Article 08 June 2024 | Open Access Rapidly damping hydrogels engineered through molecular friction Hydrogels capable of swift mechanical energy dissipation are desirable for various uses, but traditional energy absorption in hydrogels typically relies on viscoelastic mechanisms and often suffers from slow recovery. Here, the authors report a hydrogel design harnessing molecular friction to achieve efficient energy dissipation and rapid recovery. Zhengyu Xu, Jiajun Lu & Wei Wang Article 08 June 2024 | Open Access Waning-and-waxing shape changes in ionic nanoplates upon cation exchange The robust anion framework of ionic nanocrystals impedes shape change by cation exchange. Here, the authors report an anisotropic, regenerative transformation of Cu1.8S nanoplates during cation exchange. Zhanzhao Li, Masaki Saruyama & Toshiharu Teranishi Article 08 June 2024 | Open Access Artificial cellulosic leaf with adjustable enzymatic CO2 sequestration capability Developing artificial leaves is crucial for advancing Net Zero Future, but most artificial leaves rely on the use of metal or semiconductors catalysts that usually have a lower catalytic activity and selectivity compared to biocatalysts. Here the AUs report Ecoleaf, a biodegradable artificial leaf that mimics the controlled expansion and contraction of stomata and enables enzymic CO2 conversion. Xing Zhu, Chenxi Du & Bin He Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Design and synthesis of broadband absorption covalent organic framework for efficient artificial photocatalytic amine coupling Creating highly active materials that effectively harness solar spectra is essential for photocatalysis, though challenging. Here the authors introduce a novel donor-acceptor covalent organic framework with a broad absorption range of 200 nm to 900 nm, achieving efficient artificial photocatalytic amine coupling. Yuanding Fang, Youxing Liu & Yunqi Liu Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Easy-to-actuate multi-compatible truss structures with prescribed reconfiguration Multi-stable structures are useful in soft robotics with fewer and lightweight actuators for rapid motion. Here, authors propose a full cycle design framework for morphing structures including multi-stability, stiffness design, minimum energy-path finding, and pulling actuation. Lin Ai, Shukun Yin & Yang Li Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Nondiffracting supertoroidal pulses and optical “Kármán vortex streets” Topological waves and their exotic properties are attracting intense research interest. Here, the authors report on the discovery of supertoroidal electromagnetic pulses with robust skyrmionic topology that persists upon propagation over arbitrarily long distances. Yijie Shen, Nikitas Papasimakis & Nikolay I. Zheludev Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Kriging-based surrogate data-enriching artificial neural network prediction of strength and permeability of permeable cement-stabilized base Limited data hinders accurate predictions of strength and permeability of permeable cement-stabilized base materials. Here, the authors propose a kriging-based surrogate model assisted neural networks, which improves accuracy by 21% over traditional models. Xiaoming Wang, Yuanjie Xiao & Zhiyong Li Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Ultrafast light-activated polymeric nanomotors The development of methodologies to construct fast-moving, biodegradable polymeric nanomotors remains a challenge. Here, the authors present a light-propelled nanomotor by adorning the surface of bowl-shaped stomatocytes with gold nanoparticles achieving particle translocation in mammalian cells through the temporary disruption of the cell membrane. Jianhong Wang, Hanglong Wu & Jan C. M. van Hest Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Identifying critical features of iron phosphate particle for lithium preference Olivine iron phosphate (FePO4) is widely proposed for electrochemical lithium extraction, but particles with different physical attributes demonstrate varying Li preferences. Here, the authors characterize the electrochemical lithiation and sodiation behavior of a series of FePO4 particles with different morphology to identify critical features that enhance Li selectivity. Gangbin Yan, Jialiang Wei & Chong Liu Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Fully exposed Pt clusters for efficient catalysis of multi-step hydrogenation reactions Hydrogenating di-nitroaromatics with high activity and selectivity is challenging due to the process’s complexity. Here the authors present a fully exposed Pt clusters catalyst for 2,4-dinitrotoluene hydrogenation, suggesting that the synergy between multiple active sites and moderate adsorption behavior is crucial for the high catalytic activity. Yang Si, Yueyue Jiao & Hongyang Liu Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Closed-loop recycling of tough epoxy supramolecular thermosets constructed with hyperbranched topological structure The covalent crosslinked structure of epoxy thermosets difficult their reprocessability and recyclability. Here, the authors report a method for developing closed loop recycling of strong and tough epoxy supramolecular thermosets constructed with hyperbranched topological structure in an energy-saving and easy-to-conduct way. Junheng Zhang, Can Jiang & Daohong Zhang Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Bending skyrmion strings under two-dimensional thermal gradients Skyrmions, a type of topological spin texture, have been proposed for both storing and processing information. Central to this is the ability to manipulate the skyrmions, while at the same time ensuring their stability. Here, Ran, Tan, Sun and coauthors observe the bending of skyrmion strings under a thermal gradient, providing key evidence for the existence of magnon friction. Kejing Ran, Wancong Tan & Shilei Zhang Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access The role of promiscuous molecular recognition in the evolution of RNase-based self-incompatibility in plants Self-incompatibility evolved to avoid self-fertilization among hermaphroditic plants, yet it remains murky how this compatibility recognition evolved. This study constructs a theoretical framework incorporating promiscuous molecular recognition into the evolutionary model of incompatibility. Keren Erez, Amit Jangid & Tamar Friedlander Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Physical networks as network-of-networks In analysis of physically embedded complex networks, their nodes are usually considered as localized spheres connected by links, neglecting possible differences of nodes spatial shapes. The authors develop a representation of physical networks that captures arbitrary node shapes to characterize structural and dynamical network properties. Gábor Pete, Ádám Timár & Márton Pósfai Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Covalently bridging graphene edges for improving mechanical and electrical properties of fibers The performance of macroscopic graphene fibers is hampered by lower bonding strength between individual graphene sheets. Authors mitigate this by creating covalent conjugating linkages at sheet edges, improving mechanical and electrical properties. Ling Ding, Tianqi Xu & Zhongfan Liu Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access Depth-enhanced high-throughput microscopy by compact PSF engineering Implementing point spread function (PSF) engineering in high-throughput microscopy has proved challenging. Here, the authors propose a compact PSF engineering approach, which allows for enhanced depth of field and for the recovery of 3D information using single snapshots. Nadav Opatovski, Elias Nehme & Yoav Shechtman Article 07 June 2024 | Open Access An effective and rapidly degradable disinfectant from disinfection byproducts Here, authors highlight ecological risks of a widely used disinfectant, chloroxylenol, and identify a more efficient and safer alternative from halo-phenolic disinfection byproducts, 2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone. They leverage seawater’s slightly alkaline nature to enhance its degradability via hydrolysis. Jiarui Han, Wanxin Li & Xiangru Zhang Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Superconducting spintronic heat engine An electrical heat engine has been realized at sub-Kelvin temperatures. It consists of a superconducting spin-selective tunnel junction of EuS/Al/AlOx/Co. The efficiency of the engine is quantified for different magnetic configurations. Clodoaldo Irineu Levartoski de Araujo, Pauli Virtanen & Elia Strambini Comment 06 June 2024 | Open Access About the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) Atmospheric entry of asteroids or comets can cause significant damage to Earth. Two international bodies, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) are working on dealing with potential threats. Detlef V. Koschny, Kelly E. Fast & Romana Kofler Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Machine learning-guided realization of full-color high-quantum-yield carbon quantum dots Optimizing the synthesis for efficient luminescent materials requires consideration of a large number of parameters. Here, the authors realize high quantum yield full-color carbon quantum dot using an iterative machine-learning experimental strategy. Huazhang Guo, Yuhao Lu & Liang Wang Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Vortex entropy and superconducting fluctuations in ultrathin underdoped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x superconductor The authors study the vortex entropy in ultrathin flakes of the underdoped cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x by measuring both magneto-resistivity and Nernst effect. They find that, while the superfluid phase stiffness varies linearly with Tc, the vortex entropy decreases exponentially at lower Tc. Shuxu Hu, Jiabin Qiao & Ding Zhang Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Current-induced domain wall motion in a van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 In this work, the researchers realize the current-induced motion of Néel type chiral domain walls via spin-transfer-torque in the pristine van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 and via spin-orbit-torques in heterostructures with platinum or tungsten. Wenjie Zhang, Tianping Ma & Stuart S. P. Parkin Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Kagomerization of transition metal monolayers induced by two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride Using first-principles calculations, the authors highlight h-BN’s role in reshaping transition metal monolayers into kagome lattices—a key structure in 2D physics—and in stabilizing topological solitons vital for advanced data storage solutions. Hangyu Zhou, Manuel dos Santos Dias & Samir Lounis Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Discovery of atomic clock-like spin defects in simple oxides from first principles Recently, long spin coherence times have been predicted for spin defects in simple oxides. Here, by using high-throughput first-principles calculations, the authors identify promising spin defects in CaO, with electronic properties similar to those of NV centers but with longer coherence times. Joel Davidsson, Mykyta Onizhuk & Giulia Galli Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access CO2 electrolysis to multi-carbon products in strong acid at ampere-current levels on La-Cu spheres with channels Efficient electroreduction of CO2 to multi-carbon products under strong acidic condition is highly challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate that combining microenvironment modulation and La doping effect could promote multicarbon products generation in acidic electrolyte. Jiaqi Feng, Limin Wu & Buxing Han Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Stabilizing persistent currents in an atomtronic Josephson junction necklace Josephson junction arrays lead quantum circuitry research, vital for quantum computing, simulation, and metrology. Here the authors show that increasing the number of links in an atomtronic Josephson junction necklace enhances the atomic circuit’s resilience to higher circulations, corresponding to higher critical currents. Luca Pezzè, Klejdja Xhani & Giacomo Roati Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Terahertz photon to dc current conversion via magnetic excitations of multiferroics Authors discover that the spin excitations of multiferroics convert the terahertz photon to the unidirectional charge current through the quantum geometrical aspect of optical process, paving the way to the terahertz photonics. Makiko Ogino, Yoshihiro Okamura & Youtarou Takahashi Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Non-equilibrium quantum domain reconfiguration dynamics in a two-dimensional electronic crystal and a quantum annealer Metastable states found in superconductors and charge density wave materials are of fundamental interest. Vodeb et al. study the domain wall dynamics in 1T-TaS2 using scanning tunneling microscopy and a quantum annealer, finding that in both cases the dynamics is driven by spectrally similar noise. Jaka Vodeb, Michele Diego & Dragan Mihailovic Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Collective chiroptical activity through the interplay of excitonic and charge-transfer effects in localized plasmonic fields Chiral interaction of molecular ensembles with confined light fields is elusive. Here, the authors report collective chiroptical effects through coupling of exciton and charge-transfer mixed molecular assemblies with plasmonic nanoparticles. Huacheng Li, Xin Xu & Xiang Lan Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Unusually high thermal conductivity in suspended monolayer MoSi2N4 2D semiconductors with high thermal conductivity are essential for next-generation electronics. Here, the authors report a high thermal conductivity of ~173 W·m–1 ·K–1 for monolayer MoSi2N4, surpassing the known 2D semiconductors and silicon. Chengjian He, Chuan Xu & Wencai Ren Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Reservoir-computing based associative memory and itinerancy for complex dynamical attractors Artificial associative memories in neural network models have shown ability to store and retrieve static patterns of complex systems, however analysis of dynamic patterns remains challenging. The authors develop a reservoir computing based memory approach for complex multistable dynamical systems. Ling-Wei Kong, Gene A. Brewer & Ying-Cheng Lai Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Heterogeneous peer effects of college roommates on academic performance Educational environment is known to influence learning efficiency of students, however qualitative analysis of this effect has open questions. The authors propose a model to quantify roommate peer effects based on student accommodation distribution and their academic performance. Yi Cao, Tao Zhou & Jian Gao Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Piezoceramic membrane with built-in ultrasound for reactive oxygen species generation and synergistic vibration anti-fouling Piezoceramic membranes in water treatment have been limited by the single vibration-based anti-fouling mechanism. The authors break this limitation using Mn/BaTiO3 membranes to generate reactive oxygen species via piezoelectric vibration, offering insights for developing piezoelectric anti-fouling and catalytic membranes. Yang Zhao, Feng Yang & Guandao Gao Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access Oxime-functionalized anti-insecticide fabric reduces insecticide exposure through dermal and nasal routes, and prevents insecticide-induced neuromuscular-dysfunction and mortality Exposition to insecticides can be dangerous. Here, authors developed an oxime-fabric body suit and facemask that chemically deactivate insecticides and prevent insecticide-induced lethal effects, offering an affordable solution for farmer safety. Mahendra K. Mohan, Ketan Thorat & Praveen Kumar Vemula Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access A machine learning contest enhances automated freezing of gait detection and reveals time-of-day effects The absence of an objective way of assessing freezing of gait in Parkinson’s Disease hinders research and care. A machine-learning contest using wearable sensor data delivered detection algorithms with high precision and identified time-of-day effects. Amit Salomon, Eran Gazit & Jeffrey M. Hausdorff Article 06 June 2024 | Open Access The climate benefits from cement carbonation are being overestimated The time-dependent effects of cement production emissions and CO2 uptake through carbonation of hydrated cement at a global scale were quantified. The results show the climate benefits of the CO2 uptake by cement are being significantly over-estimated. Elisabeth Van Roijen, Kati Sethares & Sabbie A. Miller Comment 05 June 2024 | Open Access Curse of rarity for autonomous vehicles The curse of rarity—the rarity of safety-critical events in high-dimensional variable spaces—presents significant challenges in ensuring the safety of autonomous vehicles using deep learning. Looking at it from distinct perspectives, the authors identify three potential approaches for addressing the issue. Henry X. Liu & Shuo Feng Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access Enantioselective synthesis of chiral amides by carbene insertion into amide N–H bond Chiral amides are important structure in many natural products and pharmaceuticals, yet their efficient synthesis from simple amide feedstock remains challenge due to its weak Lewis basicity. Here, the authors report the enantioselective synthesis of chiral amides by N-alkylation of primary amides via Rh-catalyzed carbene N–H insertion reaction. Xuan-Ge Zhang, Zhi-Chun Yang & Qi-Lin Zhou Perspective 05 June 2024 | Open Access The role of electrocatalytic materials for developing post-lithium metal||sulfur batteries Post-lithium metal||S batteries show promise for practical applications, but limited understanding of cell parameters and sulfur electrocatalytic conversion hampers progress. This Perspective provides critical insights on potential research directions for designing practical post-lithium metal||S batteries. Chao Ye, Huan Li & Shi-Zhang Qiao Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access Ultrafast electron transfer at the In2O3/Nb2O5 S-scheme interface for CO2 photoreduction In2O3/Nb2O5 S-scheme heterojunctions fabricated via a one-step electrospinning technique facilitate contact between two phases, fostering ultrafast interfacial electron transfer to prolong lifetimes and improve CO2 photoreduction performance. Xianyu Deng, Jianjun Zhang & Jiaguo Yu Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access Skin-inspired, sensory robots for electronic implants Integrating sensing and actuation capabilities in soft robots is crucial for advancements in medical diagnostics and targeted therapies. Zhang et al. developed bio-inspired sensory robots with multifunctionality for minimally invasive medical procedures. Lin Zhang, Sicheng Xing & Wubin Bai Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access Multipolar condensates and multipolar Josephson effects The authors show that dipolar condensates are prevalent in bosonic systems due to a self-proximity effect. Furthermore, they propose a new type of Josephson effect called dipolar Josephson effect, where a supercurrent of dipoles happens in the absence of particle flow. Wenhui Xu, Chenwei Lv & Qi Zhou Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access Supramolecular assembly activated single-molecule phosphorescence resonance energy transfer for near-infrared targeted cell imaging Phosphorescence resonance energy transfer systems have potential in light-harvesting and bioimaging, but host-guest systems are rarely explored. Here, the authors report the development of a macrocyclic host-guest system for targeted cell imaging. Xiaolu Zhou, Xue Bai & Yu Liu Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access Difluorocarbene-induced [1,2]- and [2,3]-Stevens rearrangement of tertiary amines The Stevens rearrangements are a fundamental and powerful tool in the synthetic organic chemistry repertoire, but these transformations are known to be limited in their tolerance for some common functional groups. Here, the authors present a methodology that uses a difluorocarbene unit to induce a Stevens rearrangement, which enables smooth inclusion of allylic and propargyl moieties in the transformation. Jianke Su, Yu Guo & Qiuling Song Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access Perception of motion salience shapes the emergence of collective motions Understanding the decentralized self-organization in animal groups helps design swarm robotics, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Xiao et al. analyze collective motions of three large bird-flocking datasets and translate their findings to guide evacuation of a swarm of miniature robots in confinement. Yandong Xiao, Xiaokang Lei & Xingguang Peng Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access High internal phase emulsions gel ink for direct-ink-writing 3D printing of liquid metal 3D printing of liquid metal is important for the integrated design and manufacturing of flexible electronic devices. Here, Lin et al. demonstrate a liquid metal high internal phase emulsion gel used directly for direct-ink-writing 3D printing and activate the ink conductivity by electrocapillarity method. Zewen Lin, Xiaowen Qiu & Hua Bai Article 05 June 2024 | Open Access Realization of monolayer ZrTe5 topological insulators with wide band gaps Quantum spin Hall materials hold great potential for future nanoelectronics. Here, authors synthesize a potential host system — monolayer ZrTe5 — and demonstrate it possesses a band gap wide enough for potential room-temperature applications. Yong-Jie Xu, Guohua Cao & Shao-Chun Li Article 04 June 2024 | Open Access Highly confined epsilon-near-zero and surface phonon polaritons in SrTiO3 membranes Transition metal perovskite oxide membranes are promising platforms for infrared polaritonics. Here, the authors experimentally demonstrate highly confined epsilon-near-zero modes and propagating surface phonon polaritons in high-quality SrTiO3 membranes with deep subwavelength thickness. Ruijuan Xu, Iris Crassee & Yin Liu Article 04 June 2024 | Open Access Charge redistribution of a spatially differentiated ferroelectric Bi4Ti3O12 single crystal for photocatalytic overall water splitting Via specific acid etching, the authors report the production of spatially differentiated Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets to accelerate photogenerated charge transfer and separation for effective water splitting in a one-step excitation system with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 0.1%. Guangri Jia, Fusai Sun & Jimmy C. Yu Article 04 June 2024 | Open Access Direct observation of photoinduced sequential spin transition in a halogen-bonded hybrid system by complementary ultrafast optical and electron probes Halogen bond is desired for tuning electronic properties by external stimuli. Here, authors reveal a sequential activation of spin crossover and dimer softening, unveiling a key transient state in a prototypical halogen-bonded material. Yifeng Jiang, Stuart Hayes & R. J. Dwayne Miller