Class Of Materials Research Articles

Optical detection of bond-dependent and frustrated spin in the two-dimensional cobalt-based honeycomb antiferromagnet Cu3Co2SbO6

Two-dimensional honeycomb antiferromagnets are promising materials class for realizing Kitaev quantum spin liquids. The signature of these materials includes anisotropic bond-dependent magnetic responses and persistent fluctuations in paramagnetic regime. Here, we propose Cu3Co2SbO6 heterostructures as an intriguing candidate, wherein bond-dependent and frustrated spins interact with optical excitons. First-principles spin Hamiltonian calculations and in-plane anisotropic critical fields suggest strong frustration and dominant Kitaev exchange interactions. Optical spectroscopy reveals exciton coupled to frustrated magnetism, enabling optical detection of spin states. Spin-exciton coupling displays anisotropic responses to light polarization along the bond-parallel and the bond-perpendicular directions, highlighting Kitaev interactions and persistent short-range spin correlations above twice the Néel temperatures. The robustness of short-range spin fluctuations under magnetic fields underscores the stability of the spin-fluctuation region. Our results establish Cu3Co2SbO6 as an attractive candidate for exploring quantum spin liquid, where the spin Hamiltonian and quasiparticle excitations can be probed and potentially controlled by light.

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials Alter the Behavior and Gene Expression Patterns of Bacteria.

One of the most dangerous characteristics of bacteria is their propensity to form biofilms and their resistance to the drugs used in clinical practice today. The total number of genes that can be categorized as virulence genes ranges from a few hundred to more than a thousand. The bacteria employ a variety of mechanisms to regulate the expression of these genes in a coordinated manner during infection. The search for new agents with anti-virulence capacity is therefore crucial. Nanotechnology provides safe platforms for targeted therapies to combat a broad spectrum of microbial infections. As a new class of innovative materials, carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs), which include carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and fullerenes can have strong antibacterial activity. Exposure to CBNs has been shown to affect bacterial gene expression patterns. This study investigated the effect of CBNs on the repression of specific genes related to bacterial virulence/pathogenicity.

Nonaqueous G-Quadruplex Ionogels.

Supramolecular ionogels, as an emerging class of materials, utilize the intriguing properties of ionic liquids (ILs) and offer a promising method for constructing functional materials in anhydrous solvents. G-Quadruplex, assembled from guanine-rich nucleic acid building blocks, is an important structure closely associated with life and leads to the gelation for constructing versatile materials, such as the electrolytes of supercapacitors. Herein, we design and fabricate G-quadruplex ionogels using an unreported cation. Among the metal acetylacetonates under investigation, iron(III) acetylacetonate is distinctive in its capacity to stabilize G-quadruplexes through a reaction with the solvent ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), resulting in the formation of Fe(acac)2+. The ionogel displays high ionic conductivity (6.43 mS·cm-1), a wide electrochemical stability window (2.86 V), and self-healing properties. The supercapacitor based on the G-quadruplex ionogel electrolyte delivers a gravimetric capacitance of 91.8 F·g-1, a high energy density of 32.6 W h/kg, and a power density of 319.8 W/kg at a current density of 0.2A·g-1. Therefore, the present findings have important implications for deepening the understanding of G-quadruplex structures and metal acetylacetonate complexes and provide an approach to fabricating ionogel electrolytes for high-performance supercapacitors.

Extrinsic Pseudocapacitive CoOOH Achieved by the Suppression of Its Phase Transition Triggered by S2- Doping.

The behavior transformation of battery-type materials to extrinsic pseudocapacitive behavior is accomplished by suppressing their phase transition. The resulting extrinsic pseudocapacitive materials are a valuable supplement to intrinsic pseudocapacitive materials, enriching the connotation of pseudocapacitive materials. Nevertheless, the research on this category of materials remains inactive as of now, probably due to the as yet unclear phase transition suppression mechanism and the associated electrochemical mechanism. In this work, the battery-type Co(OH)2 is selected as a research object to create an extrinsic pseudocapacitive material by S2- doping. It is revealed that the K+ intercalation/deintercalation is the essential reason for the phase transition of CoOOH that is irreversibly converted from Co(OH)2, leading to its battery-type behavior. Whereas, the fully protonated CoOOH produced due to the high reaction activity of S2- doped Co(OH)2 only allows the intercalation/deintercalation of H+. During the process of intercalation/deintercalation of H+, CoOOH retains the P3 structure, thereby giving rise to extrinsic pseudocapacitive behavior. The electrochemical measurement results indicate that this extrinsic pseudocapacitive material and the assembled device have electrochemical performance equivalent to that of intrinsic pseudocapacitive materials.

Seaweed-Based Bioplastics: Data Mining Ingredient–Property Relations from the Scientific Literature

Automated analysis of the scientific literature using natural language processing (NLP) can accelerate the identification of potentially unexplored formulations that enable innovations in materials engineering with fewer experimentation and testing cycles. This strategy has been successful for specific classes of inorganic materials, but their general application in broader material domains such as bioplastics remains challenging. To begin addressing this gap, we explore correlations between the ingredients and physicochemical properties of seaweed-based biofilms from a corpus of 2000 article abstracts from the scientific literature since 1958, using a supervised word co-occurrence analysis and an unsupervised approach based on the language model MatBERT without fine-tuning. Using known relations between ingredients and properties for test scenarios, we discuss the potential and limitations of these NLP approaches for identifying novel combinations of polysaccharides, plasticizers, and additives that are related to the functionality of seaweed biofilms. The model demonstrates a valuable predictive ability to identify ingredients associated with increased water vapor permeability, suggesting its potential utility in optimizing formulations for future research. Using the model further revealed alternative combinations that are underrepresented in the literature. This automated method facilitates the mapping of relationships between ingredients and properties, guiding the development of seaweed bioplastic formulations. The unstructured and heterogeneous nature of the literature on bioplastics represents a particular challenge that demands ad hoc fine-tuning strategies for state-of-the-art language models for advancing the field of seaweed bioplastics.

Acute and chronic toxicity of cationic polyquaterniums of varying charge density and molecular weight to Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia.

Cationic polymers have the unique ability to neutralize negative charge with practical applications in personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, contact lens solutions, and as flocculants in wastewater treatment processes. Cationic polymers are a diverse class of materials varying in structural composition, cationic charge density (CD), and molecular weight (MW). In this study, we investigated three classes of polyquaternium cationic polymers (PQ-6, PQ-10, PQ-16) of varying CD and MW to characterize their toxicity to aquatic invertebrates. Although safety studies and environmental risk assessments have been conducted to support the use of polyquaterniums, further research was needed to adapt standard toxicity assays to account for the unique properties of cationic polymers. Standard acute OECD 202 assays were conducted with Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia to explore relative species sensitivity. PQ-6 exhibited toxicity ranging from 0.09 to 2.50 mg/L, PQ-10 ranged from 21.29 to >1000 mg/L, and PQ-16 ranged from 0.05 to 14.91 mg/L. Toxicity was positively correlated with CD and not correlated with MW or polymeric backbone. C. dubia were more sensitive to PQ exposure than D. magna, and this trend was consistent across all exposures. Organic carbon (humic acid and algae) was found to mitigate PQ toxicity in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting the importance of robust exposure characterization when assessing environmental risk. Chronic reproductive toxicity assays were conducted on high and low MW PQ-6 materials with observed significant decreases in days to first clutch, average offspring per clutch, and body length. Robust acute to chronic (ACR) values were derived.

FBG Tactile Sensing System Based on SVP-Transformer for Material Classification

FBG Tactile Sensing System Based on SVP-Transformer for Material Classification

Predicting the composition of solid waste at the county scale.

The primary goals of this paper are to facilitate data-driven decision making in solid waste management (SWM) and to support the transition towards a circular economy, by providing estimates of the composition and quantity of waste. To that end, it introduces a novel two-phase strategy for predicting municipal solid waste (MSW). The first phase predicts the waste composition, the second phase predicts the total quantity, and the two predictions are combined to give a comprehensive waste estimate. This novel approach overcomes limitations of existing methods that rely on material-specific quantity data, facilitating the prediction of dozens of waste material streams; existing methods typically classify MSW into no more than 10 categories, and often reduce it to a single aggregate total. To implement this strategy, the proposed study utilizes publicly available data encompassing demographic, economic, and spatial predictors, in conjunction with waste sampling reports. In addition, it develops a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression model to estimate the MSW composition across 43 comprehensive material categories. The LASSO model is designed to predict MSW composition distinctly from quantity. The model's capability is demonstrated through case studies, showcasing its potential to provide detailed waste estimates at the U.S. county level.

A High-Capacity Manganese-Metal Battery with Dual-Storage Mechanism.

As a promising post lithium-ion-battery candidate, manganese metal battery (MMB) is receiving growing research interests because of its high volumetric capacity, low cost, high safety and high energy-to-price ratio. However, the low energy density, mainly constrained by scarce choices and unsatisfying capacity of cathodes, strictly bottlenecks the development of MMBs. In this work, a new class of cathodes based on novel dual-storage mechanism (DSM) are reported. Working principles of DSM are revealed and deeply understood via ex-situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Besides, a proof-of-concept DSM-based Cu1.8S cathode, which shows the highest specific capacity of 220 mAh g-1 and 97.1% higher energy density than previously reported cathodes in storing Mn2+ ions, is presented. The key determinants on DSM and design strategies for next-generation cathodes are revealed via theoretical calculations. This work provides a new class of high-capacity cathode materials for MMBs, which is expected to draw inspirations to further enhance the energy density of MMBs.

Development of machine learning models for material classification and prediction of mechanical properties of FDM 3D printing outputs

Development of machine learning models for material classification and prediction of mechanical properties of FDM 3D printing outputs

Electronic structure and topology in gulf-edged zigzag graphene nanoribbons

With advanced synthetic techniques, a wide variety of well-defined graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) can be produced with atomic precision. Hence, finding the relation between their structures and properties becomes important for the rational design of GNRs. In this work, we explore the complete chemical space of gulf-edged zigzag graphene nanoribbons (ZGNR-Gs), a subclass of zigzag GNRs in which the zigzag edges miss carbon atoms in a regular sequence. We demonstrate that the electronic properties of ZGNR-Gs depend on four structural parameters: ribbon width, gulf edge size, unit length, and gulf offset. Using tight-binding calculations and the Hubbard model, we find that all ZGNR-Gs are semiconductors with varying band gaps; there are no metals in this class of materials. Notably, when spin polarization is considered, most ZGNR-Gs exhibit antiferromagnetic behavior, with the spin moments and spin-induced band gap opening being stabilized by longer zigzag segments at the edges. Furthermore, we provide simple empirical rules that describe the Z2 topological invariant based on the aforementioned structural parameters. By analyzing the full chemical space of ZGNR-Gs, we offer insights into the design of GNRs with desired electronic, magnetic, and topological properties for nanoelectronic applications. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Beyond Surfactants: Janus Particles for Functional Interfaces and Coatings.

Janus particles (JPs), initially introduced as soft matter, have evolved into a distinctive class of materials that set them apart from traditional surfactants, dispersants, and block copolymers. This mini-review examines the similarities and differences between JPs and their molecular counterparts to elucidate the unique properties of JPs. Key studies on the assembly behavior of JPs in bulk phases and at interfaces are reviewed, highlighting their unique ability to form diverse, complex structures. The superior interfacial stability and tunable amphiphilicity of JPs make them highly effective emulsifiers and dispersants, particularly in emulsion polymerization systems. Beyond these applications, JPs demonstrate immense potential as coating materials, facilitating the development of eco-friendly, anti-icing, and antifouling coatings. A comparative discussion with zwitterionic polymers also highlights the distinctive advantages of each system. This review emphasizes that while JPs mimic some of the behaviors of small molecular surfactants, they also open doors to entirely new applications, making them indispensable as next-generation functional materials.

Materials laboratories of the future for alloys, amorphous, and composite materials

Abstract In alignment with the Materials Genome Initiative and as the product of a workshop sponsored by the US National Science Foundation, we define a vision for materials laboratories of the future in alloys, amorphous materials, and composite materials; chart a roadmap for realizing this vision; identify technical bottlenecks and barriers to access; and propose pathways to equitable and democratic access to integrated toolsets in a manner that addresses urgent societal needs, accelerates technological innovation, and enhances manufacturing competitiveness. Spanning three important materials classes, this article summarizes the areas of alignment and unifying themes, distinctive needs of different materials research communities, key science drivers that cannot be accomplished within the capabilities of current materials laboratories, and open questions that need further community input. Here, we provide a broader context for the workshop, synopsize the salient findings, outline a shared vision for democratizing access and accelerating materials discovery, highlight some case studies across the three different materials classes, and identify significant issues that need further discussion. Graphical abstract

Transition Metal‐Based High‐Entropy Materials for Catalysis

ABSTRACTHigh‐entropy materials (HEMs) have emerged as a pioneering paradigm in recent years, drawing substantial interest due to their unique combination of diverse elemental constituents and homogeneous solid‐solution structure. This novel material class not only opens up extensive potential for materials discovery through a broad spectrum of elemental combinations but also facilitates fine‐tuning of properties thanks to its distinctive microstructural characteristics. HEMs have garnered considerable attention across various applications, particularly in catalysis. The virtually infinite variations in elemental and compositional combinations within these multi‐elemental systems enable meticulous optimization of the catalytic performance. Additionally, the high‐entropy solid‐solution structure potentially enhances structural, thermal, and chemical stability, which is vital for ensuring functionality under harsh conditions. Herein, we thoroughly explore the exceptional attributes of HEMs, designing strategies for transition metal‐based catalysis, and three major catalytic fields of HEMs: electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and thermocatalysis. This discussion aspires to provide valuable perspectives into the advancements and innovations in catalyst design and development.

Magnetoresistance in 2D Magnetic Materials: From Fundamentals to Applications

AbstractMagnetoresistance effects, such as tunnel magnetoresistance and giant magnetoresistance, play pivotal roles in spintronics, where the coupling between spin and current affects the electrical resistance. These effects are fundamental for various applications, including high‐density information storage, signal transmission, and processing. With the growing demand for magnetoresistance‐based modern devices in the post‐Moore era, researchers are now focusing on developing such devices using 2D magnetic materials. These materials offer several advantages, including a unique layered structure, high integration density, tunable room‐temperature ferromagnetism, and intriguing magnetoresistive properties. This review starts with a brief introduction to 2D magnetic materials and their typical synthesis routes, followed by a preview of some classifications of magnetic materials. In particular, different magnetoresistance effects in 2D magnetic materials and their unique applications in spintronics are critically discussed. Finally, current challenges and prospects of this emerging field are suggested. This work highlights the importance of the pivotal magnetoresistance effect in advancing modern technology, offering vital applications in many fields ranging from magnetic memory to neuromorphic computing.

Incorporation of Cages into Gels: Access to a New Class of Soft Materials with Well-Defined Functionality.

The combination of supramolecular self-assemblies and polymer science has resulted in the development of soft materials with diverse properties and applications. In particular, the coordination cages of predefined shape, size, and internal cavity can be utilized intelligently as promising building units for designing responsive and smart soft materials with dual porosity, contributing to the introduction of versatile host-guest chemistry into gels. In this review, we present the recent advancements in gels incorporating coordination cages into their networks, ranging from synthesis strategies to state-of-art applications. In particular, the host-guest chemistry endows the hybrid gel materials with possibilities for guest-specific responsive systems.

Reaction Kinetic Modeling of the Synthesis of Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity

AbstractPolymers of intrinsic microporosity porosity (PIMs) represent a versatile class of materials first discovered over 20 years ago. Despite extensive studies resulting in the optimization of their synthesis, the underlying reaction kinetics have never been the focus of research. This study presents a detailed examination of the reaction kinetics involved in the low‐temperature PIM‐1 synthesis, combining online reaction calorimetry with offline characterization techniques. A reaction kinetic model that describes both the initial deprotonation and the subsequent polycondensation of PIM‐1 is developed. Parameter estimation based on experimental data, followed by comprehensive sensitivity analysis, provides valuable insights into the synthesis process. This model can be applied to further optimize the synthesis process, enhancing both product properties and space‐time yield.

Charge-Ordering and Magnetic Transitions in Nanocrystalline Half-Doped Rare Earth Manganite Ho0.5Ca0.5MnO3

This work investigates nanostructured Ho0.5Ca0.5MnO3, considered a model system of the Ln0.5Ca0.5MnO3 series of manganites with perovskite structures featuring small lanthanide (Ln) ions half-substituted by Ca ions. Here, we propose a modified hybrid sol–gel–solid-state approach to produce multiple samples with a single batch, obtaining very high crystalline quality and ensuring the same chemical composition, with an average particle size in the range 39–135 nm modulated on-demand by a controlled calcination process. Our findings evidence that, provided the crystalline structure is preserved, the charge-ordering transition can be observed even at the nanoscale. Additionally, this research explores the presence of glassy phenomena, which are commonly seen in this class of materials, to enhance our understanding beyond simplistic qualitative observations. Comprehensive characterization using DC and AC magnetometry, along with relaxation and aging measurements, reveals that the complex dynamics typical of glassy phenomena emerge only at the nanoscale and are not visible in the bulk counterpart. Nevertheless, the analysis confirms that even the sample with the smallest nanoparticles cannot be intrinsically classified as canonical spin glass.

Multi‐Resonance 1,4‐BN‐Heteroarene for Filterless Narrowband Photodetector

As an emerging class of optoelectronic materials, multi‐resonance (MR) 1,4‐BN‐heteroarenes have been extensively employed as narrowband electroluminescence materials, whereas their absorption feature has largely been neglected. Here we construct the first MR‐molecule‐based phototransistor for filterless narrowband photodetectors (NBPDs) by anchoring narrowband absorption MR molecules on the high‐mobility semiconductor indium‐zinc‐oxide (IZO) film. The resulting device exhibits high‐performance photodetection with a small full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 33 nm, which represents a new record for NBPDs based on intrinsic narrowband absorbing materials. These results demonstrate the great potential of MR materials as a new molecular platform for developing high‐performance NBPDs.

Recent Advances in Direct Synthesis of Functional Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity Based on (Super)Acid Catalysis.

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are an emerging class of amorphous organic porous materials with solution processability, which are widely used in a multitude of fields such as gas separation, ion conduction, nanofiltration, etc. PIMs have adjustable pore structure and functional pore wall, so it can achieve selective sieving for specific substances. In order to meet the functional requirements of PIMs, two principal methods are used to synthesize functional PIMs, namely, post-modification of PIMs precursors and functionalization of monomers. A number of post-modification routes have been reported, however, the direct synthesis of functional PIMs with diverse groups still remains a challenge. The synthesis of PIMs through the acid-catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation has been demonstrated to be an effective solution, exhibiting the advantages of wider substrates range, milder reaction conditions, and higher molecular weight. Recently, a series of functional substrates for direct synthesis of PIMs have been proposed. This article presents a review and summary of recent advances in synthesizing PIMs via acid-catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation, and the synthesis route and structure-activity relationship are emphasized, which provides a versatile platform for the direct synthesis of functional PIMs.