Jing Zhang

The different excited state structures of Sb³⁺-Ln³⁺ doped Cs₂NaYbCl₆ DPs at different temperatures and relative positions of energy levels of rare earth synergistically determine the physical processes of luminescence.

Abstract

Rare-earth halide double perovskites (DPs) have attracted extensive attention due to their excellent optoelectronic performance. However, the correlation between luminescence performance, crystal structure, and temperature, as well as the inherent energy transfer mechanism, is not well understood. Herein, Lanthanide ions (Ln³⁺: Nd³⁺ or Dy³⁺) as the co-dopants are incorporated into Sb³⁺ doped Cs₂NaYbCl₆ DPs to construct energy transfer (ET) models to reveal the effects of temperature and energy levels of rare earth on luminescence and ET. The different excited state structures of Sb³⁺-Ln³⁺ doped Cs₂NaYbCl₆ DPs at different temperatures and relative positions of energy levels of rare earth synergistically determine the physical processes of luminescence. These multi-mode luminescent materials exhibit good performance in anti-counterfeiting, NIR imaging, and temperature sensing. This work provides new physical insights into the effects of temperature and energy levels of rare earth on the energy transfer mechanism and related photophysical process.

Pore and linkage chemistry engineering in locally ordered 2D porous conjugated polymer films exhibit precise and tunable molecular sieving ability dictated by structural predesign for membrane-based organic solvent nanofiltration. Their microstructural anisotropy, in-plane conjugation in a 2D layered structure, porosity, and adaptable form factors yield many interesting optical, electrical, and nanoscale properties that can find use in diverse functional applications.

Abstract

Structural design of 2D conjugated porous organic polymer films (2D CPOPs), by tuning linkage chemistries and pore sizes, provides great adaptability for various applications, including membrane separation. Here, four free-standing 2D CPOP films of imine- or hydrazone-linked polymers (ILP/HLP) in combination with benzene (B-ILP/HLP) and triphenylbenzene (TPB-ILP/HLP) aromatic cores are synthesized. The anisotropic disordered films, composed of polymeric layered structures, can be exfoliated into ultrathin 2D-nanosheets with layer-dependent electrical properties. The bulk CPOP films exhibit structure-dependent optical properties, triboelectric nanogenerator output, and robust mechanical properties, rivaling previously reported 2D polymers and porous materials. The exfoliation energies of the 2D CPOPs and their mechanical behavior at the molecular level are investigated using density function theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, respectively. Exploiting the structural tunability, the comparative organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) performance of six membranes having different pore sizes and linkages to yield valuable trends in molecular weight selectivity is investigated. Interestingly, the OSN performances follow the predicted transport modeling values based on theoretical pore size calculations, signifying the existence of permanent porosity in these materials. The membranes exhibit excellent stability in organic solvents at high pressures devoid of any structural deformations, revealing their potential in practical OSN applications.

Spin-orbit torque (SOT) technology, facilitating efficient magnetization manipulation, offers promising applications in memory and logic devices. Recent strides in SOT within 2D van der Waals (vdW) materials demand a screening strategy for optimal systems. This study predicts high SOT in 2D vdW heterostructures and develops a figure of merit for the rapid screening of optimal SOT materials.

Abstract

Recent advancements in spin-orbit torque (SOT) technology in two-dimensional van der Waals (2D vdW) materials have not only pushed spintronic devices to their atomic limits but have also unveiled unconventional torques and novel spin-switching mechanisms. The vast diversity of SOT observed in numerous 2D vdW materials necessitates a screening strategy to identify optimal materials for torque device performance. However, such a strategy has yet to be established. To address this critical issue, a combination of density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function is employed to calculate the SOT in various 2D vdW bilayer heterostructures. This leads to the discovery of three high SOT systems: WTe₂/CrSe₂, MoTe₂/VS₂, and NbSe₂/CrSe₂. Furthermore, a figure of merit that allows for rapid and efficient estimation of SOT is proposed, enabling high-throughput screening of optimal materials and devices for SOT applications in the future.

This is a comprehensive overview of smart Joule-heated fabrics. This review focuses on the conductive materials currently used for smart Joule heating, the strategies for the preparation of smart Joule heating fabrics, and the latest applications of smart Joule heating fabrics in the areas of personal thermal management, health therapy, visual indication, drug release, and soft actuators.

Abstract

Multifunctional wearable heaters have attracted much attention for their effective applications in personal thermal management and medical therapy. Compared to passive heating, Joule heating offers significant advantages in terms of reusability, reliable temperature control, and versatile coupling. Joule-heated fabrics make wearable electronics smarter. This review critically discusses recent advances in Joule-heated smart fabrics, focusing on various fabrication strategies based on material-structure synergy. Specifically, various applicable conductive materials with Joule heating effect are first summarized. Subsequently, different preparation methods for Joule heating fabrics are compared, and then their various applications in smart clothing, healthcare, and visual indication are discussed. Finally, the challenges faced in developing these smart Joule heating fabrics and their possible solutions are discussed.

This progress focuses on the study of three-dimensional (3D) COFs, introducing the design principles, synthesis methods, strategies to improve the stability and functionalization of 3D COFs. The focus is on the applications of 3D COFs in electronics, summarizing the applications of 3D COFs in light emission, fluorescence sensing and detection, energy storage and conversion, electronic conduction and carrier transport.

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a new class of crystalline materials connected by covalent bonds, have been developed rapidly in the past decades. However, the research on COFs is mainly focused on two-dimensional (2D) COFs, and the research on three-dimensional (3D) COFs is still in the initial stage. In 2D COFs, the covalent bonds exist only in the 2D flakes and can form 1D channels, which hinder the charge transport to some extent. In contrast, 3D COFs have a more complex pore structure and thus exhibit higher specific surface area and richer active sites, which greatly enhance the 3D charge carrier transport. Therefore, compared to 2D COFs, 3D COFs have stronger applicability in energy storage and conversion, sensing, and optoelectronics. In this review, it is first introduced the design principles for 3D COFs, and in particular summarize the development of conjugated building blocks in 3D COFs, with a special focus on their application in optoelectronics. Subsequently, the preparation of 3D COF powders and thin films and methods to improve the stability and functionalization of 3D COFs are summarized. Moreover, the applications of 3D COFs in electronics are outlined. Finally, conclusions and future research directions for 3D COFs are presented.

Here, an innovative architecture comprising of 1D CVD-grown core–shell heterostructures (CSHSs) of MoO₂-MoS₂ is employed as memristors, manifesting both volatile and nonvolatile switching phenomena. These CSHSs offer an unprecedented solution to the interfacial issues between metallic electrodes and the layered materials-based switching element with the prospects of developing smaller footprint memristive devices for future integrated circuits.

Abstract

Memristors-based integrated circuits for emerging bio-inspired computing paradigms require an integrated approach utilizing both volatile and nonvolatile memristive devices. Here, an innovative architecture comprising of 1D CVD-grown core–shell heterostructures (CSHSs) of MoO₂-MoS₂ is employed as memristors manifesting both volatile switching (with high selectivity of 10⁷ and steep slope of 0.6 mV decade⁻¹) and nonvolatile switching phenomena (with I _on/I _off ≈10³ and switching speed of 60 ns). In these CSHSs, the metallic core MoO₂ with high current carrying capacity provides a conformal and immaculate interface with semiconducting MoS₂ shells and therefore it acts as a bottom electrode for the memristors. The power consumption in volatile devices is as low as 50 pW per set transition and 0.1 fW in standby mode. Voltage-driven current spikes are observed for volatile devices while with nonvolatile memristors, key features of a biological synapse such as short/long-term plasticity and paired pulse facilitation are emulated suggesting their potential for the development of neuromorphic circuits. These CSHSs offer an unprecedented solution for the interfacial issues between metallic electrodes and the layered materials-based switching element with the prospects of developing smaller footprint memristive devices for future integrated circuits.

This article represents the first report on the low-temperature growth of ruby (chromium-doped Al₂O₃) crystals at 750 °C, which is one-third of the conventional required temperature (2050 °C). Supersaturation based on the de-composition of crystal–solvent intermediates enables crystal growth at low temperatures.

Abstract

Crystal growth methods that do not require high temperatures are highly needed for the facile growth of oxide single crystals with melting points of several thousand degrees Celsius. This paper represents the first report of a method for the low-temperature growth of ruby crystals (chromium-doped Al₂O₃) at 750 °C, which is one-third of the conventionally required temperature (2050 °C). In solution-based crystal growth, the target crystal is grown at a temperature considerably lower than its melting point. However, conventional crystal growth processes involving solvent evaporation and cooling require high temperatures to completely liquefy the material, with previously reported solution growth temperatures of ≈1100 °C. Supersaturation based on the decomposition of crystal–solvent intermediates eliminates the need to completely liquefy the material, enabling low-temperature crystal growth. The combination of computational and experimental investigations helps determine the optimum conditions for low-temperature crystal growth. The proposed method is a novel green process that breaks the conventional frontiers of crystal growth while ensuring eco-friendliness and low energy consumption. In addition, its scope can potentially be expanded to the synthesis of various crystals and direct growth on substrates with low melting points.

An all-dielectric integrated meta-antenna operating in 6G terahertz communication window is reported for high-efficiency beam focusing in sub-wavelength scale with a long depth of focus. With the antenna surface functionalized by metagrating arrays with asymmetric scattering patterns, the design and optimization methods are demonstrated with a physical size constraint. Its application for integrated imaging and communication is demonstrated.

Abstract

Efficient transceivers and antennas at terahertz frequencies are leading the development of 6G terahertz communication systems. The antenna design for high-resolution terahertz spatial sensing and communication remains challenging, while emergent metallic metasurface antennas can address this issue but often suffer from low efficiency and complex manufacturing. Here, an all-dielectric integrated meta-antenna operating in 6G terahertz communication window for high-efficiency beam focusing in the sub-wavelength scale is reported. With the antenna surface functionalized by metagrating arrays with asymmetric scattering patterns, the design and optimization methods are demonstrated with a physical size constraint. The highest manipulation and diffraction efficiencies achieve 84.1% and 48.1%. The commercially accessible fabrication method with low cost and easy to implement has been demonstrated for the meta-antenna by photocuring 3D printing. A filamentous focal spot is measured as 0.86λ with a long depth of focus of 25.3λ. Its application for integrated imaging and communication has been demonstrated. The proposed technical roadmap provides a general pathway for creating high-efficiency integrated meta-antennas with great potential in high-resolution 6G terahertz spatial sensing and communication applications.

A simple PDMS chip-based POCT platform is created for differentiate, capture, and detect epithelial and mesenchymal CTCs, as well as tracking EMT process. Based on test results from 94 NSCLC patients, the correlations of numbers of E-CTCs, M-CTCs or proportions in total CTCs with clinical progression and whether there is distant metastasis are successfully revealed.

Abstract

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are widely considered as a reliable and promising class of markers in the field of liquid biopsy. As CTCs undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), phenotype detection of heterogeneous CTCs based on EMT markers is of great significance. In this report, an integrated analytical strategy that can simultaneously capture and differentially detect epithelial- and mesenchymal-expressed CTCs in bloods of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLS) patients is proposed. First, a commercial biomimetic polycarbonate (PCTE) microfiltration membrane is employed as the capture interface for heterogenous CTCs. Meanwhile, differential detection of the captured CTCs is realized by preparing two distinct CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with red and green emissions, attached with EpCAM and Vimentin aptamers, respectively. For combined analysis, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip with simple structure is designed, which integrates the membrane capture and QDs-based phenotype detection of CTCs. This chip not only implements the analysis of the number of CTCs down to 2 cells mL⁻¹, but enables EMT process tracking according to the specific signals of the two QDs. Finally, this method is successfully applied to inspect the correlations of numbers or proportions of heterogenous CTCs in 94 NSCLS patients with disease stage and whether there is distant metastasis.

The trade-off between high flexibility and superelasticity of aerogels is broken by designing trans-scale porous structure composed of hyperbolic micropores and porous nanofibers.

Abstract

Highly flexible and superelastic aerogels at large deformation have become urgent mechanical demands in practical uses, but both properties are usually exclusive. Here a trans-scale porosity design is proposed in graphene nanofibrous aerogels (GNFAs) to break the trade-off between high flexibility and superelasticity. The resulting GNFAs can completely recover after 1000 fatigue cycles at 60% folding strain, and notably maintain excellent structural integrity after 10000 cycles at 90% compressive strain, outperforming most of the reported aerogels. The mechanical robustness is demonstrated to be derived from the trans-scale porous structure, which is composed of hyperbolic micropores and porous nanofibers to enable the large elastic deformation capability. It is further revealed that flexible and superelastic GNFAs exhibit high sensitivity and ultrastability as an electrical sensors to detect tension and flexion deformation. As proof, The GNFA sensor is implemented onto a human finger and achieves the intelligent recognition of sign language with high accuracy by multi-layer artificial neural network. This study proposes a highly flexible and elastic graphene aerogel for wearable human-machine interfaces in sensor technology.

Nature Communications, Published online: 30 April 2024; doi:10.1038/s41467-024-47733-3

On the statistical foundation of a recent single molecule FRET benchmark

Nature Communications, Published online: 01 May 2024; doi:10.1038/s41467-024-47820-5

Magnetic tunnel junctions consist of two magnetic layers, separated by a thin insulator. The simplicity belies the industrial importance: magnetic tunnel junctions have a very wide variety of applications in contemporary society. Here, Fu et al present a magnetic tunnel junction composed of single van der Waals magnetic insulator, CrI3, exhibiting remarkably low power consumption.

Nature Communications, Published online: 03 May 2024; doi:10.1038/s41467-024-48298-x

Author Correction: Light and matter co-confined multi-photon lithography

Nature Materials, Published online: 03 May 2024; doi:10.1038/s41563-024-01872-6

Strong bulk van der Waals materials can be created from water-mediated densification of two-dimensional nanosheets by near-room-temperature moulding, establishing a pathway for the energy-efficient fabrication of a wide range of bulk van der Waals materials and even composites for various applications.

Nature Chemistry, Published online: 03 May 2024; doi:10.1038/s41557-024-01527-8

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) enable the construction of bespoke functional materials, but designing dynamic 2D COFs is challenging. Now it has been shown that perylene-diimide-based COFs can open and close their pores upon uptake or removal of guests, while fully retaining their crystalline long-range order. Moreover, the variable COF geometry enables stimuli-responsive optoelectronic properties.

Nature, Published online: 01 May 2024; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-07275-6

Using a cryogenic 300-mm wafer prober, a new approach for the testing of hundreds of industry-manufactured spin qubit devices at 1.6 K provides high-volume data on performance, allowing optimization of the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible fabrication process.

Nature, Published online: 03 May 2024; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-01292-1

Researchers in China say they are finding themselves five to ten years behind their US counterparts as export restrictions bite.

This optical tweezer technique can efficiently trap polymer chains, resulting in the formation and trapping a polymer droplet at the focus. By increasing an optical force (laser power P ), the local concentration of D and A in the droplet can be controlled. Accordingly, the efficiency of FRET is controllable. The blue, green, yellow, and orange fluorescence can be induced simply by changing laser power.

Abstract

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is ubiquitous in optical processes in the natural world. A methodology is proposed that uses an optical force to control its efficiency without contact in an aqueous solution of a thermo-responsive polymer, polyvinyl methyl ether (PVME). Focusing irradiation of a near infrared laser beam into the solution results in the formation and trapping of a single polymer droplet. The polymer concentration in the droplet is controllable by changing the optical force from the laser light is shown. The polarity inside the droplet decreases with increasing the optical force. When small amounts of dye molecules, D (energy donor) and A (energy accepter), are dissolved in the polymer solution, D and A are absorbed (extracted) into the droplet. The concentrations of D and A are controllable by the optical force. Based on this mechanism, FRET between D and A is induced successfully, and can control the FRET efficiency. Finally, the modulation of fluorescence color of the droplet from blue, green, yellow, to an orange color is demosntrated simply by changing the optical force. The concept and technique are unique and will open a new channel to develop droplet chemistry and photochemistry.

This work presents an efficient and ecofriendly chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization process coupled with a catalyst- and solvent-free post-CVD transfer reaction that provides a straightforward route to produce innovative phosphonated materials with exceptional stability and notable electronic properties. The resulting biomimetic surface chemistry has potential applications in bioengineering, optoelectronics, energy storage, gas separation, and flame retardancy.

Abstract

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization is a commonly used approach in surface chemistry, providing a substrate-independent platform for bioactive surface functionalization strategies. This work investigates the Arbuzov reaction of halogenated polymer coatings readily available via CVD polymerization, using poly(4-chloro-para-xylylene) (Parylene C) as a model substance. Postpolymerization modification of these coatings via catalyst-free and UV-induced Arbuzov reaction using phosphites results in phosphonate-functionalized polymers. The combination of infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) provides detailed insights into the reaction progress. Time-dependent studies suggest that the non-polar phosphites penetrate deep into the CVD films and react with the polymer film. In addition, ToF-SIMS, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirm spatial control of the reaction, resulting in localized chemical and topographical surface modification, recognizable by changes in interference color, fluorescence, and wettability. Preliminary 3D fluorescence spectroscopy investigations indicate tunable near-infrared emission of these polymer films. This work is the first step toward generating multifunctional polymer coatings based on chemically modifiable, CVD polymers with potential applications in biomaterials, sensors, or optoelectronics.

This paper presents the epitaxial growth of 8-in. wafer-scale highly oriented monolayer MoS₂ on sapphire with excellent spatial homogeneity, using a specially designed vertical chemical vapor deposition system. The as-grown 8-in. MoS₂ wafers are used for the batch fabrication of large-scale, high-performance devices, including field-effect transistors, logic circuits, and ring oscillators, showcasing the potential for practical industry-scale applications.

Abstract

Large-scale, high-quality, and uniform monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) films are crucial for their applications in next-generation electronics and optoelectronics. Epitaxy is a mainstream technique for achieving high-quality MoS₂ films and is demonstrated at a wafer scale up to 4-in. In this study, the epitaxial growth of 8-in. wafer-scale highly oriented monolayer MoS₂ on sapphire is reported as with excellent spatial homogeneity, using a specially designed vertical chemical vapor deposition (VCVD) system. Field effect transistors (FETs) based on the as-grown 8-in. wafer-scale monolayer MoS₂ film are fabricated and exhibit high performances, with an average mobility and an on/off ratio of 53.5 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 10⁷, respectively. In addition, batch fabrication of logic devices and 11-stage ring oscillators are also demonstrated, showcasing excellent electrical functions. This work may pave the way of MoS₂ in practical industry-scale applications.

In this work, the negative and positive photoconductance effects conversion and the dark current suppression are realized by applying various laser power densities on a graphene/InSe/h-BN heterojunction-based FET. In addition, a modified photocurrent model as a function of laser power density is proposed to describe both negative and positive photoconductance effects. Finally, the van der Waals heterostructure is successfully applied to the image preprocessing.

Abstract

The processing of visual information occurs mainly in the retina, and the retinal preprocessing function greatly improves the transmission quality and efficiency of visual information. The artificial retina system provides a promising path to efficient image processing. Here, graphene/InSe/h-BN heterogeneous structure is proposed, which exhibits negative and positive photoconductance (NPC and PPC) effects by altering the strength of a single wavelength laser. Moreover, a modified theoretical model is presented based on the power-dependent photoconductivity effect of laser: Iph=−mPα1+nPα2${\rm I}_{\rm ph}\,=\,-{\rm mP}^{\alpha _{1}} + {\rm nP}^{\alpha _{2}}$, which can reveal the internal physical mechanism of negative/positive photoconductance effects. The present 2D structure design allows the field effect transistor (FET) to exhibit excellent photoelectric performance (R_NPC = 1.1× 10⁴ AW⁻¹, R_PPC = 13 AW⁻¹) and performance stability. Especially, the retinal pretreatment process is successfully simulated based on the negative and positive photoconductive effects. Moreover, the pulse signal input improves the device responsivity by 167%, and the transmission quality and efficiency of the visual signal can also be enhanced. This work provides a new design idea and direction for the construction of artificial vision, and lay a foundation for the integration of the next generation of optoelectronic devices.

The ferromagnetic order at the single layer limit of two van der Waals materials based on transition metal dichlorides is probed. XMCD measurements demonstrate that the ferromagnetic order of FeCl₂ and NiCl₂ persist on top of a metallic substrate. LT-STS experiments, using functionalized tips with an organic magnetic sensor, confirm the magnetic order of the materials at the atomic scale even at zero applied magnetic fields.

Abstract

Magnetism in two dimensions is traditionally considered an exotic phase mediated by spin fluctuations, but far from collinearly ordered in the ground state. Recently, 2D magnetic states have been discovered in layered van der Waals compounds. Their robust and tunable magnetic state by material composition, combined with reduced dimensionality, foresee a strong potential as a key element in magnetic devices. Here, a class of 2D magnets based on metallic chlorides is presented. The magnetic order survives on top of a metallic substrate, even down to the monolayer limit, and can be switched from perpendicular to in-plane by substituting the metal ion from iron to nickel. Using functionalized STM tips as magnetic sensors, local exchange fields are identified, even in the absence of an external magnetic field. Since the compounds are processable by molecular beam epitaxy techniques, they provide a platform with large potential for incorporation into current device technologies.

Low-dimensional metal halide scintillators (LDMHS) have attracted significant attention due to their remarkable radioluminescence performance and diverse structures. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in LDMHS, covering aspects such as scintillation mechanisms, requirements, research progress, and applications. Additionally, it outlines current challenges and potential directions for the future development of these materials in various applications.

Abstract

Inorganic scintillators play a pivotal role in diverse fields like medical imaging, nondestructive detection, homeland security, and high-energy physics. However, traditional inorganic scintillators encounter challenges such as high fabrication costs and low light yield. Recently, low-dimensional metal halide scintillators (LDMHS) have witnessed rapid progress, owing to their distinctive crystal structure and superior radioluminescence performance. Herein, an overview of recent advancements and proposed instructive pathways for achieving high-performance LDMHS is provided. First, the scintillation physical mechanism and emphasis on the essential requirements of scintillators for diverse applications are elucidated. Furthermore, LDMHS by the B-site, introducing recent advancements and providing insights into their characteristics is categorized. This encompasses the understanding of structure-property relationships and the routes and rules for optimizing scintillation performance. Finally, the persisting challenges in this burgeoning field and proposed potential research directions for future exploration are discussed.

The spin Hall effect in trilayer graphene proximitized with tin sulfide (SnS), a group-IV monochalcogenide, is observed with non-local spin precession experiments up to room temperature. The output of the spin-charge interconversion as well as the spin Hall angle is gate tunable and exhibits a maximum when the Fermi level is around the charge neutrality point of the graphene.

Abstract

Spintronic devices require materials that facilitate effective spin transport, generation, and detection. In this regard, graphene emerges as an ideal candidate for long-distance spin transport owing to its minimal spin-orbit coupling, which, however, limits its capacity for effective spin manipulation. This problem can be overcome by putting spin-orbit coupling materials in close contact with graphene leading to spin-orbit proximity and, consequently, efficient spin-to-charge conversion through mechanisms such as the spin Hall effect. Here, the gate-dependent spin Hall effect in trilayer graphene proximitized with tin sulfide (SnS) is reported and quantified, a group-IV monochalcogenide that has recently been predicted to be a viable alternative to transition-metal dichalcogenides for inducing strong spin-orbit coupling in graphene. The spin Hall angle exhibits a maximum around the charge neutrality point of graphene up to room temperature. The findings expand the library of materials that induce spin-orbit coupling in graphene to a new class, group-IV monochalcogenides, thereby highlighting the potential of 2D materials to pave the way for the development of innovative spin-based devices and future technological applications.

Spectral Engineering

A microring resonator with specially designed geometric modulation profiles along the ring circumference is used to arbitrarily engineer the spectral properties of optical resonances in the anisotropic lithium niobate platform. Using this novel design, a frequency-domain “mirror” is constructed to precisely control the optical energy flow in the synthetic frequency dimension. More details can be found in article number 2308840 by Ke Zhang, Cheng Wang, and co-workers.

A new design strategy that is structured around all-solid-state electrochromic device is developed to circumvent the critical problem in conventional all-solid-state electrochromic device, which offers personalized devices that exhibit vivid structural colors and dual anti-counterfeiting, accompanied by fast switching responses and excellent cycling performance.

Abstract

The fusion of electrochromic technology with optical resonant cavities presents an intriguing innovation in the electrochromic field. However, this fusion is mainly achieved in liquid electrolyte-based or sol–gel electrolyte-based electrochromic devices, but not in all-solid-state electrochromic devices, which have broader industrial applications. Here, a new all-solid-state electrochromic device is demonstrated with a metal–dielectric–metal (MDM) resonant cavity, which can achieve strong thin-film interference effects through resonance, enabling the device to achieve unique structural colors that have rarely appeared in reported all-solid-state electrochromic devices, such as yellow green, purple, and light red. The color gamut of the device can be further expanded due to the adjustable optical constants of the electrochromic layer. What is more, this device exhibits remarkable cycling stability (maintaining 84% modulation capability after 7200 cycles), rapid switching time (coloration in 2.6 s and bleaching in 2.8 s), and excellent optical memory effect (only increasing by 13.8% after almost 36 000 s). In addition, this exquisite structural design has dual-responsive anti-counterfeiting effects based on voltage and angle, further demonstrating the powerful color modulation capability of this device.