Jing Zhang

A multifunctional BiOCl: Yb³⁺, Ho³⁺ material enables dynamic multichannel emission for advanced anti-counterfeiting and optical information encryption.

ABSTRACT

Controlling excitation-response and emission tunability in luminescent materials is crucial for high-security anti-counterfeiting, but current multimodal materials primarily suffer from static single-color emission under fixed stimuli, limiting their security potential. Developing a single material with dynamic multichannel emission remains a major challenge. Herein, a multifunctional BiOCl: Yb³⁺, Ho³⁺ material with multi-excitation luminescence, rapid photochromism, and light-driven dye discoloration has been explored. It emits green up-conversion emission from Ho³⁺ under 980 nm excitation; and broad-band blue emission from the embedded carbon dots produced during the materials synthesis centers at 470 nm under the excitation of 365 nm, accompanied by a rapid photochromic transition from pale-yellow to black and reversible process by thermal treatment. The oxygen vacancies in BiOCl: Yb³⁺, Ho³⁺ have been confirmed to responsible for the reversibility of the rapid photochromic effect of samples, which also enhance the efficient photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B and enable the controllable dye discoloration. These features are integrated into BiOCl: Yb³⁺, Ho³⁺ to establish a dynamically tunable multimodal platform, offering a new “concealment-activation-erasure-rewriting” paradigm for next-generation high-security anti-counterfeiting and optical information encryption.

We demonstrate successful fabrication of high-quality α-Sn/β-Sn planar nanostructures with arbitrary shapes by focused laser irradiation on topological Dirac semimetal α-Sn thin films. The irradiated regions transform into atomically smooth, superconducting β-Sn with a critical temperature of 3.7 K. Patterned β-Sn nanowires exhibit a pronounced superconducting diode effect. This non-destructive and scalable method enables precise nanofabrication of superconducting/topological heterostructures for quantum device applications.

ABSTRACT

Heterostructures composed of superconductors and topological materials have emerged as compelling platforms for realizing topological superconductivity and fault-tolerant quantum computation. A critical bottleneck, however, lies in achieving atomically clean and structurally coherent interfaces between dissimilar materials. Here, we report the fabrication of high-quality planar heterostructures composed of the topological Dirac semimetal (TDS) α-Sn and the superconducting β-Sn phase, achieved by focused laser irradiation on α-Sn thin films. The irradiated regions undergo a phase transition from α-Sn to β-Sn, exhibiting atomically smooth surfaces with a root mean square (RMS) roughness of just 0.75 nm. The laser-induced β-Sn demonstrates superconductivity with a critical temperature of 3.7 K and a Ginzburg–Landau coherence length (ξ _GL) of 68.2 nm. Notably, β-Sn nanowires patterned through this method exhibit a pronounced superconducting diode effect, reaching a maximum rectification ratio (η) of 10.8%. These findings establish laser irradiation as a versatile, non-destructive, and scalable approach for fabricating high-quality α-Sn/β-Sn heterostructures, offering a promising route toward next-generation superconducting quantum devices.

A novel design strategy has been developed for constructing high-performance smart multi-stimuli responsive scintillators (SMRS) based on rare-earth metal–organic frameworks. An organic–inorganic hybrid SMRS capable of both active and passive perception in response to irradiation/thermal stimuli and composition tuning is reported for the first time, demonstrating significant potential in photonic barcoding and in situ perception imaging.

ABSTRACT

Smart responsive luminescent materials have attracted considerable scientific and technological interest owing to their broad optoelectronic applications. However, issues such as single responsive mode, inadequate spectral coverage, and poor environmental adaptability still hinder their diversified development. Herein, we propose the concept of smart multi-stimuli responsive scintillator (SMRS) and fabricate a new series of rare earth metal–organic frameworks (RE-MOFs) with active and passive perception capabilities. Such RE-MOFs exhibit excellent scintillation performances, including high relative light yield (max ∼ 42,200 photons MeV⁻¹), low dose rate detection limit (min ∼ 128.2 nGy_air s⁻¹), and great photostability. Systematic modulation of RE³⁺ contents endows MOFs with tunable broadband luminescence, thereby ensuring the passive perception. The distinct photo- and radio-luminescent mechanisms lead to significant spectral contrasts under UV and X-ray irradiation. Furthermore, RE-MOFs demonstrate thermal-stimuli responsive luminescent variation since heat will influence the energy transfer processing among the organic and inorganic units. As a result, RE-MOFs autonomously produce active luminescent perception toward both irradiation and thermal stimuli. These SMRSs exhibit great potential in in situ optical imaging and high-security photonic barcodes (the widest spectral range among MOFs for photonic encoding). This study establishes a new paradigm for smart MOF-based scintillators for an advanced intelligent perception system.

A non-planar fabrication strategy that enables 3D directional migration and morphological reconstruction of Ag nanoparticles in laser crystals is presented. This allows precise rare-earth ion fluorescence control for optical information encryption. Achieved under ambient conditions, the method offers subwavelength, cross-scale processing on dielectric substrates, paving the way for scalable plasmonic device integration.

Abstract

Heterostructured nanointerfaces composed of ordered nanoparticles integrated with non-plasmonic functional materials offer broad application potential but remain limited by the lack of flexible and scalable fabrication techniques. This study presents a two-step top-down approach for constructing plasmonic architectures in neodymium-doped disordered crystals, enabling optical data inscription and encryption. Ion implantation is used to introduce nanoparticle precursors into the subsurface region of the crystal. Then, femtosecond laser-induced nonlinear near-field optical forces drive the redistribution of nanoparticles along the laser propagation path, facilitating the formation of ordered 3D nanoshell structures. By precisely tuning the laser irradiation power, the resonance modes of the hybrid system are modulated, allowing for controlled upconversion luminescence in rare-earth-ion-based plasmonic structures. The proposed method supports multifunctional optical applications, including data storage, encryption, and fluorescence/photoluminescence readout. This work establishes a general strategy for tailoring plasmon-enhanced optical responses in rare-earth-doped crystalline materials and can be used for opto-electronic and passive/active optical control.

A novel strategy combines liquid metallic photoresist with plasma-assisted activation, enabling wafer-scale single-step metal lithography while significantly preserving its high conductivity and stretchability. This innovative method facilitates the monolithic fabrication of multi-scale elastic electronics, ranging from micrometer-scale sensors to millimeter-scale elastic PCB.

ABSTRACT

By offering mechanical compliance similar to biological tissue, elastic electronics show great potential in wearable and implanted electronics, interactive robots, and neural interfaces. Miniaturization of elastic electronics through advanced microfabrication is essential to increase device density for high-quality and comprehensive information processing. Cleanroom photolithography is conventionally used for micropatterning photoresists, whose patterns are then transferred to rigid metal or semiconductor materials through lift-off or etching processes. However, such delicate processes are exclusive and cannot be directly translated to fabricate elastic electronics, which are usually based on unconventional materials. Here, we developed a metallic photoresist, based on ligand-encapsulated eutectic gallium-indium liquid metal nanoparticles, and an associated microfabrication process that enables direct, single-step liquid metal microlithography across wafer-scale areas. By leveraging tunable covalent and noncovalent interactions at liquid metal nanoparticles interfaces, this method achieves 2 µm resolution, bulk-level conductivity, and 3D topology matching of liquid metal patterns, while maintaining over 750% stretchability. We demonstrate the versatility of this approach by fabricating multi-scale elastic electronics, from high-resolution liquid metal grid transparent electrodes and ECoG neural electrodes to large-area flexible printed circuit boards.

This research paper presents the fabrication of CsPbCl₃:Yb near-infrared light-emitting diodes (NIR-LEDs) via a thermal evaporation process. Bound excitons are designed and incorporated into the CsPbCl₃:Yb film to facilitate the rapid and efficient transport of carriers. This design helped greatly enhance the device performance, ultimately achieving an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 8.9% and a radiance of 410 mW·Sr⁻¹·m⁻².

Abstract

Near-infrared (NIR) emission underpins biomedical imaging, night vision, and optical communication. Yb³⁺-doped CsPbCl₃ have demonstrated ultrahigh photoluminescence quantum yields via quantum cutting, primarily enabled by a singular defect-assisted energy transfer pathway arising from the substitution of Pb²⁺ by Yb³⁺. However, whether additional pathways exist to facilitate visible (VIS)-to-NIR conversion, thereby further enhancing the performance of NIR-emissive devices, remains an open and compelling question. Here, strategic engineering of localized bound excitons (BEs) is proposed in the thermally evaporated CsPbCl₃:Yb system. Assisted BEs significantly promote energy transfer from CsPbCl₃ matrix to Yb dopants, unveiling a previously unknown excitonic energy transfer channel. Atomic-scale characterization combined with first-principles calculations uncovers a BE-driven excitonic transfer mechanism, specifically implicating Cs-vacancy-induced defects in mediating exciton behavior. These insights lead to the fabrication of high-performance NIR-LEDs with an 8.9% external quantum efficiency and 410 mW·Sr⁻¹·m⁻² radiance, marking a breakthrough in thermally evaporated NIR (>950 nm) light-emitting diodes.

2D p-type semiconductors have widespread applications in electronics and optoelectronics. However, despite their great potential, their potential has not been fully explored compared to 2D n-type semiconductors. This article reviews the latest advances in theoretical calculations, synthesis methods, prototype devices, and applications of 2D p-type semiconductors, as well as potential future research directions for these materials.

ABSTRACT

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor materials are among the best candidates for maintaining Moore's Law. Due to their atomic-scale thickness, high carrier mobility, and excellent gate control, 2D materials have become a significant area of research. However, intense electron doping caused by interfacial charge impurities and structural defects has led to many more reports of n-type 2D semiconductors than p-type. Moreover, p-type 2D semiconductors face significant challenges, including inferior environmental stability of both materials and devices, and the difficulty of achieving high-quality, controllable wafer-scale synthesis. This paper reviews the latest progress in p-type 2D semiconductors and their applications across various fields. We categorize them by type, such as monoelemental materials, chalcogenides, and oxides. First, we summarize relevant theoretical calculations, explore their hole-dominated conduction mechanisms, and list several promising high-quality new p-type 2D semiconductors. Next, we review various synthesis and preparation methods for p-type 2D semiconductors, including both top-down and bottom-up techniques such as mechanical exfoliation, liquid-phase exfoliation, chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, and molecular beam epitaxy. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Then, we highlight several prototype device studies based on p-type 2D semiconductors. Finally, we discuss their applications across various fields, including logic circuits, optoelectronic imaging, neuromorphic visual computing, and chemical/biological sensors. We also examine their opportunities, challenges, and prospects, and propose various research directions and technical pathways to advance their development. We hope this review will serve as a valuable resource for the future development of p-type 2D semiconductors.

This work provides an approach: 1) to directly visualize the associated exciton properties, revealing an intrinsic emission wavelength shift, and 2) actively modify local strain, enabling further exciton emission tuning. These findings provide direct insights into the strain-localized emission dynamics in bubbles and establish a robust framework for non-destructive, reversible, and predictable nanoscale emission control, presenting a potential avenue for developing next-generation tunable quantum optical sources.

Abstract

In monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides bubbles—nanoscale deformations typically exhibiting a dome-like shape—Excitons are confined by the strain effect, which exhibits extraordinary emission properties, such as single photon generation, enhanced light emission, and spectrally tunable excitonic states. While the strain profiles of these bubbles are extensively studied, this work provides an approach 1) to directly visualize the associated exciton properties in bubbles formed in WSe₂ monolayer, revealing an intrinsic emission wavelength shift of ≈40 nm, and 2) actively modify local strain, enabling further exciton emission tuning over a range of 50 nm. These are achieved by emission mapping and nanoindentation using a dielectric near-field probe, which enables the detection of local emission spectra and emission lifetimes within individual bubbles. Statistical analysis of 67 bubbles uncovers an emission wavelength distribution centered around 780 nm. Furthermore, saturation behavior in the power-dependent studies and the associated lifetime change reveal the localized nature of the strain-induced states. These findings provide direct insights into the strain-localized emission dynamics in bubbles and establish a robust framework for non-destructive, reversible, and predictable nanoscale emission control, presenting a potential avenue for developing next-generation tunable quantum optical sources.

Nature, Published online: 14 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09949-1

Colourful patterns in two-dimensional lead halide perovskites are created by letting them self-etch into tiny squares that can template epitaxial growth.

Geometry-defined flexoelectric polarization is induced in suspended α−In2Se3$\alpha -{\rm In}_2{\rm Se}_3$ nanosheets via lithographically patterned substrates, enabling voltage-free modulation of synaptic behaviors, including long-term potentiation (LTP)-to-long-term depression (LTD) transitions. By spatially integrating devices with distinct synaptic responses, contrast-enhancing memory functionality can be achieved. This strategy offers a promising approach for developing low-power, programmable neuromorphic optoelectronic devices.

ABSTRACT

Flexoelectricity refers to the generation of electric polarization by strain gradients, enabling voltage-free modulation of material properties. This effect is particularly pronounced in two-dimensional (2D) materials due to their atomic-scale thickness and mechanical flexibility. Here, suspended α$\alpha$-In2Se3${\rm In}_{2}{\rm Se}_{3}$ nanosheets are engineered via substrate patterning to establish lithographically defined flexoelectric fields, enabling the modulation of optoelectronic synaptic behavior. By transferring the α$\alpha$-In2Se3${\rm In}_{2}{\rm Se}_{3}$ nano-structures onto pre-patterned substrates, suspended structures with geometries designed to introduce localized bending are constructed, leading to strain-gradient-induced polarization with well-defined spatial distribution. Compared to flat counterparts, suspended devices exhibit enhanced conductivity and a remarkable transition from long-term potentiation (LTP) to long-term depression (LTD) under optical stimulation, outperforming the effects induced by applying a 1V$1\,\mathrm{V}$ gate bias or a −30V$-30\,\mathrm{V}$ gate-pulse-driven ferroelectric polarization. Flexoelectric gating thus enables voltage-free control of synaptic plasticity, offering long-term retention and geometry-defined tunability. Furthermore, spatial integration of LTP and LTD supports contrast-enhanced memory functions, mimicking sharpening mechanisms in biological visual systems. The present work establishes a programmable neuromorphic optoelectronic platform for energy-efficient implementation of 2D synaptic networks.

Nature Materials, Published online: 13 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02461-x

Integration of twist-phase-matched van der Waals flakes on optical fibre ends enables efficient nonlinear optical processes, including second-harmonic generation and parametric downconversion, and the fabrication of a frequency-doubling ultrafast laser.

The lattice distortion is a key contributor to the high intensity mechanoluminescence in Ca₂GeO₄:Tb³⁺, which may have potential applications for multi-modal anti-counterfeiting and remote monitoring.

Abstract

As a carrier for mechanical-to-optical conversion, mechanoluminescent (ML) materials are driving innovations in anti-counterfeiting encryption, self-powered sensing, and human-machine interaction, with their core value lying in the transformation of “invisible mechanical forces” into “visible light.” However, current ML materials face challenges, including weak emission intensity, limited luminescence modes, and the absence of a unified mechanism for force-to-light conversion. Here, a high-intensity green ML phosphor, Ca₂GeO₄: Tb³⁺, visible under ambient light, is developed. Following pre-irradiation, excellent photoluminescence (PL) and persistent luminescence (PersL) are observed. Notably, tunable emission from blue to green is achieved in the PL through increasing the Tb³⁺ doping concentration, and PersL remained detectable after 1 h, suggesting applicability in delayed bioimaging and advanced anti-counterfeiting systems. Furthermore, it is revealed that the synergy between multiple trap levels and the piezoelectric field generated by lattice distortion induced by Tb³⁺ substitution for Ca²⁺ is identified as a key contributor to high intensity ML in Ca₂GeO₄: Tb³⁺, which is of significant importance for clarifying the force-to-light conversion mechanism. Remarkably, owing to its outstanding luminescent properties, the phosphors are integrated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), demonstrating tremendous potential in multi-modal encryption, dynamic anti-counterfeiting, remote monitoring, and human-machine interaction.

Ultrafast room-temperature synthesis yields monodisperse Yb³⁺/Tm⁺³ co-doped K_0.3B_0.7F_2.4 nanoparticles (≈16.57 nm) with a cubic fluorite structure. Optimized Yb³+ doping enhances energy transfer, enabling tunable blue/NIR upconversion emissions for fluorescence intensity ratio thermometry. These nanoparticles achieve record absolute sensitivity (S_a) up to 0.0108 K⁻¹ and stable performance across 300–500 K. These nanoparticles enable precise, non-contact temperature sensing across 300–550 K, making them perfect for nanotechnology and biomedicine applications. They are also energy-efficient and scalable in production.

Abstract

The study reveals that these nanoparticles exhibit highly tunable photoluminescence (PL), with distinct blue, red, and near-infrared emissions that are highly sensitive to temperature changes. For the first time, the temperature-dependent characteristics of PL emissions for optical thermometry behavior among 300–500 K for particular nanoparticles are also investigated. The temperature-dependent fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique, leveraging phonon-mediated apparent temperature-dependent coupling among Tm³⁺ states, is employed to calculate the absolute sensitivity (S_a) and relative sensitivity (S_r) of particular nanoparticles. The results indicate high S_a values of up to 0.0108 K⁻¹ for sample A and 0.0017 K⁻¹ for sample B across the given temperature range. Sample A exhibits a higher S_r of 0.0122%K⁻¹ at low temperatures, while decreasing to 0.0046%K⁻¹ at higher temperatures, while sample B maintains a relatively consistent value over the same temperature range. These results highlight the potential of the synthesized nanoparticles as an effective optical thermometric probe. The Yb³⁺ concentration directly modulates energy transfer efficiency and temperature sensitivity by influencing both the rate of energy transfer to Tm³⁺ and the extent of nonradiative losses. Optimizing Yb³⁺ content is thus crucial for achieving high sensitivity and stability in PL-based optical thermometry, positioning Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ co-doped K_0.3Bi_0.7F_2.4 nanoparticles as promising candidates for advanced noncontact temperature sensing applications.

A low-power driven FET biosensor based on 2D hexagonal TiO₂ detects the cancer biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen with high sensitivity, a low detection limit of 0.22 pg mL⁻¹, and excellent selectivity. Leveraging the unique electronic properties of the material, this work demonstrates strong potential for integration into miniature and portable cancer diagnostic devices.

Abstract

2D nanomaterials have shown significant advances in next-generation biosensor development. However, current 2D-enabled electronic biosensors rarely achieve a detection limit down to pico-gram level, possibly due to their intrinsic low carrier mobilities, biocompatibility or instability. TiO₂, a biocompatible material, has been widely adopted in bio-applications. Recently, 2D TiO₂ with a unique planar hexagonal phase exhibits a reduced bandgap of 2 eV and high p-type mobility. A small perturbation could stimulate an observable electronic swing, enabling a high-performance biosensor in a label-free manner. Here, 2D h-TiO₂ is fabricated into a liquid-gated field-effect transistor, while a wide spectrum, nonspecific biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is selected as the target molecule. The h-TiO₂ surface is first functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and subsequently decorated with anti-CEA, creating an affinity probe toward CEA molecules. The real-time response to different concentrations of CEA is tested from 1 pg mL⁻¹ to 10 ng mL⁻¹ under a low working voltage of 0.05 V, and an ultralow detection limit of 0.22 pg mL⁻¹ is achieved. Meanwhile, the selectivity of the devices is demonstrated using cytokeratin-19-fragment and neuron-specific enolase. The results highlight the potential of layered hexagonal metal oxides for high-performance biosensors, enabling future low-power portable devices for disease diagnosis.

Lead-free single-crystal relaxor ferroelectric microcubes are synthesized using a scalable molten-salt method. Dislocation-driven nanodomains and Ca-doping improved the energy storage performance. When embedded in a flexible polymer matrix, the composite device shows high breakdown strength, fast discharge, and mechanical durability. This work introduces a new path toward high-performance, flexible dielectric capacitors.

Abstract

Single-crystal relaxor ferroelectrics (RFEs) offer high polarization, slim hysteresis, and superior breakdown strength, making them ideal for advanced dielectric energy storage. However, scalable synthesis of lead-free single crystals remains challenging. Here, a molten-salt strategy is employed to synthesize Ca-doped (K_0.432Na_0.528Li_0.04)_1-xCa_4x/3Nb_1-x/3O₃ (KNLN-xCa, x = 0, 0.01, and 0.03) single-crystal microcubes with tunable crystal symmetry and defect concentration. The KNLN-0.01Ca single-crystal exhibits relaxor behavior with a recoverable energy density of 2.66 J cm⁻³ and an efficiency of 78.7% at 100 kV cm⁻¹. In contrast, the ceramic counterpart shows classical ferroelectric features, highlighting the critical role of the crystallization pathway. Dislocation-driven nanodomain formation during oriented attachment is identified as the primary mechanism inducing relaxor behavior, independent of chemical disorder. Incorporation of the KNLN-0.01Ca microcubes into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix produces a flexible composite capacitor with a breakdown strength of 350 kV cm⁻¹, a recoverable energy density of 5.76 J cm⁻³, and an efficiency of 88%. Under pulsed discharge conditions, the device delivers a discharge energy density of 1.4 J cm⁻³ with a fast discharge time (≈20 ns) and high-power density (70 MW cm⁻³). These findings demonstrate a crystallographically engineered, defect-modulated, and process-scalable route to high-performance, lead-free RFEs for next-generation flexible energy storage devices.

Spin-orbit torque (SOT)-induced switching of the perpendicular Néel vector offers strong potential for ultrafast SOT-MRAM, though its mechanism remains debated. Here, such switching is reported in antiferromagnetic Cr₂O₃ within a Pt/Cr₂O₃/Co trilayer. The switching occurs via antiferromagnetic domain wall motion, leading to unconventional SOT behaviors in the Co layer, including reversed polarity, current-induced exchange bias modulation, and field-cooling-dependent switching ratios.

Abstract

The 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector induced by the spin-orbit torque (SOT) presents significant potential for ultradense and ultrafast antiferromagnetic SOT-magnetoresistive random-access memory. However, its experimental realization remains a topic of intense debate. Here, unequivocal evidence is provided for the SOT-induced 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in collinear antiferromagnetic Cr₂O₃ in a Pt/Cr₂O₃/Co trilayer structure. It is demonstrated that the 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in Cr₂O₃ can lead to the unconventional switching behavior of the Co layer on top of it. The switching polarity of the Co layer can be reversed after the insertion of the Cr₂O₃ layer. Moreover, the exchange bias directions are switched simultaneously with the Co layer. The switching ratio of the Co layer is sensitive to the antiferromagnetic states of Cr₂O₃ and can be tuned by field cooling. The results not only underpin the electrical switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in Cr₂O₃ but are also beneficial for the development of antiferromagnetic-based devices.

A robust solid-state protein junction with a semi-transparent eC/Au electrode allows photoexcitation of the bacterio-rhodopsin, bR layer, to isomerize the bR retinal. The resulting photo-response shows the protein is functional in the solid-state junction.

ABSTRACT

The integration of functional proteins into solid-state electronic devices remains a central challenge in molecular bioelectronics due to the fragile nature of protein structures and their complex charge-transport behavior. Here, we present a robust crosswire evaporated top-contact device based on bacteriorhodopsin (bR) single-bilayers (SBL), configured as Au/Cys/bR(SBL)/eC/Au (simplified as Au/bR/eC). The evaporated carbon (eC) top electrode forms a conformal, non-invasive contact that suppresses filament formation and ensures electrical integrity across the crosswire intersecting area (≈200 µm²). Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirm that the solid-state bR films retain the native absorption spectrum and exhibit functional photocycle activity after electrode deposition, indicating that their native conformation is not significantly altered. Remarkably, electron transport (ETp) through the ≈9 nm bR-SBL junctions is temperature-independent within 300 K–10 K, excluding thermally activated hopping, while the length is incompatible with coherent tunneling. Under green illumination, the junctions exhibit a reversible, photo-induced current enhancement (J_green/J_dark ≈ 2), ascribed to light-driven conformational changes rather than direct photoexcitation. The Au/bR/eC architecture thus establishes a thermally non-activated, conformationally mediated transport mechanism via a stable, cryo-compatible solid-state protein junction. This work provides a scalable platform for integrating light-responsive biomolecules into future bio-optoelectronic and neuromorphic devices.

A curvature-engineered, sp ³-rich carbon scaffold activates the graphite host as an electronic-mechanical mediator for silicon. Curvature creates work-function gradients and built-in electric fields that direct Li⁺/electron flux and suppress early stress concentration. Concurrently, sp ³-C sites promote dynamic Si─C bonding and interfacial charge redistribution. These coupled effects disperse 3D stress and stabilize long-capacity cycling.

ABSTRACT

Despite its pronounced impact on charge transport and local stress-field regulation, interfacial curvature remains an underexplored design parameter for silicon anodes. Here, we report a silicon anode encapsulated by a molecularly curved, sp ³-rich graphite framework constructed via high-energy ball milling. This curvature-defect architecture transforms the typically inert graphite host into an active mediator for interfacial charge redistribution and stress relaxation. The curvature induces built-in work-function gradients and local electric fields that direct Li⁺/electron transport and suppress early stress hotspots; concurrently, curvature-enhanced sp ³-C sites catalyze in situ Si─C bond formation and drive interfacial charge redistribution, leading to partial Si de-electronation and reversible core contraction. These coupled mechanisms homogenize 3D stress propagation, suppress crack initiation during lithiation. This curvature-field-stress coupling effectively overcomes the long-standing challenge of multistage stress accumulation and unstable interfacial charge dynamics at the silicon-graphite anode interface, thereby contributing to enhanced rate capability and long-term cycling stability. Electrochemical characterizations reveal that the composite exhibits ultralow capacity decay (∼0.025% per cycle over 1200 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹) and retains ∼492 mA h g⁻¹ at 5 A g⁻¹. This curvature-defect paradigm provides a scalable, mechanistically grounded pathway to activate inert graphite hosts and design stress-tolerant, long-lived silicon-carbon anodes.

Single-molecule FRET and single-particle tracking reveal how ligand binding drives dimerization and activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase in living cells. Single-molecule FRET reports on the lifetime of the (MET:InlB)₂ complex. Distinct diffusion coefficients and modes of monomeric and dimeric receptor complexes uncover nanometer-scale mobility changes.

Abstract

The activation of transmembrane receptors through the binding of external ligands initiates information transfer across the cell membrane. Understanding these processes requires observations in living cells. Given the heterogeneity and lack of synchronization of such events, single-molecule experiments are required to resolve distinct sub-populations. Here, single-molecule FRET microscopy and single-particle tracking are combined to track the ligand-induced dimerization and activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the plasma membrane of living cells. First, using fluorophore-labeled variants of the MET ligand internalin B (InlB), the lifetime of a ligand-activated dimeric (MET:InlB)₂ receptor complex is determined to be ≈1 s. Next, diffusion coefficients of monomeric and dimeric MET:InlB complexes are extracted from single-molecule FRET trajectories, revealing an ≈1.6-fold slower diffusion of the dimeric receptor compared to the monomeric receptor, accompanied by spatially confined motion. The combination of single-molecule FRET and single-particle tracking provides essential biophysical parameters of membrane receptor activation in living cells.

Multimodal Imaging Techniques

In article number 2506183, Aref Valipour, Jungmin Ha, and Stephen N. Housley present μCodes, a microgrid system designed to enhance sample navigation, alignment, and co-registration of images obtained from various optical and electron microscopy techniques. μCodes is a platform for tracking and locating targets or cells of interest across different imaging modalities with high precision. The recognition of the μCodes, is dependent on the fabrication quality, imaging conditions and instruments, as well as the specific application of the platform. The code size could be selected such that the footprint of the μCodes, matches the field of view of the instruments in the pipeline of the intended application.

Bio-Inspired Controllable Liquid Transfer for Precisely Micro-Patterning

In the Review (DOI: 10.1002/adma.202505085), Huan Liu, Bojie Xu, Min Zhang, Lili Meng, and co-workers systematically reviewed their recent advances in bio-inspired fibrous-guided controllable liquid transfer for precisely micro-patterning various optoelectronic nano-materials by reaching cm-scale large-area uniformity and/or μm-scale high resolution, from viewpoints of both the fundamentals in liquid manipulation and the applications in developing high-performance optoelectronics.

Nature Materials, Published online: 22 December 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02414-4

Interwoven magnetic and non-magnetic layers in TbTi3Bi4 overcome kagome frustration, producing coupled elliptical-spiral magnetic and spin-density-wave orders and a very large anomalous Hall effect driven by strong electron–magnetic field interactions.

Nature Communications, Published online: 22 December 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-66419-y

2D semiconductors hold promise for the fabrication of high-density flexible integrated circuits, but they often require high-temperature processing or transfer steps. Here, the authors report the low-temperature ( ≤ 150 °C) fabrication of wafer-scale 3Dintegrated flexible complementary circuits based on 2D semiconductor inks.

Incorporating lanthanide-based fluorophores into commercial resists for femtosecond direct laser writing enables a novel platform for multiplexed sensing. Porous, periodic, and solid luminescent microstructures fabricated directly on optical fiber tips are presented. This approach combines sub-micrometer 3D structuring with the unique photophysical properties of lanthanides, enabling compact multiplexed fiber-based sensing and allowing simultaneous detection of distinct biochemical and physical parameters.

Abstract

Femtosecond direct laser writing (fs-DLW) has revolutionized the fabrication of micro-optical elements, yet its potential in multiplexed sensing has remained constrained by material limitations and fluorescence crosstalk. Here, a novel platform that integrates lanthanide-based fluorophores—specifically europium complexes—into commercial fs-DLW resists (OrmoComp and IP-Visio) to directly print nano/microstructures on the tips of optical fibers is reported. This strategy exploits the exceptional photostability, narrow emission lines, and long luminescence lifetimes to overcome spectral overlap and photobleaching commonly seen with organic fluorophores. By enabling spectral, temporal, and spatial multiplexing, this approach allows simultaneous detection of distinct biochemical and physical parameters. Five distinct structures are fabricated: two woodpile structures for temperature and redox sensing, a Fabry-Pérot cavity for refractive index detection, and disc and annular geometries for spatially selective excitation. The results show that combining sub-micron 3D microfabrication with lanthanide photophysics significantly enhances sensing fidelity, opening new avenues for compact, multi-analyte fiber-based diagnostics in biomedical applications.