Near-infrared Photothermal Conversion Research Articles

Photodoping-based broadband photochromism of semiconductor nanocrystals under air operated by a supramolecular gel.

We herein report photodoping and thereby photochromism of semiconductor nanocrystals under air in a temperature-responsive supramolecular gel and its back reactions induced by direct heating or near-infrared photothermal conversion. We also present their application to the spatiotemporal patterning of photoluminescence.

Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheet-based drug delivery/cascaded enzyme system for combination cancer therapy and anti-inflammation

Photothermal therapy (PTT)-based combination therapy is an effective approach to cancer treatment. However, there is a possibility of tumor development due to the inflammation caused by PTT. In addition, hyperthermia can cause damage to normal tissues. This work reported a drug delivery/cascade enzyme system based on Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets. Ultra-small, degradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DS-MSN) were prepared to load phloretin (Phl), which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Subsequently, glucose oxidase (GOx) was adsorbed on the surface of DS-MSN. The nanoparticles were then modified on Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets and finally treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to obtain the multifunctional system named Ti3C2Tx-Phl@DS-MSN-GOx-PEG (TPDMGP). The high near-infrared photothermal conversion efficiency of Ti3C2Tx made it suitable for PTT. GOx and Ti3C2Tx formed a cascade enzyme system inside cancer cells: Ti3C2Tx exhibited catalase (CAT)-like activity that decomposed intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into O2, which was provided to GOx for enhanced starvation therapy. GOx in the presence of O2 produces H2O2, for the oxygen production of Ti3C2Tx. Meanwhile, DS-MSN could be degraded in the reducing environment inside cancer cells as it contains disulfide bonds in its backbone, thus releasing Phl for chemotherapy. Such a combination therapy strategy could achieve a satisfactory therapeutic outcome by low-temperature PTT while evading normal tissue damage by high temperature. The anti-inflammatory effects of both Ti3C2Tx and Phl enabled TPDMGP to eliminate the inflammation caused by PTT via the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The multifunctional system is expected to generate new paradigms for cancer PTT.

Gold–Silver Hybrid Nanostructures for Efficient Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion: Core–Shell Configuration of Multipod and Hollow Cage

Gold–Silver Hybrid Nanostructures for Efficient Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion: Core–Shell Configuration of Multipod and Hollow Cage

Acceptor-donor-acceptor type organic photothermal agents with enhanced NIR absorption and photothermal conversion effect for cancer photothermal therapy

Numerous photothermal agents (PTAs) require high-intensity and long-duration laser excitation for photothermal therapy (PTT), resulting in light damage to healthy skin and tissue as well as limiting their biomedical applications. Integrating desirable near-infrared (NIR) absorption and high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) into a single small-molecule PTA is an important prerequisite for realizing efficient PTT, but is a serious challenge. Herein, through molecular engineering strategy, an acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) type PTA (ADA3) was readily developed for 808 nm laser-driving photothermal imaging and PTT of tumor. Theoretical calculations and experiment results show molecular engineering strategy is significant in regulating the structure and energy gap of PTAs, so as to effectively induce a narrow band gap for NIR absorption and further optimize photothermal properties. ADA3 possesses molar extinction coefficient of 3.1 × 104 M−1 cm−1 at 808 nm, followed being assembled into nanoparticles, ADA3-NPs show high PCE of 80.3%. In vivo experiments indicate that ADA3-NPs have excellent antitumor capability under one-time, low-intensity and short-duration (808 nm, 330 mW/cm2, 3 min) laser irradiation. Therefore, this work definitely exemplifies the enormous potential of molecular engineering strategy and provides an effective method for developing small-molecule PTAs.

Radical-Induced Photochromic Silver(I) Metal-Organic Frameworks: Alternative Topology, Dynamic Photoluminescence and Efficient Photothermal Conversion Modulated by Anionic Guests.

Photogenerated radicals are an indispensable member of the state-of-the-art photochromic material family, as they can effectively modulate the photoluminescence and photothermal conversion performance of radical-induced photochromic complexes. Herein, two novel radical-induced photochromic metal‒organic frameworks (MOFs), [Ag(TEPE)](AC)⋅7/4H2O⋅5/4EtOH (1) and [Ag(TEPE)](NC)⋅3H2O⋅EtOH (2), are reported. Distinctly different topological networks can be obtained by judiciously introducing alternative π-conjugated anionic guests, including a new topological structure (named as sfm) first reported in this work, describing as 4,4,4,4-c net. EPR data and UV-Vis spectra prove the radical-induced photochromic mechanism. Dynamic photochromism exhibits tunability in a wide CIE color space, with a linear segment from yellow to red for 1, while a curved coordinate line for 2, resulting in colorful emission from blue to orange. Moreover, photogenerated TEPE* radicals effectively activate the near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion effect of MOFs. Under 1 W cm-2 808 nm laser irradiation, the surface temperatures of photoproducts 1* and 2* can reach ~160 ℃ and ~120 ℃, respectively, with competitive NIR photothermal conversion efficiencies η = 51.8% (1*) and 36.2% (2*). This work develops a feasible electrostatic compensation strategy to accurately introduce photoactive anionic guests into MOFs to construct multifunctional radical-induced photothermal conversion materials with tunable photoluminescence behavior.

Radical‐Induced Photochromic Silver(I) Metal‐Organic Frameworks: Alternative Topology, Dynamic Photoluminescence and Efficient Photothermal Conversion Modulated by Anionic Guests

Photogenerated radicals are an indispensable member of the state‐of‐the‐art photochromic material family, as they can effectively modulate the photoluminescence and photothermal conversion performance of radical‐induced photochromic complexes. Herein, two novel radical‐induced photochromic metal‒organic frameworks (MOFs), [Ag(TEPE)](AC)⋅7/4H2O⋅5/4EtOH (1) and [Ag(TEPE)](NC)⋅3H2O⋅EtOH (2), are reported. Distinctly different topological networks can be obtained by judiciously introducing alternative π–conjugated anionic guests, including a new topological structure (named as sfm) first reported in this work, describing as 4,4,4,4‐c net. EPR data and UV‐Vis spectra prove the radical‐induced photochromic mechanism. Dynamic photochromism exhibits tunability in a wide CIE color space, with a linear segment from yellow to red for 1, while a curved coordinate line for 2, resulting in colorful emission from blue to orange. Moreover, photogenerated TEPE* radicals effectively activate the near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion effect of MOFs. Under 1 W cm‐2 808 nm laser irradiation, the surface temperatures of photoproducts 1* and 2* can reach ~160 ℃ and ~120 ℃, respectively, with competitive NIR photothermal conversion efficiencies η = 51.8% (1*) and 36.2% (2*). This work develops a feasible electrostatic compensation strategy to accurately introduce photoactive anionic guests into MOFs to construct multifunctional radical‐induced photothermal conversion materials with tunable photoluminescence behavior.

Fluorine-doped ATO NCs with enhanced LSPR effect for smart windows with adaptive solar modulation

Smart windows with excellent near-infrared (NIR) light shielding capacity and controlled visible light transmittance are expected to reduce building energy consumption and improve indoor comfort. However, the ability of current thermochromic materials to regulate solar gain with the tunable extinction of phase-change materials is still far from optimum. In this work, an fluorine (F)-doped ATO (FATO) nanocrystals (NCs) are designed as a photothermal material to optimize the solar modulation of thermochromic hydrogels. F ion doping can modify the electronic structure of ATO, resulting in a high concentration of oxygen vacancies and free electrons, thereby enhancing the NIR absorption performance and photothermal conversion performance of the ATO NCs. On this premise, the designed smart window based on FATO NCs and thermochromic hydrogels exhibits the remarkable features of excellent NIR shielding, high initial visible transmittance and fast response speed. The window is capable of shielding 99.5% of the solar radiation from 300 to 2500 nm and permitting 75.0% of initial visible light. Moreover, the simulated indoor temperature of the smart window was 17.2 °C lower compared with the black one, demonstrating potentials in practical application of building energy saving.

Synthesis and Properties of Bright Red-to-NIR BODIPY Dyes for Targeting Fluorescence Imaging and Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion.

An efficient synthesis of 3-pyrrolylBODIPY dyes has been developed from a rational mixture of various aromatic aldehydes and pyrrole in a straightforward condensation reaction, followed by in situ successively oxidative nucleophilic substitution using a one-pot strategy. These resultant 3-pyrrolylBODIPYs without blocking substituents not only exhibit the finely tunable photophysical properties induced by the flexible meso-aryl substituents but also serve as a valuable synthetic framework for further selective functionalization. As a proof of such potential, one 3-pyrrolylBODIPY dye (581/603 nm) through the installation of the morpholine group is applicable for lysosome-targeting imaging. Furthermore, an ethene-bridged 3,3'-dipyrrolylBODIPY dimer was constructed, which displayed a near-infrared (NIR) emission extended to 1200 nm with a large fluorescence brightness (2840 M-1 cm-1). The corresponding dimer nanoparticles (NPs) afforded a high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 72.5%, eventually resulting in favorable photocytotoxicity (IC50 = 9.4 μM) and efficient in vitro eradication of HeLa cells under 808 nm laser irradiation, highlighting their potential application for photothermal therapy in the NIR window.

Photothermal Conversion Perylene-Based Metal-Organic Framework with Panchromatic Absorption Bandwidth across the Visible to Near-Infrared.

Recently, facilely designable metal-organic frameworks have gained attention in the construction of photothermal conversion materials. Nonetheless, most of the previously reported photothermal conversion metal-organic frameworks exhibit limited light absorption capabilities. In this work, a distinctive metal-organic framework with heterogeneous periodic alternate spatial arrangements of metal-oxygen clusters and perylene-based derivative molecules was prepared by in situ synthesis. The building blocks in this inimitable structure behave as both electron donors and electron acceptors, giving rise to the significant inherent charge transfer in this crystalline material, resulting in a narrow band gap with excellent panchromatic absorption, with the ground state being the charge transfer state. Moreover, it can retain excellent air-, photo-, and water-stability in the solid state. The excellent stability and broad light absorption characteristics enable the effective realization of near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion, including infrequent NIR-II photothermal conversion, in this perylene-based metal-organic framework.

A Versatile Strategy for the Generation of Air-stable Radical-functionalized Materials.

The exploration of a facile approach to create structurally versatile substances carrying air-stable radicals is highly desired, but still a huge challenge in chemistry and materials science. Herein, a non-contact method to generate air-stable radicals by exposing pyridine/imidazole ring-bearing substances to volatile cyanuric chloride vapor, harnessed as a chemical fuel is reported. This remarkable feat is accomplished through a nucleophilic substitution reaction, wherein an intrinsic electron transfer event transpires spontaneously, originating from the chloride anion (Cl- ) to the cationic nitrogen (N+ ) atom, ultimately giving rise to pyridinium/imidazolium radicals. Impressively, the generated radicals exhibit noteworthy stability in the air over one month owing to the delocalization of the unpaired electron through the extended and highly fused π-conjugated pyridinium/imidazolium-triazine unit. Such an approach is universal to diverse substances, including organic molecules, metal-organic complexes, hydrogels, polymers, and organic cage materials. Capitalizing on this versatile technique, surface radical functionalization can be readily achieved across diverse substrates. Moreover, the generated radical species showcase a myriad of high-performance applications, including mimicking natural peroxidase to accelerate oxidation reactions and achieving high-efficiency near-infrared photothermal conversion and photothermal bacterial inhibition.

Anion-Counterion Strategy toward Organic Cocrystal Engineering for Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion and Solar-Driven Water Evaporation.

An anion-counterion strategy is proposed to construct organic mono-radical charge-transfer cocrystals for near-infrared photothermal conversion and solar-driven water evaporation. Ionic compounds with halogen anions as the counterions serve as electron donors, providing the necessary electrons for efficient charge transfer with unchanged skeleton atoms and structures as well as the broad red-shifted absorption (200-2000 nm) and unprecedented photothermal conversion efficiency (~90.5 %@808 nm) for the cocrystals. Based on these cocrystals, an excellent solar-driven interfacial water evaporation rate up to 6.1±1.1 kg ⋅ m-2 ⋅ h-1 under 1 sun is recorded due to the comprehensive evaporation effect from the cocrystal loading in polyurethane foams and chimney addition, such performance is superior to the reported results on charge-transfer cocrystals or other materials for solar-driven interfacial evaporation. This prototype exhibits the great potential of cocrystals prepared by the one-step mechanochemistry method in practical large-scale seawater desalination applications.

Dye-augmented bandgap engineering of a degradable cascade nanoreactor for tumor immune microenvironment-enhanced dynamic phototherapy of breast cancer

Non-invasive precision tumor dynamic phototherapy has broad application prospects. Traditional semiconductor materials have low photocatalytic activity and low reactive oxygen species (ROS) production rate due to their wide band gap, resulting in unsatisfactory phototherapy efficacy for tumor treatment. Employing the dye-sensitization mechanism can significantly enhance the catalytic activity of the materials. We develop a multifunctional nanoplatform (BZP) by leveraging the benefits of bismuth-based semiconductor nanomaterials. BZP possesses robust ROS generation and remarkable near-infrared photothermal conversion capabilities for improving tumor immune microenvironment and achieving superior phototherapy sensitization. BZP produces highly cytotoxic ROS species via the photocatalytic process and cascade reaction, amplifying the photocatalytic therapy effect. Moreover, the simultaneous photothermal effect during the photocatalytic process facilitates the improvement of therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, BZP-mediated phototherapy can trigger the programmed death of tumor cells, stimulate dendritic cell maturation and T cell activation, modulate the tumor immune microenvironment, and augment the therapeutic effect. Hence, this study demonstrates a promising research paradigm for tumor immune microenvironment-improved phototherapy. Statement of significanceThrough the utilization of dye sensitization and rare earth doping techniques, we have successfully developed a biodegradable bismuth-based semiconductor nanocatalyst (BZP). Upon optical excitation, the near-infrared dye incorporated within BZP promptly generates free electrons, which, under the influence of the Fermi energy level, undergo transfer to BiF3 within BZP, thereby facilitating the effective separation of electron–hole pairs and augmenting the catalytic capability for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, a cascade reaction mechanism generates highly cytotoxic ROS, which synergistically depletes intracellular glutathione, thereby intensifying oxidative stress. Ultimately, this dual activation strategy, combining oxidative and thermal damage, holds significant potential for tumor immunotherapy.

Dual-rotor strategy for organic cocrystals with enhanced near-infrared photothermal conversion.

Organic cocrystal engineering provides a promising route to promote the near-infrared (NIR) light harvesting and photothermal conversion (PTC) abilities of small organic molecules through the rich noncovalent bond interactions of D/A units. Besides, the single-bond rotatable groups known as "rotors" are considered to be conducive to the nonradiative transitions of the excited states of organic molecules. Herein, we propose a single-/double-bond dual-rotor strategy to construct D-A cocrystals for NIR PTC application. The results reveal that the cocrystal exhibits an ultra-broadband absorption from 300 nm to 2000 nm profiting from the strong π-π stacking and charge transfer interactions, and the weakened p-π interaction. More importantly, the PTC efficiency of cocrystals at 1064 nm in the NIR-II region can be largely enhanced by modulating the number of rotor groups and the F-substituents of D/A units. As is revealed by fs-TA spectroscopy, the superior NIR PTC performance can be attributed to the nonradiative decays of excited states induced by the free rotation of the single-bond rotor (-CH3) from the donors and the inactive double-bond rotor ([double bond, length as m-dash]C(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]N)2) being in the active form of [-C(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]N)2] in the excited states from the acceptors. This prototype displays a promising route to extend the functionalization of small organic molecules based on organic cocrystal engineering.

PH-Responsive Wound Dressing Based on Biodegradable CuP Nanozymes for Treating Infected and Diabetic Wounds.

Nanozymes, emerging nanomaterials for wound healing, exhibit enzyme-like activity to modulate the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at wound sites. Yet, the solo regulation of endogenous ROS by nanozymes often falls short, particularly in chronic refractory wounds with complex and variable pathological microenvironments. In this study, we report the development of a multifunctional wound dressing integrating a conventional alginate (Alg) hydrogel with a newly developed biodegradable copper hydrogen phosphate (CuP) nanozyme, which possesses good near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion capabilities, sustained Cu ion release ability, and pH-responsive peroxidase/catalase-mimetic catalytic activity. When examining acute infected wounds characterized by a low pH environment, the engineered Alg/CuP composite hydrogels demonstrated high bacterial eradication efficacy against both planktonic bacteria and biofilms, attributed to the combined action of catalytically generated hydroxyl radicals and the sustained release of Cu ions. In contrast, when applied to chronic diabetic wounds, which typically have a high pH environment, these composite hydrogels exhibit significant angiogenic performance. This is driven by the provision of catalytically generated dissolved oxygen and a beneficial supplement of Cu ions released from the degradable CuP nanozyme. Further, a mild thermal effect induced by NIR irradiation amplifies the catalytic activities and bioactivity of Cu ions, thereby enhancing the healing process of both infected and diabetic wounds. Our study validates that the synergistic integration of photothermal effects, catalytic activity, and released Cu ions can concurrently yield high antibacterial efficiency and tissue regenerative activity, rendering it highly promising for various clinical applications in wound healing.

Excited-State Proton Transfer in a Photoacid-Based Crystalline Coordination Compound: Reversible Photochromism, Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion, and Conductivity.

By harnessing the power of coordination self-assembly, crystalline materials can act as carriers for photoacids. Unlike their solution-based counterparts, these photoacids are capable of altering the properties of the crystalline material under light and can even generate proton transfer in a solid-state environment. Due to the photoinduced proton transfer and charge transfer processes within this functional material, this crystal exhibits powerful absorption spanning the visible to near-infrared spectrum upon light irradiation. This feature enables reproducible, significant chromatic variation, near-infrared photothermal conversion, and photocontrollable conductivity for this photoresponsive material. The findings suggest that the synthesis of pyranine photoacid-based crystalline materials via coordination self-assembly can not only enhance light-harvesting efficiency but also enable excited-state proton transfer processes within solid crystalline materials, thereby maintaining and even improving the properties of photoacids.

Elevating Second Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion Efficiency of Hollow Gold Nanorod for a Precise Theranostic of Orthotopic Bladder Cancer.

The second near-infrared (NIR-II) window laser-activated agents have attracted broad interest in an orthotopic cancer theranostic. However, developing NIR-II photothermal agents (PTAs) with advanced photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE) and tumor-specific response elevation remains a crucial challenge. Herein, a hollow gold nanorod (AuHNR) with a strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak in the NIR-II window was coated with MnO2 and chitosan to obtain AuHNR@MnO2@CS (termed AuMC) by a one-step method. Upon exposure to the tumor microenvironment (TME), the overexpressed GSH triggered degradation of the MnO2 layer to release Mn2+ and resulted in the PTCE elevation owing to exposure of the AuHNR. Consequently, photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging for accurate diagnosis, Mn2+-mediated chemodynamic therapy, and AuHNR elevating PT therapy for precise treatment could be achieved. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the good performance of the AuMC on an orthotopic bladder cancer precise theranostic. This study provided NIR-II activated, TME-response PT conversion efficiency enhanced PTAs and offered a tumor-selective theranostic agent for orthotopic bladder cancer in clinical application.

Intrinsic photothermal phase change materials with enhanced toughness and flexibility for thermal management in extreme environments

Polymeric solid–solid phase-change materials (SSPCMs) are capable of reversibly absorbing or releasing high latent heat and have been widely studied for thermal energy storage (TES) due to their excellent shape stability and certain mechanical properties. The photothermal fillers were introduced to impart SSPCMs with photo-responsive ability. However, the incompatibility interface between fillers and SSPCMs matrix always causes serious deterioration of mechanical toughness and flexibility. Herein, we report an intrinsic photothermal SSPCM by incorporating a reactive photothermal agent (dihydroxy naphthalene (DN)) into linear polyurethane SSPCMs. The prepared SSPCMs have adjustable phase transition enthalpy and temperature as well as long-term cycle stability. The highest efficiency of SSPCM in near-infrared photothermal conversion including sensible and latent heat is 59.7 %, and the solar photothermal conversion efficiency is 48.1 %. Moreover, SSPCMs exhibit superior mechanical toughness of 193 MJ/m3 and flexibility, which can withstand repeated rotation, folding and stretching. The SSPCMs developed in this work can enable the human body to obtain the heat needed for life through photothermal conversion in extreme environments such as the Arctic, increasing the probability of survival. Therefore, this study provides a facile strategy for fabricating intrinsic photothermal SSPCMs with high toughness and flexibility properties, which have great potential in wearable device for thermal management in extreme environments.

Tannic acid-Fe3+ dual catalysis induced rapid polymerization of injectable poly(lysine) hydrogel for infected wound healing

Infected wounds are difficult to heal because they are vulnerable to bacterial attacks, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. To promote the healing of infected wounds, we developed an injectable dual-network hydrogel TFAEP (TA-Fe, APS, EPL-GMA, PVA) based on ε-poly-l-lysine-graft-glycidyl methacrylate (EPL-GMA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and tannic acid-iron (TA-Fe). TA-Fe formed a stable redox pair, which acted as a dual-autocatalytic system to activate ammonium persulfate, generate free radicals, and subsequently induce EPL-GMA polymerization. Then PVA formed hydrogen bonds with TA molecules. Here, TA-Fe not only simulated peroxidase to convert H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals (OH), but also exhibited good near-infrared photothermal conversion efficiency, which all endowed the hydrogel with excellent antibacterial ability. In addition, the hydrogel could remove excessive reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, alleviating oxidative stress and reducing inflammation response due to the presence of TA molecules. Moreover, the hydrogel showed good injectability and tissue adhesion, ensuring the close adhesion of the hydrogel to the wound and achieving the maximum function. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel promoted infected wound healing by accelerating epidermal regeneration, promoting angiogenesis and collagen deposition, and facilitating the expression of anti-inflammatory factors.

Isoindigo-Based Dual-Acceptor Conjugated Polymers Incorporated Conjugation Length and Intramolecular Charge Transfer for High-Efficient Photothermal Conversion.

Photothermal tumor therapy (PTT) and photoacoustic imaging (PA) have emerged as promising noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. However, the development of efficient PTT agents with high photostability and strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption remains challenging. This study synthesizes three isoindigo-based dual-acceptor conjugated polymers (CPs) (P-IIG-TPD, P-IIG-DPP, and P-IIG-EDOT-BT) via a green and nontoxic direct arylation polymerization (DArP) method and characterizes their optical, electrochemical, and NIR photothermal conversion properties. By incorporating two acceptors into the backbone, the resulting polymers exhibit enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) due to improved synergy among conjugation length, planarity, and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The nanoparticles (NPs) of P-IIG-EDOT-BT and P-IIG-DPP have a uniform size distribution around 140nm and exhibit remarkable NIR absorption at 808nm. In addition, P-IIG-EDOT-BT and P-IIG-DPP NPs exhibit high PCEs of 62% and 78%, respectively. This study promotes the molecular design of CPs as NIR photothermal conversion materials and provides guidance for the development of novel dual-acceptor CPs for tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance on NiSx@Co3O4/Nickel Foam Electrocatalysts with Their Photothermal Property.

Based on the principle of heterogeneous catalysis for water electrolysis, electrocatalysts with appropriate electronic structure and photothermal property are expected to drive the oxygen evolution reaction effectively. Herein, amorphous NiSx-coupled nanourchin-like Co3O4 was prepared on nickel foam (NiSx@Co3O4/NF) and investigated as a electrocatalyst for photothermal-assisted oxygen evolution reaction. The experimental investigations and simulant calculations jointly revealed NiSx@Co3O4/NF to be of suitable electronic structure and high near-infrared photothermal conversion capability to achieve the oxygen evolution reaction advantageously both in thermodynamics and in kinetics. Relative to Co3O4/NF and NiSx/NF, better oxygen evolution reaction activity, kinetics, and stability were achieved on NiSx@Co3O4/NF in 1.0 M KOH owing to the NiSx/Co3O4 synergetic effect. In addition, the oxygen evolution reaction performance of NiSx@Co3O4/NF can be obviously enhanced under near-infrared light irradiation, since NiSx@Co3O4 can absorb the near-infrared light to produce electric and thermal field. For the photothermal-mediated oxygen evolution reaction, the overpotential and Tafel slope of NiSx@Co3O4/NF at 50 mA cm-2 were reduced by 23 mV and 13 mV/dec, respectively. The present work provides an inspiring reference to design and develop photothermal-assisted water electrolysis using abundant solar energy.