12 February 2024 | Open Access Optical Tellegen metamaterial with spontaneous magnetization Here the authors propose an isotropic three-dimensional metamaterial with nonreciprocal magnetoelectric resonant responses at visible and mid-infrared frequencies. The proposed metamaterials do not require external magnetization. Shadi Safaei Jazi, Ihar Faniayeu & Viktar Asadchy Article 12 February 2024 | Open Access Electric control of optically-induced magnetization dynamics in a van der Waals ferromagnetic semiconductor The combination of strong light-matter interactions and controllable magnetic properties make magnetic semiconductors attractive for both fundamental physics and the development of devices. Here, Hendriks et al show how the optically driven magnetization dynamics in Cr2Ge2Te6 can be controlled via electrostatic gating. Freddie Hendriks, Rafael R. Rojas-Lopez & Marcos H. D. Guimarães Article 12 February 2024 | Open Access Perfect circular polarization of elastic waves in solid media The authors introduce a method for non-destructive testing based on circularly polarized ultrasound in solids, enabled by metamaterials, allows for detecting internal defects regardless of their orientation. This innovation will redefine ultrasonic non-destructive examination. Jeseung Lee, Minwoo “Joshua” Kweun & Yoon Young Kim Article 12 February 2024 | Open Access Structurally robust lithium-rich layered oxides for high-energy and long-lasting cathodes O2-type Li-rich layered cathodes suppress voltage decay and aid in oxygen redox research. Here, the authors report trilateral relationship among anionic redox utilization, bulk chemo-mechanical degradation, and electrochemical fading, which can be mitigated by balancing the redox center capabilities. Ho-Young Jang, Donggun Eum & Kisuk Kang Article 12 February 2024 | Open Access Biomimetic mercury immobilization by selenium functionalized polyphenylene sulfide fabric The abatement of elemental mercury remains an enormous challenge for public health and ecosystems. Here, inspired by the seleno-mercury antagonism effect in biological systems, the authors developed an ideal Hg0 adsorbent with a record-high adsorption capacity of 1621.9 mg g−1. Hailong Li, Fanyue Meng & Jianping Yang Article 12 February 2024 | Open Access Ultrastrong and ductile steel welds achieved by fine interlocking microstructures with film-like retained austenite Weld integrity and performance determine lifetime and safety of structures. Here, the authors report advances in weld quality of ultrahigh strength steels resulting from fine interlocking weld microstructures with film-like retained austenite by utilizing Nb and Cr instead of Ni. Joonoh Moon, Gyuyeol Bae & Dirk Ponge Article 12 February 2024 | Open Access Functional nanoporous graphene superlattice Here, the authors report the synthesis and characterization of doped nanoporous graphene superlattices, showing their improved properties for electromagnetic shielding, energy harvesting, optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. Hualiang Lv, Yuxing Yao & Xiaoguang Wang Article 12 February 2024 | Open Access Manufacturing of high strength and high conductivity copper with laser powder bed fusion Copper produced by laser additive manufacturing often faces challenges with either low strength or low conductivity. Here, the authors present a design strategy to introduce uniformly dispersed nanoprecipitates during solidification, enhancing the strength while maintaining high conductivity. Yingang Liu, Jingqi Zhang & Ming-Xing Zhang Article 12 February 2024 | Open Access Agile THz-range spectral multiplication of frequency combs using a multi-wavelength laser Using a multi-wavelength laser, the authors demonstrate that is possible to replicate an optical frequency comb from one wavelength to the next, with a frequency shift up to 1.3 THz, combined with a nanosecond switching time between wavelengths. Shahab Abdollahi, Mathieu Ladouce & Martin Virte Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access A nonmetallic plasmonic catalyst for photothermal CO2 flow conversion with high activity, selectivity and durability In this work, the authors design a Mo2N/MoO2-x nonmetallic plasmonic catalyst by regulating synergy between two specific active sites. Highly efficient, selective, and durable CO2 hydrogenation under relatively mild reaction conditions is achieved Xueying Wan, Yifan Li & Yujie Xiong Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Separation of benzene and toluene associated with vapochromic behaviors by hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystals Cocrystal engineering combined with macrocycle chemistry has allowed the development of materials with vapochromic characteristics. Here, the authors report the development of a macrocycle cocrystal for the separation of trace solvents. Jingyu Chen, Wenjie Zhang & Jiong Zhou Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Twofold rigidity activates ultralong organic high-temperature phosphorescence Obtaining high-temperature phosphorescence in organic materials can potentially lead to broader applications, but can be challenging to achieve. Here, the authors report the use of rigid molecules as both host and guest to give temperature resistance and therefore high-temperature phosphorescence. Kaijun Chen, Yongfeng Zhang & Xiang Ma Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Real-time monitoring polymerization degree of organic photovoltaic materials toward no batch-to-batch variations in device performance Polymerization degree plays a vital role in controlling material properties and batch-to-batch variations in device performance of polymer solar cells. Here, authors develop in-situ photoluminescence system in tandem to track and estimate the polymerization degree of organic photovoltaic materials. Lin-Yong Xu, Wei Wang & Jie Min Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Diffusive kinks turn kirigami into machines Kinks define boundaries between distinct configurations of a material. Here, the authors reveal the emergence of propagating kinks in purely dissipative kirigami and show that such structures can shape-change into different textures depending on how fast they are stretched enabling basic mechanical tasks. Shahram Janbaz & Corentin Coulais Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Solvation-property relationship of lithium-sulphur battery electrolytes In the Li-S battery, a promising next-generation battery chemistry, electrolytes are vital because of solvated polysulfide species. Here, the authors investigate solvation-property relationships via the measurement of solvation free energy of the electrolytes, guiding advanced electrolyte design for Li-S batteries. Sang Cheol Kim, Xin Gao & Yi Cui Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Ultralight crystalline hybrid composite material for highly efficient sequestration of radioiodine The development of effective adsorbents of radioiodine nuclear waste remains difficult due to the lack of proper material design strategies. Here the authors report an ultralight hierarchically porous crystalline multifunctional hybrid nanocomposite for ultrafast entrapment of iodine and polyiodide species under both static and dynamic condition. Sahel Fajal, Writakshi Mandal & Sujit K. Ghosh Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Robust links in photoactive covalent organic frameworks enable effective photocatalytic reactions under harsh conditions The development of heterogeneous photocatalysts applicable under harsh conditions is challenging. Here the authors report the conversion of imine linkages into quinoline groups in triphenylamine incorporated photosensitive covalent organic frameworks to develop robust heterogeneous photocatalysts for photocatalytic applications in harsh conditions. Jia-Rui Wang, Kepeng Song & Yanli Zhao Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Effect of sub-bandgap defects on radiative and non-radiative open-circuit voltage losses in perovskite solar cells The efficiency of perovskite solar cells is affected by open-circuit voltage losses due to radiative and non-radiative charge recombination. Here, authors report photocurrent and electroluminescence spectroscopy to probe radiative recombination at sub-bandgap defects in wide-bandgap solar cells. Guus J. W. Aalbers, Tom P. A. van der Pol & René A. J. Janssen Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Optimizing multi-user indoor sound communications with acoustic reconfigurable metasurfaces Indoor sound fields are disordered due to reflections and multiple scattering, which scrambles acoustic communication. Here, based on tunable metasurfaces and communication theories, the authors demonstrate multi-channel, multi-spectral, cross-talk-free acoustic communication in a room. Hongkuan Zhang, Qiyuan Wang & Guancong Ma Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Tailoring tokamak error fields to control plasma instabilities and transport Error fields in tokamak appear due to the imperfections and misalignment of the coils generating magnetic field. Here the authors demonstrate use of error field correction to control the plasma transport and instabilities in a tokamak - KSTAR. SeongMoo Yang, Jong-Kyu Park & Won-Ha Ko Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Unified picture of vibrational relaxation of OH stretch at the air/water interface Using femtosecond time-resolved heterodyne-detected vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy the authors determine the vibrational relaxation (T1) time of the O-H stretch at the air/water interface by observing the decay of excited-state OH signals, providing a comprehensive picture of the interfacial vibrational relaxation process of water. Woongmo Sung, Ken-ichi Inoue & Tahei Tahara Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access A surface strategy boosting the ethylene selectivity for CO2 reduction and in situ mechanistic insights The electrochemical reduction of CO2 into multi-carbon product is interesting yet requires further research. Here, the authors develop a surface strategy to achieve high CO2-to-ethylene selectivity by dodecanethiol modification CuO electrode and show that dodecanethiol facilitates CO2 transfer, enhances *CO coverage and stabilize Cu(100) facet. Yinchao Yao, Tong Shi & Zhuo Chen Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access High intrinsic phase stability of ultrathin 2M WS2 Metallic 2M or 1T′-phase transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are characterized by interesting properties, but they are metastable. Here, the authors demonstrate that the thermal and oxidation stability of 2M WS2 significantly increases as the thickness is reduced down to monolayer, expanding the potential applications of 2M TMDs. Xiangye Liu, Pingting Zhang & Cao Guan Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Observation of giant room-temperature anisotropic magnetoresistance in the topological insulator β-Ag2Te Achieving room-temperature high anisotropic magnetoresistance ratios is highly desirable for magnetic sensors. Here, the authors observe a high anisotropic magnetoresistance ratio of −39% and a giant planar Hall effect (520 μΩ·cm) at room temperature under 9 T in β-Ag2Te crystals grown by CVD. Wei Ai, Fuyang Chen & Jinxiong Wu Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Pick-up single-cell proteomic analysis for quantifying up to 3000 proteins in a Mammalian cell Single-cell proteomics is of fundamental importance to capture biological heterogeneity, while limited in proteome depth. Here, the authors develop a pick-up single-cell proteomic analysis (PiSPA) workflow to achieve a deep coverage of quantifying up to 3000 protein groups in a mammalian cell. Yu Wang, Zhi-Ying Guan & Qun Fang Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Sustainable conversion of alkaline nitrate to ammonia at activities greater than 2 A cm−2 Alkaline nitrate electroreduction to ammonia is restricted by insufficient H+ supply. Here, the authors propose a halogen-mediated H+ feeding strategy, by triggering dangling O-H water dissociation and fast *H desorption for *NO intermediate hydrogenation, to enhance the formation of ammonia. Wanru Liao, Jun Wang & Min Liu Article 10 February 2024 | Open Access Disordered regions in proteusin peptides guide post-translational modification by a flavin-dependent RiPP brominase Here the authors use NMR, SAXS and MD simulations to characterise the structure of proteusin peptides, which are atypically long RiPP substrates. They show a small, unstructured region in the proteusin leader is sufficient for its interaction with a halogenase that brominates the terminal tryptophan residue. Nguyet A. Nguyen, F. N. U. Vidya & Vinayak Agarwal Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access An integrated self-optimizing programmable chemical synthesis and reaction engine A limitation of robotic platforms in chemistry is the lack of feedback loops to adjust the conditions in-operando. Here the authors present a dynamically programmable robotic system that uses sensors for real-time adaptation, achieving yield improvements in syntheses and discovering new molecules. Artem I. Leonov, Alexander J. S. Hammer & Leroy Cronin Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access A 3D printable tissue adhesive Tissue adhesives have received significant interest for their clinical utility but are typically incompatible with advanced manufacturing methods. Here, the authors introduce a 3D printable tissue adhesive for the fabrication of patches and devices for diverse biomedical applications. Sarah J. Wu, Jingjing Wu & Xuanhe Zhao Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Natural diversity screening, assay development, and characterization of nylon-6 enzymatic depolymerization Polyamides (PAs) or nylons are types of plastics with wide applications, but due to their accumulation in the environment, strategies for their deconstruction are of interest. Here, the authors screen 40 potential nylon-hydrolyzing enzymes (nylonases) using a mass spectrometry-based approach and identify a thermostabilized N-terminal nucleophile hydrolase as the most promising for further development, as well as crucial targets for progressing PA6 enzymatic depolymerization. Elizabeth L. Bell, Gloria Rosetto & Gregg T. Beckham Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Acidic media enables oxygen-tolerant electrosynthesis of multicarbon products from simulated flue gas Direct electroreduction of dilute CO2 in flue gas streams is challenging due to the presence of O2 impurities. Here the authors demonstrate that an acidic electrolyte can overcome this challenge, enabling the generation of multicarbon products from simulated flue gas at reasonable rates. Meng Wang, Bingqing Wang & Yanwei Lum Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Elemental partitioning-mediated crystalline-to-amorphous phase transformation under quasi-static deformation The transformation induced plasticity phenomenon is usually diffusionless. Here, the authors introduce elemental partitioning mediated crystalline-to-amorphous phase transformation in a crystal-glass nanolaminated composite, realizing ultrahigh strength and large plasticity. Ge Wu, Chang Liu & Zhi-Wei Shan Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Mediating trade-off between activity and selectivity in alkynes semi-hydrogenation via a hydrophilic polar layer The semi-hydrogenation of alkynes faces the trade-off between activity and selectivity due to undesirable over-hydrogenation. Here the authors report an efficient additive-free WO3-based single-atom Pd catalytic system with a vertical size effect of hydrogen spillover to mediate the trade-off between activity and selectivity. Jinqi Xiong, Shanjun Mao & Yong Wang Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Reaction engineering blocks ether cleavage for synthesizing chiral cyclic hemiacetals catalyzed by unspecific peroxygenase Hemiacetal compounds are valuable building blocks in synthetic chemistry, but difficult to obtain by enzymatic synthesis. Here, the authors use reaction engineering of an immobilized unspecific peroxygenase from Agrocybe aegerita for selective C-H bond oxyfunctionalisation of environmentally significant cyclic ethers to chiral cyclic hemiacetals. Xiaofeng Han, Fuqiang Chen & Wuyuan Zhang Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Large-area, untethered, metamorphic, and omnidirectionally stretchable multiplexing self-powered triboelectric skins Stretchable sensor networks with multiplexing designs can result in misrecognition due to electrical signal interferences from the sensing nodes and internal circuits. Here, Shao et al. show an untethered triboelectric electronic skin with an elastic composite-based shield layer for lower misrecognition rate. Beibei Shao, Ming-Han Lu & Ying-Chih Lai Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Generating active metal/oxide reverse interfaces through coordinated migration of single atoms Steam treatment transforms inactive Pd1/CeO2 catalyst into a highly reactive one by forming a Ce2O3-Pd nanoparticle interface. This domain interface is created by the coordinated migration of Ce and Pd atoms on the atom trapped Pd1/CeO2. Lina Zhang, Shaolong Wan & Haifeng Xiong Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Symmetrically pulsating bubbles swim in an anisotropic fluid by nematodynamics For an active particle to be able to swim in a low-Reynolds number flow, breaking of time-reversal symmetry and centrosymmetry is required. Typically, this is achieved through asymmetric characteristics of the swimmer. Now, swimming of centrosymmetric pulsating bubbles in an anisotropic fluid is reported. Sung-Jo Kim, Žiga Kos & Joonwoo Jeong Article 09 February 2024 | Open Access Synergistic-potential engineering enables high-efficiency graphene photodetectors for near- to mid-infrared light The integration of 2D materials with metasurfaces can enhance their quantum efficiency, but the approach is usually limited to a narrow spectral band. Here, the authors report the realization of gate-tunable graphene photodetectors combined with all-dielectric periodic slits, leading to enhanced photoresponse in the short-to-long-wave infrared. Hao Jiang, Jintao Fu & Cheng-Wei Qiu Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access Hydraulic-driven adaptable morphing active-cooling elastomer with bioinspired bicontinuous phases Low thermal conduction and conformability of traditional rigid heat sinks limit their adoption in flexible electronics and soft robotics. Here, authors report a liquid metal skeleton-based active-cooling elastomer with high thermal conductivity, stretchability, and hydraulic-driven adaptable morphing. Dehai Yu, Zhonghao Wang & Zhizhu He Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access Data-centric artificial olfactory system based on the eigengraph Sensitivity-dependent data analysis methods disrupted the development of artificial olfactory technologies. Here, authors present a data-centric artificial olfactory system based on eigengraph that reflects the intrinsic electrochemical interaction. Seung-Hyun Sung, Jun Min Suh & Seong Chan Jun Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access Neural network enabled nanoplasmonic hydrogen sensors with 100 ppm limit of detection in humid air Detecting hydrogen gas in humid air is an unresolved challenge of significant importance for the safe implementation of hydrogen (energy) technologies. Here, authors demonstrate how the use of neural networks enables the sensing of hydrogen in highly humid air with a detection limit of 100 ppm. David Tomeček, Henrik Klein Moberg & Christoph Langhammer Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access Re-evaluation of battery-grade lithium purity toward sustainable batteries Due to recent fluctuations in lithium prices, the instability of lithium-ion batteries prices is on the rise. Here, through a re-evaluation of purity criteria, the authors report that the presence of magnesium impurity in lithium precursor actually improves cathode performance, economics, and environmental aspects. Gogwon Choe, Hyungsub Kim & Yong-Tae Kim Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access High voltage electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries with micro-sized silicon anodes Micro-sized silicon are promising anode materials due to low-cost and high-energy, yet their application is hindered by inaccessible electrolytes. Here, the authors report sulfolane-based electrolytes that form silicon-phobic interphases and enable high-voltage pouch cells to achieve superior cycle life. Ai-Min Li, Zeyi Wang & Chunsheng Wang Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access Water-stable boroxine structure with dynamic covalent bonds Despite the structural significance of boroxines in different classes of materials, their applicability in aqueous media is limited by their hydrolytic instability. Here, the authors discovered a water-stable boroxine structure with excellent pH stability and water-compatible dynamic covalent bonds. Xiaopei Li, Yongjie Zhang & Guangyan Qing Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access The role of interfacial donor–acceptor percolation in efficient and stable all-polymer solar cells The underlying charge generation dynamics and structure-property relationships in organic solar cells are not fully understood. Here, the authors demonstrate that interfacial donor-acceptor percolation plays a key role in enabling both high charge generation efficiency and device stability. Zhen Wang, Yu Guo & Philip C. Y. Chow Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access A zero-valent palladium cluster-organic framework Ultrasmall metallic clusters receive great attention for atom-efficient catalysts. Here a metallic cluster–organic framework is synthesized and characterized; authors demonstrate its stability and catalytic proficiency, paving the way for molecular-scale metal nanoparticle interlocking. Xiyue Liu, James N. McPherson & Kasper S. Pedersen Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access Redox-tunable isoindigos for electrochemically mediated carbon capture Electrochemically-mediated carbon capture has good energy efficiency and potential in carbon dioxide separation, but optimisation of these systems is challenging. Here, the authors report the use of isoindigo derivatives to give fine-tuned interactions with CO2 for carbon capture methods. Xing Li, Xunhua Zhao & Yayuan Liu Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access Melt-quenched carboxylate metal–organic framework glasses Many MOFs feature carboxylate ligands with strong coordination bonds, hindering thermal melting. Here, authors present a meltable carboxylate MOF designed with a thermodynamically favored component. Minhyuk Kim, Hwa-Sub Lee & Hoi Ri Moon Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access High-performance cryo-temperature ionic thermoelectric liquid cell developed through a eutectic solvent strategy The authors make an ionic thermoelectric cell with a eutectic solvent of formamide that can operate at temperatures as low as −35 °C by applying hydrophilic and gold coated treatments to the electrode and introducing a thermal separator. Shuaihua Wang, Yuchen Li & Weishu Liu Article 08 February 2024 | Open Access Interacting topological quantum chemistry in 2D with many-body real space invariants While the classification of single-particle topological phases has been established, recent efforts have been made to extend it to interacting limit. Here the authors present a classification of interacting topological systems in 2D based on the generalization of real space invariants. Jonah Herzog-Arbeitman, B. Andrei Bernevig & Zhi-Da Song