Compatible multispectral design across visible (VIS), infrared (IR), and microwave (MW) bands is essential for applications ranging from thermal management to camouflage, yet independently tuning spectral characteristics, that is, decoupled manipulation, remains challenging because every material constituent exhibits a spectral response across all wavelength bands. Here, we introduce a shielding–loss integrated film (SLIF) that achieves decoupled manipulation of VIS lightness, IR emissivity, and MW sheet impedance through a hierarchical architecture. Millimeter-scale shielding patches with lossy carbonized slits govern the MW sheet impedance; a micron-scale anodic aluminum oxide layer dictates the IR emissivity; and nano-scale Ni particles embedded within the dielectric pores control the VIS lightness. This design yields a three-dimensional decoupled modulation extent (DME) of 64.5%, indicating reasonable proximity to the ideal state of fully independent tuning with designated target ranges. The SLIF is fabricated from a single Al/polyimide film via anodization, electrodeposition, and laser processing. SLIF-tiled surfaces produce divergent VIS and IR patterns, and as the front layer of Salisbury screens enable tunable microwave absorption. The measured effective absorption bandwidths exhibit broad (reaching 4.5 GHz) or narrow (around 0.5 GHz) values, with extreme reflection loss below −40 dB in both cases.
Efficient separation of C2H2 from CO2 remains a significant challenge owing to their closely matched molecular dimensions and physicochemical properties. Developing adsorbents capable of discriminating between these two gases is therefore of considerable importance for acetylene purification. Herein, we report two isoreticular two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs), TP-TFPB-COF and TP-NFPB-COF, featuring an hcb topology and constructed via [3 + 3] imine condensation. By increasing the fluorine content within the framework, TP-NFPB-COF exhibits enhanced C2H2/CO2 separation performance, delivering an IAST selectivity of 2.86 at 298 K and 1 bar, compared with 2.04 for TP-TFPB-COF. Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the improved selectivity arises from increased pore polarity and strengthened C-H⋯F interactions with C2H2 molecules. This work highlights fluorination as an effective strategy for tuning pore environments and advancing COF-based acetylene separation.
A bimetallic Cu/Fe-NDC pre-catalyst enables tandem catalysis to suppress nitrite release, achieving a 92.5% NH3 Faradaic efficiency and a yield of 3.8 mg h-1 mgcat-1. The assembled Zn-NO3- battery delivers a peak power density of 12.5 mW cm-2, demonstrating its potential for nitrate remediation and power output.
Developing efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution (HER) to replace expensive Pt-based catalysts remains a critical challenge. Herein, we report a strategically designed catalyst by anchoring adjacent Cu and RuC nanoparticles on laser-induced N,P-doped graphene (RuC-Cu/NP-G). This catalyst operates via a synergistic process, whereby RuC serves as the primary active site with the adjacent Cu-mediated water dissociation. The RuC-Cu/NP-G catalyst demonstrates superior cost-effectiveness, with a mass activity 15 times higher and a price activity about 22 times greater than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the RuC-Cu/NP-G deposited on a carbon paper substrate can be directly used as the cathode in an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer, delivering stable operation at high current densities up to 500 mA cm-2 for over 200 h. This work provides a rational design principle for high-performance, cost-efficient catalysts, highlighting a direct path toward scalable green hydrogen production.
The electrocatalytic conversion of nitrate to ammonia offers a sustainable solution for both environmental remediation and green energy production, yet its complex proton-coupled electron transfer kinetics poses a grand challenge for catalyst design. Herein, we demonstrate a proton-feeding dual-nitrogen claw site (DNCS) within a copper-covalent organic framework (DNCS-CuCOF) that captures and supplies localized protons to nitrogenous intermediates on the Cu center, enabling efficient hydrogenation. Compared with pristine CuCOF, DNCS-CuCOF maintains structural stability and exhibits significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performance, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of 94% and an ammonia yield of 10.6 mg h-1 mgcat-1 at -0.8 V vs RHE. In-situ characterizations and density functional theory calculations reveal that the DNCS, by supplying localized protons, accelerates proton transfer kinetics and reduces the energy barrier for the rate-limiting step (*NO → *NHO) via an N-site-assisted Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. This work establishes a new design principle of atomically precise innovation-engineering by creating localized proton feeding, offering a versatile platform for advancing electrocatalysis.
A bio-inspired photonic multilayer coating was fabricated that addresses ultra-high saturation, high brightness, and wide viewing angles through a computationally guided design compatible with standard thin-film fabrication. Drawing from the wing-scale architecture of Chrysiridia rhipheus (Madagascan sunset moth), the structure alternates high-index TiO₂ layers with low-index SiO₂ layers atop a diffuse scattering substrate. Randomized height variations at the substrate expand angular tolerance, while the precisely tuned multilayer preserves the steep, narrowband spectral response required for vivid hues.A hybrid Genetic Algorithm–Particle Swarm Optimization (GA-PSO) method navigates the high-dimensional thickness space, enabling simultaneous optimization of the reflection band position, bandwidth, and angular response for blue, green, and red primaries. The optimized designs exceed the sRGB gamut for all three colors. Samples fabricated by electron-beam evaporation exhibit reflectance peaks above 90% at target wavelengths and maintain ΔE₀₀ < 2 for incidence angles up to 30°, corresponding to color shift within the acceptable tolerance for display applications. The color gamut area reaches 117.5% of sRGB, with perceptual brightness values (HSB B ≥ 0.80) suitable for display and signage applications. The samples also demonstrate excellent illuminance stability (ΔE₀₀ < 2) from 2400 to 7200 lux. This work establishes a practical, computationally guided route to ultra-saturated, angle-insensitive structural colors using mature thin-film processes, enabling energy-efficient, high-fidelity color systems for passive displays and optical information encoding.
Photothermal-enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) converts nonradiative losses into localized interfacial heating, while precious-metal single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer atom-efficient and well-defined active sites. However, progress remains difficult to compare and translate because reaction-zone temperatures are often poorly constrained, the active forms of single atoms under light and heat are rarely verified, and performance in model suspensions does not readily extend to practical reactors or long-term operation. This Review summarizes major material platforms for photothermal harvesting and single-atom site design, and defines key support requirements, including strong light absorption, efficient charge and heat transport, and stable anchoring sites. It also outlines the typical roles of different noble metals and proposes actionable frameworks for the field. Thermometry-anchored protocols help disentangle thermal, photochemical, and synergistic effects through temperature-matched controls, absorption-normalized kinetics, and activation-energy benchmarks. An operando and ultrafast evidence framework tracks coordination, valence, charge transfer, and intermediates in real time, enabling verification of dynamic active sites. Finally, scale-relevant design rules connect photon and heat management with mass transport, bubble dynamics, scalable synthesis, and long-term validation, guiding photocatalysis toward mechanistically accountable and deployable solar H2 production.
Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) holds great promise for green hydrogen production, yet its widespread adoption is hindered by the inadequate activity and stability of non-precious electrocatalysts under industrial conditions. Here, we report an isotypic γ-γ heterostructured NiFeOOH-γ-FeOOH catalyst grown on nickel foam (NiFeOOH-γ-FeOOH/NF) via a dual-phase architecture strategy. The γ-phase NiFeOOH is pre-constructed via an electrochemical treatment of NiFe layered double hydroxide, and subsequently the epitaxial-like growth of γ-FeOOH on its surface forms a coherent γ-γ heterointerface. This integration synergistically enables the modulation of the oxidation states and coordination environments of Fe and Ni, leading to the identification of the uncoordinated Fe and Ni sites with high oxidation states as the primary active sites. The optimized NiFeOOH-γ-FeOOH/NF electrode exhibits excellent oxygen evolution reaction performance, achieving a low overpotential of 208 mV at 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH. Furthermore, the NiFeOOH-γ-FeOOH/NF assembled AEMWE device delivers an industrial-level current density of 500 mA cm-2 at 1.85 V and 65°C, maintaining stable operation for over 360 h. This study offers novel insights into the stabilization and activity enhancement of NiFe-based electrocatalysts, highlighting their potential to advance green hydrogen production under industrial-level current densities.
Advanced detection systems increasingly rely on infrared (IR) imaging to overcome the limitations of visible light cameras in adverse environments such as fog, rain, and low-light conditions. However, the effectiveness of IR detection remains fundamentally constrained by the low emissivity contrast between targets and their backgrounds. Here, we present a plasmonic metal-dielectric-metal nanostructure comprising a porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) dielectric layer sandwiched between an aluminum substrate and a surface Au nanoparticle layer that enables near-independent modulation of visible reflectance (400-800 nm) and long-wave infrared emissivity (8-14 μm). The decoupling mechanism exploits the distinct characteristic length scales governing each spectral band: visible reflectance is controlled by Fabry-Pérot cavity interference and plasmonic absorption of the Au nanoparticle layer, while infrared emissivity is governed by the intrinsic phonon absorption of the AAO layer and is insensitive to Au coverage. Using scalable anodic oxidation and screen-printing fabrication, we achieve tunable visible reflectance (R = 0.2-0.9) and infrared emissivity (ε = 0.1-0.87). Applied to infrared-enhanced license plate detection, our patterned plates achieve an average recognition rate of ∼45% under adverse environmental conditions, compared to ∼5% for conventional plates. This work offers a scalable route to multispectral patterned surfaces for infrared imaging, thermal sensing, and anticounterfeiting applications.
In this study, we developed a simple strategy to improve enzyme-free electrochemical glucose detection by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with nitrogen/fluorine co-doped molybdenum disulfide nanosheet decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag@N,F-MoS2). The hybrid material combines the high catalytic activity of Ag nanoparticles with the large surface area and good conductivity of doped MoS2, providing an efficient platform for glucose oxidation. The as-prepared Ag@N,F-MoS2-modified glassy carbon electrode (Ag@N,F-MoS2/GCE) generated a strong current response and maintained excellent linearity over a glucose concentration range of 10 μM-10 mM. The sensor achieved a sensitivity of 695.05 μA mM-1 cm-2 and an estimated detection limit as low as 1.48 μM. The sensor also demonstrated excellent selectivity against common interfering species, good operational stability and repeatability. These results demonstrate that Ag@N,F-MoS2 provides a robust electrocatalytically active interface for non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensing in alkaline solution.
Reducing noise and enhancing selective sensitivity represent pivotal yet challenging goals in photoelectric-sensing, particularly for infrared detection. Optical-resonant metasurfaces and metal gratings are widely adopted to boost selective light absorption of photodetectors; however, they create an intrinsic trade-off: enhanced absorption of the photosensitive layer inevitably induces excessive heat generation via the photothermal effect, leading to increased noise current. Herein, inspired by butterfly wings, we propose a bioinspired metal-semiconductor-metal metasurface design with optoelectronic-integration that concurrently achieves a selective near-infrared photoelectric response and tailored mid-infrared radiative cooling. Particle swarm optimization yields a structure with >90% absorption and radiation in the target near-infrared band and the mid-infrared atmospheric window, respectively. Overcoming the traditional limitation of metal-insulator-metal metasurfaces to optical resonance alone, this work integrated optical resonance, photoelectric conversion, and thermal management in a single architecture, resolving the intrinsic conflict between photoelectric response enhancement and heat noise increase and providing a novel design paradigm for high-sensitivity near-infrared photodetection.
Aqueous zinc-iodine batteries (AZIBs) show promise for grid-scale energy storage, but they are hampered by polyiodide shuttling, sluggish iodine redox kinetics, and irreversible active-site poisoning caused by uncontrolled adsorption. We provide a comprehensive screening of M1 (M1 = P, S, B) heteroatom dopants, and P is identified as the best candidate for achieving coordination-tuned, moderate adsorption that balances adsorption and catalytic activity while mitigating site poisoning. Using phytic acid as both the P source and an etchant, we create a universal in situ approach to core–shell single-atom catalysts (M2-P-CSNC, M2 = Fe, Co, Ni). The unique core–shell structure achieves stable confinement of polyiodides, rapid ion transport, and protection of active sites, while in situ P doping precisely regulates the local electronic environment and d-band center of the Fe–Nx active centers. In situ characterization confirms that Fe–P-CSNC has a strong reversible anchoring ability for polyiodides, which can significantly accelerate redox kinetics. The optimized Fe–P-CSNC/I2 exhibits almost no capacity decay after 20,000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g−1. This work’s facile heteroatom doping strategy for electronic modulation offers a reference for high-performance catalyst design in conversion-type energy storage systems. Kindly check and confirm the edit made in the title.1. We have checked and confirmed the edited title. 2. We found some issues with Figure 3d and have uploaded the revised image as an attachment.
Structural colouration with narrow spectral photonic bandwidth and high reflectivity is of critical importance for modern optical applications, including displays, laser systems, and optical sensing, etc. Achieving such angle independent colouration typically relies on polycrystalline or inherent structural disorder. However, balancing angular uniformity with high brightness and strong colour contrast remains challenging. Herein, we uncover the structural origin of the spectacular bright, angle-independent blue colouration of Hypochrysops polycletus, a sapphire-like Royal Jewel butterfly. Three-dimensional (3D) electron microscopy reveals that the dorsal wing scale has a single diamond structure, a 3D photonic crystal previously documented only in beetles and weevils. The crystal domains form an extraordinary quasi sinusoidal surface geometry with a distinct template morphology-guided arrangement. Unlike typically thicker biophotonic structures that support multiple high symmetry stopbands, this design contains only 3-4 unit cells in the propagation direction. Its optical response is dominated by the fundamental stopband, with two dominant scattering mechanisms: specular reflection at the 111 inclined sidewalls of the hierarchical structure, and funnelling into localised quasi-normal modes enabled by a strongly anisotropic Bloch transport. By mimicking these features with two-photon polymerisation, we artificially reproduced the optical response in the infrared region. The study opens a pathway towards bioinspired brilliant diffuse colouration and angle-robust photonic devices.
Incorporating open metal sites into covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offers a promising strategy to enhance acetylene (C2H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) separation performance. Herein, we report two Cu(I)-cluster-based COFs, Cu-HAPB and Cu-HABPB, with kgd topology and distinct pore apertures, constructed from a C3-symmetric trinuclear copper cluster and C6-symmetric linkers of different sizes. Both materials integrate the structural tunability of COFs with the strong binding capability of metal sites. Notably, Cu-HAPB, featuring smaller pores, exhibits a superior C2H2/CO2 selectivity of 6.23 at 298 K and 1 bar, outperforming most reported COFs. GCMC simulations reveal that exposed Cu(I) sites act as primary adsorption centers, strengthening C2H2 binding via π-complexation. Dynamic breakthrough experiments further confirm its efficient separation performance. This work highlights the synergistic effect of open metal sites and pore size regulation in designing high-performance COFs for C2H2/CO2 separation.
With the rapid development of the energy storage industry, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted considerable attention in the field of energy storage because of their inherent advantages, thereby emerging as a promising research direction with significant potential. However, secondary reactions, such as dendrite formation and surface corrosion, significantly restrict the cycle life and practical applicability of this material. Therefore, we have proposed a new strategy, adding gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) and graphene oxide (GO) as bifunctional composite synergistic additives to the Zn sulfate electrolyte, so as to achieve the solvation structure reorganization of the electrolyte and the interface regulation of the Zn anode. The calculations demonstrate that gamma-CD restricts the free movement of H2O molecules because of its large cavity size and hydrophobic internal environment. The presence of a bidentate binding motif enables gamma-CD to coordinate with Zn2+, thereby further regulating the deposition behavior of Zn2+. Meanwhile, the composite system of gamma-CD and GO forms a stable synergistic adsorption network through its adsorption energy, and the strong interfacial interaction between the composite and Zn2+ optimizes the ion transport pathway. Consequently, the composite additive demonstrates superior electrochemical performance, achieving a cycle life exceeding 7600 h. Moreover, the Zn//V2O5 full cell retains 84% of its initial capacity even after 2000 cycles, demonstrating exceptional cycling stability. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of supramolecular coordination and conductive two-dimensional material-based composite structures in the rational design of additives, offering a promising strategy for the development of high-performance ZIBs. (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(AZIBs)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)gamma-(sic)(sic)(sic)(gamma-CD)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(GO)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), gamma-CD(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic);(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)Zn2(+)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)Zn2(+)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), gamma-CD(sic)GO(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)Zn2(+)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)7600(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).(sic)(sic), Zn//V2O5(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)2000(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)84%(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).
In this study, we developed a simple strategy to improve enzyme-free electrochemical glucose detection by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with silver-decorated, nitrogen/fluorine co-doped molybdenum disulfide (Ag@N,F-MoS2). The simultaneous N/F co-doping and incorporation of Ag nanoparticles markedly enhanced the electrocatalytic capability of MoS2 toward glucose oxidation. The as-prepared Ag@N,F-MoS2-modified glassy carbon electrode (Ag@N,F-MoS2/GCE) generated a strong current response and maintained excellent linearity over a glucose concentration range of 10 μM–10 mM. The sensor achieved a sensitivity of 695.05 μA mM−1 cm−2 and an estimated detection limit as low as 1.48 μM. Furthermore, the sensor exhibited excellent selectivity, good operational stability, and satisfactory repeatability, supporting the potential of Ag@N,F–MoS2 as an electrode material for non-enzymatic glucose sensing.
To address the critical demand for early strength in modern construction, this study proposes a novel MLGs/GO (multi-layer graphene/graphene oxide) nanocomposite system to synergistically enhance the early performance of cement mortar. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimized mixture (1.0% MLGs +0.025% GO) significantly improves mechanical properties, achieving a 7-day compressive strength of 46.91 MPa-an increase of over 58% compared to mortar with MLGs alone. The incorporation of GO effectively disperses MLGs, promotes the formation of key hydration products (CH, C-S-H, and AFt), and refines the microstructure. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that GO introduces strong non-covalent interactions at the interface, replacing weak van der Waals forces and optimizing stress transfer between MLGs and the C-S-H matrix. These findings provide a clear multiscale mechanism for the synergistic enhancement and offer practical guidance for designing high-performance, early-strength cementitious materials.
High-resolution three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures for visible-light photon manipulation provide unique and bespoke capabilities in optics and photonics. However subwavelength nanofabrication and reliable ensemble manipulation of the 3D prints onto arbitrary substrates remain challenging. Here, we introduce sublime transfer strategy tailored for transfer printing ensembles of delicate 3D printed nanostructures. This strategy enables conformal, damage-free integration of arrays of 3D structures on diverse substrates. Naphthalene acts as a transient stamp to encapsulate the structures during transfer and placement. We rely on the low sublimation temperature of naphthalene to release the structures reliably with nearly zero stress, preventing mechanical damage and positional misalignment. This approach is broadly applicable to integrate diverse nanostructures and photonic devices onto various substrates, and enabling inorganic architectures through ensemble uniform post-processing, including 2.5D photonic crystals on flexible PDMS, diffractive optical elements on curved lenses, spiral phase plates on CMOS chips, multilayer achromatic metalens on optical fiber facet, as well as 3D glass photonic crystals and optical topological resonators on anti-stiction quartz.
Color imaging systems that underpin modern technologies still suffer in low-light conditions because of the inherently lossy filtering mechanism of conventional Bayer color filters. Although Bayer-type filters integrated with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor sensors remain the dominant architecture, they typically transmit only about 30% of incident white light, leading to noisy images under weak illumination. Color routers offer an alternative by redirecting different spectral components of light to corresponding photodiodes in the near field. While recent color routers based on high-refractive-index metasurfaces have shown promise, low-refractive-index materials remain largely unexplored despite their potential for higher transmittance and cost-effective mass production. Here, we demonstrate inverse-designed, two-photon-polymerization 3D-printed pixel-level color routers using low-index IP-L resin (n ≈ 1.5). The color routers achieve transmittance of ~87% in simulation and ~70% experimentally across the visible spectrum. Monochrome-sensor imaging further confirms improved color fidelity and shorter exposure times, highlighting their potential for next-generation high-efficiency imaging platforms. The authors demonstrate a 3D-printed low-refractive-index color router that replaces absorptive color filters, improving light collection and enabling brighter, more efficient color imaging under both normal and low-light conditions.