Ting Wang , Zihe Wu , Shiqi Li , Yuting Deng , Chao He , Xikui Liu , Shuang Li , Yi Wang , Mingru Bai , Tian Ma , Chong Cheng , Changsheng Zhao
{"title":"Synergistic Pt-Mo pair sites on molybdenum carbides for bionic and portable oxygen production","authors":"Ting Wang , Zihe Wu , Shiqi Li , Yuting Deng , Chao He , Xikui Liu , Shuang Li , Yi Wang , Mingru Bai , Tian Ma , Chong Cheng , Changsheng Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) is utilized in various applications, including medical use, industrial manufacturing, tunnel construction, and scientific research, serving as an important resource for essential technologies and life support systems. However, current O<sub>2</sub> generation methods are complex, dependent on heavy equipment and considerable power, and exhibit limited adaptability to harsh environments. Here, to address this challenge, we propose the <em>de novo</em> design of single-atomic Pt lattice-doped molybdenum carbide catalysts with synergistic Pt-Mo pair sites (Pt-Mo@MoC<sub>x</sub>) to serve as bioinspired O<sub>2</sub>-evolution catalysts for cost-effective, portable, and environmentally friendly O<sub>2</sub> generation. Our experimental and theoretical studies indicate that Mo coordination enhances the electron density at the Pt active site, increasing its interaction with oxygen species and thereby reducing the activation energy of the O<sub>2</sub> evolution reaction. Accordingly, the prepared Pt-Mo@MoC<sub>x</sub> catalysts demonstrate high efficiency and durability in O<sub>2</sub> generation, achieving a turnover number of 18.92 s<sup>−1</sup>, which exceeds the performance of state-of-the-art H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-catalytic materials reported in the literature. We believe that this bioinspired and portable technology, which does not rely on traditional electrical energy, will provide a reliable solution for O<sub>2</sub> applications in areas with limited O<sub>2</sub> availability and in emergency situations such as power outages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 101026"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144189917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammad Sultan Irshad , Naila Arshad , Ghazala Maqsood , Iftikhar Ahmed , Bushra Shakoor , Muhammad Sohail Asghar , Uzma Ghazanfar , Liangyou Lin , M.A.K. Yousaf Shah , Irshad Ahmed , Xia Chen , Jianying Wang , Chen Yi , Jinhua Li , Jingwen Qian , Wenlu Li , Zafar Said , Hongrong Li , Nang Xuan Ho , Hao Wang , Xianbao Wang
{"title":"Advancing water collection efficiency in hybrid solar evaporators: key factors, strategic innovations, and synergistic applications","authors":"Muhammad Sultan Irshad , Naila Arshad , Ghazala Maqsood , Iftikhar Ahmed , Bushra Shakoor , Muhammad Sohail Asghar , Uzma Ghazanfar , Liangyou Lin , M.A.K. Yousaf Shah , Irshad Ahmed , Xia Chen , Jianying Wang , Chen Yi , Jinhua Li , Jingwen Qian , Wenlu Li , Zafar Said , Hongrong Li , Nang Xuan Ho , Hao Wang , Xianbao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) technique is a sustainable approach that utilizes solar energy to produce steam, thus addressing freshwater scarcity. Despite several earlier research investigations, claims beyond the theoretical limit were raised due to limitations in solar-to-vapor and condensate efficiency, which remain under debate. Even under superlative conditions, low condensate and energy losses persist, indicating that the system's efficiency will never reach > 100 %. This review primarily analyzes the theoretical values of evaporation rate, structural configurations, strategic approaches, and physical factors influencing condensate yields in the SDIE process. Using a theoretical energy distribution framework, this study identifies mechanisms driving conversion efficiency and condensate rate beyond equilibrium predictions, e.g., phase change process, and vapor-liquid equilibrium. Low water collection efficiency in condensation systems, driven by poor thermal management and inadequate surface designs, demands interfacial engineering strategies such as hydrophobic/hydrophilic coatings to enhance latent heat recovery and condensate yields, as briefly examined in this review. It emphasizes misconceptions about efficiencies beyond theoretical limits, purification challenges, and complementary applications while guiding researchers to provide plausible explanations for breakthroughs under specific and established reference conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 101018"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144185007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perceptions of metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction","authors":"Zeyu Jin, Yizhe Chen, Jialin Sun, Shiming Zhang, Jiujun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-noble metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts are promising alternatives to precious platinum (Pt) group metals-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). However, their practical applications toward proton exchange membrane fuel cells and metal-air batteries remain challenging because of the insufficient electrocatalytic activity and stability. In this review, a comprehensive perception of M-N-C catalysts has been summarized in terms of the electrocatalytic fundamentals (ORR mechanisms and degradation mechanisms), identification of active sites (metal-nanoparticle, metal-atom, and non-metal), design of regulation strategies (improving intrinsic activity of active sites, increasing site density, and enhancing fundamental properties of carbon-based materials), and advanced characterization techniques (in-situ and operando) for understanding of the structure-performance relationship. Particularly, this review highlights the innovative strategies for the improvement of intrinsic activity through optimizing the catalysts’ coordination numbers, coordination shell, and peripheral environment. Also, for obtaining in-depth insight into M-N-C catalysts, the potential challenges and possible perspectives are presented. This review aims to providing a valuable guideline for efficient and stable non-noble metal carbon catalysts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 101027"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144169620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shaoning Wang , Lili Zhang , Khalid Ali Khan , Muhammad Wajid Ullah , Yimin Fan , Zhiguo Wang
{"title":"Deep eutectic solvents as a ‘multifunctional operating platform’ for nanocellulose production and modification: A review on sustainable composite advancements","authors":"Shaoning Wang , Lili Zhang , Khalid Ali Khan , Muhammad Wajid Ullah , Yimin Fan , Zhiguo Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanocellulose, valued for its renewability, biodegradability, and mechanical strength, holds great promise for sustainable technologies. However, its dense hydrogen-bonded structure hinders efficient nanofibrillation and functionalization. This review highlights deep eutectic solvents (DES) as a novel ‘multifunctional operating platform’ (MOP) for nanocellulose preparation, modification, and applications. DES systems uniquely disrupt hydrogen bonding in cellulose, enhancing hydroxyl (-OH) group accessibility and enabling efficient nanocellulose production under mild conditions. By tuning DES composition and processing conditions, control nanocellulose morphology can be precisely controlled to yield cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with tailored properties. DES also enables one-pot functionalization—including esterification, cationization, and grafting—streamlining processes that typically require harsh conditions. This integrated strategy overcomes key limitations of traditional methods, offering a greener, more efficient pathway to modified nanocellulose. Applications in composites, elastomers, hydrogels, and films demonstrate enhanced mechanical performance, stability, and compatibility, unlocking potential in flexible electronics, packaging, and advanced materials. The review highlights the transformative role of DES in nanocellulose engineering and outlines future directions for expanding its utility in sustainable, high-performance material science.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 101025"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144169619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yiheng Wang , Zhidong Pan , Tao Zhou , Xueming Li , Chengming Luo , Tao Zheng , Wei Gao , Yuhang Zhang , Yujue Yang , Jingbo Li , Nengjie Huo
{"title":"Self-aligned vertical short-channel 2D transistors for CMOS inverter and digital logic circuit","authors":"Yiheng Wang , Zhidong Pan , Tao Zhou , Xueming Li , Chengming Luo , Tao Zheng , Wei Gao , Yuhang Zhang , Yujue Yang , Jingbo Li , Nengjie Huo","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transistors with size-scaling are needed to continue the Moore’s law for large-scale and high-density integrated circuit (IC) applications. However, the previous nanoscale transistors rely on precise lithography technologies, that increases the cost and complexity. This work develops a facile self-aligned etching technique for fabricating the short-channel vertical field-effect transistors (VFETs). The N-MoS<sub>2</sub> VFETs exhibit a low subthreshold swing (SS) of 162 mV/dec, large current density exceeding 70 µA/µm and high on/off ratio up to 2.3 × 10<sup>8</sup> at bias of 3 V. The P-WSe<sub>2</sub> VFETs also shows an exceptional performance with SS of 82 mV/dec and on/off ratio exceeding 10<sup>7</sup>. By integrating N-MoS<sub>2</sub> and P-WSe<sub>2</sub> transistor, a CMOS inverter is achieved with a high voltage gain of 50 and noise margin of 90.4 %. Consequently, multiple vertical CMOS transistors were further interconnected to construct NAND and NOR logic circuit, demonstrating a basic digital logic application in low-power integrated circuits. The demonstration of 2 × 4 and 2 × 8 transistor arrays in one manufacturing process further proves the potential feasibility of large-scale integration. This work presents a promising pathway for 2D vertical transistor fabrication towards the applications of CMOS inverter and digital integration circuit.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 101020"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144154587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Peng Mao , Bao Zhang , Heng Zhang , Mengyun Jiang , Yingqi Wang , Yao Li , Jiaying Wu , Jin-liang Wang , Qiaoshi An
{"title":"In-situ volatilization of solid additive assists as-cast organic solar cells with over 20 % efficiency","authors":"Peng Mao , Bao Zhang , Heng Zhang , Mengyun Jiang , Yingqi Wang , Yao Li , Jiaying Wu , Jin-liang Wang , Qiaoshi An","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Complex pre/post-processing will cause cost multiplication and severe technical challenges for the mass production of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we report a solid additive, 1,4-dibromo-2,5-difluorobenzene (DBDF), with a low melting point and rational interaction force with the donor and acceptor. Film-formation kinetics and morphological investigation reveal that DBDF volatilizes completely in situ during spin-coating and induces preferable molecular packing and vertical phase separation, contributing to efficient charge generation and extraction in devices. In addition, the ordered molecular packing assists in the red-shifted absorption spectra of both donor and acceptor for harvesting more photons, which is also conducive to improving charge generation. Based on the classical PM6:Y6 matrix, the DBDF-based OSCs without additional engineering achieve a much higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.1 % compared with control devices (16.6 %). Moreover, the D18:N3:Y6–1O-based OSCs with DBDF incorporation deliver a top-ranked PCE of 20.2 % for as-cast devices. It is noteworthy that subsequent thermal annealing offers negligible support in performance enhancement because of the increased voltage loss. This work puts forward an ingenious strategy to simplify the device fabrication process to boost the development of low-cost commercial manufacture of OSCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 101022"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dong-Ping Yang , Rui-Hao Li, Xin-Gui Tang, Dong-Liang Li, Qi-Jun Sun
{"title":"Photoelectric dual mode sensing system based on one-step fabricated heterojunction artificial synapses device","authors":"Dong-Ping Yang , Rui-Hao Li, Xin-Gui Tang, Dong-Liang Li, Qi-Jun Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the growing demand for intelligent perception systems in the IoT and big data era, multimodal sensing technologies face challenges including complex device architectures and low energy efficiency. This study proposes a TiO<sub>2</sub>-Nb: SrTiO<sub>3</sub> heterojunction-based optoelectronic artificial synaptic device fabricated via one-step magnetron sputtering, enabling monolithic integration of sensing-memory-processing functionalities. Experimental results demonstrate that the device exhibits multilevel resistive state stability exceeding 10,000 seconds under electrical stimulation and achieves over seven non-volatile conductance states through optical modulation. A sensor-memristor fusion architecture with optoelectronic cooperative regulation was developed for intelligent transportation and emotion recognition applications. The system successfully realizes multidimensional vehicle monitoring (dynamic/speed/direction) and accomplishes three-category emotion classification by integrating facial features and acoustic signals, validating the effectiveness of multimodal information fusion. The device achieves audiovisual bimodal fusion perception through optoelectronic synergy, featuring CMOS-compatible fabrication that offers a scalable pathway for neuromorphic sensing systems. This work breaks the von Neumann energy-efficiency bottleneck via device-architecture co-innovation, providing a low-power solution for edge computing scenarios in smart transportation and human-machine interaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 101021"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A scalable, tunable, electrochemical dissolution method for anchoring single-atom catalysts on 2d sheets of molybdenum disulfide","authors":"Saptami Suresh Shetty , Abdullah Bukhamsin , Mario Soto Martinez , Messaoud Harfouche , Shubham Singh , Mohammed Ghadiyali , Mohamed Nejib Hedhili , Saravanan Yuvaraja , Udo Schwingenschlögl , Khaled Nabil Salama","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.101009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Single-atom catalysts (SACs), featuring isolated metal atoms dispersed on supporting materials, are driving sustainable catalysis by offering superior catalytic properties compared to bulk metals. These SACs enhance metal utilization efficiency, crucial for applications in electrochemical energy conversion, heterogeneous catalysis, and high-sensitivity sensing, particularly in reducing reliance on expensive noble metals. Traditional SAC synthesis methods, however, face scalability challenges and limitations in atomic loading, often leading to the formation of nanoclusters at higher metal concentrations. To address these challenges, this study explores an electrochemical dissolution strategy for SAC synthesis. The approach involves the accelerated cathodic or anodic dissolution of thin metal films, utilizing their fine grain structure and residual stress to generate metal ions that are anchored at defect sites on 2D MoS₂-coated laser-scribed graphene electrodes (LSGEs). This method achieves controlled deposition of Pt, Au, and Cu SACs with uniform atomic dispersion and tunable loading contents. Comprehensive characterization, coupled with density functional theory simulations (DFT), confirms the absence of nanoparticle agglomeration and reveals the coordination environment of the SACs. Lastly, we demonstrate precise discrimination of uric acid (UA) in the presence of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA), despite their overlapping redox peaks in a complex matrix of urine, showcasing the method’s potential for scalable SAC production and high-sensitivity sensing applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 101009"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144116267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xi-Qiao Feng, Zi-Long Zhao, Yi Yan, Hong-Ping Zhao
{"title":"Toughening and strengthening mechanisms of biological materials: A review","authors":"Xi-Qiao Feng, Zi-Long Zhao, Yi Yan, Hong-Ping Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.100988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mser.2025.100988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biological materials have evolved elegant hierarchical structures composed of various chemical components, imparting them with comprehensive mechanical and physical properties that enable their highly efficient biological functions. Many biological composites (e.g., bones, skins, hoofs, and horns of animals; the exoskeletons of mollusks; the silks of spiders and silkworms; and the beaks of birds) can achieve superior elastic stiffness, strength, and fracture toughness. These properties are crucial for their biomechanical performance in various activities such as locomotion, protection, combat, adhesion, and predation. In this paper, we review the toughening, strengthening, and stiffening mechanisms of biological materials and some related theoretical models. We focus on uncovering how these materials achieve an exceptional combination of high stiffness, toughness, and strength. The relations among the mechanical properties, biological functions, geometric structures, and chemical compositions of biological materials are analyzed through representative examples, including horns, gecko feet, nacres, spider silks, and tendrils. We particularly examine the effects of microstructural sizes, interfaces, structural hierarchy and chirality, and functional gradients. We also provide perspectives on the mechanics of biological materials from the viewpoints of theoretical modeling, experimental characterization, numerical simulations, and biomimetic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":386,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 100988"},"PeriodicalIF":31.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144107390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}