Photothermal Conversion Efficiency Research Articles

Construction of aptamers-modified plasmonic GO/urchin-like Au nanoparticles with enhanced photothermal performance and their efficient capture and elimination of Staphylococcus aureus

Here, aptamers-modified graphene oxide/urchin-like Au nanoparticles (Apt-GUANPs) were developed for efficient capture and photothermal therapy (PTT) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Specifically, anisotropic UANPs were first prepared, and the excellent photothermal property was related to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the near infrared (NIR) region caused by sharp branching. Then GO, which was used to enhance the photothermal effect, was added and assembled into GUANPs by electrostatic action. Infrared images showed that GUANPs exhibited a stronger photothermal effect than UANPs. Under the irradiation of 808 nm laser, the photothermal conversion efficiency (η) of GUANPs was as high as 40.5 %, which was attributed to the enhanced optical response of GUANPs at 808 nm and the strong plasmonic coupling effect between tightly packed UANPs loaded on GO surfaces. Aptamers were modified on the surfaces of GUANPs for specific capture of S. aureus, with the capture efficiency of up to 72 %. Utilizing the specific capture ability of aptamers and the excellent photothermal property of GUANPs, Apt-GUANPs exhibited the strong photothermal killing ability against S. aureus. Therefore, Apt-GUANPs will be a promising and efficient photothermal agent, and will have a great application prospect in the treatment of bacterial infections in the future.

Polydopamine‐modified black phosphorus/microcapsule composite material used to enhance the solar thermal conversion and self‐healing performance of SBS modified asphalt

AbstractThis study developed UV‐responsive microcapsules to enhance the self‐healing properties of asphalt, addressing the limitations of low survival rates and single‐release mechanisms in current encapsulated rejuvenators. The microcapsules, featuring a urea‐formaldehyde shell embedded with polydopamine‐coated black phosphorus nanosheets (BP/DA) and microalgae bio‐oil as the core, can convert solar energy into thermal energy, promoting proactive self‐healing in asphalt materials. BP/DA expands the microcapsules' light absorption range, enhancing their photothermal conversion efficiency. When incorporated into styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS)‐modified asphalt at a 1.5% dosage, the microcapsules (BP/DA/MC) improved the mechanical properties: ductility increased by 13.7%, softening point rose by 2%, and penetration decreased by 3.3%. The storage modulus (G′) at 46 and 64°C increased by 35.9% and 24.3%, respectively, compared to SBS asphalt. Additionally, the ductility self‐healing rate of BP/DA/MC/SBS asphalt improved by 209.7%, with a healing index (HI) of 78.16%. The microcapsules also demonstrated excellent photothermal conversion, increasing the asphalt's temperature by 22.6% under identical lighting conditions. This research offers a new method for developing intelligent self‐healing asphalt with multi‐mechanism activation, providing theoretical support for future third‐generation microcapsule‐based asphalt with remote‐controlled release and activation response.

3D Biomass‐Based Interfacial Solar Steam Generation: Component, Optimization, and Application

The seawater desalination and wastewater treatment by the interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) technique is considered as a green, economical, sustainable, low‐energy‐consumption, and potential fresh water production strategy to solve the water shortage and energy crisis. Recently, efficient biomass‐based ISSGs (BISSGs) have been widely reported due to its efficient photothermal conversion efficiency and good hydrophilic performance. The BISSGs with efficient solar absorption and water transmission performance by design and optimization their various forms and structures and related photothermal properties is also significantly great for its scale application. This review highlights recent advancements in 3D BISSG systems, with a focus on the design and optimization of photothermal conversion materials and substrate materials. Then, the review also discusses the potential of biomass materials in BISSG applications, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for developing cost‐effective, efficient, and sustainable water purification technologies. Finally, the challenges and development prospects of the BISSG system in basic research and practical application will provide theoretical guidance for the further development of this technology.

Recent Advances in Carbon-Based Interfacial Photothermal Converters for Seawater Desalination: A Review

Along with the rapid development of society, freshwater shortages have become a global concern. Although existing desalination technologies have alleviated this pressure to some extent, their long-term environmental impact and energy consumption are still questionable. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new effective way for seawater desalination with cleaner energy. Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation technology has the advantages of environmental protection, energy saving, high evaporation efficiency, low cost, and strong sustainability, and is considered one of the most effective technologies to relieve water resource stress. This review summarized the recent advances in carbon-based interfacial photothermal converters focused on the preparation methods of 2D and 3D photothermal absorbers, the potential ways to enhance the efficiency of photothermal conversion. Finally, this paper proposed the challenges and future trends of interfacial photothermal converters.

Enzymatic interlocking aptamer-micelles for enhanced cellular internalization and nucleus-targeted cancer phototherapy

Multifunctional micelles that permit both diagnosis and treatment present enormous advantage and potential for precision medicine. However, the inherent complexities and structural instability of these systems often cause unsatisfactory targeting and therapeutic performances. Herein, by ingenious design of a 2,5-bis(2-thienyl)pyrrole (SNS) modifier to covalently link with AS1411 aptamer and lipid segment, a simple strategy is proposed for one-step enzymatic preparation of interlocked aptamer-micelle (IApM) under bio-friendly conditions. The interlocked poly(SNS) skeleton in IApM can not only stabilize the micelle structure but also enhance near-infrared (NIR) absorption ability, thus further enhancing cellular internalization and photothermal therapy. In addition, the multivalent AS1411 aptamers tethered in the hydrophilic shell can simultaneously increase the specific binding affinity of DNA micelles and induce nucleus-targeted accumulation for DNA damage-triggered apoptosis. This DNA micelle achieves “best of both worlds” with enhanced biostability for cellular internalization and improved NIR photothermal conversion efficiency for nucleus-targeted therapy, which provides a promising formulation strategy for precision cancer treatment.

A π−π stacked porous framework for highly efficient second near-infrared photothermal effects and photo-thermo-electric conversion

Near-infrared (NIR) photothermal compounds, which convert low-energy NIR photons into heat, have recently attracted significant attention due to their potential applications in many areas such as photothermal imaging, diagnosis and therapy, photosensors, and catalysis. Photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE), a critical parameter of NIR photothermal materials, significantly influences their practical performance. However, exploring highly efficient NIR photothermal compounds, particularly in the NIR-II domain, remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report on a highly efficient NIR-II photothermal compound based on a novel π−π stacked porous framework {[Ni4Cl2(ONDI)2(bpy)4]⋅2Cl⋅2H2O⋅xDMF⋅yH2O}n (1). This compound features a porous supramolecular framework constructed through intermolecular π−π interactions. Additionally, compound 1 exhibits broad optical absorption spanning from the ultraviolet to the NIR region, with an edge extending to 1600 nm. Under irradiation with a 1064 nm laser, compound 1 demonstrates significant NIR-II photothermal effects, achieving a remarkable PCE of 84.4 %, attributed to the formation of charge states and the abundant π−π interactions in its crystal structure. When integrated with commercial thermoelectric generators, compound 1 shows promising potential for photo-thermo-electric conversion, with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 250 mV and 350 mV under irradiation of 1 sun and 2 suns, respectively. Furthermore, the output power density of 1@TEC1-12701 reaches 0.53 W/m2 under 1 sun and 1.23 W/m2 under 2 suns.

A multifunctional leather composite with good antibacterial and hygrothermal management capabilities

If not removed in a timely manner, the large amount of sweat produced by overheated human skin can cause thermal discomfort and health problems. Development of fabrics with cooling and dehumidifying capabilities is advantageous to improving the quality of human life. In this work, a natural leather-based Zn-monoethanolamine@lignin (Zn-MEA@lignin-leather) composite fabric with personal hygrothermal management properties was fabricated by infiltrating the permeable 3D network microstructure of the natural leather collagen fiber bundles with adhering moisture-absorbent hydrogel containing photothermal lignin. Due to the efficiency of the composite hydrogel in trapping water molecules, the fabric can promote evaporation of sweat from overheated skin surfaces. Compared to the conventional textiles, the composite leather fabric can reduce the humidity of simulated skin surface by about 40 % and accelerate the evaporation of sweat from the skin surface to promote reduction in temperature of the overheated body. Thanks to the good photothermal conversion efficiency of lignin, the hydrated composite fabric exhibits a favorable evaporation regeneration rate (0.498 kg m−2 h−1). In addition, the presence of zinc ions in the coordination complex imparts good antimicrobial efficiency to the composite fabric, with inactivation rates approaching 99.99 % for both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Thus, the composite leather fabric holds great promise to personal hygrothermal management and healthcare.

Dual-mode detection of α-fetoprotein using the photothermal effect and peroxidase-like activity of Au@Cu/Cu2O-rGO

α-Fetoprotein (AFP) is widely recognized as an important marker for monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its monitoring using two different transduction mechanisms is an effective way to avoid the risk of false positives or false negatives. In this paper, Au@Cu/Cu2O-rGO was used as a photothermal converter as well as an actuator to promote the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which was further designed as a probe for dual-mode detection to quantitatively assess AFP. The composite nanomaterials possessed photothermal conversion efficiencies (η) of up to 54.9 % and catalytically generated signals up to 1.6 times greater, relative to a single material. Based on the generated temperature and current signals, AFP has been sensitively detected in the range of 0.01–100 ng/mL, with limits of detection (LOD) of 5.62 pg/mL and 1.23 pg/mL, respectively. The dual-mode assay combines portability with high accuracy for the detection of human health systems.

Cu2O-SnO2-PDA heterozygous nanozyme doped hydrogel mediated conglutinant microenvironment regulation for wound healing therapy

Bacterial infection significantly hinders the wound healing process. Overuse of antibiotics has led to the rise of drug resistance in bacteria, making the development of smart medical dressings that promote wound healing without antibiotics, a critical need. In this study, Cu₂O-SnO₂-PDA (PCS) nanoenzymes with Fenton-like activity and high photothermal conversion efficiency were developed. These nanoenzymes were then incorporated into a hydrogel through cross-linking of acrylamide (AM) and N-[Tris-(hydroxymethyl)methyl] acrylamide (THMA), forming a tough, highly-adhesive, and self-healing composite hydrogel (AT/PCS) with antimicrobial properties. The AT/PCS hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical strength and adhesion, facilitating increased oxygen levels and strong adherence to the wound site. Moreover, it effectively regulates the wound microenvironment by combining synergistic chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) for antibacterial treatment. The AT/PCS hydrogel enhances collagen deposition and expedites wound healing in a rat model, largely due to its potent antibacterial properties.

Boosted Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion in Rare Earth Ions-Doped 2D SnSe Nanosheets for Solar-Powered Water Evaporation Systems.

Solar-powered water evaporation as a clean and abundant renewable energy-efficient desalination technology provides a promising strategy to solve the shortage of freshwater resources. However, the development and application of solar vapor technology are hindered by the relatively low near-infrared photothermal conversion efficiency of existing materials and the lack of effective improvement strategies. In this work, the conductivity characteristics of 2Dsemiconductors are capitalized on the high visible light absorption and ultra-low thermal. Specifically, rare-earth ion dopants into SnSe nanosheets, significantly boosting their near-infrared photothermal conversion efficiency and solar water evaporation performance are introduced. Remarkably, the photothermal conversion efficiency of the doped SnSe nanosheets surged from 51.56% to 82.11%, surpassing many previously reported photothermal materials. Furthermore, leveraging these nanosheets with enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency, a solar interfacial evaporation system is constructed. The evaporation rate of 2.17kgm-2h-1 and the efficiency of 96.5% can be achieved at one solar irradiance, and it also has good salt-resistance properties. The findings demonstrate the potential of rare earth ion-doped 2D semiconductor nanosheets in solar water evaporation, paving the way for future sustainable desalination solutions.

Thermophysical Investigation of Multiform NiO Nanowalls@carbon Foam/1-Octadecanol Composite Phase Change Materials for Thermal Management.

Multiform NiO nanowalls with a high specific surface area were constructed in situ on carbon foam (CF) to construct NiO@CF/OD composite phase change materials (CPCMs). The synthesis mechanism, microstructures, thermal management capability, and photothermal conversion of NiO@CF/OD CPCMs were systematically studied. Additionally, the collaborative enhancement effects of CF and multiform NiO nanowalls on the thermal properties of OD PCMs were also investigated. NiO@CF not only maintains the porous 3D network structure of CF, but also effectively prevents the aggregation of NiO nanosheets. The chemical structures of NiO@CF/OD CPCMs were analyzed using XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. When combined with CF and NiO nanosheets, OD has high compatibility with NiO@CF. The thermal conductivity of NiO@CF/OD-L CPCMs was 1.12 W/m·K, which is 366.7% higher than that of OD. The improvement in thermal conductivity of CPCMs was theoretically analyzed according to the Debye model. NiO@CF/OD-L CPCMs have a photothermal conversion efficiency up to 77.6%. This article provided a theoretical basis for the optimal design and performance prediction of thermal storage materials and systems.

Nanofiber aerogel with layered array with structure coupled photothermal/magnetothermal effect for continuous seawater desalination

The solar evaporation is susceptible to intermittent solar irradiation as well as salt crystallization deposition on the surface severely limits the evaporation efficiency. In this work, subject to inspiration of the transpiration, groove array structure and antifouling performance of banana leaves, a multifunctional photothermal/ magnetothermal coupled three-dimensional(3D) aerogel evaporator with layer-by-layer array structure was prepared by blow-spun technology which can achieve mass produced. The unique super hydrophilic vertical array structure has multi-scale high-efficiency water transport channels and the SnSe-Fe3O4 evaporation layer realizes super hydrophobic self-cleaning and excellent photothermal and magnetothermal conversion performance, which can achieve all-weather seawater desalination. The vertical array structures facilitate the reflection and refraction of light and promote the seawater convection and salt crystals absorption coupling. It could improve the photothermal conversion efficiency and salt resistance of the evaporator. Which resulted in an evaporation rate of 2.53 kg m−2h−1 under 1 sun, with solar energy conversion efficiency of 105 % and the evaporation rate is about 4.54 kg m−2h−1 at a magnetic field. Furthermore, it could purify organic pollutants in industrial wastewater and use waste heat to generate electricity. This evaporator provides a new economical and environmentally friendly solution for seawater desalination and sewage treatment.

Synergistic antibacterial effects of selenium-doped gold nanosheets with notable near infrared-II photothermal conversion against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Non-metallic nanoparticles are increasingly acknowledged for their broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, which often face limitations due to structural instability and potential biotoxicity. To address these challenges, integrating non-metallic nanoparticles with plasmonic metal nanostructures offers a promising solution. This fusion not only enhances structural stability but also reduces the required dosage. The synergistic coupling of the inherent antibacterial properties of non-metallic nanoparticles with the plasmonic absorption and photothermal conversion capabilities of metal nanostructures significantly amplifies antibacterial efficacy. In this study, we validate this concept by presenting the successful synthesis of selenium-doped gold nanosheets (AuSe NSs) that demonstrate robust absorption in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window and exhibit efficient photothermal conversion, followed by testing their antibacterial activity. Notably, Au NSs were synthesized with high shape purity, followed by the introduction of SeO2 and ascorbic acid to facilitate Se doping. The resulting products displayed a uniform distribution of both Au and Se elements, while maintaining the NIR-II absorbance characteristic of Au nanosheets unaffected by the Se doping as evidenced by both experimental and FDTD simulation results. Subsequent assessments of the AuSe NSs demonstrated their potent synergistic antibacterial effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria at minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), which suggests that lower dosages can be employed and benefit minimizing potential side effects and optimizing treatment efficiency. Our findings indicate a synergistic boost between the photothermal attributes originating from Au's NIR absorption and Se's inherent antibacterial properties—an aspect minimally explored in prior research and offering a novel solution to tackling antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Fabrication of boron nitride/copper oxide@multi-walled carbon nanotubes composites for enhancing heat transfer and photothermal conversion of phase change materials

To realize the efficient storage and conversion of solar energy by phase change materials (PCMs), low photothermal conversion efficiency and poor heat transfer performance remain great challenges. Herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based composite PCMs with excellent photothermal conversion performance and exceptional thermal management capability were obtained by using boron nitride/copper oxide@multi-walled carbon nanotubes (BN/CuO@MWCNTs) as the thermal conductive and photothermal conversion enhancement fillers. The results indicate that owing to the bridging effect, the introduction of CuO and MWCNTs on the BN surface can construct additional heat transfer paths, resulting in a high thermal conductivity of up to 2.35 W/(m·K) for the as-prepared PEG/BN/CuO@MWCNTs composite, which is about 9-folds enhancement than pristine PEG. Simultaneously, the supercooling degree of PEG in PEG/BN/CuO@MWCNTs is effectively suppressed due to the synergistic nucleation effect of BN, CuO and MWCNTs. Additionally, the PEG/BN/CuO@MWCNTs composites not only exhibit a high latent-heat capacity of 154.5 J/g and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 92.2 %, but also show favorable shape stability and durable reliability. This work offers a workable solution for the synergistic enhancement of photothermal conversion and thermal management, which can effectively promote the practical application in solar energy conversion and storage.

Nanocrystallized copper phosphate endowed with photothermal conversion and photoacoustic imaging capabilities

Copper-based nanomaterials have garnered significant attention for their potential applications in photothermal (PT) conversion and photoacoustic (PA) imaging due to their unique optical properties. However, current strategies often involve complex synthesis processes and the incorporation of additional materials, which limit their practical applicability. Here, we employed a straightforward nanocrystallization method to synthesize copper phosphate nanoparticles (Cu3(PO4)2 NPs), converting free copper ions into solid-phase nano-sized particles. This approach not only simplifies the synthesis process but also enhances the optical and thermal properties of the resulting Cu3(PO4)2 NPs. The Cu3(PO4)2 NPs achieved a temperature increase of over 20∘C and a PT conversion efficiency of 10.5% under 808 nm laser irradiation. Furthermore, Cu3(PO4)2 NPs exhibited strong, concentration-dependent PA signals, which enabled effective deep tissue imaging in vivo. The enhanced properties of Cu3(PO4)2 NPs can be attributed to the nanocrystallization of the particles, which alters the local environment of copper ions and enhances d−d transitions through specific ligand field effects. These effects increase light absorption, particularly in the NIR region, by facilitating better overlap of electronic states and enabling more efficient non-radiative relaxation processes. This highlights the significance of nano-structuring in developing advanced nanomaterials with tailored functionalities for biomedical applications.

Engineering Two-dimensional tungsten-doped molybdenum selenide transformed conformational nanoarchitectonics: Trimodal therapeutic nanoagents for enhanced synergistic Photothermal/Chemodynamic/Chemotherapy of breast carcinoma

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit promising photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) for anti-tumour treatment. Herein, we proposed an engineering strategy to regulate the lattice structure of tungsten-doped molybdenum selenide (MoxW1−xSe2) transformed conformational nanoarchitectonics using a microwave-assisted solvothermal method for enhancing peroxidase (POD)-like catalytic performance by adjusting the ratio of molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W). Furthermore, the optimised Mo0.8W0.2Se2 nanoflakes surface was modified with chitosan (CHI) for improved biocompatibility and nanocatalytic efficacy, then the obtained CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2 subsequently loaded the chemotherapeutic drug mitoxantrone (MTO) for enhanced 4 T1 cells killing ability, shortly denoted as CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2-MTO for PTT-augmented CDT and chemotherapy (CT). A series of performance validations successfully showed that electrons tend to transfer from W to Mo in CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2, which resulted in superior POD-like activity (Km = 0.038 mM) of CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2 compared with that of horseradish peroxidase. Furthermore, CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2-MTO with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE=63.2 %) in the near-infrared (NIR) region could further promote endogenous •OH generation and MTO controlled release within solid tumours. In vivo studies confirmed the successful achievement of synergistic therapeutic effects (tumour inhibition rate of over 90 %) with minimised side effects. Versatile therapeutic nanoagents hold great potential for personalised therapy of breast cancer and will find their way to the pharmaceutical field.

Simulation-Guided Preparation of Copper Chalcogenide Nanoparticle-Based Transparent Photothermal Coating with Enhanced Deicing Performance.

In this investigation, transparent photothermal coatings utilizing plasmonic copper chalcogenide (Cu2-xS) nanoparticles were designed and fabricated for the deicing of glass surfaces. Cu2-xS nanoparticles, chosen for their high near-infrared (NIR) absorption and efficient photothermal conversion, were analyzed via finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations to optimize nanoparticle morphology, thus avoiding costly trial-and-error synthesis. FDTD simulations determined that Cu2-xS nanorods (Cu-NRs) with an optimal aspect ratio of 2.2 had superior NIR absorption. Guided by FDTD simulations, the composite coating composed of Cu-NRs in clear acrylic resin paint was brush-coated to glass, achieving 62.4% visual transmittance and over 95% NIR absorbance. Photothermal conversion tests exhibited a significant temperature increase, with the coating reaching 65 °C under NIR irradiation within 6 min. The dynamic deicing process of ice beads on the coating at -20 °C completed within 220s, in contrast to the frozen state on glass coated with clear acrylic resin paint. Furthermore, heat transfer simulations in COMSOL illustrated melting initiation at the ice-coating interface and subsequent progression through the ice layer. This simulation-driven synthesis method and photothermal testing offer a design framework for the fabrication of photothermal deicing coatings with applications for automobiles, buildings, and aircraft in cold environments.

Tyrosinase-Woven Melanin Nets for Melanoma Therapy through Targeted Mitochondrial Tethering and Enhanced Photothermal Treatment.

Manipulating intracellular biological processes and organelles has emerged as a pivotal strategy to influence cellular physiological functions. Mitochondria, recognized as the powerhouse of cells, play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression. Inspired by the Nature's tyrosinase-catalyzed melanin formation within melanoma cells, here an approach is developed using a polysaccharide dually-functionalized with tyrosine and triphenylphosphine (TPP) for targeted mitochondria cross-linking in melanoma cells. This technique intricately weaves melanin nets within the cells, serving as a tether for the mitochondria and effectively decelerating tumor metabolism through nanoparticle-net transformation. Tyrosinase acts as the "needle", while the functionalized polysaccharide serves as the "string" successfully constructing nets within the cell. Furthermore, the tyrosinase-catalyzed cross-linking of tyrosine not only facilitates the production of artificial melanin but also enhances the photothermal conversion efficiency of melanoma cells, leading to decrease of the tumor growth. This study unveils a non-drug method for regulating organelle physiological activity and introduces photothermal treatment. This work not only sheds light on the manipulation of cellular functions but also holds promise for advancing cancer therapeutic strategies.

Multifunctional Photothermal Nanorods for Targeted Treatment of Drug-Resistant Bacteria-Induced Wound Healing.

The challenge of drug-resistant bacteria-induced wound healing in clinical and public healthcare settings is significant due to the negative impacts on surrounding tissues and difficulties in monitoring the healing progress. We developed photothermal antibacterial nanorods (AuNRs-PU) with the aim of selectively targeting and combating drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The AuNRs-PU were engineered with a bacterial-specific targeting polypeptide (UBI29-41) and a bacterial adhesive carbohydrate polymer composed of galactose and phenylboronic acid. The objective was to facilitate sutureless wound closure by specially distinguishing between bacteria and nontarget cells and subsequently employing photothermal methods to eradicate the bacteria. AuNRs-PU demonstrated high photothermal conversion efficiency in 808 nm laser and effectively caused physical harm to drug-resistant P. aeruginosa. By integrating the multifunctional bacterial targeting copolymer onto AuNRs, AuNRs-PU showed rapid and efficient bacterial targeting and aggregation in the presence of bacteria and cells, consequently shielding cells from bacterial harm. In a diabetic rat wound model, AuNRs-PU played a crucial role in enhancing healing by markedly decreasing inflammation and expediting epidermis formation, collagen deposition, and neovascularization levels. Consequently, the multifunctional photothermal therapy shows promise in addressing the complexities associated with managing drug-resistant infected wound healing.

3D‐Shape Recoverable Hydrogel with Highly Efficient Water Transport for Solar Water Desalination

AbstractPorous hydrogels have been developed to be highly efficient interfacial solar vapor generation materials for obtaining affordable freshwater supplies. However, realizing hydrogel materials with portability, adequate water supply, and durable mechanical properties remains challenging. Herein, a scalable and portable hydrogel with 3D‐shaped recovery, highly efficient water transport, and robust mechanical stability is reported, which is prepared by foaming polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and modification of phosphotungstic acid (PTA). Due to the interconnected porous structure and highly permeable polymer network, the PVA/PTA‐PH hydrogel has good repetitive compressibility and rapid shape recovery when in contact with water. Combined with light‐absorbing nanoparticles, the PVA/PTA‐PH hydrogel presents an impressive solar evaporation rate of 3.876 kg m−2 h−1 and a photothermal conversion efficiency of ≈94% under 1‐sun irradiation. With 3D‐shape recovery and highly efficient water transport, the compressed hydrogel can be quickly unfolded without human intervention and restored to five times the original size for the working state. The good portability, excellent seawater desalination performance, and simple preparation process are anticipated to make the PVA‐/PTA‐PH hydrogel a promising material to continuously and conveniently produce pure water from seawater.