Programmed DNA self-assembly, based on branched DNA structures, provides a general approach for constructing defined nanostructures for drug delivery, biosensing, nanofabrication, and information processing and storage....Programmed DNA self-assembly, based on branched DNA structures, provides a general approach for constructing defined nanostructures for drug delivery, biosensing, nanofabrication, and information processing and storage. Three-arm DNA junctions (3aJs), the simplest branched DNA structures, are among the earliest explored DNA motifs for nanoconstruction. However, they have flexible and ill-defined conformations, which greatly limit their use in DNA nanoconstruction. Herein, we report a strategy to address this 40-year quest to reduce the conformational flexibility of individual 3aJs. We further enhance their structural rigidity by geometrically coupling multiple 3aJs into polygon motifs. The resulting 3aJ-containing motifs readily self-assemble into predesigned, higher-order large architectures. This work greatly expands the toolbox for DNA nanoconstruction. In addition, they provide essential structural information for modeling the conformations of natural nucleic acids.
Conventional frame-based vision systems inevitably generate large amounts of redundant data owing to the continuous capture of absolute light intensity. Here, we present a bioinspired vision system that converts dynamic...Conventional frame-based vision systems inevitably generate large amounts of redundant data owing to the continuous capture of absolute light intensity. Here, we present a bioinspired vision system that converts dynamic self-powered photocurrents into sparse event-driven spikes using MoS-based Schottky photodiodes with asymmetric electrodes integrated with a dual-branch differential circuit. These self-powered devices exhibit a high rectification ratio (>10), fast response time (<200 μs), and ultralow dark current (<5 pA). This photon-to-spike conversion pathway enables bioinspired bidirectional temporal encoding with positive and negative spikes, matching biological synaptic time scales. When directly interfaced with spiking neural networks, the system tracks only intensity changes of dynamic targets with no response to the static background. This significantly reduces computational overhead while maintaining 93.3% accuracy in dynamic gesture recognition. This work establishes a hardware foundation for direct photon-to-spike conversion at the sensor level, enabling ultralow-power neuromorphic vision systems for real-time edge applications.
Solution-processed two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors could enable large-area fabrication of electronics, while suffering from device variability and reliability limited by random nanosheet exfoliation, film assembly, a...Solution-processed two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors could enable large-area fabrication of electronics, while suffering from device variability and reliability limited by random nanosheet exfoliation, film assembly, and filament formation. Through design-technology co-optimization (DTCO), a wafer-scale uniform film of MoS nanosheets (thickness of 2.63 ± 1.10 nm and lateral size of 1.62 ± 0.47 μm) via cation-assisted intercalation and interfacial self-assembly, enabling enhancing device reliability through an embedded-electrode design. Inside the film, a percolative network possesses evenly distributed interflake junctions, confining ion transport along predefined void pathways. This yields MoS memristors offering narrow switching voltage distributions ( = 1.94 ± 0.45 V, and = 0.99 ± 0.37 V), stable endurance, and retention over 10 s , demonstrated across a 6 × 8 fabricated crosspoint memristor array with a 93.75% yield , and further integrated into 10 × 10 crossbar arrays. Moreover, MoS ink-based one-transistor one-memristor (1T1R) is featured with precise switching window control and current compliance modulation. This work offers a scalable and reliable route to high-density memory and hardware neuromorphic computing architectures with all-solution-processable 2D semiconductors.
Lamellar 2D membranes offer angstrom-to-nanometer transport pathways, but their interlayers are usually treated as passive channels rather than reactive nanospaces. Here we report an interlayer-confined redox assembly th...Lamellar 2D membranes offer angstrom-to-nanometer transport pathways, but their interlayers are usually treated as passive channels rather than reactive nanospaces. Here we report an interlayer-confined redox assembly that converts graphene oxide (GO) galleries into a continuous, electronically addressable metal-carbon phase. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are incorporated as through-thickness conductive bridges that, together with defect-rich GO/SWCNT interfaces and interlayer confinement, facilitate the partial in situ reduction and nucleation of Ag, generating an anchored interlayer network that preserves lamellar order while strengthening the membrane to 131 MPa. This phase also provides a functional readout of continuity through absorption-dominant electromagnetic attenuation (47 dB in the X band; SSE/t 9.14 × 10 dB cm g) and enables illumination-gated transport. The optimized membrane achieves an SF of 74.17 in equimolar V/U feeds and 20.71 in spiked seawater, while maintaining 96.61-98.04% uranium rejection over 10 24-h cycles. Selectivity arises from dehydration-biased entry and interlayer uranium capture/reduction.
p-Type organic cathodes offer high operating voltages but are often limited by poor cyclability. To overcome this, herein, we successfully integrate two p-type redox centers, triphenylamine and phenazine, into conjugated...p-Type organic cathodes offer high operating voltages but are often limited by poor cyclability. To overcome this, herein, we successfully integrate two p-type redox centers, triphenylamine and phenazine, into conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), denoted as CMP-TBDA-Pz and CMP-TBA-Pz. These materials demonstrate high voltages (>3.5 V vs Li/Li), superior capacity, and excellent stability. Notably, the dual-redox centers endow the system with hybrid charge storage kinetics, balancing diffusion-controlled and pseudocapacitive behavior. As a result, CMP-TBDA-Pz delivers specific capacities of 219.4 mAh g (0.1 A g) and 135.7 mAh g (5 A g), corresponding to energy densities of 633 and 417 Wh kg, respectively. In graphite//CMP-TBDA-Pz full-cells, 97% capacity retention is achieved after 500 cycles at 2 A g. This work establishes a strategy for high-performance p-type cathodes via dual-site architecture to regulate hybrid kinetics.
Selective uranium recovery from rare earth leaching solutions is hindered by competing ions and similar chemistry. Herein we propose a "framework-embedded hard base sites" strategy that simultaneously resolves selectivit...Selective uranium recovery from rare earth leaching solutions is hindered by competing ions and similar chemistry. Herein we propose a "framework-embedded hard base sites" strategy that simultaneously resolves selectivity and charge separation bottlenecks. By anchoring oxygen atoms as hard bases into 1D covalent organic frameworks (COFs), we create a dual-function platform where oxygen sites selectively capture uranyl ions while delocalizing excitons, lowering the exciton binding energy to 56.2 meV. The optimal COF-PODA with the highest density of oxygen sites achieves a high adsorption capacity of 1205 mg g and reduction kinetics of 0.079 min. In actual rare earth leaching solution, it removes 99.5% of uranium with outstanding selectivity over lanthanides and retains more than 95% activity after six cycles. This work uncovers an unforeseen synergy between hard-base coordination and electronic modulation, establishing a new design route for advanced radionuclide photocatalysts.
Magnetic nanoparticle heating (MNH) enables nanoscale energy delivery, yet current predictions of nonequilibrium magnetic dynamics at the single-particle level often lack quantitative experimental validation across nanop...Magnetic nanoparticle heating (MNH) enables nanoscale energy delivery, yet current predictions of nonequilibrium magnetic dynamics at the single-particle level often lack quantitative experimental validation across nanoparticle regimes and field conditions. Here, we combine experimentally derived composite magnetic anisotropy with a stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert description to quantitatively model MNH across superparamagnetic and magnetically blocked ferrimagnetic regimes. Simulations reproduce macroscale calorimetric heating measurements across broad particle sizes and field conditions while revealing how cycle-resolved stochastic magnetic switching contributes to heat generation. This approach shows how stochastic thermal fluctuations and anisotropy-governed dynamics give rise to classical hysteresis behavior at the macroscale, providing a multiscale physical framework for modeling energy dissipation in complex magnetic nanomaterials.
Achieving ultrahigh wear-resistance in structural coatings requires integrating high intrinsic strength with the ability to sustain plastic deformation. Here, we report a dual-phase nanocrystalline FeCoNiTi multiprincipa...Achieving ultrahigh wear-resistance in structural coatings requires integrating high intrinsic strength with the ability to sustain plastic deformation. Here, we report a dual-phase nanocrystalline FeCoNiTi multiprincipal element alloy (MPEA) coating that attains a high yield strength of 3.3 GPa, a strain-hardening rate of 9.21 GPa, and an ultralow wear rate of 1.1 × 10 mm/(N·m), surpassing most reported MPEA coatings. The coating is synthesized via rapid electrical-current-activated sintering, during which amorphized FeCoNiTi powders crystallize into a uniform fine-grained FCC matrix (∼32.5 nm) with ∼40 vol % ordered coherent L1 nanoprecipitates. Addition of Ti promotes compositional segregation and L1 phase formation, which facilitates twinning-induced plasticity and enhances strain hardening. The in situ formation of a TiO tribo-film also provides a lubrication effect. Furthermore, the twin-mediated deformation suppresses strain localization and grain boundary sliding. This work establishes a rapid and robust pathway for designing high-performance antiwear coatings through alloying-driven phase selection and defect engineering.
Visualizing and characterizing surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) that propagate along a metal-dielectric interface is essential for controlling advanced plasmonic devices that incorporate photofunctional nanomaterials. H...Visualizing and characterizing surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) that propagate along a metal-dielectric interface is essential for controlling advanced plasmonic devices that incorporate photofunctional nanomaterials. Herein, we report the development of an imaging method that employs an ultrathin layer of photofunctional quantum dots (QDs) as an SPP sensitizer. Microscopic images of upconversion fluorescence from the QD layer deposited on the plasmonic structure display fringe patterns that represent the spatiotemporal evolution of photoexcited propagating SPPs. This allows SPPs to be visualized under ambient conditions, not only for pristine plasmonic metals but also for buried interfaces overcoated with dielectric films. Furthermore, the wave properties (e.g., dispersion and velocity) of the SPPs can be accurately evaluated from the fringe patterns and the time-resolved imaging. This SPP imaging method can be widely used for designing and controlling plasmonic/photonic devices, as well as for gaining a fundamental understanding of plasmon-matter interactions.
Spin-orbit torque (SOT) enables efficient electrical control of magnetization, offering a pathway toward low-power spintronic devices. Magnetic topological insulators (TIs), with spin-momentum-locked surface states and i...Spin-orbit torque (SOT) enables efficient electrical control of magnetization, offering a pathway toward low-power spintronic devices. Magnetic topological insulators (TIs), with spin-momentum-locked surface states and intrinsic ferromagnetism, provide a unique platform for switching the edge-current chirality in quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators. Here, we employ molecular beam epitaxy to synthesize a series of magnetic TI trilayers with controlled layer thicknesses on heat-treated SrTiO(111) substrates. Electrical transport measurements reveal that SOT-driven magnetization reversal and the associated switching of QAH edge current chirality are governed by a SrTiO(111) substrate-induced charging effect, which generates a chemical potential asymmetry between the top and bottom magnetic TI layers. The switching polarity and efficiency are further tuned through heterostructure design, gate voltage, and an in-plane magnetic field. These findings identify chemical-potential asymmetry as the key mechanism for achieving a large SOT switching ratio and establish a route toward electrical control of edge current and QAH-based logic and memory devices.
Floating-gate transistors based on 2D materials have attracted great interest owing to their superior memory characteristics and high reliability. However, most reported devices still suffer from high operating voltages,...Floating-gate transistors based on 2D materials have attracted great interest owing to their superior memory characteristics and high reliability. However, most reported devices still suffer from high operating voltages, limited multifunctionality, etc. Here, we proposed a ferroelectric-polarization-modulated floating-gate transistor (FMFGT) based on a CIPS/MLG/hBN/MoS van der Waals heterostructure. The switchable and stable ferroelectric polarization of CIPS effectively reduces the tunneling barrier, exhibiting an on/off ratio (>10) when the sweep voltage is reduced to 1 V. In addition, the FMFGT exhibits robust dynamic response under an ultrafast pulse (∼20 ns) and achieves a maximum on/off ratio exceeding 10. Furthermore, the device demonstrates controllable synaptic plasticity under diverse stimuli, facilitating the integration of multiple optoelectronic logic gates. This work provides new insights into the role of ferroelectric polarization in floating-gate devices and establishes a promising solution toward low-voltage, multifunctional memories in edge computing and artificial intelligence.
The quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect enables dissipationless transport. However, known QAH materials rarely combine ferrovalley behavior with spin-valley locking, and Néel antiferromagnets remain largely unexplored in...The quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect enables dissipationless transport. However, known QAH materials rarely combine ferrovalley behavior with spin-valley locking, and Néel antiferromagnets remain largely unexplored in QAH platforms. Here, we propose a spin-valley locked QAH ferrovalley state in a MnSe/PtHgSe heterostructure. Néel-ordered MnSe induces spin-polarized bands in PtHgSe via magnetic proximity, while spin-orbit coupling lifts valley degeneracy, yielding valley-dependent gaps and a sizable QAH gap of ∼40 meV at charge neutrality. Unlike conventional QAH systems, spin-valley locking is preserved in the conduction band, producing a distinct topological phase. Chemical-potential tuning drives transitions to spin-polarized anomalous valley Hall and anomalous Hall states with opposite spin-valley responses. An out-of-plane electric field reverses the Berry curvature distribution between valleys, while the Chern number and spin-valley texture are strongly coupled to the Néel vector, establishing a tunable antiferromagnetic topological-valleytronic platform.
Synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) on CMOS-compatible substrates is desirable for large-scale fabrication of hBN-based micro- and optoelectronic devices. However, growth of well-oriented, high-quality hBN films v...Synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) on CMOS-compatible substrates is desirable for large-scale fabrication of hBN-based micro- and optoelectronic devices. However, growth of well-oriented, high-quality hBN films via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on silicon substrates is still challenging. We report a new method to synthesize ultrathin, well-oriented hBN films on Si(001) substrates, based on a continuous flow CVD process using borazine as a single-source precursor. In addition, spectroscopic ellipsometry is explored as a fast, nondestructive method to determine the thickness, refractive index, and optical bandgap of the grown hBN films. The resulting hBN films exhibit a thickness of 7 ± 1 layers, near perfect stoichiometry, a surface roughness of 1.1 nm, a refractive index of 2.17 at 633 nm, and an optical bandgap of 5.89 eV. The use of borazine precursor avoids the availability of reactive nitrogen species and thus prevents the formation of an amorphous SiN interlayer at the Si interface.
With the rapid development of bionic electronics for healthcare and human-machine interaction, developing flexible sensors that combine skin-like softness, operational stability, self-powered capability, and high sensiti...With the rapid development of bionic electronics for healthcare and human-machine interaction, developing flexible sensors that combine skin-like softness, operational stability, self-powered capability, and high sensitivity remains a major challenge. Here, we report a simple and cost-effective strategy to fabricate adhesive, transparent, and conductive hydrogel electrodes with skin-like mechanical properties, which remain stable under nearly 100% compression. Based on a single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the electrodes were further integrated into a self-powered flexible strain sensor exhibiting high sensitivity, good linearity, fast response, and excellent stability. A tactile signal monitoring and analysis system for a robotic hand was developed and combined with machine learning algorithms to achieve accurate fruit identification and torque recognition during flexible assembly. The sensor also enables physiological monitoring, including handwriting, gait, voice, and respiratory signals, demonstrating broad potential in robotic electronic skin, intelligent motion monitoring, and human-machine interaction.
Molecular passivation of interfacial defects represents a key pathway toward high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs), yet its success hinges on the formation of robust and functional bonds with the perovskite latt...Molecular passivation of interfacial defects represents a key pathway toward high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs), yet its success hinges on the formation of robust and functional bonds with the perovskite lattice. Weak or limited interactions at the perovskite/hole transport layer (HTL) interface often led to insufficient passivation, accelerated ion migration, and compromised morphological stability, ultimately resulting in a rapid performance degradation. Here, we prepare 2-aminothiazoline hydrochloride (ATZCl) as a multifunctional passivator that forms multidentate binding and reconstructs the perovskite surface through the subsequent spontaneous growth of an RP-like surface phase. This synergistic interaction effectively suppresses defect states, minimizes nonradiative recombination, and enhances charge extraction at the critical perovskite/HTL interface. Time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry analysis corroborates that the ATZCl interlayer significantly suppresses iodine ion migration across the perovskite/HTL stack. Consequently, our strategy enables the all-air fabrication of high-performance PSCs, achieving a champion power conversion efficiency of 25.22% alongside markedly improved operational stability.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) act as one-dimensional (1D) nanoreactors capable of stabilizing reactive species and unique low-dimensional phases. Here, we report the synthesis of an unprecedented 1D ScCl phase...Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) act as one-dimensional (1D) nanoreactors capable of stabilizing reactive species and unique low-dimensional phases. Here, we report the synthesis of an unprecedented 1D ScCl phase formed via the confinement-induced structural reconstruction of bulk ScCl within SWCNTs. The atomic structure of the ScCl@SWCNT heterostructure is determined by combining aberration-corrected electron microscopy (HRTEM/STEM) with machine-learning force field (MLFF) global structure searches. This reconstruction yields a metal-rich phase that exhibits two anomalous properties. First, unlike typical halide fillers that induce p-type doping, the ScCl chain acts as a potent electron donor, driving a strong n-type charge transfer to the nanotube host (a phenomenon we term "redox inversion"). Second, spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) predicts that the confined chain possesses a ferromagnetic ground state, emerging from a diamagnetic bulk precursor. These results identify ScCl@SWCNTs as a model heterostructure where confinement simultaneously inverts doping polarity and unlocks magnetic potential, offering a new platform for carbon-based spintronics.
The growing demand for high-performance, nanoscale building blocks for printing technologies necessitates a scalable method to produce clean, stable nano-inks without performance-degrading additives. Layered van der Waal...The growing demand for high-performance, nanoscale building blocks for printing technologies necessitates a scalable method to produce clean, stable nano-inks without performance-degrading additives. Layered van der Waals (vdW) materials are promising candidates due to their unique properties and can be used to create such nano-inks. Current approaches often rely on surfactant residues or high-boiling point solvents to achieve colloidal stability, which can be incompatible with chemically sensitive substrates. A robust methodology based on pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) provides a purely physical, single-step alternative to circumvent these limitations. This approach directly generates a portfolio of additive-free, spherical vdW nanoparticles that exhibit exceptional, long-term colloidal stability, an intrinsic property that stems from a native surface charging mechanism, eliminating the need for stabilizing agents. Our work establishes a universal platform for vdW nano-inks, offering a powerful new tool for next-generation optoelectronics, sensing technologies, and flexible devices.
Control of interlayer photocarrier dynamics is central to optoelectronic applications of van der Waals heterostructures, yet deterministic and spatially uniform tuning strategies remain limited. Here we show that stackin...Control of interlayer photocarrier dynamics is central to optoelectronic applications of van der Waals heterostructures, yet deterministic and spatially uniform tuning strategies remain limited. Here we show that stacking polarity provides a global control parameter for photocarrier dynamics in MoSe/MoS heterostructures. By comparing hexagonal (2H) and rhombohedral (3R) MoS bilayers and engineering opposite interface terminations in 3R stacking, we resolve stacking-dependent interlayer charge-transfer dynamics using ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy. While charge transfer in the 2H heterostructure occurs faster than the experimental resolution, the 3R heterostructures show time-resolvable charge transfer that slows from 0.25 to 0.37 ps depending on stacking polarity. Furthermore, the interlayer exciton lifetime is tuned from ∼40 to ∼160 ps. These effects arise from stacking-induced layer polarization in 3R MoS, which modulates the interfacial wave function overlap.
Silicon-quantum-dot spin qubits have become a promising platform for scalable quantum computing because of their small size and compatibility with industrial semiconductor manufacturing processes. Although Si/SiGe hetero...Silicon-quantum-dot spin qubits have become a promising platform for scalable quantum computing because of their small size and compatibility with industrial semiconductor manufacturing processes. Although Si/SiGe heterostructures are commonly used to host spin qubits due to their high mobility and low percolation density, the SiGe spacer creates a gap between the qubits and control electrodes, which limits the ability to tune the exchange coupling. As a result, residual coupling leads to unwanted single-qubit phase shifts, making multi-qubit control more difficult. In this work, we explore swapping the roles of overlapping nanogates to overcome this issue. By reconfiguring the gate voltages, we demonstrate in situ role switching while maintaining multi-qubit control. Additionally, this method improves the tunability of the exchange coupling by up to 3.6 times. This strategy reduces unintended single-qubit phase shifts and minimizes the complexity of multi-qubit control, supporting scalable growth with minimal experimental overhead.
Ultrafast radiation detection requires materials to maintain favorable optical properties under dense excitation. In this work, we investigate lead halide perovskite nanocrystal (NC) films using the -scan luminescence me...Ultrafast radiation detection requires materials to maintain favorable optical properties under dense excitation. In this work, we investigate lead halide perovskite nanocrystal (NC) films using the -scan luminescence method and show that their optical response under dense excitation is strongly influenced by the choice of surface ligand. We specifically report that using long organic ligands has a positive effect on the optical performance compared to short inorganic ligands because it limits exciton diffusion between neighboring NCs. These conclusions are based on -scan luminescence data, a numerical model incorporating inter-NC exciton diffusion, and measurements of a heterostructured detector under ionizing radiation. In addition, encapsulating the NCs in a SiO shell is identified as an effective strategy to reduce inter-NC exciton diffusion while providing improved chemical stability. Together, the experimental results and numerical modeling presented in this work establish predictive tools for the design of nanocomposite materials with optimized ultrafast luminescence properties.