieves a low resistance drift rate of 0.15%/h during long‐term operation at 1500°C. Stable and repeatable strain responses are maintained at 1500°C under 370 µε, and large‐strain sensing up to 6400 µε is further demonstrated on Ni‐based superalloy substrates. This work establishes a bioinspired multilayer functional‐material architecture for stabilizing Pt thin‐film sensors in ultrahigh‐temperature oxidizing environments, providing a viable route toward reliable in situ sensing for extreme‐environment systems.

ABSTRACT A stable zinc (Zn) metal anode (ZMA) is critical for the practical application of aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs), yet challenges such as dendrite formation and side reactions severely hinder long‐term cycling. In this study, we report a well‐ordered organic–inorganic dual‐layer synergistic interface (OIDL) to construct a high‐efficiency ZMA (denoted as OIDL@Zn). OIDL interface is composed of a bottom ZnF 2 ‐rich inorganic layer and a top organic Zn‐ligand complex layer in situ grown on the Zn surface. The organic layer with polar functional groups renders homogeneous and enhanced Zn 2+ flux, compressed electric double layer (EDL) structure, and facilitated Zn 2+ desolvation, thereby enabling uniform Zn deposition and suppressing parasitic reactions. ZnF 2 layer with excellent mechanical stability simultaneously provides efficient Zn 2+ transport pathways and suppresses dendrite growth. Consequently, OIDL@Zn anodes exhibit remarkable cycling stability (over 3000 h at 1 mA cm −2 , over 4500 cycles at 20 mA cm −2 ). A high average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.38% is achieved by OIDL@Zn||Cu cells during 2000 cycles for Zn plating/stripping. Assembled OIDL@Zn||MnO 2 full cells deliver an initial discharge capacity of 231.6 mA h g −1 with a highly improved capacity retention of 86.8% after 2500 cycles at 1 C, and pouch cell tests further validate its stability and practical applicability.

ABSTRACT Reliable water purification demands membranes that simultaneously offer high selectivity and fouling resistance within complex matrices. While lamellar metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes are promising, achieving structural stability without compromising surface functionality remains a challenge. Here we bridge this gap by introducing an edge‐stitched laminar MOF membrane fabricated using a molecular stitching‐interfacial polymerization (MS‐IP) strategy. By directing the confined reaction of piperazine within the lateral gaps of stacked MOF nanosheets, we engineer polyamide nanodomains that seal lamellar defects while facilitating high MOF surface exposure. This architecture creates a microscale hydrophilic‐hydrophobic heterogeneous interface that stabilizes a robust hydration layer, effectively repelling foulant adhesion. The edge‐stitched MOF membranes achieve >89% removal efficacy of diverse per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a high water permeance of 25.6 L m −2 h −1 bar −1 . Furthermore, the membrane demonstrates exceptional durability during 30 days of raw river water filtration. This structural‐interfacial design provides a versatile framework for developing resilient, high‐performance membranes for sustainable water treatment.

ABSTRACT Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells have reached 35% certified efficiency, yet their operational stability remains a key commercialization barrier. Degradation often originates at interfaces, where charge accumulation under operational bias and light triggers redox reactions and ion migration, accelerating performance decay. Although low‐temperature atomic‐layer‐deposited (ALD) SnO x is widely used as an electron‐transport layer, its high resistivity exacerbates interfacial charge buildup. Here, we develop an all‐ALD bilayer comprising an ultrathin SnO x film and a conductive Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) overlayer. This design decouples functionality: SnO x ensures favorable band alignment, while AZO provides a low‐resistance pathway and a dense barrier against ion diffusion, collectively suppressing interfacial reactions. Wide‐bandgap perovskite cells with this bilayer achieve 23.47% efficiency. Monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem cells reach 33.25% and retain over 96% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h of continuous illumination, demonstrating a viable interface‐focused strategy for stable tandem solar cells.

ABSTRACT The transient intermediate phase Na x Cu y S z formed during the sodiation of copper sulfide anodes has recently been recognized as a key species governing fast ion/electron transport and exceptional structural resilience in sodium‐ion batteries. However, its direct synthesis remains elusive due to intrinsic kinetic instability. Herein, we unveil that the kinetic instability of this class of phases arises from the calculation of phonon dispersion, explaining the failure of conventional solid‐state routes. Furthermore, we establish a rational design framework based on lattice compatibility and anion‐binding energy deviation, followed by systematic phonon spectrum calculations to screen not only the dopant element but also the optimal doping concentration, stabilizing the thermodynamics and suppress kinetic instabilities. Guided by this principle, we achieve the first successful solid‐state synthesis of a long‐sought intermediate phase, NaCu 1.5 Co 0.5 S 2 . NaCu 1.5 Co 0.5 S 2 exhibits outstanding rate capability (337.9 mAh g − 1 at 50 C) with a high capacity of 589.9 mAh g − 1 at 0.1 C and robust cycling stability (>5000 cycles at 30 C). Our study not only realizes the targeted synthesis of a critical but previously inaccessible phase but also provides a generalizable design paradigm for stabilizing metastable functional materials, opening new avenues for next‐generation fast‐charging battery chemistries.