Article 25 November 2023 | Open Access Multi-client distributed blind quantum computation with the Qline architecture Multi-client demonstrations of blind quantum computation are still missing, due to their high resource overhead. Here, the authors fill this gap, by proposing a more scalable solution based on a recently introduced linear quantum network structure with high modularity, and demonstrating it in the two-client case. Beatrice Polacchi, Dominik Leichtle & Elham Kashefi Article 25 November 2023 | Open Access Real-data-driven real-time reconfigurable microwave reflective surface The authors demonstrate how flexible metasurfaces powered by artificial neural network can dynamically manipulate the EM scattering behavior from an arbitrary surface - an ultimate ambition for many EM stealth and communication problems. Erda Wen, Xiaozhen Yang & Daniel F. Sievenpiper Article 25 November 2023 | Open Access Cryogenic multiplexing using selective area grown nanowires The authors demonstrate a large ensemble of quantum dots which is characterized using a cryogenic multiplexer-demultiplexer circuit based on selective area growth nanowires, establishing the feasibility of scaling future quantum circuits. Dāgs Olšteins, Gunjan Nagda & Thomas S. Jespersen Article 25 November 2023 | Open Access Optimal free-surface pumping by an undulating carpet Pumping fluids at small scales near fluid-fluid interfaces remains challenging. Pandey et al. present a pump that drives interfacial flow by traveling waves on a deformable boundary. Anupam Pandey, Zih-Yin Chen & Sunghwan Jung Article 25 November 2023 | Open Access Local probe-induced structural isomerization in a one-dimensional molecular array Achieving unit-by-unit isomerization within a molecular array poses a significant challenge in chemistry. Here, the authors demonstrate tip-induced stereoisomerization of dehydroazulene and diradical units in three-dimensional organometallic compounds on Ag(111). Shigeki Kawai, Orlando J. Silveira & Adam S. Foster Article 25 November 2023 | Open Access Overlapping speckle correlation algorithm for high-resolution imaging and tracking of objects in unknown scattering media Imaging moving objects within scattering media is important for a wide range of fields but remains challenging in many practical scenarios. Here, the authors present an overlapping speckle correlation algorithm for imaging and tracking particles in unknown media with limited prior sample knowledge. Yaoyao Shi, Wei Sheng & Youwen Liu Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Self-activated superhydrophilic green ZnIn2S4 realizing solar-driven overall water splitting: close-to-unity stability for a full daytime A superhydrophilic green hollow ZnIn2S4 was fabricated to realize unassisted photocatalytic overall water splitting. This work could provide an innovative aperture for efficient solar-driven green hydrogen production to achieve carbon neutrality. Wei-Kean Chong, Boon-Junn Ng & Siang-Piao Chai Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Cu-mediated enantioselective C–H alkynylation of ferrocenes with chiral BINOL ligands Ligands capable of accelerating and inducing enantioselectivity in C–H activations with base metal catalysts have remained elusive. Here, the authors report a ligand-accelerated enantioselective C–H alknylation, using a chiral BINOL ligand with a copper catalyst. Xin Kuang, Jian-Jun Li & Jin-Quan Yu Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Phonon-enhanced nonlinearities in hexagonal boron nitride Nonlinear optical processes like higher-order harmonic generation in solids depend on several factors. Here the authors explore the optical nonlinearity of hexagonal boron nitride and find that enhanced nonlinearity is due to electron-phonon and phonon-polariton couplings. Jared S. Ginsberg, M. Mehdi Jadidi & Alexander L. Gaeta Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access The role of halogens in Au–S bond cleavage for energy-differentiated catalysis at the single-bond limit Investigation of the reaction process at the single-bond interface is key to understanding the catalytic reaction mechanism. Here, the authors develop a STM-BJ method to monitor the catalytic process from the perspective of single-bond energy. Peihui Li, Songjun Hou & Xuefeng Guo Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Tough soldering for stretchable electronics by small-molecule modulated interfacial assemblies “The interface mismatch of soft substrates and rigid silicon-based microelectronics frequently causes failures of integrated circuits. Here, the authors develop a stretchable solder based on liquid metal-polymer composites which enables seamless integration of electronic components with soft substrates, showcasing high conductivity and stretchability”. Liqing Ai, Weikang Lin & Xi Yao Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access All electromagnetic scattering bodies are matrix-valued oscillators The usual treatment of wave scattering theory relies on a formalism that does not easily allow for probing optimal spectral response. Here, the authors show how an alternative formalism, encoding fundamental principles of causality and passivity, can be used to make sense of complex scattered fields’ structures. Lang Zhang, Francesco Monticone & Owen D. Miller Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Autonomous nanorobots with powerful thrust under dry solid-contact conditions by photothermal shock Optically trapping objects, marked by Nobel Prizes in 1997 and 2018 for applications in vacuum and liquids, remains challenging on solid surfaces. Here, the authors demonstrate a breakthrough by using photothermal-shock tweezers and explore nano-conventional robot applications Zhaoqi Gu, Runlin Zhu & Fuxing Gu Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Thermal and electrostatic tuning of surface phonon-polaritons in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures Phonon polaritons are promising for infrared applications while it is difficult to tune the phonon polariton properties. Here, authors report a thermal and electrostatic tuning of surface phonon polaritons in heterostructures of LaAlO3/SrTiO3. Yixi Zhou, Adrien Waelchli & Alexey B. Kuzmenko Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Extent of carbon nitride photocharging controls energetics of hydrogen transfer in photochemical cascade processes Savateev et al. investigate proton-coupled electron transfer from persistent graphitic carbon nitride radical to oxygen and imines. The results of their study find application in cascade photocatalysis – selective tetramerization of benzylic amines. Oleksandr Savateev, Karlo Nolkemper & Markus AntoniettiArticle 24 November 2023 | Open Access Extent of carbon nitride photocharging controls energetics of hydrogen transfer in photochemical cascade processes Savateev et al. investigate proton-coupled electron transfer from persistent graphitic carbon nitride radical to oxygen and imines. The results of their study find application in cascade photocatalysis – selective tetramerization of benzylic amines. Oleksandr Savateev, Karlo Nolkemper & Markus Antonietti Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access A self-stabilized and water-responsive deliverable coenzyme-based polymer binary elastomer adhesive patch for treating oral ulcer The therapeutic benefits of biomaterials-based treatments for oral ulcer have been limited by the materials’ poor adhesion and short-time retention in oral cavity. Here, the authors report a polymer binary elastomer adhesive patch that allows water-responsive sustainable delivery of bioactive small molecules and durable adhesion to oral mucosal wounds to achieve efficient therapy of oral ulcer. Chunyan Cui, Li Mei & Wenguang Liu Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Mode attraction, rejection and control in nonlinear multimode optics The authors introduce and demonstrate experimentally a novel fundamental property of nonlinear multimode optical systems, named mode rejection. This paves the way towards a more general idea of all-optical mode control and its related applications. Kunhao Ji, Ian Davidson & Massimiliano Guasoni Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Cooperative Fe sites on transition metal (oxy)hydroxides drive high oxygen evolution activity in base Fe-based oxyhydroxides are promising catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions. However, the dynamics of Fe sites require further investigation. Here, the authors report Fe oxyhydroxide clusters on nickel or cobalt oxyhydroxides as key active sites for water oxidation and reveal how these clusters are selectively formed under controlled electrochemical conditions. Yingqing Ou, Liam P. Twight & Shannon W. Boettcher Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Confined Cu-OH single sites in SSZ-13 zeolite for the direct oxidation of methane to methanol High yields of methanol are difficult to achieve with direct oxidation of methane to methanol. Here the authors report a high methanol space-time yield which is attributed to the confinement effect of 6-membered ring voids and the isolated Cu-OH single sites in SSZ−13 zeolite. Hailong Zhang, Peijie Han & Yong Wang Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Occlusive membranes for guided regeneration of inflamed tissue defects Symbiosis should be maintained during the oral regeneration period. Herein, authors develop an occlusive membrane that induces symbiosis, thereby improving the performance of guided bone generation therapy. Woojin Choi, Utkarsh Mangal & Jinkee Hong Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access 3D bioprinted multilayered cerebrovascular conduits to study cancer extravasation mechanism related with vascular geometry Geometrical complexities of blood vessels alter biophysical behaviors of circulating tumor cells, influencing cancer metastasis. Here, the authors develop a 3D bioprinted in vitro brain blood vessel-on-a-chip to investigate continuities between vascular geometry and metastatic cancer development. Wonbin Park, Jae-Seong Lee & Dong-Woo Cho Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Corrosion-resistant cobalt phosphide electrocatalysts for salinity tolerance hydrogen evolution Seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production is limited by the poor salinity tolerance of catalysts. CoP was found to repel chlorine while attracting H2O molecules to form a thin layer on the catalyst surface, thus constructing a corrosion-resistant CoP/rGO@Ti catalyst for seawater splitting. Xinwu Xu, Yang Lu & Yibo He Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access The unusual quadruple bonding of nitrogen in ThN Nitrogen can form a maximum of three shared electron-pair bonds to complete its octet, suggesting the maximum bond order of nitrogen is three. Here, the authors report a joint photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical study, showing a quadruple bond between nitrogen and thorium in thorium nitride. Zejie Fei, Jia-Qi Wang & Jun Li Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Synchronous micromechanically resonant programmable photonic circuits MEMS-based photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are often limited in speed by mechanical resonances. Here the authors report a programmable architecture for PICs which uses mechanical eigenmodes for synchronized, resonantly enhanced optical modulation. Mark Dong, Julia M. Boyle & Dirk Englund Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Direct OC-CHO coupling towards highly C2+ products selective electroreduction over stable Cu0/Cu2+ interface The electrosynthesis of multicarbon products from CO2 is a highly attractive way to utilize emitted CO2. Here, the authors report in situ formed Cu0/Cu2+ interfaces from copper phosphate-based electrocatalysts for promoting selectivity toward multicarbon products through OC-CHO coupling. Xin Yu Zhang, Zhen Xin Lou & Hua Gui Yang Article 24 November 2023 | Open Access Nanoparticles exhibiting virus-mimic surface topology for enhanced oral delivery The oral delivery of nano-drug delivery systems (Nano-DDS) remains challenging. Here the authors construct core–shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles with virus-like nanospikes and demonstrate the versatility of these nanoparticles as Nano-DDS to achieve efficient oral drug delivery by mimicking structural feature, chiral recognition, and gene encapsulation of viruses. Zhentao Sang, Lu Xu & Heran Li Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Ligand-modulated nickel-catalyzed regioselective silylalkylation of alkenes Multicomponent cross-coupling of alkenes with silicon reagents is used to yield complex silicon-containing compounds from readily accessible feedstock chemicals but the reaction with simple alkenes remains challenging. Here, the authors report a regioselective silylalkylation of simple alkenes, which is enabled by using a stable Ni(II) salt and an inexpensive trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand as a catalyst. Chao Ding, Yaoyu Ren & Guoyin Yin Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Ultrathin covalent organic overlayers on metal nanocrystals for highly selective plasmonic photocatalysis Controlling molecular interactions on metal surfaces for selective chemical synthesis remains difficult to achieve. Here, we report thin, porous covalent organic overlayers on metal nanocrystals to improve selectivity through plasmonic activation. Anubhab Acharya, Trimbak Baliram Mete & In Su Lee Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Crown-hydroxylamines are pH-dependent chelating N,O-ligands with a potential for aerobic oxidation catalysis Despite the rich coordination chemistry, hydroxylamines are rarely used as ligands for transition metal coordination compounds. Here the authors designed macrocyclic poly-N-hydroxylamines that form complexes containing a d-metal ion and coordinate by up to six hydroxylamine fragments. Vladislav K. Lesnikov, Ivan S. Golovanov & Alexey Yu. Sukhorukov Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access A robust and tunable Luttinger liquid in correlated edge of transition-metal second-order topological insulator Ta2Pd3Te5 The interplay of electronic correlations and topology has been a forefront topic in condensed matter physics. Wang et al. present evidence of a correlated topological edge state supporting the Luttinger liquid behaviour in the candidate quadrupole topological insulator Ta2Pd3Te5. Anqi Wang, Yupeng Li & Jie Shen Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Position error-free control of magnetic domain-wall devices via spin-orbit torque modulation For magnetic domain-wall devices, key issue to be addressed is nonstochastic displacement of magnetic domain wall. Here, authors report domain-wall control with a position error-free scheme via spin-orbit torque modulation along nanotrack devices. Seong-Hyub Lee, Myeonghoe Kim & Sug-Bong Choe Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access High speed underwater hydrogel robots with programmable motions powered by light Underwater soft robots made of stimuli-responsive shape-changing hydrogels generally present low actuation speed which is limited by the water diffusion between hydrogels and their surrounding environment. Here, the authors develop dynamic hydrogel robots with a fast and switchable actuation based on a thermally driven chain conformation change after mechanical programming. Chujun Ni, Di Chen & Qian Zhao Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Steam recovery from flue gas by organosilica membranes for simultaneous harvesting of water and energy Flue gas is a rich source of water and energy. Here, authors provide a state-of-the-art system anchored in organosilica membrane technology, attaining impressive steam recovery, delivering up to 70% energy recovery, and offering a promising remedy for global water shortages. Norihiro Moriyama, Akihiro Takeyama & Toshinori Tsuru Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access DNA T-shaped crossover tiles for 2D tessellation and nanoring reconfiguration DNA tiles lay the foundation for programmable self-assembly of diverse DNA nanostructures. Here, the authors present a set of T-shaped crossover DNA tiles for various 2D tessellation and nanoring reconfiguration. Qi Yang, Xu Chang & Fei Zhang Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access An ultrasmall organic synapse for neuromorphic computing Designing high performance organic neuromorphic devices remains a challenge. Here, Liu et al. report the development of an organic synapse based on a semicrystalline polymer PBFCL10 with device dimension of 50 nm and integration size of 1 Kb and a mixed‐signal neuromorphic hardware system based on the organic neuromatrix and FPGA controller for decision‐making tasks. Shuzhi Liu, Jianmin Zeng & Gang Liu Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Ultrasmall and tunable TeraHertz surface plasmon cavities at the ultimate plasmonic limit In this work, the authors use a surface plasmonic mechanism to efficiently confine TeraHertz photons inside ultrasmall cavities. These plasmonic-based TeraHertz cavities are shown to operate until the ultimate limit that is allowed fundamentally and at which plasmons start to behave in a nonlocal fashion. Ian Aupiais, Romain Grasset & Yannis Laplace Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Modular access to alkylgermanes via reductive germylative alkylation of activated olefins under nickel catalysis While carbon-introducing difunctionalization of C-C double bonds is well established, the analogous difunctionalization for introducing germanium group and other functionalities remains elusive. Here, the authors describe a nickel-catalyzed germylative alkylation of activated olefins with easily accessible primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl bromides and chlorogermanes as the electrophiles to form C-Ge and C-Calkyl bonds simultaneously. Rui Gu, Xiujuan Feng & Xuan Zhang Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Microscopic theory, analysis, and interpretation of conductance histograms in molecular junctions Conductance histograms are common setups to study molecular junctions, but the dispersion of the signals makes it difficult to interpret at microscopic level. Here the authors develop a physical model of molecular junctions that connects this observable with molecular properties. Leopoldo Mejía, Pilar Cossio & Ignacio Franco Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Competing charge-density wave instabilities in the kagome metal ScV6Sn6 A charge-density wave state was recently reported in the bilayer kagome metal ScV6Sn6, but its nature is debated. Here, using inelastic X-ray scattering, the authors observe two competing charge-density waves and find the ground state is promoted by a momentum-dependent electron-phonon interaction. Saizheng Cao, Chenchao Xu & Yu Song Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Electron pairing and nematicity in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 nanostructures SrTiO3-based heterostructures display intriguing low-temperature transport features. Here the authors study LaAlO3/SrTiO3 nanoscale crossbar devices, revealing correlations between electron pairing without superconductivity, anomalous Hall effect, and electronic nematicity, suggesting a shared microscopic origin. Aditi Nethwewala, Hyungwoo Lee & Jeremy Levy Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Stabilizing non-iridium active sites by non-stoichiometric oxide for acidic water oxidation at high current density Developing stable and efficient non-iridium-based acidic oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts is crucial but challenging. Here, we report that non-stoichiometric Ti oxides can safeguard the Ru sites through charge-redistribution, thereby enhancing the catalytic performance. Lingxi Zhou, Yangfan Shao & Ruitao Lv Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Stabilizing lattice oxygen redox in layered sodium transition metal oxide through spin singlet state Oxygen redox in transition metal oxides enhances the energy content of Na-ion batteries but is typically plagued by poor reversibility. Here, the authors achieve non-hysteresis through the formation of a spin singlet state to stabilize the active oxygen redox reaction in P3-type Na2/3Cu1/3Mn2/3O2. Xuelong Wang, Liang Yin & Jue Liu Article 23 November 2023 | Open Access Biofilm microenvironment triggered self-enhancing photodynamic immunomodulatory microneedle for diabetic wound therapy The treatment of diabetic wounds tends to be hindered by complex wound environments, and the critical role of the microenvironment in the chronic diabetic wounds has not been explored for therapeutic development. Here, the authors develop a wound microenvironment-responsive microneedle bandage to achieve self-enhanced, catabolic and dynamic therapy of chronic wounds. Li Yang, Dan Zhang & Xiaowei Zeng Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Nickel-catalyzed direct stereoselective α-allylation of ketones with non-conjugated dienes Low-valent nickel(0) complexes that promote α-functionalization of carbonyls leveraging its pro-nucleophilic character in conjunction with olefin acceptors are very scarce despite their attractivity. Here, the authors report a Ni(0)NHC catalyst which converts ketones and non-conjugated dienes to synthetically highly valuable α-allylated products. Yi-Xuan Cao, Matthew D. Wodrich & Nicolai Cramer Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Superwavelength self-healing of spoof surface sonic Airy-Talbot waves The Airy-Talbot effect is experimentally demonstrated for spoof surface acoustic waves in a structured metasurface. Owing to its self-imaging and self-healing properties, the authors achieve robust multipath transmission of nonperiodic signals. Hao-xiang Li, Jing-jing Liu & Johan Christensen Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Atomic scale volume and grain boundary diffusion elucidated by in situ STEM Here authors explore volume diffusion within crystalline solids at the atomic scale. They use high resolution microscopy techniques to provide insights into the movement of individual atoms within a crystal lattice, revealing the intricate dynamics of volume diffusion processes. Peter Schweizer, Amit Sharma & Xavier Maeder Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Cation-induced changes in the inner- and outer-sphere mechanisms of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction The underlying mechanism of cation effects on CO2RR remains debated. Combining constrained density function theory, Marcus theory, and slow-growth sampling approaches, we resolve how cations modulate the inner- and outer-sphere pathways of CO2RR at solid-liquid interfaces. Xueping Qin, Heine A. Hansen & Marko M. Melander Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Straightforward synthesis of functionalized γ-Lactams using impure CO2 stream as the carbon source Direct utilization of CO2 is important in organic synthesis but purification of CO2 gas expensive and energy intensive. Here the authors described a straightforward synthetic route for the synthesis of γ-lactams, a pivotal core structure of bioactive molecules, by using impure CO2 stream as the carbon source. Yuman Qin, Robin Cauwenbergh & Shoubhik Das Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Anhydrous interfacial polymerization of sub-1 Å sieving polyamide membrane The design of highly permeable polyamide (PA) membrane capable of precise ionic sieving remains challenging. Here, the authors report an anhydrous interfacial polymerization on the solid-liquid interface to eliminate water-caused side reactions, leading to a PA layer with an ionic sieving accuracy of 0.5 Å. Guangjin Zhao, Haiqi Gao & Hong Meng Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access A scalable membrane electrode assembly architecture for efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formic acid Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formic acid is a promising and sustainable pathway for valuable chemical generation. However, direct production of formic acid rather than formate is challenging. Herein the authors report a zero-gap membrane electrode assembly architecture with perforated cation exchange membrane for the direct electrochemical synthesis of formic acid from CO2. Leiming Hu, Jacob A. Wrubel & K. C. Neyerlin Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Enhancing the sensitivity of atom-interferometric inertial sensors using robust control Bringing atom-interferometric quantum sensors out of the lab requires the mitigation of several sources of noise. Here, the authors experimentally demonstrate a software-based mitigation method based on tailored error-robust Bragg light-pulse beamsplitters and mirrors. Jack C. Saywell, Max S. Carey & Michael J. Biercuk Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Interfacial alloying between lead halide perovskite crystals and hybrid glasses MOF glass nanocomposites allow researchers to study lead halide perovskites’ bulk and interfacial regions in relation to their optoelectronic properties. Here authors provide insights for the advancement of stable and efficient perovskite optoelectronic devices design. Xuemei Li, Wengang Huang & Jingwei Hou Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Mechanistic study on the side arm effect in a palladium/Xu-Phos-catalyzed enantioselective alkoxyalkenylation of γ-hydroxyalkenes Recently, the asymmetric bifunctionalization of alkenes has received much attention but the development of enantioselective alkoxyalkenylation has posed a considerable challenge and has lagged largely behind. Here, the authors report a palladium-catalyzed enantioselective alkoxyalkenylation reaction, using a range of primary, secondary, and tertiary γ-hydroxyalkenes with alkenyl halides. Shuai Zhu, Zihao Ye & Junliang Zhang Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Design principles for sodium superionic conductors By analyzing large materials database using computation, researchers identified key structural features and design principles for sodium superionic and discovered materials with improved ionic conductivity. Shuo Wang, Jiamin Fu & Yifei Mo Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Four-dimensional hydrogel dressing adaptable to the urethral microenvironment for scarless urethral reconstruction Urethral repair can be carried out using hydrogels, but the harsh microenvironment hinders the repair. Here, the authors report the development of a 4D hydrogel dressing that can provide an early-vascularised and later-antifibrogenic microenvironment to assist in scarless reconstruction. Yujie Hua, Kai Wang & Kaile Zhang Article 22 November 2023 | Open Access Acoustofluidic Interfaces for the Mechanobiological Secretome of MSCs Efficient production of MSC secretome for therapeutic applications remains a challenging task. Here, the authors present an approach whereby an acoustofluidic mechanobiological environment can form reproducible 3D MSC aggregates, allowing for secretome production with high efficiency. Ye He, Shujie Yang & Tony Jun Huang