Copper Sulfide Research Articles

(Invited) Cleaning Coastal Environments through Electrocatalysis and Electromicrobiology

Coastal environments play an increasingly important role in the world's food supply. However, excessive inputs of carbon and nitrogen compounds to the seafloor are severely damaging the benthic ecosystem, causing eutrophication, algal blooms and red tides. Therefore, the development of new technologies to maintain the health of the benthic ecosystem is essential for sustainable use of marine resources. In this study, we investigated the redox homeostasis of benthic ecosystems using a marine oligochaete as a model benthic organism to assess the ecological resilience of aquafarms to nutrient influx. Real-time monitoring of the redox potential of a model benthic ecosystem allowed assessment of the homeostatic response of the system to nutrient addition. We also found that the movement and metabolic activity of benthic animals can be controlled by artificially manipulating the redox potential of the sediments. Further, we have developed electrocatalysts for nitrification, denitrification, and anaerobic ammonium oxidation to alleviate the nitrogen nutrient imbalance in marine environments. Given the importance of benthic animals in maintaining coastal ecosystems, electrochemical monitoring, and physiological regulation of marine oligochaetes, together with the electrocatalytic control of nitrogen cycling, could provide an intriguing approach towards sustainable use of marine resources.Reference Shono, M. Ito, A. Umezawa, K. Sakata, A. Li, J. Kikuchi, K. Ito, R. Nakamura, Tracing and regulating redox homeostasis of model benthic ecosystems for sustainable aquaculture in coastal environments, Front. Microbiol., 13:907703. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.907703 He, H. Ooka, Y. Li, Y. Kim, A. Yamaguchi, K. Adachi, D. Hashizume, N. Yoshida, S. Toyoda, S. H. Kim, R. Nakamura, Regulation of the electrocatalytic nitrogen cycle based on sequential proton–electron transfer, Nat. Catal., 2022, 5, 798-806. He, K. Adachi, D. Hashizume, R. Nakamura, Copper sulfide mineral performs nonenzymatic anaerobic ammonium oxidation through a hydrazine intermediate. Nat.Chem (in press)

GROWTH OF SINGLE CRYSTALS, PHOTOELECTRIC PROPERTIES AND THE ABSORPTION EDGE OF A NEW LAYERED CuGa2.5In2.5S8 COMPOUND

In this article, the conditions for obtaining monocrystals of CuGa2.5In2.5S8, were investigated, their optical absorption edge, electrical and photoelectric properties. Using the criteria for the formation of new layered chalcogenides with octahedral and tetrahedral coordination of cations, it was hypothesized that due to the replacement of half of the In atoms in the CuIn5S8 spinel with Ga, which has a pronounced tendency to occupy the tetrahedral B sites in a denser packing of S atoms, a layered phase is formed. Melting of a stoichiometric mixture of Cu+2.5Ga+2.5In+8S led to the synthesis of a previously unknown single-phase product with a layered crystalline structure. Since copper, gallium, and indium sulfides are generally good photoconductors, it could be expected that the new compound would also exhibit high photosensitivity. The aim of this work was to investigate the conditions for obtaining of CuGa2.5In2.5S8 single crystals, their optical absorption edge, electrical and photoelectric properties.

Design towards recyclable micron-sized Na2S cathode with self-refinement mechanism

Sodium sulfide (Na2S) as an initial cathode material in room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries is conducive to get rid of the dependence on Na-metal anode. However, the micron-sized Na2S that accords with the practical requirements is obstructed due to poor kinetics and severe shuttle effect. Herein, a subtle strategy is proposed via regulating Na2S redeposition behaviours. By the synergistic effect from both conductive structure and cuprous sulfide (Cu2S) catalysis, the micron-sized Na2S particles are broken down and redeposited to nano-size during the initial cycle which can be fully utilized in subsequent cycles. Consequently, the Na2S/CPVP@Cu2S||Na cell delivers excellent cyclability (670 mAh gS−1 after 500 cycles) with a remarkable average Coulombic efficiency over 99.7% and rate capability (480 mAh gS−1 at 4 A gS−1). Besides, the Na-free anodes are used to prove the application prospects. This work provides an innovative idea for utilizing micron-sized Na2S and offers insights into its conversion pathway.

Metal sulfide functionalized activated carbon for efficient capture of gaseous iodine

Emission control of gaseous elemental iodine discharged from nuclear industries is of extreme importance for ecological environment and human health. An obvious barrier hindering the extensive application of activated carbon-based sorbents primarily derives from the absence of active ligands with satisfactory binding towards iodine. To effectively face this challenge, copper sulfide (CuS) with high binding affinity for iodine was introduced and to graft on activated carbon matrix through a simple room-temperature precipitation method under mild conditions. The as-prepared CuS/AC sorbent exhibits favorable textual properties (large specific surface area and developed pore channel) and was enriched with abundant active sites including CuS components and hydroxy functional groups (–OH). Those excellent characteristics contributed to that the iodine uptake capacity of CuS/AC reached to 486 mg g−1. CuS with rich abundance and high accessibility was found to be main ligands accounting for the conversion and immobilization of gaseous iodine. The elemental iodine was reduced into iodine ions and reacted with CuS to form the ultimate adsorbate CuI, effectively avoid the secondary emission of vapor-phase iodine. The whole iodine adsorption process was synergetic controlled by physisorption and chemisorption. The goal of this work not only extends the performance enhancement of the carbon-based sorbents for iodine removal but also inspires further exploitation for the cost-effective and high-performance sorbents for iodine abatement from nuclear industries.

Exacerbated hepatotoxicity in in vivo and in vitro non-alcoholic fatty liver models by biomineralized copper sulfide nanoparticles

Copper sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized through biomineralization have significant commercial potential as photothermal agents, while the safety evaluation of these NPs, especially for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), remains insufficient. To explore the differential hepatotoxicity of copper sulfide NPs in NAFL conditions, we synthesized large-sized (LNPs, 15.1 nm) and small-sized (SNPs, 3.5 nm) BSA@Cu2-xS NPs. A NAFL rat model fed with high fat diet (HFD) was successfully established for a 14-day subacute toxicity study by daily repeated administration of BSA@Cu2-xS NPs. Our findings from serum biochemistry and histopathological examinations revealed that copper sulfide at both sizes NPs induced more pronounced liver damage in NAFL rats than rats fed with normal diet. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that LNPs activated inflammation and DNA damage repair pathways in the livers of NAFL rats, while SNPs displayed minimal inflammation. A three-dimensional spheroid model of NAFL developed in our in-house cell spheroid culture honeycomb chips demonstrated that LNPs, but not SNPs, triggered a distinct release of inflammatory factors and increased reactive oxygen species through Kupffer cells. These results highlight that NAFL condition exacerbated the hepatotoxicity of BSA@Cu2-xS NPs, with SNPs emerging as safer photothermal agents compared to LNPs, suggesting superior potential for clinical applications.

Effect of annealing on structural and optical properties of copper sulphide thin films

ABSTRACT Using copper acetate (Cu₂(CH₃COO)₄) and thiourea (CH₄N₂S) as precursors, copper sulphide thin films were synthesized on glass substrates by the spin coating method followed by annealing in the nitrogen gas. X-Ray Diffraction patterns show that the as-deposited film is amorphous. Annealing at 350°C is observed to result in the conversion to the cubic chalcocite Cu2S phase, which is confirmed by the EDX spectrum. The analysis of the UV-vis spectra reveals a transmittance of around 65% for the as-deposited film, which increases to 85% by annealing. The optical band gap is found to decrease from 2.70 to 2.55 eV by annealing.

Multifunctional Copper Sulfide Urchin‐Like Nanostructures for Adsorption and Photocatalysis of Water Contaminants

AbstractWe reported here a one‐step chemical route to prepare nanocomposites comprising CuS nanophases supported on GO sheets with magnetic properties. The synthesis reported here combines such materials in single‐nanostructures that show morphological features well‐suited for wastewater treatment. The photocatalytic performance of CuS/GO nanocomposites was first investigated towards the removal of a common organic dye (rhodamine B) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), which is an antibiotic considered a water contaminant of emerging concern. The RhB and SMX adsorption efficiency of CuS/GO and Fe3O4/GO/CuS hybrids, as well as of CuS particles, was significantly higher than GO or Fe3O4/GO. Overall, the CuS‐based magnetic and CuS/GO hybrids have shown the capacity to uptake more than 80 % of RhB or SMX, after 120 minutes. Under blue‐led irradiation, almost complete degradation of RhB was achieved in the presence of CuS/Fe3O4/GO, after 180 minutes; and higher than 85 % degradation of SMX, after 240 minutes of irradiation. The photocatalytic behaviour of nanocomposites was best described by the first–order kinetic model, for which k values for degradation of RhB and SMX followed the order: CuS/Fe3O4/GO>CuS/GO>CuS. The tricomponent CuS/Fe3O4/GO can be easily recovered after use and be reused maintain their high photocatalytic performance, thus providing a sustainable and cost‐effective hybrid solution for water treatment.

Preparation of Copper Sulfide Films (CuS / Cu2S) on Silicon by the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction Technique : Applications in Photo-conductivity

Preparation of Copper Sulfide Films (CuS / Cu2S) on Silicon by the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction Technique : Applications in Photo-conductivity

Effect of Bi(III) on flotation of copper sulfide from leaching residue of copper smelting dust

Flotation is a potential method for extracting residual copper sulfide (CuS) from the acid-leaching residue of copper smelting dust; however, the inhibitory impact of Bi(III) in the flotation pulp significantly hampers its practical application. In this study, we systematically investigated the inhibition mechanism of Bi(III) on CuS flotation and propose a method to prevent inhibition. Microflotation test results show that a pulp environment with pH 3 and a Bi(III) concentration greater than 1 × 10–2 mol/L significantly depresses the floatability of CuS. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy results confirmed that Bi(III) hydrolyzes on the surface of CuS to form a precipitate cover layer, which adsorbs onto the surface of CuS. This precipitate was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and thermodynamic calculations to be BiOCl. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed that BiOCl reduces the recovery of CuS by hindering the adsorption of xanthate. Finally, the pre-treatment of the leaching residue with H2SO4 + NaCl solution can dissolve BiOCl precipitates on the surface of CuS, eliminate the influence of Bi(III), and result in efficient flotation recovery of CuS from leaching residue.

Development of a hybrid CuS-ICG polymeric photosensitive vector and its application in antibacterial photodynamic therapy

At the present time, owing to the extremely high growth of microbial resistance to antibiotics and, consequently, the increased healthcare associated costs and the loss of efficacy of current treatments, the development of new therapies against bacteria is of paramount importance. For this reason, in this work, a hybrid synergetic nanovector has been developed, based on the encapsulation of a NIR (near infrared) photosensitive molecule (indocyanine green, ICG) in biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). In addition, copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs), optically sensitive to NIR, were anchored on the polymeric nanoparticle shell in order to boost the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon NIR irradiation. As a result, the nanohybrid synthesized material is capable to generate ROS on demand when exposed to a NIR laser (808 nm) allowing for the repeated triggering of ROS production upon NIR light exposure. After each irradiation, the ROS generated were able to eliminate pathogenic bacteria, as it was demonstrated in-vitro with three bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 used as a reference strain (S. aureus), S. aureus USA300 (methicillin-resistantstrain, MRSA) and GFP-expressing antibiotic-sensitive S. aureus (methicillin-sensitive strain, MSSA). Finally, the effect of the hybrid NPs in the skin bed was tested on a plasma-derived in vitro skin model. Fluorescence and histological images showed the presence of CuS NPs all over the dermal layer lacking epidermis of the skin construct. Thus, the in vitro model facilitated the prediction of the nanovector’s behavior in a human skin equivalent, showcasing its potential application against topical infections after wounding.

Transport Properties of Doped Wide Band Gap Layered Oxychalcogenide Semiconductors Sr2GaO3CuCh, Sr2ScO3CuCh, and Sr2InO3CuCh (Ch = S or Se).

The structural, electrical, and optical properties of a series of six layered oxychalcogenides with the general formula Sr2 MO3CuCh, where M = Ga, Sc, or In and Ch = S or Se, have been investigated. From this set, we report the structure and properties of Sr2GaO3CuSe for the first time, as well as the full structural details of Sr2ScO3CuSe, which have not previously been available. A systematic study of the suitability of all of the Sr2 MO3CuCh phases as p-type conductors has been carried out, after doping with both sodium and potassium to a nominal composition of A 0.05Sr1.95 MO3CuCh, (A = Na or K), to increase the hole carrier concentration. Density functional theory calculations were used to determine the electronic band structure and predict the transport properties, while optical properties were determined using UV-vis spectroscopy, and structures were confirmed using Rietveld refinement against powder X-ray diffraction data. Room-temperature conductivity measurements were carried out on both pristine samples and doped samples, 18 compositions in total, using four-point probe measurements. We found that the most conductive sample was K0.05Sr1.95GaO3CuSe, with a measured conductivity of 0.46 S cm-1, collected from a sintered pellet. We have also been able to identify a relationship between the conductivity and the geometry of the copper chalcogenide layer within the Sr2 MO3CuCh series of compounds. As this geometry can be controlled through the material composition, the identification of this structure-property relationship highlights a route to the selection and identification of materials with even higher conductivities.

Exploring the phase composition and crystal structure of potassium-doped copper sulfide

This study investigates the phase composition, crystal structure, and phase transitions of potassium-substituted copper sulfide (KxCu1.97-xS), focusing on the effects of potassium doping on the material’s properties. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, we identified the structural characteristics of potassium-doped variants, confirming their retention of the monoclinic chalcocite structure (P21/c) with slight modifications in lattice parameters. The incorporation of potassium ions resulted in observable changes in the unit cell dimensions, suggesting enhanced ionic interactions and potential impacts on electronic conductivity. The thermoelectric coefficient, electro-conductivity, and thermoelectric power were also examined, revealing that potassium doping could stabilize certain phases under varying temperature conditions. This work provides valuable insights into the structure-property relationships in copper sulfides, highlighting the potential for tailored materials in thermoelectric applications and other advanced technologies. Future studies will explore the implications of these findings for optimizing the performance of potassium-doped copper sulfides in practical applications.

Spectroelectrochemistry study on the surface modification of chalcopyrite by Cu2+ and its depressive response to flotation collector adsorption by negative potential

In the flotation beneficiation of copper and molybdenum co-occurrence ores, the efficient depression of chalcopyrite is crucial for successful copper-molybdenum separation. However, the consumption of conventional depressant NaHS is huge. There is greater susceptibility of chalcocite and other secondary copper sulfide minerals to electrochemical reaction in comparison to chalcopyrite. Given the irreversible desorption behavior of collector molecules on chalcocite upon negative potential application, electrochemically regulated flotation can be effectively utilized to diminish the utilization of conventional depressants. In this work, electrochemistry and shell-separated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) were used to explore the transformation of chalcopyrite surface to chalcocite-like species under the combined action of Cu2+ and negative potential. The results show that the similarity of cyclic voltammetry (CV) between the modified chalcopyrite and chalcocite, increases with the pretreatment potential becoming increasingly negative. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) also reflects their similar adsorption and desorption behavior in response to ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate (ADD), a typical flotation collector molecule. In addition, the spectroelectrochemical directly reflects the irreversible desorption of ADD molecules from the modified chalcopyrite surface at − 0.7 V. The research results lay a theoretical foundation for the efficient Cu-Mo separative flotation by depressing chalcopyrite under the combination of Cu2+ and negative potential.

Further Results on the Effects of the Grinding Environment on the Flotation of Copper Sulphides

Grinding conditions affect the flotation of copper sulphide minerals as changes in the properties of the grinding media and their interactions with the sulphide minerals, and between sulphide minerals themselves, affect the chemical environment in the flotation pulp. Galvanic interactions between steel grinding media and sulphide minerals, and between sulphide minerals, can lower the pulp potential, decrease the dissolved oxygen concentration in the mineral slurry, and lead to the dissolution of iron and copper from the media and the minerals. As a result, the formation of hydrophilic iron hydroxides and their adsorption on the copper sulphide minerals can be deleterious to copper flotation while pyrite (when present) can be activated to flotation by dissolved copper lowering the grade of the copper concentrate. Electrochemically less active grinding media (e.g., chrome alloy balls rather than mild steel media) can have beneficial effects on flotation performance due to the lower oxidation of the grinding media and consequently the lower production of oxidised iron species in the pulp. Copper activation of pyrite can be decreased by chemical additions to the pulp. In this paper, relevant experimental data published in the last 15 years are discussed.

Facile Synthesis of Polypyrrole-Decorated RGO-CuS Nanocomposite for Efficient Nickel Removal from Wastewater.

Efficient wastewater treatment, particularly the removal of heavy metal ions, remains a challenging priority in environmental remediation. This study introduces a novel sandwich-structured nanocomposite, RGO-CuS-PPy, composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), copper sulfide (CuS), and polypyrrole (PPy), synthesized via a straightforward hydrothermal method. The unique combination of RGO, CuS, and PPy offers enhanced adsorption capacity for Ni(II) ions due to RGO's high surface area and CuS's active binding sites, supported by PPy's structural stability contributions. This study is among the first to explore this specific nanocomposite architecture for Ni(II) removal, achieving an adsorption capacity of 166.67 mg/g and a high removal efficiency of 94.9% within 210 min for 55 mg/L of Ni(II) concentration at pH 6 and adsorbent dose of 3 mg/15 mL. The kinetic analysis shows the best fitted time-dependent experimental data with the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption. Isotherm studies confirmed the Langmuir model as the best fit, yielding a high monolayer adsorption capacity of 166.67 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis shows the adsorption process was endothermic (ΔH° = 80.23 kJ/mol) and spontaneous (ΔG° ranging from -6.985 to -14.399 kJ/mol). Additionally, reusability tests using 0.1 M HCl for desorption demonstrated good reusability, emphasizing the RGO-CuS-PPy nanocomposite's potential as a sustainable adsorbent for Ni(II) removal in wastewater treatment applications.

Zinc Oxide-Enhanced Copper Sulfide Nanozymes Promote the Healing of Infected Wounds by Activating Immune and Inflammatory Responses.

Bacterial infection and an excessive inflammatory response are two major factors that affect the healing of infected wounds. The zinc oxide/copper sulfide (ZnO-CuS) microspheres (MSs) developed in this work can kill bacteria and resist inflammation. ZnO-CuS exhibits different enzyme-like activities depending on pH. In acidic environments, ZnO-CuS exhibits peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity and can convert hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for sterilization. Under neutral conditions, ZnO-CuS removes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can convert excess ROS into water and oxygen. The in vitro results of the antibacterial test demonstrate the pronounced disruption effect of ZnO-CuS on the bacterial biofilm and cell membrane. The transcriptome sequencing results of wounded animal tissue reveal that ZnO-CuS MSs increase the expression of proteins produced by immune cells, and reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors at the wound site. Therefore, antimicrobial activity and rapid wound healing can be achieved by regulating the immune response and reducing the inflammatory response. The results from hemolysis, routine blood and blood biochemistry analyses demonstrate the excellent biosecurity of the ZnO-CuS MSs.

The role of copper ions in improving the flotation of chalcopyrite at low temperatures

It is of great significance to improve the flotation of copper sulfide minerals at low temperatures. In this study, the reduction mechanism of chalcopyrite flotation performance and the role of copper ions in improving the flotation of chalcopyrite at low temperatures were systematically investigated. The results of the flotation tests prove that the chalcopyrite flotation recovery is lower at low temperatures (5℃) than at room temperatures (20℃), which is directly related to the changes in the surface hydrophobicity. However, the addition of copper ions can effectively improve the chalcopyrite flotation at low temperatures. Electrochemical measurements indicate that copper ions positively affect the redox reaction and electron transport on the chalcopyrite surface at low temperatures, thereby increasing the current density and surface activity of chalcopyrite. Besides, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and adsorption measurements clearly indicate that copper ions mainly adsorbed on chalcopyrite surface in the form of CuS species by chemisorption, thereby significantly enhancing the adsorption amounts of xanthate on the chalcopyrite surface and improving the flotation of chalcopyrite at low temperatures.

Thermoelectric Properties of Cu2S Doped with P, As, Sb and Bi-Theoretical and Experimental Studies.

The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of doping copper sulfide Cu2S with selected fifth-group elements, potentially having a positive effect on the thermoelectric properties of the resulting materials. For the selected model structures, theoretical calculations and an analysis of the electronic structure and changes in the enthalpy of formation due to doping were performed using the WIEN2k package employing the Full-Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) method within density functional theory (DFT) formalism. Polycrystalline materials with the nominal composition of Cu32S15X1 (X = P, As, Sb, Bi) were synthesized in quartz ampoules, then sintered using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique and "SPS melting" method. The chemical and phase compositions of the obtained sinters were studied by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, investigations of thermoelectric properties, i.e., electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity in the temperature range 300-920 K, were performed. The results of this study indicate that only phosphorus is successfully incorporated into the Cu₂S structure.

CaCO3-encircled hollow CuS nanovehicles to suppress cervical cancer through enhanced calcium overload-triggered mitochondria damage

Cervical cancer stands is a formidable malignancy that poses a significant threat to women's health. Calcium overload, a minimally invasive tumor treatment, aims to accumulate an excessive concentration of Ca2+ within mitochondria, triggering apoptosis. Copper sulfide (CuS) represents a photothermal mediator for tumor hyperthermia. However, relying solely on thermotherapy often proves insufficient in controlling tumor growth. Curcumin (CUR), an herbal compound with anti-cancer properties, inhibits the efflux of exogenous Ca2+ while promoting its excretion from the endoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm. To harness these therapeutic modalities, we have developed a nanoplatform that incorporates hollow CuS nanoparticles (NPs) adorned with multiple CaCO3 particles and internally loaded with CUR. This nanocomposite exhibits high uptake and easy escape from lysosomes, along with the degradation of surrounding CaCO3, provoking the generation of abundant exogenous Ca2+in situ, ultimately damaging the mitochondria of diseased cells. Impressively, under laser excitation, the CuS NPs demonstrate a photothermal effect that accelerates the degradation of CaCO3, synergistically enhancing the antitumor effect through photothermal therapy. Additionally, fluorescence imaging reveals the distribution of these nanovehicles in vivo, indicating their effective accumulation at the tumor site. This nanoplatform shows promising outcomes for tumor-targeting and the effective treatment in a murine model of cervical cancer, achieved through cascade enhancement of calcium overload-based dual therapy.

Nuclear-targeted smart nanoplatforms featuring double-shell hollow mesoporous copper sulfide coated with manganese dioxide synergistically potentiate chemotherapy and immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Smart nanoplatforms designed for nuclear-targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to tumor sites are pivotal in advancing tumor treatment and immunotherapy. Herein, we introduced a novel nuclear-targeting double-shell smart nanoplatform (HMCuS/Pt/ICG@MnO2@9R-P201 (HMCPIM9P)), which synergistically enhances chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), immunotherapy and chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The core of this nanoplatform consists of double-shell multifunctional nanoparticles (HMCuS@MnO2) that enable targeted delivery of the photosensitizer Indocyanine Green (ICG) and the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (Pt). By effectively consuming glutathione (GSH), these nanoparticles boost the chemotherapeutic efficacy of Pt. Additionally, the manganese ion (Mn2+) present activate the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) (cGAS-STING) pathway, bolstering adaptive immune responses against tumors and elevating the level of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. The incorporation of the hepatoma-targeting peptide (9R-P201 peptide) allows the system to exhibit FOXM1 receptor-mediated nuclear targeting properties specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Notably, when combined with near-infrared (NIR) light, HMCPIM9P demonstrated a remarkable tumor inhibition rate of 95.6 %, fostered a robust immune response, and significantly inhibited tumor growth and recurrence. Overall, the smart nanoplatform boasts active nuclear targeting capabilities, enabling the enrichment of chemotherapeutic agents at tumor sites, and holds great potential for synergistic applications in enhancing chemotherapy and immunotherapy for HCC.