Physics

ABSTRACT The frequency response of pyroelectric sensors is fundamentally governed by thermal time constant (τ th , determined by thermal mass and thermal conductance) and electrical impedance arising from film capacitance and readout circuit. Conventional bulk LiTaO 3 detectors are optimized for high responsivity at low modulation frequencies (0.1–10 Hz), possessing a large τ th that thermally averages rapid temperature oscillations at elevated modulation frequencies, limiting fidelity in resolving dynamic varying thermal signals. Here, compositional and strain gradients are introduced into 100‐nm‐thick relaxor‐ferroelectric films reducing τ th to ≈2 µs and producing built‐in potentials (≈1.45 V or 145 kV cm −1 ) that enhance the pyroelectric coefficient and suppress the dielectric constant. This enables complementary dual‐mode operation by enhancing current‐mode electrical responsivity and improving the voltage‐mode figure of merit – advantageous for superior temperature resolution (Δ T min ≈ 30 µK). The responsivity peak shifts to near 1 kHz (>2500‐times higher than conventional bulk sensors), with measurable responsivity extending to a carrier frequency of 100 kHz and amplitude‐resolved detection at modulation frequencies up to 15 kHz. These results establish nanoscale internal‐field engineering can reshape electro‐thermal trade‐off in pyroelectric thin films toward zero‐bias, high‐thermal‐sensitivity, and amplitude‐resolved thermal sensing across a wide frequency bandwidth.

ABSTRACT The scalable production of high‐performance piezoelectric fibers remains a major hurdle for smart textile applications. Here, we report an in situ polarization strategy integrated into an industrially viable melt‐spinning process for the continuous fabrication of piezoelectric polypropylene/barium titanate (PP/BTO) composite fibers. This approach simultaneously induces interfacial cavitation to form electret pore structures and accomplishes rapid dipole polarization under a high electric field during fiber drawing, eliminating the need for post‐processing. The optimized PP/BTO fibers exhibit a high piezoelectric coefficient ( d 33 ) of 1.8 pC/N and a surface potential of −3.4 V, achieved with an ultralow poling time of 0.3 s. The fibers demonstrate exceptional flexibility and weavability, enabling their integration into large‐scale textiles. As a proof‐of‐concept, a sensor‐woven insole is constructed for real‐time gait monitoring. Combined with machine learning, the system successfully recognizes different gait patterns with over 84% accuracy, showcasing significant potential for personalized rehabilitation diagnostics. This work provides an efficient and scalable pathway for manufacturing functional fibers, bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial production.

ABSTRACT Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is an abundant C 1 resource, and its electrochemical conversion enables the integration of CO 2 fixation with renewable energy storage, thereby providing an effective approach to close the anthropogenic carbon cycle. As a new class of green and tunable solvents, ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional electrolytes in electrochemical CO 2 conversion processes. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of ILs as electrocatalyst components for CO 2 electroreduction. Particular emphasis is placed on how IL components, electrocatalyst properties, and operational conditions affect catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. The intrinsic mechanisms underlying the enhanced CO 2 conversion performance achieved by IL‐modified catalysts are analyzed, which provides valuable guidance for the rational design of novel IL‐based electrochemical CO 2 conversion processes. Finally, the critical challenges currently faced in this research field are highlighted, and potential directions for future investigations are proposed.

ABSTRACT Cu‐based photocathodes offer unique advantages for photoelectrochemical CO 2 reduction (PEC CO 2 RR) due to their earth abundance, tunable electronic structures and capacity to efficiently produce multi‐carbon (C 2+ ) products. However, their practical performance is fundamentally governed by the dynamics of photogenerated charge carriers, whose generation, separation, accumulation, transport, and extraction directly determine both catalytic efficiency and stability. This review examines how carrier behavior governs key reaction steps, evaluates material design strategies for tuning interfacial charge dynamics, and summarizes emerging techniques for probing these dynamics and interfacial transformations in operando. Looking ahead, integrating precise carrier control with stability and selectivity will be critical, requiring deeper insights into the coupling between carrier physics and catalytic function to guide the development of next‐generation Cu‐based photocathodes for PEC CO 2 RR.

ABSTRACT Na 4 Fe 2 Mn(PO 4 ) 2 (P 2 O 7 ) has received widespread attention due to high energy density and less structural variations. However, its rate capability and cycling performance are far inferior to expectations. This study unveils underlying failure mechanisms for the performance degradation: “electrostrictive” coupled‐disruption driven by charge changes causes the Na + channels closure, while irregular cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) growth hinders interface Na + diffusion and causes transition metal dissolution. Therefore, halogen elements (F, Cl, Br) are introduced into the material through defect‐engineering. The strong electronegativity of F and the spatial effects of Cl/Br effectively regulate the coordination environment to suppress the coupled‐disruption. Furthermore, the surface halogen elements spontaneously combine with Na + , ultimately forming uniform, surface organic‐rich and interior inorganic‐rich CEI layers. Based on this, the modified material shows high‐rate performance (55.0 mAh g −1 at 200 C) with ultra‐long cycle stability (98% after 20000 cycles at 50 C) and exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in full‐cell and all‐solid‐state battery applications.

ABSTRACT Enantioselective adhesion is a highly sought‐after property in advanced materials, with potential applications in chiral sensing, smart robotics, and enantiomeric separation. Chiral films with uniform morphology and well‐tunable chirality can serve as excellent platforms for macroscale enantioselective adhesion, yet their facile fabrication remains challenging. In this study, we developed a new class of axially chiral fluoroalkylated amphiphiles and prepared uniform, optically transparent chiral films through a straightforward drop‐casting technique. These films exhibit remarkable enantioselective adhesion properties. Homochiral films demonstrate strong interfacial adhesion and can withstand a weight of up to 3 kg per 0.2 mg·cm −2 of film, whereas heterochiral or racemic pairings show minimal adhesion. The enantioselectivity was further validated through macroscopic adhesion experiments and atomic force microscopy. Mechanistic studies indicate that fluorinated solvents regulate molecular orientation through affinity differences toward different moieties of amphiphilic molecules, exposing the naphthalene ring on the film surface. During the adhesion process, the chiral binaphthyl structure accomplishes chiral recognition through spatial configuration matching. This work presents the first demonstration of macroscopic visualization of chiral interactions through adhesive behavior, opening new avenues for chiral sensing, enantiomeric separation, and the rational design of chiral functional materials.

Noncontact sensing is essential for smart manufacturing and safe human-machine interaction, yet existing proximity and inspection sensors are often limited by material selectivity, ambient light, and continuous power consumption. Here, we report a bioinspired electrostatic-field sensor that implements a solid-state analogue of electrolocation using a corona-polarized fluoropolymer electret. The pre-charged electret establishes a quasi-static electric field, and nearby objects reshape this field to induce measurable potential modulation on a grounded electrode, enabling friction-free sensing without active emission or mechanical contact. The sensor detects both conductive and dielectric targets (metals, polymers, glass), while waveform features encode material-dependent electrical signatures. The device achieves a near-field change in separation sensitivity of 1.05 V per 50 µm and maintains stable responses over 10,000 approach-withdraw cycles. Combined with machine-learning models, the platform enables proximity warning, touch-free interaction, material discrimination, coating-defect recognition, gesture decoding, and gesture-to-robot control. This work establishes electrostatic-field perturbation as a robust strategy for low-power, multifunctional noncontact perception.

Abstract In Section 3.2 "Sudden discharge experiment" of the original article (Supercond. Sci. Technol. 2025 38 085009), the equivalent characteristic resistances of the two coils were given as 1.5×10 -5Ω and 3.79×10-5Ω, respectively, calculated according to equation. The correct value for the two coils should be 1.29×10-5Ω and 3.79×10-5Ω.

Abstract Energy-efficient rapid single flux quantum (ERSFQ) circuits suppress the dominant static power dissipation of RSFQ logic by replacing bias resistors with current-limiting bias Josephson junctions (JJs) and inductors. In practice, however, these JJs introduce power dissipation in the DC bias network due to switching events required to correct data-dependent phase imbalances, with dissipation often comparable to that of dynamic power. This paper presents xeSFQ, a new SFQ logic family that integrates alternating SFQ (xSFQ) encoding with ERSFQ biasing. By enforcing a single pulse per line per logical cycle, xeSFQ maintains uniform phase across the circuit, thereby eliminating bias JJ switching during operation and achieving zero bias network power dissipation. Extensive analog simulations and logic synthesis results, from individual gates to ISCAS and EPFL benchmarks, validate this hypothesis and demonstrate the efficiency and scalability advantages of the proposed approach.

Abstract Among the recognized sources of decoherence in superconducting qubits,
the spatial inhomogeneity of the superconducting state and the possible
presence of magnetic-flux vortices remain comparatively underexplored.
Niobium is commonly used as a structural material in transmon qubits
that host Josephson junctions, and excess dissipation anywhere in
the transmon can become a bottleneck that limits overall quantum performance.
The metal/substrate interfacial layer may simultaneously host pair-breaking
loss channels (e.g., two-level systems, TLS) and control thermal transport,
thereby affecting dissipation and temperature stability. Here, we use
quantitative magneto-optical imaging of the magnetic-flux distribution
to characterize the homogeneity of the superconducting state and the
critical current density, $j_{c}$, in niobium films fabricated under
different sputtering conditions. The imaging reveals distinct flux-penetration
regimes, ranging from a nearly ideal Bean critical state to strongly
nonuniform thermo-magnetic dendritic avalanches. By fitting the measured
magnetic-induction profiles, we extract $j_{c}$ and \AD{try to correlate} it
with film physical properties and with measured qubit internal quality
factors. Our results indicate that the Nb/Si interlayer can be a significant
contributor to decoherence and should be considered an important factor that must be optimized.

Abstract The non-centrosymmetric superconductors (NCSs) continue to draw significant attention owing to their exotic superconducting properties. Here, we present the results of our detailed magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements on a single crystal of the NCSs $\mathrm{Ru}_7\mathrm{B}_3$. We observe a paramagnetic Meissner effect (PME) in the temperature-dependent field-cooled magnetization measurements ($M_{\mathrm{FCC}}(T)$) in small magnetic fields ($<200$ Oe) just below the superconducting transition temperature $T_c \sim 2.67(1) $ K. On further cooling, the positive $M_{\mathrm{FCC}}(T)$ values cross over to the diamagnetic region indicating the usual Abrikosov lattice at lower temperatures. Across the temperature range of the PME, $2.6~ \mathrm{K} < T < T_c$, the dc magnetization hysteresis loops ($M-H$) exhibit an unusual asymmetry indicating a deviation from the conventional type-II superconducting behavior and the occurrence of an unconventional vortex state. We associate the occurrence of PME in the present case to trapping of magnetic flux within the bulk of the sample and its subsequent compression on further cooling. The ac magnetic susceptibility data ($\chi^{\prime}(H,T)$) exhibits another well-documented anomaly, namely the peak-effect (PE) transition close to the superconducting-normal phase boundary. Above a certain field ($ >3.5$ kOe), the PE transition splits into two well-resolved dips in $\chi^{\prime}(H,T)$ which is suggestive of a step-wise amorphization of the vortex matter. We ascribe the split PE anomaly in $\mathrm{Ru_7B_3}$ to the strong pinning mechanism associated with the unconventional vortex dynamics in the NCS superconductors. Both PE and the PME have been found to be robust features in $\mathrm{Ru}_7\mathrm{B}_3$ as they are observed for different crystal orientations with respect to the external field ($H || [001]$ and $H || [100]$). We present the vortex phase diagram of this superconductor displaying the phase boundaries of the split PE feature.

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Small organic molecules capable of self-assembling into ordered supramolecular architectures with precise molecular and interfacial control are emerging as a new class of materials for fabricating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Molecular self-assembly enables molecular-level control over dipole alignment, interfacial energetics, and stimulus-responsive behavior, while enabling solution-based processing under potentially mild conditions and, in select systems, biodegradability. This Perspective distills key concepts of molecular self-assembly relevant to triboelectric interfaces, showcases experimental examples in which supramolecular organization controls charge generation and multifunctional performance, and addresses outstanding challenges in scalable fabrication, reproducibility, and rational materials design. It concludes with a roadmap connecting current hybrid and template-driven methods to the long-term goal of creating molecularly defined triboelectric layers with tunable charge behavior, positioning self-assembled small organic molecules (SASOMs) as a promising foundation for adaptive, sustainable energy-harvesting technologies.

Several series of quaternary sulfides RE 3 M 1– x SnS 7 ( RE = La–Nd; M = Ti–Cu, Cd) were synthesized by direct reaction of the elements at 1000 °C and their crystal structures were determined by powder X-ray diffraction, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction for many members. Most adopt the noncentrosymmetric La 3 Mn 0.5 SiS 7 -type structure (hexagonal, space group P 6 3 ) consisting of one-dimensional stacks of Sn-centered tetrahedra and columns of face-sharing M -centered octahedra. With focus placed on the La-containing series La 3 M 1– x SnS 7, further characterization was performed using X-ray photoelectron and electron paramagnetic spectroscopy. Their optical band gaps ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 eV. Selected members of this series were evaluated for various functional properties. La 3 Mn 0.5 SnS 7 and La 3 Cd 0.5 SnS 7 show moderate second harmonic generation at 1800 nm but high laser-induced damage thresholds and improved figures of merit relative to benchmark infrared nonlinear optical materials. La 3 Fe 0.5 SnS 7 exhibits high photocurrent density suitable for photoelectric energy conversion. La 3 Ni 0.5 SnS 7 demonstrates electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction in water.

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Precise control over atomic arrangements in multicomponent nanocrystals is essential for fully realizing the catalytic potential of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and high-entropy intermetallics (HEIs). However, achieving anisotropic growth while preserving homogeneous multimetallic mixing remains a major challenge in catalyst design. Here, we present a selective-growth strategy in which CO acts as a facet-selective capping molecule to direct surface atomic configurations in PtCo-based multicomponent systems. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that CO preferentially stabilizes {100} facets, even on compositionally disordered high-entropy surfaces, thereby enabling directional growth when combined with controlled precursor delivery and seed-mediated nucleation. Experimentally, this strategy produces atomically mixed PtCo@PtCoNiRuRh core–shell cubic HEA nanocrystals and PtCo@PtCoNiCuSn core–shell cubic nanocrystals with partially ordered HEI structures, in which ordered L1 2 domains coexist with disordered A1 regions. Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirms heterometallic coordination and homogeneous atomic mixing, in sharp contrast to the phase-segregated structures obtained through conventional one-pot synthesis. The resulting PtCo@PtCoNiRuRh core–shell nanocubes exhibit substantially enhanced hydrogen-evolution activity and durability in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes, which can be attributed to their engineered surface structures and optimized hydrogen and hydroxide binding. This work establishes selective growth as a promising strategy for controlling surface facets in multimetallic nanocrystals for catalysis.

ABSTRACT Fiber‐shaped zinc metal batteries (FZBs) with non‐flammable aqueous electrolytes and non‐reactive metals are gaining attention as safe power source in wearable electronics However, practical implementation is hindered by persistent dendrite formation due to complex zinc deposition kinetics on cylindrical geometries, as well as limitations in achieving extended device lengths. Here, we simultaneously address these challenges by development of fiber‐shaped zinc electrodes based on oxygen functionalized carbon nanotube fiber (OCNTF) via custom‐designed continuous process for meter‐scale FZBs (M‐FZBs). The aligned, highly crystalline OCNTF significantly mitigate dendrite formation by low lattice misfit with zinc. Additionally, the densely packed structure of OCNTFs generates distinct valley regions between adjacent nanotubes, providing energetically favorable nucleation sites for uniform zinc deposition. Consequently, the continuous produced Zn@OCNTF exhibits superior corrosion resistance and durability. Additionally, the M‐FZBs demonstrate an impressive energy density of 151.0 µWh tex −1 . Our research effectively addresses fundamental and scalability challenges, advancing practical application of FZBs.

ABSTRACT Alkali metal‐sulfur batteries (AMSBs) offer high energy densities, elemental abundance, and conversion‐type electrochemistry, positioning them as promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage beyond conventional intercalation batteries. However, their practical application is severely hindered by polysulfide dissolution and shuttling, sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, and dynamically evolving electrode‐electrolyte interfaces. Conventional ex situ characterization captures only end‐state products and often obscures transient intermediates, interfacial reconstruction, and pathway reaction dynamics that ultimately govern reversibility and degradation. In situ and operando characterization has therefore become indispensable for directly probing sulfur redox chemistry, solvation structures, phase evolution, and interfacial processes in working cells. This Review summarizes recent advances in in situ and operando studies of AMSBs, with emphasis on how real‐time spectroscopic, scattering, and imaging methods have reshaped mechanistic understanding across electrodes, electrolytes, and interphases. In particular, we place Li‐S, Na‐S, and K‐S batteries within a unified mechanistic perspective, enabling direct comparison of reaction pathways, polysulfide behaviors, and kinetic limitations. We further highlight the emerging integration of operando experiments with theoretical modelling and machine learning, which is transforming qualitative observation into quantitative and predictive insight. Remaining methodological challenges and opportunities for correlative operando approaches are critically assessed, providing guidance for the rational design of advanced AMSBs.

High-performance ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) with rapid response and high responsivity are crucial for environmental monitoring and optoelectronic applications.However, traditional N-type porous silicon (N-PSi) PDs often suffer from limited carrier separation efficiency and significant recombination losses. Here, we report an ultra-sensitive UV-PD based on a novel NP-type porous silicon (NP-PSi) thin film architecture, demonstrated for the first time. By implementing a hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-assisted electrochemical anodization technique, a hierarchical and uniform PSi nanostructure was successfully engineered on an N-Si/P-Si layered template. The integrated NP-junction provides a robust built-in electric field that effectively facilitates the spatial separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs while suppressing recombination. Under optimized conditions, the NP-PSibased PD exhibits a remarkable sensitivity of 67808.33%, which is approximately 28-fold higher than that of conventional N-PSi counterparts. Furthermore, the device achieves a superior responsivity of 38.60 A/W and an ultra-fast response time (rise/fall times of 0.03 s).These results underscore the synergistic effect of built-in field assistance and refined nanostructured engineering, offering a promising strategy for developing next-generation, high-gain silicon-based UV sensing technologies.

The interplay between local structure, electronic structure, and magnetism was investigated in solid-state-synthesized Cu-incorporated MnV₂O₄. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurements were caried out to investigate phase formation and structural evolution with Cu-doping for Cu-doped MnV2O4 samples. Systematic reduction in the lattice constant and interatomic bond lengths was observed with Cu doping due to the smaller ionic radii of Cu²⁺ compared to Mn²⁺. X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals an increase in the oxidation state of V from ~3.42 to ~3.75 with Cu-doping, while the oxidation states of Mn and Cu remain stable at ~2.05 to ~2.20 and ~1.00, respectively. Increased V oxidation state results in a decrease in magnetic moments of V, so overall the weakening of A and B sites magnetic moments due to Cu doping, is responsible for the decrease in magnetic transition temperature of Cu-doped MnV₂O₄ samples. Due to Cu-doping local disorder at the Cu site was stronger, followed by the V site due to nearest neighbour interactions between the Cu-V path, while the Mn site was stable. Density functional calculation shows strong hybridization between V and O, causing charge and spin transfer, while Mn remains localized deep inside the valence band. V-V exchange coupling shows domination, followed by Mn-V exchange coupling, and Mn-Mn exchange coupling remains relatively weak. With Cu-doping, V-V and Mn-V exchange coupling weaken, while Mn-Mn exchange coupling shows slight improvement, indicating new interaction pathways due to Cu-doping.