Robust Shell Research Articles

Liquid Metal Aerogel With Janus Architecture for Selective Direction Recognition and High‐Efficiency Moisture Energy Harvesting

AbstractLiquid metal (LM) micro‐nano droplets show the superiority in reducing the high surface tension applicable in conductive inks for flexible electronics. However, the dynamic surface makes LM droplets susceptible to be oxidized, facing challenges in storage and applications. Herein, a bifunctional groups cross‐linking strategy is adopted to encapsulate LM droplets into a robust shell. During sonicating LM in carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) solution with bifunctional groups (i.e., carboxyl and amino groups), a robust interface shell is constructed by anchoring effect, thereby providing high chemical stability (>7d). When directionally freezing‐drying LM dispersions, aerogel with Janus architecture is produced driven by the gravity of LM droplets. Due to the unique heterogeneous structure, the resultant aerogel exhibits a selective multifunctional response toward directional bending. In addition, owing to the gradient distribution of CMCS within aerogel, moisture electricity generator can be built with a high output voltage of 460 mV. Thus, this bifunctional groups cross‐linking strategy not only improves the chemical stability of LM micro‐nano droplets, but also renders a new method for producing multifunctional aerogel with energy harvesting and selective directional recognition, and applicable in smart sensors and power supplying devices.

Facile Preparation of Silica/Tannic Acid/Zein Microcapsules Templated from Non-Aqueous Pickering Emulsions and their Application in Cargo Protection.

Microcapsules have attracted significant attention in academia and industry due to their unique properties for protecting and controlling the release of active substances. However, based on water-insoluble biopolymers, developing a straightforward approach to prepare microcapsules with improved biocompatibility and functional shells remains a great challenge. In this study, zein, a water-insoluble protein, is employed to prepare robust microcapsules facilely using oil-in-aqueous ethanol Pickering emulsions as templates. First, the emulsion template is stabilized by hydrophobic silica nanoparticles with in situ surface modification of tannic acid. The zein is then precipitated at the interface in a controlled manner using antisolvent approach to obtain silica/tannic acid/zein (STZ) microcapsules. It is found that the concentration of zein and the presence of tannic acid played a significant role in the formation of STZ microcapsules with well-defined morphology and a robust shell. The uniform deposition of zein on the surface of template droplets is facilitated by the interactions between tannic acid and zein via hydrogen bond and electrostatic force. Finally, the resulting STZ microcapsules showed super resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high temperature for the unstable, lipophilic, and active substance of β-carotene.

Aqueous‐Phase Preparation of Core–Shell Perovskite Nanorods Encapsulated in Polydopamine with Ultrahigh Water Stability

All‐inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 (CPB) nanocrystals (NCs) are not widely applied in aqueous environments due to their readily decomposable nature. Therefore, the aqueous‐phase preparation of CPB NCs has been a considerable challenge. In this work, a feasible method is proposed for preparing aqueous‐phase core–shell CPB nanorods (NRs) encapsulated with polydopamine (PDA) by employing a multifunctional additive cesium trifluoroacetate (Cs‐TFA). Highly luminescent TFA‐CPB NRs are obtained via a chemical transformation of Cs4PbBr6 NCs in water. Subsequently, PDA constitutes a robust shell on the surface of TFA‐CPB NRs through the covalent oxidative polymerization, which effectively reduces the original dynamic properties of surface ligands, retards the decomposition of ligands and inhibits the leakage of Pb2+ ions. The results demonstrate that the fluorescence intensity of TFA‐CPB@PDA NRs maintains 49.3% of the initial intensity after 136 days. Meanwhile, the NRs exhibit low cytotoxicity, and the cell viability remains at 80% when the concentration of the NRs is 200 μg mL−1. The reliable preparation of aqueous‐phase core–shell perovskite NRs (PNRs) will facilitate their development in many fields, such as materials science, biology, medicine, and their applications in aqueous environments.

Nuclear shape evolution in even-even Pd isotopic chain

The covariant density functional theory is utilized to examine the evolution of shape in even–even 96−130 Pd isotopes by using the density-dependent meson-exchange DD-ME2 and the density-dependent point-coupling DD-PC1. This research is carried out by considering the evolution of the ground-state shapes derived from calculations of the axial and triaxial potential energy surfaces. The shape transition in the palladium isotopic chain is very clearly manifested. In addition, various ground-state properties, such as binding energy, charge radius, two-neutron separation energy, and two-neutron shell gap have been calculated and have been observed to adequately match the existing experimental data. Moreover, a robust shell closure is distinctly observed at the magic neutron number N = 82.

Thermo-Regulated Cotton: Enhanced Insulation through PVA Nanofiber-Coated PCM Microcapsules

The innovative integration of phase change materials (PCMs) into textiles through microencapsulation presents a transformative approach to developing thermally regulated fabrics. This study explores the synthesis and characterization of microcapsules containing a coconut oil core and an ethylcellulose shell, and their application on cotton fabrics coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers. The dual-layer system involving microcapsules and nanofibers is designed to enhance the thermal insulation properties of textiles by regulating heat through the absorption and release of thermal energy. The microencapsulation of PCMs allows for the effective incorporation of these materials into textiles without altering the fabric’s inherent properties. In this study, the coconut oil serves as the PCM, known for its suitable phase change temperature range, while ethylcellulose provides a robust shell, enhancing the microcapsules’ structural integrity. The application of a PVA nanofibers layer not only strengthens the thermal regulation properties but also protects the microcapsules from release while the fabric is manipulated, thereby prolonging the functional life of the fabric. Comprehensive testing, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirms the successful application and durability of the microcapsules on the textiles. Thermal imaging studies demonstrate the fabric’s enhanced capability to maintain a consistent temperature, highlighting the potential of this technology in applications ranging from smart clothing to energy-efficient building materials or automotive isolation. The integration of PCMs in textiles via microencapsulation and nanofiber technology marks a significant advancement in textile engineering, offering new opportunities for the development of smart and sustainable materials. The study demonstrates the promising potential of integrating PCMs into textiles using microencapsulation and nanofiber technologies. Despite the initially modest insulation improvements, the methodology provides a robust foundation for further research and development.

Dual Microcapsules Encapsulating Liquid Diamine and Isocyanate for Application in Self-Healing Coatings

Dual microcapsule systems, especially those based on the polyurea matrix, have emerged as pivotal components driving innovation in self-healing materials, thanks to the intrinsic properties of polyurea, primarily diamine and diisocyanate, rendering it an optimal choice for enhancing self-healing coatings. However, the encapsulation of polyurea components is fraught with substantial technical hurdles. Addressing these challenges, a novel methodology has been devised, leveraging n-heptane as a solvent in the liquid diamine emulsion process to facilitate the synthesis of diamine microcapsules. These microcapsules exhibit a uniform spherical morphology and a robust shell structure, with an encapsulated core material ratio reaching 39.69%. Analogously, the encapsulation process for diisocyanate has been refined, achieving a core material percentage of 10.05 wt. %. The integration of this bifunctional microcapsule system into diverse polymeric matrices, including epoxy resins and polyurethanes, has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the self-healing efficacy of the resultant coatings. Empirical validation through a series of tests, encompassing scratch, abrasion, and saltwater immersion assays, has revealed self-healing efficiencies of 21.8% and 33.3%, respectively. These results indicate significant improvements in the durability and self-repair capability of coatings, marking a notable advancement in self-healing materials with promising potential for tailored applications in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.

Microfacies shift in the Late Paleocene–Early Eocene Patala Formation in the Upper Indus Basin (Pakistan): Implications for development of the Ceno-Tethys Ocean

Field observations, petrography, and laboratory interpretations of the Patala Formation were utilized in an integrated petrologic study aimed at deciphering the genesis mechanism and controlling factors of the limestone/shale alternation during the mature development of the Ceno-Tethys Ocean in the Upper Indus Basin of Pakistan. To achieve this goal, the Patala Formation is categorized into four integrated microfacies (MM-I to MM-IV). Multiple cycles of transgression/regression are noted through fluctuations in eustatic sea level, controlled by climate and regional tectonism. Consequently, a deepening, upward retrogradation sequence was deposited on a carbonate platform of the Ceno-Tethys Ocean. The sediments of the Patala Formation exhibit a facies shift from a shallow-marine to a relatively deep-marine platform. It is indicated by the transition in fossils from shallow-marine green algae, trending towards a relatively deeper-shelf comprising benthic foraminifera such as Discocyclina, Ranikothalia, red coralline algae, echinoids (Echinothrix), and Alveolina, species. The deeper species possess robust shells adapted by organisms to maximize oxygen and light at greater depths. Additionally, mineralogical features, including gypsum (deposited in a lagoon within the platform) and pyrite (found in a deep slope toward a deep shelf), confirm deepening upward interpretations. Thermophilic dinoflagellates, thermal dissolution fragments, and hardground surfaces indicate a Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; in the lower part, ca. 56 Ma) of the Patala Formation, assigning a relative chronological age from the late Paleocene to early Eocene. These results highlight the joint influence of climate change, sea level rise, and continuous tectonic activity (associated with the Indo-Eurasian collision) on the pattern of sediment filling, and facies shift. Furthermore, the study contributes to understanding sedimentary environments, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and paleotectonic evolution of the basin. This ideal case study provides a breakthrough advancement in globally comprehending the complex relationships between periodic autocyclic processes and aperiodic allocyclic events.

Liquid Metal Powders Wrapped with Robust Shell by Bimetallic Ions Chelation Strategy for Energy Harvesting and Flexible Electronics

AbstractExcellent electrical and fluidic properties render liquid metal (LM) a promising material for flexible electronics, soft robotics, and stretchable circuits. Although producing LM micro/nano droplets by nanometerization addresses the tricky issue of the processing result from high surface tension, it still remains challenging to obtain stable LM droplets because of their dynamic surfaces. In this study, LM powders wrapped with robust shells are fabricated by bimetallic ions chelation strategy. During sonicating LM (e.g., EGaIn) in an alginate solution, a microgel shell is first formed by the coordination of Ga3+ and carboxyl groups. Subsequently, LM powders are achieved by introducing Ca2+ as secondary metal ions to chelate with redundant carboxyl groups. Besides high chemical stability in water and air, these nonstick LM powders also exhibit superior photothermal effects for energy harvesting, being capable of recovering electrical conductivity by mechanical sintering for flexible electronics. These conductive circuits based on LM powders not only work as electro‐thermal heaters, and electromagnetic interference shielding material but also can be designed as smart actuators. Thus, this bimetallic ions chelation strategy may start a pathway to produce stable, transportable LM powders with multifunctional properties, applicable in stretchable electronics, smart actuators, and electric skins.

Variation of shell ornamentation with latitude and water depth-A case study using living brachiopods.

As a potential anti-predatory defensive structure, the shell ornamentation of marine calcifiers is usually used to understand the macro coevolution of the interactions between predators and preys. Marine calcifiers' shell ornamentation complexity is generally believed to vary negatively with latitude and water depth. In this paper, we explored the association between shell ornamentation and latitude/bathymetry using the latest global database of living brachiopods. We found that (1) ~59% of living brachiopods species are characterized by smooth shells and that (2) there is no statistically significant linear trend, either positive or negative, between the ornamentation index and latitudes nor with water depths. Both findings are puzzling for living brachiopods as they are sharply contrasted to the patterns of fossil brachiopods whereby the latter, especially Paleozoic brachiopods, are known to exhibit (1) a much greater ornamentation diversity and (2) (at least for the geological periods that have been studied) a linear latitudinal gradient of ornamentation complexity existed. The reasons why living brachiopods have such a high proportion of smooth or weakly ornamented shells and fail to demonstrate an unequivocal linear latitudinal ornamentation gradient were explored and are linked to a multitude of potential factors rather than uniquely only to the predation pressure. Among these, the most plausible factor seems to be the cryptic (refuge-type) habitats (e.g., deep waters, cold polar regions, and submarine rock caves) that living brachiopods have been adapted to due to their low metabolism, where predation pressure is low, allowing brachiopods to enact the predator avoidance strategy rather than having to manufacture robust shell ornamentation to survive in an otherwise highly engaged predator-prey global marine ecosystem.

Novel Combination Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer based on an Intelligent Hollow Carbon Sphere.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with high mortality, and the efficacy of monotherapy for TNBC is still disappointing. Here, we developed a novel combination therapy for TNBC based on a multifunctional nanohollow carbon sphere. This intelligent material contains a superadsorbed silicon dioxide sphere, sufficient loading space, a nanoscale hole on its surface, a robust shell, and an outer bilayer, and it could load both programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) small-molecule immune checkpoints and small-molecule photosensitizers with excellent loading contents, protect these small molecules during the systemic circulation, and achieve accumulation of them in tumor sites after systemic administration followed by the application of laser irradiation, thereby realizing dual attack of photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy on tumors. Importantly, we integrated the fasting-mimicking diet condition that can further enhance the cellular uptake efficiency of nanoparticles in tumor cells and amplify the immune responses, further enhancing the therapeutic effect. Thus, a novel combination therapy "PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade + photodynamic therapy + fasting-mimicking diet"was developed with the aid of our materials, which eventually achieved a marked therapeutic effect in 4T1-tumor-bearing mice. The concept can also be applied to the clinical treatment of human TNBC with guiding significance in the future.

Internal curing for high-performance concrete by a green composite capsule

Improving concrete eco-efficiency is a challenging and ongoing topic in response to the sustainability requirements for modern concrete infrastructure. This study proposed a novel, biobased internal curing (IC) agent material for high-performance concrete. A two-step physical method was successfully developed to turn organic alginate and inorganic fly ash into a high-value-added green composite capsule, where the internal alginate bead reserves abundant IC water and the external robust shell supplies the protection to realize steady water release. The composite capsules with a core-shell structure have a particle size of 850 ± 20 μm, shell thickness of 65 ± 10 μm and water content of 40 wt%. Moreover, the IC effect of composite capsules on cement paste was monitored by the hydration process, the setting time and microstructural observation. Further IC efficiency was quantified by autogenous shrinkage and compressive strength. The results indicate that it is feasible to use the proposed green composite capsules for internally cured high-performance concrete. The composite capsules can not only effectively decrease the autogenous shrinkage but also eliminate the negative degradation of the compressive strength of concrete due to the incorporation of IC agents. The novel IC agent represents superiorities in terms of IC efficiency and sustainability.

Physico-Chemical Transformation and Toxicity of Multi-Shell InP Quantum Dots under Simulated Sunlight Irradiation, in an Environmentally Realistic Scenario.

Quantum dots (QDs) are widely used in optoelectronics, lighting, and photovoltaics leading to their potential release into the environment. The most promising alternative to the highly toxic cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs are indium phosphide (InP) QDs, which show reduced toxicity and comparable optical and electronic properties. QD degradation leads to the release of toxic metal ions into the environment. Coating the QD core with robust shell(s) composed of another semi-conductor material enhances their properties and protects the QD from degradation. We recently developed double-shelled InP QDs, which proved to be less toxic than single-shell QDs. In the present study, we confirm their reduced cytotoxicity, with an LC50 at 77 nM for pristine gradient shell QDs and >100 nM for pristine thin and thick shell QDs. We also confirm that these three QDs, when exposed to simulated sunlight, show greater cytotoxicity compared to pristine ones, with LC50 ranging from 15 to 23 nM. Using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, we characterize the degradation kinetics and transformation products of single- and double-shell QDs, when exposed to solar light at high temperature, simulating environmental conditions. Non-toxic pristine QDs degrade to form toxic In–phosphate, In–carboxylate, Zn–phosphate, and oxidized Se, all of which precipitate as heterogeneous deposits. Comparison of their degradation kinetics highlights that the QDs bearing the thickest ZnS outer shell are, as expected, the most resistant to photodegradation among the three tested QDs, as gradient shell, thin shell, and thick shell QDs lose their optical properties in less than 15 min, 60 min, and more than 90 min, respectively. They exhibit the highest photoluminescence efficiency, i.e., the best functionality, with a photoluminescence quantum yield in aqueous solution of 24%, as compared to 18% for the gradient shell and thin shell QDs. Therefore, they can be considered as safer-by-design QDs.

Encapsulation of hygroscopic liquids via polymer precipitation in non-aqueous emulsions

HypothesisEncapsulation of ionic liquids (ILs) and phase change materials (PCMs) can overcome limitations associated with bulk materials, e.g., slow mass transfer rates, high viscosities, or susceptibility to external environment. Single step soft-templated encapsulation methods commonly use interfacial polymerization for shell formation, with a multifunctional monomer in the continuous phase and another in the discontinuous phase, and thus do not give pristine core material. We posit that polymer precipitation onto emulsion droplets in non-aqueous emulsions could produce a robust shell without contamination of the core, ideal for the encapsulation of water-sensitive or water-miscible materials. ExperimentsSolutions of commodity polymers were added to the continuous phase of non-aqueous Pickering emulsions stabilized by alkylated graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets such that the change in solubility of the polymer led to formation of robust shells and the production of capsules that could be isolated. FindingsWe demonstrate that a polymer precipitation approach can produce capsules with pristine core of the IL 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [Emim][PF6] or the salt hydrate PCM magnesium nitrate hexahydrate (MNH) and shell of nanosheets and polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or polyethylene. The capsules are approximately 80 wt% [Emim][PF6] or >90 wt% MNH, and the core can undergo multiple cycles of solidification and melting without leakage or destruction. This novel, single-step methodology provides a distinct advantage to access capsules with pristine core composition and is amenable to different core and shell, paving the way for tailoring capsule composition for desired applications.

Modelling the fluid–structure interactions of a capsule using a nonlinear thin shell model: Effect of wall thickness

We address the question of the modelling of the fluid–structure interactions for a microcapsule enclosed by a finite-thickness wall, and of the prediction of the buckling behaviour when it is subjected to large displacements and deformations. Specifically, we model the strong coupling between the solid (the wall dynamics) and fluid (the flow inside and outside the capsule) mechanics, for a wall material that can be strain-hardening or softening, while accounting for the bending resistance due to thickness. The fluid flow is assumed to be inertialess on the capsule scale, which allows the use of the boundary integral formulation for the fluid velocity. We discuss the different simplifications that are made when designing a fluid–shell interaction model for large deformations, and present a shear-membrane-bending (SMB) shell model that allows for a non-linear wall stretching law. The performance of the model, as compared to a simple membrane model where bending resistance is neglected, is illustrated on a generic example: we consider an initially ellipsoidal capsule, freely suspended in a plane hyperbolic flow, that is subjected to such stringent deformation, that its short axis becomes the long one. We show that the simple membrane model predicts reasonably well the overall shape of the capsule, but cannot capture the detailed post buckling behaviour, for which a robust shell model is necessary. The SMB shell model complies with dominant membrane effects, remains stable even under large deformation and avoids numerical locking. It allows predicting post-buckling behaviour, which depends on the material constitutive law.

Development and functional characteristics of novel foam concrete

Sustainable and multi-functional development of lightweight concrete is vital for building construction in the background of global climate change. In this study, a novel inorganic bubble (IB) with a core–shell structure was synthesized by fly ash coating on the surface of the sodium alginate beads. And then the IB was used as fine aggregates to replace the river sand with varied ratios for fabricating the foam concrete with different density levels, the performance of which was evaluated in terms of mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, acoustic characteristics and fire resistance. The results indicated that the introduction of IB could form the cellular structure and achieve the specified density (1200, 1400 and 1600 kg/m3) of the concrete with the alginate dehydration. The 28-day compressive strength and elastic modulus of IB foam concrete increased 53.8% and 81.1% compared with the referenced common foam concrete at the same density level. Double roles of IB (forming agents and fine aggregates) may be the essence for the improvement of mechanical properties. The thermal conductivity of the IB foam concrete reduced 51.8 % compared to the common concrete and is similar to foam concrete. Also, IB foam concrete represents excellent fire resistance in terms of longer fire endurance and multiple partial cracks. Furthermore, the sound absorption was enhanced in the medium frequency (700–1600 Hz) and no obvious promotion was observed in the high and low frequency (50–400 Hz, 1600–3000 Hz). Robust shell and isolation of IB are the keys for the improvement of functional properties of foam concrete.

Highly thermostable fluoride nanocrystal-in-glass composites (NGCs) for mid-infrared emission

By introducing a robust shell, the heat-induced interaction between NCs/NCs or NCs/glass is effectively suppressed, resulting in improved thermal stability of NCs and efficient mid-infrared emission in fluoride NC-in-oxide glass composites.

Bell-state tomography in a silicon many-electron artificial molecule

An error-corrected quantum processor will require millions of qubits, accentuating the advantage of nanoscale devices with small footprints, such as silicon quantum dots. However, as for every device with nanoscale dimensions, disorder at the atomic level is detrimental to quantum dot uniformity. Here we investigate two spin qubits confined in a silicon double quantum dot artificial molecule. Each quantum dot has a robust shell structure and, when operated at an occupancy of 5 or 13 electrons, has single spin-frac{1}{2} valence electron in its p- or d-orbital, respectively. These higher electron occupancies screen static electric fields arising from atomic-level disorder. The larger multielectron wavefunctions also enable significant overlap between neighbouring qubit electrons, while making space for an interstitial exchange-gate electrode. We implement a universal gate set using the magnetic field gradient of a micromagnet for electrically driven single qubit gates, and a gate-voltage-controlled inter-dot barrier to perform two-qubit gates by pulsed exchange coupling. We use this gate set to demonstrate a Bell state preparation between multielectron qubits with fidelity 90.3%, confirmed by two-qubit state tomography using spin parity measurements.

Fast Li-ion conductor Li1+yTi2-yAly(PO4)3 modified Li1.2[Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 as high performance cathode material for Li-ion battery

In the material of xLi2MnO3 ·(1-x) LiMO2 (0 < x < 1), the Li2MnO3 component is used to stabilize the layered LiMO2 structure. However, the electrochemical inactive Li2MnO3 makes Li-ion diffusion difficult, leading to a sluggish rate capability. In this work, Li1.3Ti1.7Al0.3(PO4)3 (LTA0.3), a NASICON-type Li-ion conductor, is applied to modified Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 to overcome the above shortcoming. Additionally, the Li-ion conductivity of LiTi2(PO4)3 can be improved effectively by replacing tetravalent cation Ti4+ with trivalent Al3+ at the optimal ratio. At 1C rate, the LR cathode with 3 wt% LTA0.3 delivers 200 mAh g−1 after 170 cycles and maintains 140 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles. Moreover, the modified cathode shows an enhanced rate performance of 169.7 mAh g−1 at 5C. Enhanced cycle durability and rate capability are aroused by the 3D skeletal framework of LTA0.3, which is suitable for Li-ion diffusion. The LTA0.3 coating layer displays a robust shell which not only avoids the corrosion of electrode materials but also effectively facilitates Li-ion diffusion.

Assessment of Megadenus holothuricola Rosén, 1910 (Eulimidae), an endoparasite of Holothuria mexicana Ludwig, 1875 (Holothuriidae) in the southern Gulf of Mexico and the description a new species.

As part of a study on holothurians from the southern Gulf of Mexico, some Holothuria mexicana Ludwig, 1875 were obtained for gut analysis. In two of them, a couple of eulimids were located inside the main tube of the respiratory tree. They were identified as Megadenus holothuricola Rosén, 1910, described from the Bahamas Islands, based on five specimens attached to the respiratory tree of H. mexicana. The original description was brief with few details, the type material is lost, and the species has not been found again. In this contribution, this species is confirmed for Campeche Bay, Mexico. The adult shell is globular to conical, transparent, thin, and fragile. Megadenus smithisp. nov. from Palmyra Atoll, Central Pacific is described based on adult specimens. It differs from its congeneric species in its more robust shell, the pseudopallium does not cover the shell, and its short and contracted proboscis forms a thick disc. Further research on these eulimid parasites is now complicated in the southern Gulf of Mexico because of the holothurian population collapse due to over-exploitation of the fishery.

In-situ carbon encapsulation of ultrafine VN in yolk-shell nanospheres for highly reversible sodium storage

Transition metal nitrides as high-capacity anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have drawn increasing attention regarding their excellent electrical conductivity and efficiently multi-electron conversion reactions, but designing and developing metal nitrides-based electrodes with superior sodium storage properties remains highly challenging. Here, vanadium-polymer frameworks with yolk-shell architectures are designed via a facile self-polymerization route. In a subsequent calcining process, ultrafine VN (quantum dots) are in-situ created and steadily encapsulated in yolk-shell N-doped carbon nanospheres (VN QDs/N-C). The VN in quantum-dot levels could provide short-range ion-diffusion paths and reduce Na-intercalation stresses, and the open yolk-shell carbon nanospheres with robust shells, strong space-confinements and sufficient interior voids can establish stable conductive carbon matrixes for mitigating volume expansions of VN QDs and facilitating transfer kinetics of ions/electrons. Accordingly, the VN QDs/N-C demonstrates a high reversible capacity of 486.8 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1, accompanied by highly reversible sodium storage properties (225.7 mAh g−1 reversible capacity with 105.2% capacity retention at 30.0 A g−1 after 30000 cycles). Benefiting from these architectural advantages, the products of metal nitride-based QDs in-situ encapsulated in carbon materials have enormous potentials in sustainable energy storage fields.