Nickel-rich layered cathodes such as LiNiCoMnO (NCM) are attractive for next-generation lithium-ion batteries but suffer from rapid capacity decay caused by interfacial side reactions and mechanically induced microcracki...Nickel-rich layered cathodes such as LiNiCoMnO (NCM) are attractive for next-generation lithium-ion batteries but suffer from rapid capacity decay caused by interfacial side reactions and mechanically induced microcracking. Here we report a bulk-surface synergistic modification strategy that constructs a mechanically anchored interface via Nb embedding and an external NiNbO (NNO) coating. Nb incorporation induces local lattice distortion at the near-surface region, creating an anchoring zone that stabilizes the coating against delamination and expands interlayer spacing to accelerate Li transport. Simultaneously, the coated NNO layer on NCM effectively suppresses electrolyte penetration and HF-induced corrosion, thereby reducing byproduct formation and transition-metal-ion dissolution during cycling. As a result, the Nb-NCM@NNO cathode delivers a rate capability of 177.76 mAh g at 5.0 C and achieves a capacity retention of ∼88.24% after 200 cycles. This work establishes an effective interfacial anchoring route for enhancing the durability of Ni-rich layered cathodes.
Transparent wearable electronics integrating strain sensing, temperature detection, and electrothermal heating remain challenging due to weak adhesion between nanowires and substrates, as well as coupled signal responses...Transparent wearable electronics integrating strain sensing, temperature detection, and electrothermal heating remain challenging due to weak adhesion between nanowires and substrates, as well as coupled signal responses. Here, we report a transparent PET/Ag NW/PVA film fabricated via rapid vapor-induced capillary welding and polymer encapsulation strategy. Brief vapor-exposure generates uniform droplets on silver nanowire, while evaporation-induced capillary force reinforces nanowire junctions at room-temperature without substrate damage. The PVA encapsulation layer further enhances interfacial adhesion and stabilizes the percolative network. The resulting electrode exhibited high transparency (∼85% at 550 nm) and low sheet resistance (22-35 Ω sq). The stabilized network enabled reliable strain sensing over 1600 bending cycles, thermoresistive detection from 0-50 °C ( = 0.986), and uniform electrothermal output up to ∼52 °C at 5 V. The distinct temporal responses enabled effective signal decoupling, allowing robust multimodal sensing within a single transparent architecture.
Organic radicals have shown promise for tunable and low-cost spintronic devices. However, integrating the radicals with a Si metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure remains a challenge. Here, we incorporate stable (4-(...Organic radicals have shown promise for tunable and low-cost spintronic devices. However, integrating the radicals with a Si metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure remains a challenge. Here, we incorporate stable (4-(((2,5-bis(2-(phenyl)ethynyl)phenyl)carbonyl)(methyl)amino)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxidanyl (TEMPO-OPE) radicals in a Si-MOS-based double-tunnel junction and demonstrate a huge positive magnetoresistance of up to 400% at a magnetic field of 7 T and a temperature of 3 K. This goes along with a significant reduction of the differential conductance peak corresponding to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of TEMPO-OPE under external magnetic fields. First-principles calculations suggest that the singly occupied molecular orbital can mix with the HOMO of TEMPO-OPE. This could lead to suppression of the HOMO conductance peak under magnetic fields and, thus, provide a possible origin of the large magnetoresistance. These findings suggest a path toward incorporating magnetic molecular functionalities into conventional Si devices, leading to large-scale integration of molecular spintronic devices.
Strong electron-lattice coupling in 1T-MX (M = Nb, Ta; X = S, Se) enables diverse quantum phenomena. Using first-principles calculations, we reveal temperature-dependent orbital textures of midgap states in monolayer 1T-...Strong electron-lattice coupling in 1T-MX (M = Nb, Ta; X = S, Se) enables diverse quantum phenomena. Using first-principles calculations, we reveal temperature-dependent orbital textures of midgap states in monolayer 1T-NbSe with a star-of-David charge-density-wave superstructure. A mere 0.1% thermal lattice expansion drives a sharp nonmagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition. In the ferromagnetic phase, midgap states localize at the supercell center, while in the nonmagnetic phase, high-energy Rydberg-like states generate weak in-gap signals and characteristic six-petal orbital patterns. These findings resolve long-standing theory-experiment discrepancies and establish Rydberg fingerprinting as a method to probe high-energy electronic structures via low-bias scanning tunneling spectroscopy, offering new insights into coupled electronic and magnetic degrees of freedom in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides.
Thickness and pressure cooperatively modulate the transport properties in layered materials─particularly two-dimensional (2D) superconductivity─which are intrinsically governed by quantum confinement and anisotropic inte...Thickness and pressure cooperatively modulate the transport properties in layered materials─particularly two-dimensional (2D) superconductivity─which are intrinsically governed by quantum confinement and anisotropic interactions. Here, through systematic investigation of thickness-dependent pressure-induced phenomena in black phosphorus, we reveal the mechanism by which dimensional confinement governs metallization and superconductivity via modulation of the electronic structure. Robust 2D superconductivity, observed in both few-layer samples and nanoflakes within the bulk, underscores quantum confinement as the fundamental origin of 2D superconductivity. Furthermore, the 3D-2D crossover in bulk highlights the critical role of weak interlayer coupling in stabilizing 2D superconducting behavior. Remarkably, quantum confinement dramatically enhances the critical field, with the in-plane critical field in 6-layer sample exceeding the Pauli limit due to enhanced spin-orbit scattering. These findings provide new insights into engineering superconducting dimensionality and properties via combined thickness and pressure control.
Owing to the possession of naturally formed quantum wells with strong spatial and dielectric confinements, 2D lead-halide perovskites are attracting intensive research interest in the context of potential applications in...Owing to the possession of naturally formed quantum wells with strong spatial and dielectric confinements, 2D lead-halide perovskites are attracting intensive research interest in the context of potential applications in classical optoelectronic devices. Here we have synthesized a 2D (PEA)PbI perovskite microplate and observed at ∼3 K that it can emit single photons from the abundant ultranarrow peaks appearing in the photoluminescence spectrum. This signifies the formation of 0D quantum emitters within the otherwise homogeneous 2D energy landscape, which can be attributed to the thickness fluctuations induced by octahedral tiltings across an inorganic sheet. These findings mark the emergence of a hybrid type of quantum emitters with both 0D and 2D confinements, thus extending the fundamental and practical studies of 2D perovskites to the prospective regime of quantum information technologies.
One-dimensional nanostructures are typically single-crystalline, yet the mechanisms by which crystallographic orientation governs their thermal morphological evolution, a process that critically dictates their structural...One-dimensional nanostructures are typically single-crystalline, yet the mechanisms by which crystallographic orientation governs their thermal morphological evolution, a process that critically dictates their structural integrity and functional performance in high-temperature applications, remain poorly understood. Here, by observing the shape evolution of single-crystalline α-Fe nanopillars near 0.48 of the melting temperature, we show that increasing axial index results in stronger spheroidization and faster shortening. This behavior originates from a coupled thermodynamic-kinetic effect. On low-index axial pillars, strong effective surface-energy anisotropy stabilizes {100} and {110} facets, while limited adatom generation on these facets slows surface diffusion and shortening. In contrast, geometric constraints on high-index axial pillars promote the exposure of high-index facets, reducing effective surface-energy anisotropy and facilitating adatom formation, thereby accelerating spheroidization and shortening. These results identify axial orientation as a key parameter governing the thermal evolution pathway of one-dimensional nanostructures and provide design principles for engineering thermally robust nanoscale systems.
Chemistry-based hydrogen storage media, such as liquid organic hydrogen carriers, offer an attractive alternative to physical hydrogen storage solutions. Here, we investigate propane as a possible hydrogen storage medium...Chemistry-based hydrogen storage media, such as liquid organic hydrogen carriers, offer an attractive alternative to physical hydrogen storage solutions. Here, we investigate propane as a possible hydrogen storage medium, attractive for its low cost and ease of availability. We report the ambient temperature and pressure hydrogenation of propylene using an antenna-reactor Al@TiO-Pt single-atom plasmonic photocatalyst. Illumination at two distinct wavelengths, 450 and 800 nm, corresponds to high reactivity toward propane production. Theoretical insight into wavelength-dependent hot-carrier generation reveals nonequilibrium carriers with sufficient energies to activate both steps of propylene hydrogenation at either wavelength, the dissociation of H and its incorporation into the propylene carbon-carbon double bond. Paired with light-driven propane dehydrogenation, this study demonstrates that photocatalytic cycling of propylene - propane for hydrogen storage and release can be performed under mild conditions.
Digital authentication technologies are increasingly threatened by the rapid advance of artificial intelligence and sophisticated cyberattacks. Against this backdrop, analog approaches that enable intuitive visual inspec...Digital authentication technologies are increasingly threatened by the rapid advance of artificial intelligence and sophisticated cyberattacks. Against this backdrop, analog approaches that enable intuitive visual inspection and are physically unclonable are gaining prominence. This work develops a low-cost route to fabricate large-area hologram films with cascade nanostructures, establishing a robust two-factor authentication platform. Three-level silicon master molds are produced in a single dry-etching step, and the hologram films are replicated via nanoimprint lithography. By integrating a computer-generated holography design, the holograms selectively suppress the conjugate image, enabling instant visual authentication using a portable flashlight. To strengthen security, each film incorporates fiducial marks that designate the inspection site for a portable microscope. The local nanopattern can be converted into a security code for secondary verification. Consequently, the proposed cascade-hologram strategy combines cost-effectiveness, high fidelity, and durability with enhanced anticounterfeiting performance, supporting deployment across products, including electronic devices, apparel, and consumer goods.
Despite the critical role of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in materials preparation, real-time nanoscale visualization of its processes remains challenging, primarily because conventional single-heating-zone transmiss...Despite the critical role of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in materials preparation, real-time nanoscale visualization of its processes remains challenging, primarily because conventional single-heating-zone transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reactors cannot faithfully replicate realistic precursor vaporization and deposition conditions. Here, we present the TempTwin CVD-Reactor, a dual-heating-zone gas-phase TEM chip that precisely integrates independently controlled source and deposition regions. Leveraging ultrathin silicon nitride windows, this device achieves angstrom-level resolution up to 900 °C, enabling direct visualization of metal-organic framework (MOF) film growth kinetics. Our observations reveal that ZIF-8 CVD deposition on ZnO nanowires follows a Volmer-Weber island growth mode─discrete nucleation and subsequent coalescence─rather than a layer-by-layer mechanism. By quantitatively tracking shell-thickness evolution and confirming composition via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, this TempTwin CVD-Reactor enables realistic simulation of key CVD conditions for MOF growth and provides critical insights into gas-solid reaction mechanisms.
The non-relativistic spin-momentum locking in altermagnets gives rise to a time-reversal-odd spin Hall effect, known as the altermagnetic spin-splitting effect (ASSE). Although ASSE was first reported in RuO, subsequent...The non-relativistic spin-momentum locking in altermagnets gives rise to a time-reversal-odd spin Hall effect, known as the altermagnetic spin-splitting effect (ASSE). Although ASSE was first reported in RuO, subsequent experiments have yielded inconsistent results, leaving its spin transport mechanism unclear. Here, we systematically investigate how strain, crystal orientation, and the Hubbard parameter influence the magnetic ground state and spin Hall response of RuO. Guided by recent experimental observations, we find that is likely smaller than the value required to induce intrinsic magnetism, suggesting that bulk RuO and (001)/(101) RuO thin films grown on TiO are non-magnetic in the absence of extrinsic effects. In contrast, (100) and (110) films exhibit strain-induced altermagnetic spin splitting, leading to a strong ASSE even without Hubbard corrections. These results reconcile previous experimental discrepancies and provide design guidelines for RuO-based spintronic devices.
While high-entropy perovskite oxides have recently emerged as promising hosts for exsolution-enabled catalysts and electrodes, a systematic understanding of how high-entropy compositions influence exsolution remains limi...While high-entropy perovskite oxides have recently emerged as promising hosts for exsolution-enabled catalysts and electrodes, a systematic understanding of how high-entropy compositions influence exsolution remains limited. Here, we compare Ni exsolution in a simpler perovskite oxide, (LaSr)(CoFeNi)O (LSCF-5Ni), and two high-entropy perovskite oxides, (LaSrCaNdY)(CoFeNi)O (CaNdY-5Ni) and (LaSrBaNdY)(CoFeNi)O (BaNdY-5Ni). The experiment reveals that the exsolved nanoparticle number density follows the order LSCF-5Ni < CaNdY-5Ni < BaNdY-5Ni, demonstrating that high-entropy configurations can enhance exsolution. To understand this trend, we develop a Monte Carlo-based modeling framework that combines a machine-learned interatomic potential to simulate representative atomic configurations and statistically evaluate possible exsolution pathways. The results show that high-entropy configurations with greater variations in A-site cation sizes (and thus greater lattice distortions) can broaden distributions of Ni migration and reduction energies, thereby creating more thermodynamically favorable exsolution pathways.
The development of wearable biosensors has accelerated due to the combination of nanomaterials, integrative electronics, and miniaturized transduction mechanisms, enabling continuous monitoring of physiological and envir...The development of wearable biosensors has accelerated due to the combination of nanomaterials, integrative electronics, and miniaturized transduction mechanisms, enabling continuous monitoring of physiological and environmental markers. Electrochemical and photonic modalities have been shown to exhibit complementary capabilities in wearable applications, with each offering distinct advantages in sensitivity, selectivity, miniaturization, and power efficiency. Beyond single-modality functionality, the next generation of wearable diagnostics integrates electrochemical and optical transduction within the same platforms. In this short review, we examine the physical and functional demands of such convergence in wearable systems, highlighting model electrochemical systems, such as textile-integrated wound monitoring and hormone sensors, and how optical modalities provide orthogonal observables of interfacial and biochemical conditions. We further explore new emerging device architectures that leverage electrochemical and optical interrogation to generate robust, information-rich data sets, supporting long-term, real-world deployment of wearable diagnostic technologies for personalized healthcare and continuous monitoring applications.
Self-assembled nanofibers have emerged as attractive vaccine platforms, but their inherent polydispersity makes controlled-length studies challenging. Here, we use the M13 bacteriophage, a biological nanofiber with near-...Self-assembled nanofibers have emerged as attractive vaccine platforms, but their inherent polydispersity makes controlled-length studies challenging. Here, we use the M13 bacteriophage, a biological nanofiber with near-monodisperse length, as a model system to study the effect of nanofiber length on immune activation. Our results demonstrated that short (100 nm) and long (800 nm) nanofibers displaying similar antigen density elicited comparable CD8 T cell responses, despite short nanofibers exhibiting higher antigen-presenting cell (APC) uptake and lymph node drainage. Mechanistic studies revealed that long nanofibers induced higher pro-inflammatory cytokine production and APC activation, which could compensate for the lower APC uptake and lymph node drainage. These findings establish nanofiber length as an independent design parameter that shapes immune outcomes through mechanisms beyond simple biodistribution, offering insights for engineering nanovaccines with optimized immunogenicity.
A nanostructured interfacial engineering strategy employing zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnOQD) is designed to stabilize Zn metal anodes (ZnOQD@Zn). Because of their ultrasmall size, intrinsic hydrophilicity, and abundant su...A nanostructured interfacial engineering strategy employing zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnOQD) is designed to stabilize Zn metal anodes (ZnOQD@Zn). Because of their ultrasmall size, intrinsic hydrophilicity, and abundant surface functional groups, the uniformly dispersed ZnOQD constructs a multifunctional interlayer that enables continuous Zn transport, homogenizes interfacial ion flux, and lowers the energy barriers associated with Zn desolvation and nucleation. Meanwhile, this interlayer suppresses dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and corrosion by limiting direct contact between Zn and water. As a result, the ZnOQD@Zn anode exhibits highly reversible Zn plating and stripping together with enhanced cycling stability. When assembled with a NaVO·1.5HO (NVO) cathode, the ZnOQD@Zn cell delivers excellent rate capability and long-term durability, even under high cathode loadings. This work presents a simple, scalable, and effective interfacial regulation strategy enabled by quantum dots, offering fundamental insights into the rational design of durable, outstanding aqueous zinc ion batteries.
Sommer L, Seidler I, Schupp FJ
… +12 more, Paredes S, Hendrickx NW, Massai L, Tsoukalas K, Orekhov A, Kelly EG, Bedell SW, Salis G, Mergenthaler M, Harvey-Collard P, Fuhrer A, Ihn T
Spin qubits are typically operated in the lowest orbital of a quantum dot to minimize interference from nearby states. In valence-band hole systems, strong spin-orbit coupling links spin and orbital degrees of freedom, s...Spin qubits are typically operated in the lowest orbital of a quantum dot to minimize interference from nearby states. In valence-band hole systems, strong spin-orbit coupling links spin and orbital degrees of freedom, strongly influencing the hole -factor, a key parameter for qubit control. We investigate the out-of-plane -factor in Ge quantum dots using excitation (single-particle) and addition (many-body) spectra. Excitation spectra allow us to distinguish the pure Zeeman -factor from orbital contributions to the magnetic field splitting of states despite the strong spin-orbit coupling. This distinction clarifies discrepancies between -factors extracted with the two methods, for different orbital states and different hole numbers. Furthermore, we find gate-tunability of -factors at the level of 15%, highlighting its relevance for all-electric qubit manipulation.
Managing skin infections requires both pathogen eradication and tissue regeneration, yet current therapeutics rarely address these sequential needs. Here, we designed a biomimetic catalytic system (MBC) to recapitulate t...Managing skin infections requires both pathogen eradication and tissue regeneration, yet current therapeutics rarely address these sequential needs. Here, we designed a biomimetic catalytic system (MBC) to recapitulate the dynamic, dual-phase functionality of the innate immune response. In the infectious microenvironment, MBC mimics neutrophil-mediated killing by using CeO nanoparticles (NPs) and Br ions to exert haloperoxidase-like activity, generating HBrO from endogenous HO to eliminate MRSA biofilms. Upon infection clearance, the system autonomously transitioned to a healing phase. CeO NPs switch to macrophage-like antioxidant functions, scavenging reactive oxygen species, resolving inflammation, and restoring immune homeostasis. In three murine infection models of MRSA-infected wounds, pressure ulcers, and subcutaneous abscesses, MBC achieves comprehensive therapeutic efficacy.
DNA-based molecular classifiers have emerged as a promising strategy for precise cancer diagnosis, offering a superior alternative to invasive biopsy detection. However, current DNA-computation-dependent molecular classi...DNA-based molecular classifiers have emerged as a promising strategy for precise cancer diagnosis, offering a superior alternative to invasive biopsy detection. However, current DNA-computation-dependent molecular classifiers remain limited by complex pathways and cumbersome weight assignment procedures. To address this, we developed weight-controllable biobarcode probes (WBPs) that enable programmable signal amplification via precise stoichiometric regulation of barcode strands versus nonbarcode strands. These probes demonstrated robust performance in the weighted molecular computation. Using these WBPs, we performed fluorescence-based analog-to-digital signal conversion, enabling the representation of 128 combinations across up to seven targets. By integrating three miRNA inputs trained in silico machine learning, we constructed a WBP-based molecular classifier that can distinguish breast cancer patients from healthy individuals, achieving an accuracy of 84.00% on clinical serum samples. This work expands the scope of biobarcode technology from single-target detection to logical analysis of multiple targets, establishing a scalable and noninvasive platform for precision cancer diagnosis.
Self-healing is rarely observed in semiconductors, where structural distortions typically result in an irreversible performance loss. Halide perovskites defy this paradigm, exhibiting spontaneous recovery of optoelectron...Self-healing is rarely observed in semiconductors, where structural distortions typically result in an irreversible performance loss. Halide perovskites defy this paradigm, exhibiting spontaneous recovery of optoelectronic properties even at room temperature, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we subject CsPbBr single crystals to facet-oriented focused ion beam (FIB) milling to induce localized mechanical damage and directly track the subsequent healing dynamics. By selectively exposing different crystallographic orientations, we correlate structural reconstruction with photoluminescence recovery. Milling aligned with low-index surfaces enables complete recovery, often with enhanced emission compared to that of the pristine surface, whereas milling across facets, along effectively higher-index crystal planes, leads to permanent emission quenching. The differences arise due to the facet-dependent stabilization and higher formation energies of Br interstitials for higher-index surfaces, a hypothesis that is supported by DFT modeling. Our work establishes facet-oriented FIB milling as a versatile approach for systematically probing self-healing processes in functional materials.