Power requirements represent a critical challenge for wearable sensors. Self-powered sensing systems enabled by miniaturized energy-storage devices (MESDs) offer a promising solution. However, the proliferation of MESDs inevitably generates electronic waste (e-waste), which causes environmental concerns. Transient electronics that degrade into eco-friendly residuals provide opportunities for the development of green power sources. Herein, flexible e-waste-friendly power sources based on degradable MXene films were developed for the integration of wearable, self-powered biomedical sensors. The proposed transient MXene film-based supercapacitors (TMFSCs) possess good energy storage capability and mechanical flexibility and can be completely degraded into eco-friendly residuals within minutes. Furthermore, a wearable self-powered biomedical smart sensor was designed for real-time monitoring of pulse signals in real-life scenarios, and the obtained pulse rate is conducive to early evaluation of human health. Collectively, TMFSCs are considerably competitive for future eco-friendly flexible MESDs toward next-generation sustainable wearable and portable sensing electronics.

The co-alloying and clustering behavior of refractory elements such as Re and W in Ni-based single-crystal superalloys constitutes a critical factor governing structural stability. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) are performed to clarify these effects. This work reveals that W atoms preferentially occupy the second-nearest-neighbor (SN) sites of Re atoms, resulting in the most stable configuration. Introducing Re prior to W yields a stronger thermodynamic driving force than the reverse sequence, identifying it as the optimal doping sequence. Furthermore, W atoms preferentially locate around Re clusters at SN positions, enhancing system stability by replacing relatively weak Ni–Ni and Ni–Re bonds with stronger W–Ni and W–Re interactions. This stability enhancement is mainly attributed to strengthened orbital hybridization and optimized local atomic configurations.These findings provide valuable atomic-scale insights into the synergistic alloying mechanisms of refractory elements in Ni-based superalloys.

The escalating safety concerns of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly thermal runaway and combustion under abusive conditions, necessitate advanced flame retardants to mitigate fire hazards. This review delves into phosphorus-based flame retardants, classifying them into phosphate esters, phosphazenes, and phosphonates, and evaluates their mechanisms, efficacy, and compatibility with LIBs components. Phosphate esters demonstrate gas-phase radical scavenging and condensed-phase char formation but are confronted with challenges in electrode compatibility, addressed via pre-cycling strategies and fluorination. Phosphazenes have a stronger nitrogen-phosphorus synergistic effect than phosphate ester-based flame retardants, which promotes the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film and shows better compatibility with both anode and cathode materials. Phosphazenes derivative harness synergistic P-N-F effects for enhanced flame retardancy and stable SEI formation. Phosphonates demonstrate superior flame suppression but require viscosity optimization. Key mechanisms involve gas-phase radical quenching and condensed-phase thermal insulation via char layers. Despite advancements, trade-offs between flame-retardant efficiency, ionic conductivity, and long-term stability persist. This work provides a valuable reference for the selection of multifunctional additives, the implementation of interfacial engineering, and the construction of synergistic systems, enabling the achievement of a balance between safety and electrochemical performance, and thus promoting the design of high-safety lithium-ion batteries.

The deployment of flexible electrochemical sensing architectures anchored by two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials represents a paradigm shift in decentralized analytical chemistry, effectively transcending the spatial and temporal limitations intrinsic to conventional benchtop instrumentation. This review examines the engineering of high-fidelity sensing interfaces that exploit the unique physicochemical attributes of 2D nanomaterials, including the atomic-scale thickness, superior surface-to-volume ratios, and inherent mechanical compliance. Emphasis is placed on elucidating the fundamental structure-function correlations that govern the fabrication of conformal and portable device architectures. We emphasize material innovation and sensor integration, and illustrate the practical utility through the rapid detection of complex food matrices (e.g., contaminants and nutritional markers). Furthermore, the intersection of sensor arrays with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is discussed as a pivotal advancement for predictive signal processing. This review concludes by identifying technical challenges and outlining future directions for advancing next-generation 2D material-based flexible electronics.

High-entropy materials promise exceptional structural stability and tunable chemistry, yet their application in aluminum batteries (ABs) remains hampered by sluggish ion transport and poorly understood entropy and defect interactions. Here, we combine the high-entropy strategy with the layered double hydroxide (LDH) concept to design a two-dimensional (2D) high-entropy hexagonal material with engineered oxygen vacancies (VO-HEH) to directly tackle these bottlenecks in Al storage. Entropy-driven elemental diversity induces strong orbital hybridization between metals of disparate electronegativity, creating a delocalized electronic environment that accelerates charge transfer. The oxygen vacancies (VO) formed in parallel are demonstrated to suppress coulombic interaction and open rapid migration channels, thereby overcoming the intrinsic kinetic barriers of Al3+ insertion. The VO-HEH cathode delivers improved capacity (177 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and enhanced cycling stability (102 mAh g-1 over 1400 cycles at 3.0 A g-1) enabled by the synergistic effects of entropy stabilization, defect regulation, and multi-electron redox. This work presents a well-designed single-phase high-entropy cathode and elucidates how entropy and defect effects modulate the electronic structure and govern the electrochemical behavior of ABs.

Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) used as cathodes for rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) are constrained by a kinetic-stability trade-off: bulk materials suffer from sluggish Al3+ diffusion, whereas conventional nanosized counterparts improve kinetics but remain vulnerable to structural degradation arising from non-uniform stress evolution during cycling. Herein, an amino-polymer-assisted strategy is developed to fabricate ultrafine NiTe2 clusters (similar to 5.5 nm) uniformly anchored on mesoporous carbon matrix (NiTe2-CL@MHC). By confining NiTe2 to the cluster scale, the host lattice achieves a homogenized stress distribution, effectively suppressing the pulverization and lattice distortion typical of conventional nanoparticles. Finite element simulations confirm that this cluster-based architecture alleviates volume strain and mechanical degradation during Al3+ insertion/extraction. Simultaneously, theoretical calculations reveal an upshifted Ni d-band center and intense electronic coupling at the cluster-matrix interface, lowering the Al3+ migration barrier to 0.11 eV. Owing to these merits, the NiTe2-CL@MHC cathode delivers a capacity of 238 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and maintains a reversible capacity of 119 mAh g-1 after 3000 cycles at 5.0 A g-1. This work not only provides a generalizable pathway for stabilizing TMC clusters but also validates the potential of cluster engineering in bridging the gap between atomic-scale manipulation and advanced nanomaterial design for high-performance RABs.

Dehydration during exercise can lead to electrolyte imbalance and cardiovascular risk. Real-time monitoring of key sweat ions, such as pH, Na+, and K+, provides a critical means of assessing hydration status. Herein, we report a wearable sweat sensor based on OAm-modified Ti3C2Tx MXene with quasi-superhydrophobic interface for stable, low-hysteresis detection of ions. The hydrophobic modification effectively suppresses water-layer formation and enhances interfacial stability. Through in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis, we elucidate that impedance instability is the primary cause of hysteresis in conventional solid-state sensors. The fabricated pH, Na+, and K+ sensors exhibit highly reversible responses with minimal potential drift (2.4 mV, 1.3 mV, and 0.4 mV, respectively). Integrated into a flexible patch, the sensor successfully tracks dynamic ion changes in human sweat during exercise, demonstrating reliable agreement with ex-situ analysis. This work presents a facile and effective interfacial engineering strategy for developing non-hysteretic wearable ion sensors, enabling real-time dehydration warning in athletic and healthcare scenarios.

Developing advanced cathode modification strategies to address the inherent high charge density of Al3+ is essential for achieving high-energy-density and long-cycle-life rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs). Herein, we engineer tetraethylammonium (TEA) cation intercalation as a dual-function strategy that concurrently enables interlayer distance enlargement and electrostatic shielding effects, resolving Al3+ polarization-induced sluggish kinetics and cathode degradation in RABs. TEA intercalation triggers exceptional V2O5 interlayer expansion from 4.37 to 13.10 & Aring;, while the modulated charge distribution generates an electrostatic shielding effect that significantly weakens the Coulombic interactions between Al3+ and V2O5 frameworks. This dual mechanism collectively enhances ion diffusion kinetics and suppresses lattice stress accumulation. Ex situ X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirm that the "molecular pillar effect" of TEA enables minimal and highly reversible structural deformation of the cathode (<2.0% volume change after 200 cycles), demonstrating zero-strain aluminum-storage behavior. The optimized cathode delivers a high reversible capacity of 258 mAh g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1), maintains 99% capacity retention at 5.0 A g(-1), and exhibits an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.01% per cycle over 6000 cycles. This work opens new pathways for designing stable high-performance RAB cathodes through synergistic modulation of electronic and lattice structures.

All‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLBs) have emerged as a key development direction for next‐generation energy storage technologies due to their high energy density and intrinsic safety features. As the core component determining battery performance, the innovative research and development of solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) systems is particularly crucial. Among various SSEs materials, organic–inorganic composite solid‐state electrolytes (CSEs) have become a research hotspot in the field of SSEs by achieving synergistic optimization of ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and interfacial stability through the cooperative effects of organic polymer matrices and inorganic fillers. This review systematically examines the limitations of traditional polymer solid‐state electrolytes (PSEs) and recent advancements in CSEs. It elaborates on the contributions of inert and active fillers to the ionic conductivity, mechanical performance, and electrochemical stability of CSEs, while discussing potential mechanisms for conductivity enhancement through inorganic fillers. Finally, the paper addresses current challenges requiring resolution, outlines future research directions, and provides perspectives for developing high‐performance CSEs for ASSLBs.

Anode-free sodium metal batteries (AFSMBs) have garnered increasing attention due to their high theoretical energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, the practical deployment of AFSMBs is impeded by challenges such as sodium dendrite formation, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and volume expansion. While various studies have proposed solutions to address these issues, there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic reviews. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive overview of the operating principles and fundamental requirements of AFSMBs. It then examines the major challenges these batteries face, along with strategies proposed to enhance their performance. These strategies include current collector modification, electrolyte design, and the implementation of synergistic measurement protocols. Finally, this review emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach that combines materials innovation, a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms, and practical application considerations. Future research directions to overcome ongoing scientific and engineering challenges are also discussed, ultimately contributing to the development of commercially viable AFSMBs capable of revolutionizing the next generation of energy storage systems.

Heterostructures facilitate the generation of the interfacial electric field (IEF) that enhances charge transfer and ion diffusion, resulting in improved electrochemical performance in rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs). However, the ability of heterostructures to generate the IEF is limited, and research efforts on IEF modulation remain scarce, particularly in the field of RABs. Herein, sulfur (S) vacancies are introduced into the core-shell MoS2/ZnS heterostructure (Vs-MoS2/ZnS) to strengthen the IEF and enhance aluminum storage performance. First-principles computational analyses demonstrate S vacancies increase the work function difference, induce spontaneous interfacial charge transfer, and enhance the IEF. The increased IEF accelerates electron transport, reduces ion diffusion barriers, and increases the adsorption capacity of charge carriers, significantly improving the reaction kinetics of RABs. Moreover, the designed core-shell structure, together with S vacancies, provides strong structural integrity and numerous active sites to the host material. Benefiting from these merits, the Vs-MoS2/ZnS cathode demonstrates enhanced reversible capacity (220 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and long-term cycling stability (127 mAh g-1 over 2000 cycles at 4.0 A g-1). This work provides an effective approach for designing heterostructures by modulating the IEF, offering novel insights into the development of advanced RABs cathodes.

Organic zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have been widely studied presently for high capacity, long lifespan, and sustainability of organic C--O/C--N materials, yet active sites storage mechanism is still unknown. Herein, a C--O/ C--N material of HATTAQ (Hexaazatriphenylene-trianthraquinone) has been designed. Through in-situ experiments and theoretical calculations, the optimal structure of HATTAQ-1Zn-10H is acquired by analyzing 10 more possible discharging products. Besides, there systemically illustrates detailed active sites during formation of HATTAQ-1Zn-10H. One inner C--N and one outer C--O bind with Zn2+ then H+ insertion. Initially, H+ insert in one C--N and one C--O in para-position followed by reaction of H+ with 4 internal C--N and 4 external C--O. As expected, HATTAQ ZIBs show long cycle life of 12,000 cycles with 91 % capacity retention. Impressively, flexible HATTAQ ZIBs with a stable capacity are firstly used in wearable sensors. Prospectively, this work would provide ideas into active sites storage mechanism of organic ZIBs.

High-entropy oxides (HEOs) are a class of promising materials with multielement tunability and untold scientific merits, yet the controllable preparation of nano-sized HEOs is notoriously difficult. Herein, we utilize the natural oxide layer on liquid gallium as an ideal substrate to facilitate the synthesis of thin HEO. Through experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is found that Ga2O3 layer exhibits a strong affinity for metal ions and oxides, which not only enables it to anchor multiple metal ions and facilitate the formation of HEO, but also introduces a strain effect that can lower the free-energy barrier for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It increases the exposed surface area and active sites of HEO, enhancing its reaction efficiency. As a result, the Ga2O3-supported thin HEO film (Mn0.65Fe0.59Co0.83Ni0.48Zn0.45O4) shows satisfactory OER performance compared with other control groups. This study exemplifies the potential of the liquid Ga2O3 layer as an affinity substrate for high-entropy material synthesis.

Dissimilar to long-range periodic crystals, quasicrystals feature long-range aperiodic order and noncrystallographic rotational symmetry. These structural peculiarities and complexities endow it with unique properties and untold research values, together with significant challenges in decoding the structure-property relationship. Herein, the application of icosahedral quasicrystal (iQC) Al63Cu25Fe12 as a high-performance catalyst is investigated for reducing CO2 to CO, known as the reverse water-gas shift reaction, which is a key reaction for producing useful chemicals. Compared with the samples with similar compositions but different structures, it shows superior CO2 conversion rate and CO selectivity. Combined with density functional theory calculations, the origin of the high catalytic activity of iQC Al63Cu25Fe12 has been deciphered. It is found that for the approximant crystal of the quasicrystal, the reaction tends to occur near the icosahedral cluster. Compared to other control groups, it exhibits much lower reaction barriers during CO2 reduction to CO. This demonstrates that the high catalytic performance of iQC Al63Cu25Fe12 stems from its internally rich icosahedral cluster content. The research exemplifies the potential of quasicrystals in the field of catalysis and sheds light on the structure-property relationship of complex structures.

In nickel-based single-crystal superalloys, the clustering growth of solute atoms is a potential form that can generate a greater strengthening effect. Herein, first-principles calculations are employed to investigate the clustering behavior of W and Co in gamma phase, including the occupancy mechanism, interatomic interactions, and electronic properties. It is reveals that compared to dispersed atoms, W shows a greater propensity for forming W-W clusters. After W-W bond formation, the total energy decreases from -634.247 eV to -649.569 eV. Co prefers to occupy the second-nearest neighbor of W-W, further reducing the system total energy (-651.110 eV). The doping of Co is found to strengthen the W-W interactions. The stabilizing mechanism is attributed to the replacement of the weak Ni-Ni with stronger Ni-W, W-W, and W-Co interactions. This work sheds light on the clustering behavior of doped W and Co, contributing to an understanding of the stabilizing mechanisms of atomic clusters.

Nickel-based superalloys maintain stability under high temperatures and harsh conditions, making them ideal for critical components like turbine engines. Adding different solute elements strengthens these alloys to varying degrees. Nevertheless, the effects of solute atom clusters on superalloy performance remain unclear. In this research, we employ first-principles calculations to examine Co-Co and Ta-Co-Co clusters, investigating solute clustering tendencies and their influence on the stability of the gamma phase. By introducing Co to form Ni-Co bonds, the bond strength is altered, which enhances the stability. The further incorporation of Co induces the formation of Co-Co clusters, thereby augmenting the stability relative to the scenario where no clusters are present. The inclusion of Ta also leads to the formation of Ta-Co-Co clusters, enhancing system stability. This has been demonstrated that the robust Ta-Co interaction takes the place of the weaker Ni-Co interaction.

Research on solute elements in nickel-based superalloys is crucial for advancing their high-temperature performance. This work is the first to analyze the possibility and evolution behavior of Cr and Ti clusters formation in gamma-Ni matrix of nickel-based superalloys using first-principles calculations. A systematic doping approach was employed, constructing models from pure gamma-Ni to incorporate Cr and Ti atoms sequentially. Results reveal that Cr and Ti clusters significantly enhance the stability of the gamma-phase, with a total energy reduction driven by sitespecific atomic configurations. The Ni105Cr2Ti (P3) structure emerged as the most stable Cr2-doped configuration, while further Ti doping (Ni104Cr2Ti2) exhibited distinct stability hierarchies governed by Cr-Ti and Cr-Cr bonding interactions. COHP and ELF analyses demonstrate that Cr-Ti bonds strengthen upon initial Ti doping but weaken with Cr2 incorporation, whereas Cr-Cr bonds exhibit opposite trends. Electronic structure analysis reveals d-orbital hybridization as the key mechanism behind these bonding modulations. These atomic-scale insights into Cr/Ti clustering provide fundamental guidance for designing nickel alloys with optimized microstructures and enhanced high-temperature stability.

A flexible bismuth (Bi)-based smartsensor capable of simultaneously detecting Cd2+, Tl+, and Pb2+ is proposed for the first time. Fabricated via a template-assisted electrodeposition method, this novel sensor demonstrates excellent selectivity in distinguishing these heavy metal ions (HMIs). The developed platform holds broad application prospects for on-site HMI monitoring.

Developing rechargeable aqueous Zn batteries for large-scale energy storage is impeded by inadequate reversibility and stability of the Zn anode, primarily caused by parasitic reactions and heterogeneous deposition. This study proposes an economical electrolyte strategy to address these Zn-related issues. The addition of a supporting salt enhances the thermodynamic stability of water, reduces the number of highly reactive water molecules, and modulates the interfacial electrostatic interaction. This approach effectively suppresses hydrogen evolution reaction and uncontrolled deposition. Remarkably, the rationally proportioned electrolyte allows a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.93% for 1000 cycles in a Zn||Cu battery and a prolonged lifespan exceeding 4800 h in Zn||Zn cells. The knock-on effect is that Zn||MnO2 pouch cells deliver stable cycling performance, demonstrating the viability of this approach for practical applications. (c) 2024 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.