Review Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access Light-driven polymer recycling to monomers and small molecules Chemical recycling of plastic enables renewed production of pristine materials, but generally comes at a high energy cost. This review focuses on light-driven approaches for chemically recycling and upcycling plastic waste, with emphasis on reduced energy consumption and selective transformations of challenging to recycle backbone structures. Laura Wimberger, Gervase Ng & Cyrille Boyer Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access Higher-order Granger reservoir computing: simultaneously achieving scalable complex structures inference and accurate dynamics prediction For reservoir computing, improving prediction accuracy while maintaining low computing complexity remains a challenge. Inspired by the Granger causality, Li et al. design a data-driven and model-free framework by integrating the inference process and the inferred results on high-order structures. Xin Li, Qunxi Zhu & Wei Lin Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access Sub-8 nm networked cage nanofilm with tunable nanofluidic channels for adaptive sieving Drawing inspiration from biological cell membranes, here, the authors create sub-8 nm membranes with adaptive nanofluidic channels, mimicking the cell membrane properties, by interconnecting 0D nanoporous molecules at the oil/water interface. Si-Hua Liu, Jun-Hao Zhou & Jian-Ke Sun Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access The evolutionary origin of naturally occurring intermolecular Diels-Alderases from Morus alba Diels-Alderases (DAs), enzymes catalyzing [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, are of high interest, but insights into their evolution are lacking. Here, the authors investigate the evolutionary origins of the intermolecular DAs in the biosynthesis of Moraceae plant-derived Diels-Alder-type secondary metabolites, suggesting they evolved from an ancestor functioning as a flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent oxidocyclase. Qi Ding, Nianxin Guo & Xiaoguang Lei Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access Ultrafast all-optical second harmonic wavefront shaping Enhancing the data encoding into the orbital angular momentum of light beams could enable faster and more efficient optical communications. This work demonstrates complex control of the second harmonic wavefront with dynamics solely limited by the pulse duration. Artem Sinelnik, Shiu Hei Lam & Isabelle Staude Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access Extreme Li-Mg selectivity via precise ion size differentiation of polyamide membrane Achieving high selectivity of Li+ and Mg2+ is of paramount importance for effective lithium extraction from brines, and nanofiltration (NF) membrane plays a critical role in this process. Here the authors report the fabrication of polyamide NF membranes with ultra-high Li + /Mg2+ selectivity by modifying the interfacial polymerization process with an oil-soluble surfactant. Quan Peng, Ruoyu Wang & Lei Jiang Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access A restricted dynamic surface self-reconstruction toward high-performance of direct seawater oxidation Chlorine evolution reaction and deep reconstruction of catalyst are critical issues in direct seawater electrolysis. Here, the authors propose a MoO3/CoO/carbon composite material for improved selective seawater oxidation and restricted dynamic surface self-reconstruction. Ling Zhou, Daying Guo & Shun Wang Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access An entanglement association polymer electrolyte for Li-metal batteries Here, the authors report an entanglement association polymer electrolyte with a polymer matrix and copolymer stabilizer. The developed entangled structure forms a stable interface for the polymer electrolyte during charging and discharging. Hangchao Wang, Yali Yang & Dingguo Xia Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access Locking the lattice oxygen in RuO2 to stabilize highly active Ru sites in acidic water oxidation RuO2 is highly active toward the acidic electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction but exhibits instability due to lattice oxygen oxidation. Here, authors prepare an interstitial Si-decorated RuO2 catalyst with improved stability for acidic water oxidation by suppressing lattice oxygen oxidation. Xinyu Ping, Yongduo Liu & Zidong Wei Article 20 March 2024 | Open Access Activation and friction in enzymatic loop opening and closing dynamics Enzymes present loops around active sites whose closing and opening dynamics are essential for its activity. Here the authors unveil the mechanism governing loop motion, showing that it involves an activated conformational rearrangement around a couple of torsional angles taking place under the strong friction exerted by the rest of loop torsions. Kirill Zinovjev, Paul Guénon & Iñaki Tuñón Article 19 March 2024 | Open Access Photo-induced intramolecular dearomative [5 + 4] cycloaddition of arenes for the construction of highly strained medium-sized-rings Medium-sized-ring compounds are challenging synthetic targets in organic chemistry. Here the authors report an intramolecular dearomative [5 + 4] cycloaddition of naphthalene-derived vinylcyclopropanes to construct these molecules under visible-light irradiation and a proper triplet photosensitizer. Min Zhu, Yuan-Jun Gao & Shu-Li You Article 19 March 2024 | Open Access TacticAI: an AI assistant for football tactics In modern football games, data-driven analysis serves as a key driver in determining tactics. Wang, Veličković, Hennes et al. develop a geometric deep learning algorithm, named TacticAI, to solve high-dimensional learning tasks over corner kicks and suggest tactics favoured over existing ones 90% of the time. Zhe Wang, Petar Veličković & Karl Tuyls Article 19 March 2024 | Open Access Electrically controlled nonvolatile switching of single-atom magnetism in a Dy@C84 single-molecule transistor Manipulating single-atom magnetism via an electric field promotes the downsizing of memories and transistors towards the atomic limit. Wang et al. show the electrically controlled Zeeman effect in Dy@C84 single-molecule transistors with magnetoresistance from 600% to 1,100% at the resonant tunnelling point. Feng Wang, Wangqiang Shen & Fengqi Song Article 19 March 2024 | Open Access 2H-Thiopyran-2-thione sulfine, a compound for converting H2S to HSOH/H2S2 and increasing intracellular sulfane sulfur levels Reactive sulfane sulfur species such as persulfides and H2S2 are important redox regulators and linked to H2S signaling, but their study is hindered by a lack of suitable donors to produce them. Here, the authors report 2H-thiopyran-2-thione sulfine (TTS), a compound which can specifically convert H2S to HSOH, and then to H2S2 in the presence of excess H2S. Qi Cui, Meg Shieh & Ming Xian Article 19 March 2024 | Open Access High performance artificial visual perception and recognition with a plasmon-enhanced 2D material neural network Here, the authors demonstrate a low-power neuromorphic visual architecture based on a plasmon-enhanced 2D semiconductor phototransistor array, showing high-speed sensing, preprocessing and image recognition functionalities. Tian Zhang, Xin Guo & Linjun Li Article 19 March 2024 | Open Access Structural phase transition, s±-wave pairing, and magnetic stripe order in bilayered superconductor La3Ni2O7 under pressure Recently superconductivity with Tc of about 80 K was discovered in a bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7 under high pressure. Here the authors report a density functional theory and random phase approximation study of structural and electronic properties as a function of pressure and discuss the pairing mechanism. Yang Zhang, Ling-Fang Lin & Elbio Dagotto Article 19 March 2024 | Open Access The bone ecosystem facilitates multiple myeloma relapse and the evolution of heterogeneous drug resistant disease Here, the authors develop a hybrid agent-based model to quantify the contributions of intrinsic cellular mechanisms and bone ecosystem factors to therapy resistance in multiple myeloma. They show that intrinsic mechanisms are essential for resistance, and that the bone microenvironment provides a protective niche that increases the likelihood. Ryan T. Bishop, Anna K. Miller & David Basanta Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Synthesis of meta-carbonyl phenols and anilines Phenols and anilines are of extreme importance for medicinal chemistry and material science but the selective preparation of meta-substituted phenols and anilines remains challenging. Here the authors report an efficient copper-catalyzed dehydrogenation strategy to exclusively synthesize meta-carbonyl phenols and anilines from carbonyl substituted cyclohexanes. Bao-Yin Zhao, Qiong Jia & Yong-Qiang Wang Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Well-defined diatomic catalysis for photosynthesis of C2H4 from CO2 Principal interest lies in diatomic catalysts (DACs) for efficient CO2 to C2H4 photoconversion yet optimizing catalytic performance and exploring reaction mechanisms are impeded by heteronuclear atom random distribution. Here, a novel up-bottom ion-cutting architecture is proposed for fabricating well-defined DACs. Zhongkai Xie, Shengjie Xu & Shuyan Song Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Twisted photonic Weyl meta-crystals and aperiodic Fermi arc scattering Fermi arcs show unpredictable diffraction features resulting from their long-range scattering order in aperiodic systems. Here, authors continuously twist a bi-block Weyl meta-crystal and experimentally observe the twisted Fermi arc reconstruction. Hanyu Wang, Wei Xu & Biao Yang Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Pulse potential mediated selectivity for the electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol to glyceric acid Mitigating the deactivation of noble metal-based catalysts caused by self-oxidation and toxic adsorption poses a considerable challenge in organic electro-oxidation. This study addresses the issue by employing a pulsed potential electrolysis approach to selectively electrocatalyze the oxidation of glycerol to glyceric acid using a Pt-based catalyst. Wei Chen, Liang Zhang & Yuqin Zou Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Button shear testing for adhesion measurements of 2D materials 2D materials are being investigated for several applications in micro- and nanoelectronics, but their weak adhesion represents a critical challenge for device integration. Here, the authors propose a button shear testing method to evaluate the adhesion forces of various large-area 2D films on SiO2 and Si3N4 substrates. Josef Schätz, Navin Nayi & Max C. Lemme Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Phenol as proton shuttle and buffer for lithium-mediated ammonia electrosynthesis The proton shuttle plays a critical role in the proton transfer process during lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis. Here, the authors establish the structure-activity relationship and design principles for effective proton shuttles. Xianbiao Fu, Aoni Xu & Ib Chorkendorff Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Fast Human Motion reconstruction from sparse inertial measurement units considering the human shape Inertial Measurement Units-based motion capture effective application in large scale and complex environments depends on improved efficiency and reduced latency. Here, authors propose a full body motion estimation deep neural network based on 6 IMUs, which runs at 65 fps with 15 ms latency on an embedded computer. Xuan Xiao, Jianjian Wang & Jianfu Zhang Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Encoding ordered structural complexity to covalent organic frameworks Starting from simple building blocks with specific molecular packing geometries, here, the authors synthesized structurally complex covalent organic framework COF-305 with nine different stereoisomers of its constituents showing specific sequences on topologically equivalent sites. Lei Wei, Xinyue Hai & Yingbo Zhao Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Ultrafast magnetization enhancement via the dynamic spin-filter effect of type-II Weyl nodes in a kagome ferromagnet Magnetic type-II Weyl semimetals host a variety of intriguing physical phenomena due to the combination of magnetic ordering and the electronic properties of the Weyl nodes. Herein, the authors explore the ultrafast spin dynamics of the magnetic Weyl semimetal, Co3Sn2S2, observing a transient enhanced magnetization as a result of laser excitation. Xianyang Lu, Zhiyong Lin & Yongbing Xu Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Direct space–time manipulation mechanism for spatio-temporal coupling of ultrafast light field Here the authors propose a mechanism for direct space-time manipulation of ultrafast light field and experimentally demonstrate the generation of a spatiotemporally coupling light spring with a broad topological charge bandwidth. Qinggang Lin, Fu Feng & Xiaocong Yuan Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Optimizing quantum gates towards the scale of logical qubits Ensuring high-fidelity quantum gates while increasing the number of qubits poses a great challenge. Here the authors present a scalable strategy for optimizing frequency trajectories as a form of error mitigation on a 68-qubit superconducting quantum processor, demonstrating high single- and two-qubit gate fidelities. Paul V. Klimov, Andreas Bengtsson & Hartmut Neven Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Spin-orbital Jahn-Teller bipolarons The interplay between electron-phonon and spin-orbit interactions has led to the concept of a spin-orbit polaron. Here the authors show that such a regime is realized in a spin-orbit-coupled Mott insulator, leading to a new polaron quasiparticle, and study its effect on the Mott metal-insulator transition. Lorenzo Celiberti, Dario Fiore Mosca & Cesare Franchini Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Contribution of irreversible non-180° domain to performance for multiphase coexisted potassium sodium niobate ceramics Seeking eco-friendly materials with equivalent performance to lead-based piezoelectric materials remains an urgent demand. Here, the authors design potassium–sodium niobate-based lead-free piezoelectric materials with large potential. Bo Wu, Lin Zhao & Ke Wang Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Ferroelectric compute-in-memory annealer for combinatorial optimization problems Yin et al. realize a FeFET based compute-in-memory annealer as an efficient combinatorial optimization solver through algorithm-hardware co-design with a FeFET chip, matrix lossless compression, and a multi-epoch simulated annealing algorithm. Xunzhao Yin, Yu Qian & Kai Ni Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access A control oriented strategy of disruption prediction to avoid the configuration collapse of tokamak reactors Confining plasma and managing disruptions in tokamak devices is a challenge. Here the authors demonstrate a method predicting and possibly preventing disruptions and macroscopic instabilities in tokamak plasma using data from JET. Andrea Murari, Riccardo Rossi & Michela Gelfusa Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Highly parallel and ultra-low-power probabilistic reasoning with programmable gaussian-like memory transistors Probabilistic inference hardware prevents overconfidence. Lee et al. report a Gaussian-like memory transistor using p-n junction coupled with separate floating gate, offering precise control of the Gaussian outputs, simplified circuit design, and low power consumption for inference computing. Changhyeon Lee, Leila Rahimifard & Sung Gap Im Article 18 March 2024 | Open Access Broadband nonlinear modulation of incoherent light using a transparent optoelectronic neuron array Merging 2D transparent phototransistors and liquid crystal modulators, authors report an optoelectronic neuron array for self-amplitude modulation of spatially incoherent light, achieving a large nonlinear contrast over a broad spectrum at orders-of-magnitude lower intensity. Dehui Zhang, Dong Xu & Xiangfeng Duan Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Light and matter co-confined multi-photon lithography Mask-free multi-photon lithography allows the straightforward fabrication of nanostructures, but high precision and good resolution can be challenging to achieve. Here, the authors report a combination of photo-inhibition and chemical quenchers for improved lithography performance. Lingling Guan, Chun Cao & Xu Liu Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Broadened quantum critical ground state in a disordered superconducting thin film The authors present Nernst measurements on a 2D film of amorphous MoxGe1−x, which shows a magnetic-field-induced superconductor-metal-insulator transition. The intermediate metal phase is known as the “anomalous metal” (AM) state. The authors conclude that the AM state originates from broadening of the superconductor-insulator transition. Koichiro Ienaga, Yutaka Tamoto & Satoshi Okuma Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Controlled dissolution of a single ion from a salt interface The strong ionic bond in salt is broken by electrostatic interactions with water, but direct observation at the level of a single ion is challenging. Here, the authors have visualized the preferential dissolution of an anion by manipulating a single water molecule. Huijun Han, Yunjae Park & Hyung-Joon Shin Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Assessing intra- and inter-molecular charge transfer excitations in non-fullerene acceptors using electroabsorption spectroscopy The performance of Y6-containing donor-acceptor active layers in organic solar cells is highly related to the charge-transfer nature in Y6 aggregates. Here, authors study charge-transfer characteristics of excitations of isolated and aggregated Y6 molecules through electroabsorption spectroscopy. Sudhi Mahadevan, Taili Liu & Sai-Wing Tsang Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Universal growth of perovskite thin monocrystals from high solute flux for sensitive self-driven X-ray detection Liu et al. report a universal solution growth method for perovskite thin monocrystals by improving the mass transfer in the high solute flux system. The approach is applied to 29 types of perovskites with growth velocity up to 27.2 µm min-1 and enables efficient self-driven X-ray detectors. Da Liu, Yichu Zheng & Yu Hou Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Theoretical formulation of chemical equilibrium under vibrational strong coupling Strong light-matter interactions in optical microcavities can be used to control molecular kinetic and thermodynamic phenomena. Here, the authors introduce a theory that describes the nonperturbative effects of infrared microcavities on chemical equilibria. Kaihong Sun & Raphael F. Ribeiro Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Poincaré sphere trajectory encoding metasurfaces based on generalized Malus’ law Polarization serves as an excellent information encoding carrier. Here, authors expand the metasurface encoding dimensionality of polarization information by engineering the Poincaré Sphere trajectory with generalized Malus’ law, unveiling new opportunities for advanced polarization optics. Zi-Lan Deng, Meng-Xia Hu & Andrea Alù Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Ultrasound-induced reorientation for multi-angle optical coherence tomography Accessing multi-angle views of organoids is important for biology and oncology. The authors propose ultrasound-induced reorientation for multi-angle optical coherence tomography, using a 3D-printed acoustic trap to levitate and rotate samples with a model-based algorithm for reconstruction. Mia Kvåle Løvmo, Shiyu Deng & Monika Ritsch-Marte Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Hermitian and non-Hermitian topology from photon-mediated interactions Topological properties of a photonic environment are crucial to engineer robust photon-mediated interactions between quantum emitters. Here, the authors find general theorems on the topology of photon-mediated interactions, unveiling the phenomena of topological preservation and reversal. Federico Roccati, Miguel Bello & Angelo Carollo Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Three-dimensional ultrafast charge-density-wave dynamics in CuTe Some materials host multiple charge density wave states, however, their dynamics and the nature of phase transitions are often unclear. Here, using temperature and orientation resolved ultrafast spectroscopy, the authors reveal charge density waves of different dimensionality in CuTe and elucidate their mechanism. Nguyen Nhat Quyen, Wen-Yen Tzeng & Chih-Wei Luo Article 16 March 2024 | Open Access Biomimetic nanocluster photoreceptors for adaptative circular polarization vision All-in-one multi-task photoperception is desirable for artificial vision systems. Wen et al. present wafer-scale high density integration of artificial photoreceptors that combine photoadaptation and circular polarized light vision, enabled by chiral-nanocluster-conjugated molecule heterostructures. Wei Wen, Guocai Liu & Yunqi Liu Article 15 March 2024 | Open Access Cavity-coupled telecom atomic source in silicon T centers in silicon are promising candidates for quantum applications yet suffer from weak optical transitions. Here, by integrating with a silicon nanocavity, the authors demonstrate an enhancement of the photon emission rate for a single T center. Adam Johnston, Ulises Felix-Rendon & Songtao Chen Article 15 March 2024 | Open Access N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of planar-chiral cyclophanes via dynamic kinetic resolution Planar-chiral cyclophanes are important for drug discovery but the enantioselective synthesis of planar-chiral cyclophanes remains challenging. Here the authors describe an N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed asymmetric construction of planar-chiral cyclophanes. Jiayan Li, Ziyang Dong & Changgui Zhao Article 15 March 2024 | Open Access Photooxidation triggered ultralong afterglow in carbon nanodots Biocompatible afterglow materials have potential in imaging applications, but are challenging to prepare. Here the authors report the development of carbon nanodots with near-infrared afterglow, and demonstrate their use in imaging for tumour resection. Guang-Song Zheng, Cheng-Long Shen & Chong-Xin Shan Article 15 March 2024 | Open Access Large-scale modular and uniformly thick origami-inspired adaptable and load-carrying structures In this work, authors establish general conditions for flat foldability, developability, and uniform thickness in origami-inspired structures and introduce a large-scale modular design capable of deploying into meter-scale configurations, adapting to various shapes, and supporting significant loads. Yi Zhu & Evgueni T. Filipov Article 15 March 2024 | Open Access Biobased and biodegradable films exhibiting circularly polarized room temperature phosphorescence Sustainable materials with circularly polarized room-temperature phosphorescence are desirable but challenging to design. Here, the authors report the development of thin films, based on cellulose nanocrystals and lignosulfonate, with circularly polarised room temperature phosphorescence. Mengnan Cao, Yiran Ren & Zhijun Chen