ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Family Early Career Forum 2024

This article is part of the Early Career Forum 2024 special issue. We are delighted to present the 2024 ACS AMI Family Early Career Forum, showcasing 135 exceptional contributions from early career scientists worldwide (Figure 1). Among these, there are a total of 25 contributions to ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 22 to ACS Applied Energy Materials, 23 to ACS Applied Bio Materials, 18 to ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 17 to ACS Applied Nano Materials, 14 to ACS Applied Electronic Materials, 11 to ACS Applied Optical Materials, and 5 to ACS Applied Engineering Materials. Figure 1. Geographical distribution of authors for the articles in the Applied Materials Portfolio Journals’ Early Career Forum. This Forum highlights groundbreaking research and innovative ideas from the emerging authors in the scientific community. A broad range of topics are covered, among these, energy and biorelated research take center stage, with a significant number of papers dedicated to these fields. Given the diversity of the topics, it is challenging to single out individual contributions. Instead, I have approached this by analyzing the prevailing trends across the Forum. Energy research is undergoing a transformative phase, fueled by advancements in catalysts, photocatalysts, batteries materials, and fabrication techniques. These breakthroughs are driving innovations in energy storage, harvesting, and conversion technologies, offering sustainable and efficient solutions for the future. Multifunction catalysts and photocatalysts materials are unlocking new potential in applications such as zinc–air batteries, hydrogen production, and water splitting. (1−4) Progress in advanced photovoltaic materials, including perovskites and photonic nanomaterials, is accelerating renewable energy technologies. Thermoelectric materials enable the conversion of low-grade heat into usable energy, whereas lightweight, flexible materials, such as 2D structures and thin-film polymers, are paving the way for scalable solar films and stretchable thermoelectric generators. (5−7) In biomaterials, different types of nanoparticles are revolutionizing cancer therapy, imaging, and biosensor technologies. Stimuli-responsive materials are employed for targeted drug delivery and advanced medical applications. Meanwhile, bioinks and 3D-printed biomaterials are driving breakthroughs in tissue engineering and wound healing, combining biocompatibility with functional properties to support regenerative medicine. (8−12) I would like to highlight a few noteworthy articles in key themes such as energy, catalysis, and device technologies. In a perspective, Xin et al. discuss nonconventional electrochemical reactions in rechargeable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, addressing the challenge of unstable polysulfide intermediates. The authors review innovative strategies to enhance battery stability and performance, focusing on modifications to sulfur allotropes, electrolyte composition, and electrode design. (13) In a related study, Shi et al. investigate the nucleation mechanisms of lithium pits and their morphological evolution across large electrode areas. Their findings reveal that overpotential is inversely related to pit radius and exponentially related to nucleation rate, offering new insights for predicting and controlling surface area and roughness in lithium electrodes under various stripping conditions (Figure 2). (14) Figure 2. Selected graphics from ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Early Career Forum, showcasing energy-related research, including studies on lithium–sulfur batteries and lithium pit nucleation. In the rapidly growing area of electronics, two particularly exciting fields─optoelectronic synapses and heat harvesting─are showcased. Xu and co-workers present an organic optoelectronic synapse with multilevel memory, enabled by gate modulation. It mimics synaptic plasticity with both volatile and nonvolatile states, transitioning between short-term and long-term plasticity through gate voltage and light exposure. The device offers program/erase current ratios and stability, making it a promising candidate for neuromorphic systems in image processing and memory retention (Figure 3A). (15) In parallel, Cai et al. introduce a heat harvesting system that combines daytime radiative cooling with thermally regenerative electrochemical cycles (TREC). Using nanoporous polyethylene and MXene, the system passively generates a 35 °C temperature difference under sunlight, converting ambient heat into continuous electricity with a 50 mV cell voltage and over 20 mAh/g specific capacity, without external charging (Figure 3B). (16) Figure 3. Selected graphics from ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Early Career Forum. (A) Organic optoelectronic synapse with multilevel memory capabilities, demonstrating synaptic plasticity transitions between short-term and long-term memory states. (B) Low-grade heat harvesting system combining daytime radiative cooling with thermally regenerative electrochemical cycles, achieving continuous electricity generation. Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the authors, reviewers, and editors who made this third edition of the Early Career Forum a success. We look forward to continuing this tradition of recognizing early career researchers in future editions. Be sure to explore many other outstanding articles published across the ACS Applied Materials family journals. Access the full Forum at each of the family journals below: ACS Applied Bio Materials: Volume 7, Issue 12 ACS Applied Electronic Materials: Volume 6, Issue 12 ACS Applied Energy Materials: Volume 7, Issue 24 ACS Applied Engineering Materials: Volume 2, Issue 12 ACS Applied Nano Materials: Volume 7, Issue 23 ACS Applied Optical Materials: Volume 2, Issue 12 ACS Applied Polymer Materials: Volume 6, Issue 23 This article references 16 other publications. This article has not yet been cited by other publications.