Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access TPE-embedded butterfly bis-crown ether with controllable conformation and supramolecular chiroptical property Understanding how structural differences impact the properties of macrocyclic conformational isomers has garnered attention in the field of supramolecular chemistry. Here, the authors synthesize tetraphenylene-embedded butterfly bis-crown ether macrocycles with conformers that display distinct fluorescence properties and host-guest binding abilities. Xueqi Tian, Minzan Zuo & Xiao-Yu Hu Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Unified momentum model for rotor aerodynamics across operating regimes Models used to optimize wind power are still limited to rely on empiricism when existing theory fails. Here, authors develop a Unified Momentum Model to predict power, thrust, and wakes of rotors under arbitrary inflow angles and thrust coefficients from first principles, mitigating the need for empirical adjustments. Jaime Liew, Kirby S. Heck & Michael F. Howland Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Responsive circularly polarized ultralong room temperature phosphorescence materials with easy-to-scale and chiral-sensing performance Circularly polarised room temperature materials have promising applications, but colour control is still challenging. Here, the authors report the development of these materials with full colour based on anionic cellulose derivatives and achiral luminophores. Jingxuan You, Chunchun Yin & Jinming Zhang Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Ultraselective Macrocycle Membranes for Pharmaceutical Ingredients Separation in Organic Solvents Separation membranes with high stability and selectivity are desired for application in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Here, the authors report the formation of nanofilms composed by fully crosslinked crown ethers supported on robust porous materials as separation membranes for structurally different compounds. Banan Alhazmi, Gergo Ignacz & Suzana P. Nunes Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Interference haptic stimulation and consistent quantitative tactility in transparent electrotactile screen with pressure-sensitive transistors Electrotactile systems can have inconsistent tactile results due to variations in pressure between the device and finger. Here, the authors report a transparent electrotactile device with pressure-sensitive transistors, enabling consistent electrotactility while interference stimulation maximizes the performance. Kyeonghee Lim, Jakyoung Lee & Jang-Ung Park Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Coherent control of rare earth 4f shell wavefunctions in the quantum spin liquid Tb2Ti2O7 Recent years have seen significant progress in the coherent control of collective excitations such as magnons and phonons in quantum materials using ultrafast laser pulses. Here the authors report evidence of coherent excitation of orbitals in a rare earth pyrochlore spin liquid material Tb2Ti2O7 by THz pulses. R. Mankowsky, M. Müller & U. Staub Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access A seamless auxetic substrate with a negative Poisson’s ratio of −1 The inherent porosity of auxetic metamaterials challenge their applicability. Here, the authors introduce a seamless auxetic substrate film capable of achieving a negative Poisson’s ratio of −1 incorporating a rigid auxetic structure reinforced by glass-fabric, with surface-flattening soft elastomers applied as an image distortion-free display. Yung Lee, Bongkyun Jang & Byeong-Soo Bae Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Cairo pentagon tessellated covalent organic frameworks with mcm topology for near-infrared phototherapy Two dimensional covalent organic frameworks with various pore geometries have been developed however covalent organic frameworks with pentagonal pores remain absent. Here, the authors present Cairo pentagonal tessellated covalent organic frameworks applied for NIR photothermal combined photodynamic therapy to guide cancer cell apoptosis. Yong Liu, Liangchao Yuan & Zhi-Guo Gu Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Bimetallic nanoalloys planted on super-hydrophilic carbon nanocages featuring tip-intensified hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis A RuNi/NC catalyst with optimized interfacial water dynamics for alkaline H2 evolution is reported. The designed strategy shows enhanced catalytic activity by achieving 12 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm‒2 and 13.6-fold higher mass activity than Pt/C. Linjie Zhang, Haihui Hu & Lili Han Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Diurnal humidity cycle driven selective ion transport across clustered polycation membrane The ability to manipulate the flux of ions across membranes is a key aspect of diverse sectors including water desalination, blood ion monitoring, purification, electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Here the authors illustrate the potential of using daily changes in environmental humidity as a continuous driving force for generating selective ion flux. Yuanyuan Zhao, Ju Liu & Shuang Zheng Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Dynamics of K2Ni2(SO4)3 governed by proximity to a 3D spin liquid model Recently, quantum spin liquid signatures have been found in 3D systems. Here, using a combination of inelastic neutron scattering and calculations, the authors study the dynamic magnetic properties of a 3D quantum spin liquid candidate K2Ni2(SO4)3, identifying a spin liquid region in the theoretical phase diagram. Matías G. Gonzalez, Vincent Noculak & Ivica Živković Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Hydrodesulfurization of methanethiol over Co-promoted MoS2 model catalysts Operando scanning tunneling microscopy under near-industrial conditions and density functional theory demonstrate that CH3SH hydrodesulfurization occurs via a new methyl transfer pathway on the Co-substituted S edges of a CoMoS model catalyst. M. K. Prabhu, J. N. Louwen & I. M. N. Groot Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access A 4096 channel event-based multielectrode array with asynchronous outputs compatible with neuromorphic processors Developing efficient real-time closed-loop interfacing with neuromorphic processors is a challenge. The authors report a GAIA sensor, which is a 4096-channel event-based MEA that encodes biopotentials in event-based pulses reducing data transmission and power consumption. Matteo Cartiglia, Filippo Costa & Giacomo Indiveri Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Combining electron transfer, spin crossover, and redox properties in metal-organic frameworks Hofmann-type MOFs with an uncommon structural arrangement show thermochromism based on spin crossover behaviour and/or an intramolecular electron transfer between non-bridged CN units and the employed redox-active cationic bipyridinium ligand. Livia Getzner, Damian Paliwoda & Azzedine Bousseksou Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access Rapid heating rates define the volatile emission and regolith composition of (3200) Phaethon Fe-sulphides decompose reversibly, providing a source of volatile gases that sustain comet-like activity over many heating cycles, according to experimental heating of meteorites that simulates the thermal regime of the near-Sun asteroid Phaethon Martin D. Suttle, Lorenz. F. Olbrich & Liza Riches Article 21 August 2024 | Open Access A physical derivation of high-flux ion transport in biological channel via quantum ion coherence Authors demonstrate coherence of the K+ ions confined in potassium-selective channels, which determines transport. The coherent oscillation state of confined K+ ions in the channel dominates each transport event, serving as the physical basis for the high flux of channel. Yue Wang, Yixiao Hu & Lei Jiang Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access A Thorium(IV) metallacyclopropyne complex Actinide metallacyclic chemistry is of interest since it is involved in various chemical processes but fundamental understanding of actinide metallacyclopropynes as key species remains limited. Here the authors report a thorium metallacyclopropyne complex in the gas phase by using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations. Xiuting Chen, Songpeng Wan & Yu Gong Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access Nickel(II)/BINOL-catalyzed enantioselective C–H activation via desymmetrization and kinetic resolution While many catalytic modes of palladium have been able to be supplanted by nickel catalysis, which is more Earth-abundant, enantioselective nickel-catalysed C–H activation remains unexplored. Here, the authors report an enantioselective C–H activation of metallocenes via a nickel–1′-bi-2-naphthol catalytic system. Qi-Jun Yao, Fan-Rui Huang & Bing-Feng Shi Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access How local electric field regulates C–C coupling at a single nanocavity in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction Precisely tunning the C–C coupling pathway through local microenvironments remains somewhat unclear. Here, the authors developed a nano-confined Raman spectroscopic strategy to uncover how the local electric field regulates the evolution of C–C coupling intermediates at a specific nanocavity. Ruixin Yang, Yanming Cai & Zixuan Chen Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access Thermal shock protection with scalable heat-absorbing aerogels The authors report a cost-effective and scalable approach encapsulating phase change materials into micron-porous aerogels to realize phase change materials with enhanced thermal shock resistance comparable to that of nano-porous aerogels Feng Xiong, Jiawei Zhou & Ruqiang Zou Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access Stabilization of highly efficient perovskite solar cells with a tailored supramolecular interface The defects at the perovskite/carrier transport layer interface pose significant challenges to the performance of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors introduce a dual host-guest complexation strategy with Cs-crown-ether and ammonium salt, achieving a high PCE of 25.9% with superior stability. Chenxu Zhao, Zhiwen Zhou & Michael Grätzel Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access Electrically activated ferroelectric nematic microrobots Ferroelectric nematic liquids with apparently high dielectric constant exhibit remarkable electric field induced phenomena. The authors report creating small fluid ferroelectric units that function as active particles under an electric field. Marcell Tibor Máthé, Hiroya Nishikawa & Péter Salamon Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access Fast and robust analog in-memory deep neural network training Analog in-memory computing recent hardware implementations focused mainly on accelerating inference deployment. In this work, to improve the training process, the authors propose algorithms for supervised training of deep neural networks on analog in-memory AI accelerator hardware. Malte J. Rasch, Fabio Carta & Tayfun Gokmen Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access Practical and regioselective halonitrooxylation of olefins to access β-halonitrates Organic nitrates have potential to enhance efficacy of bioactive molecules and in some cases can reduce side effects, but selective and efficient methods for their synthesis are generally scarce. Here, the authors present a methodology to difunctionalize alkenes, adding a nitrooxy and halogen in high regioselectivity via a hypervalent iodine reagent. Xuan Cheng, Quan Yin & Qing-Hai Deng Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access Rapid single-tier serodiagnosis of Lyme disease Lyme disease is the leading vector-borne disease in North America and Europe, but it lacks single tests for early diagnosis. Here, authors develop a rapid and low-cost serologic test using synthetic peptides, a paper-based assay, and machine learning. Rajesh Ghosh, Hyou-Arm Joung & Dino Di Carlo Article 20 August 2024 | Open Access Structural insights into i-motif DNA structures in sequences from the insulin-linked polymorphic region DNA sequences from the insulin-linked polymorphic region can form non-canonical structures. Here, the authors present a structural investigation into the relationship between native sequence variants and the different structures they form. Dilek Guneri, Effrosyni Alexandrou & Zoë A. E. Waller Article 19 August 2024 | Open Access Empowering a qudit-based quantum processor by traversing the dual bosonic ladder The full-fledged development of qudits in superconducting circuits is hindered by limited interaction toolkit and stringent requirements on frequencies and anharmonicities. Here, the authors propose and demonstrate an alternative scheme to perform multi-qudit gates in transmon-based devices, which is based on Raman-assisted two-photon interactions. Long B. Nguyen, Noah Goss & Irfan Siddiqi Article 19 August 2024 | Open Access Single-photon induced instabilities in a cavity electromechanical device In electromechanical devices, nonlinear radiation-pressure interaction can lead to significant changes in the dynamics from just few photons. Here, by enhancing the light-matter coupling in a cavity electromechanical device, the author show the onset of mechanical instabilities with less than a single photon in the cavity. Tanmoy Bera, Mridul Kandpal & Vibhor Singh Article 19 August 2024 | Open Access Spin-Peierls instability of the U(1) Dirac spin liquid Quantum spin liquids can emerge in frustrated magnets where quantum fluctuations prevent long-range order. Seifert et al. show that spin-lattice couplings can relieve magnetic frustration and destabilise 2D gapless quantum spin liquid states with fractionalised excitations, analogous to the 1D spin-Peierls instability. Urban F. P. Seifert, Josef Willsher & Johannes Knolle Article 19 August 2024 | Open Access Data-driven quantum chemical property prediction leveraging 3D conformations with Uni-Mol+ Quantum chemical (QC) property prediction is crucial in computational chemistry. Here, the authors introduce Uni-Mol+, a deep model that uses iterative updates of 3D molecular conformations to improves the accuracy of QC property prediction. Shuqi Lu, Zhifeng Gao & Guolin Ke Article 18 August 2024 | Open Access Effects of surface hydrophobization on the phase evolution behavior of iron-based catalyst during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis The iron carbide active phase is easily oxidized by the water produced during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, which leads to a deterioration in catalytic performance. Here, the authors present a strategy to protect iron carbide by applying surface hydrophobization. Yanfei Xu, Zhenxuan Zhang & Mingyue Ding Article 18 August 2024 | Open Access Lightweight single-phase Al-based complex concentrated alloy with high specific strength By overcoming the limited solubility of other lighter components in aluminum using high pressure and high temperature, a low-density, high specific strength, and single-phase aluminum-based complex concentrated alloy is developed. Mingliang Han, Yuan Wu & Z. P. Lu Article 17 August 2024 | Open Access An enantioselective and modular platform for C4ʹ-modified nucleoside analogue synthesis enabled by intramolecular trans-acetalizations C4ʹ-modified nucleoside analogues attract global attention, but current approaches for the synthesis involve lengthy, nonmodular routes. Herein, the authors report a modular 5-step process to a diverse collection of C4ʹ-modified nucleoside analogues through a sequence of intramolecular trans-acetalizations of polyhydroxylated frameworks. Thirupathi Nuligonda, Gautam Kumar & Michael W. Meanwell Article 17 August 2024 | Open Access Copper-catalyzed highly switchable defluoroborylation and hydrodefluorination of 1-(trifluoromethyl)alkynes Achieving the modular synthesis of various CF2-containing building blocks from a single compound remains a formidable challenge. Herein, the authors present a Cu-catalyzed switchable defluoroborylation and hydrodefluorination of trifluoromethylated alkynes, affording four types of synthetically challenging CF2-containing compounds. Jun Xu, Zhao-Cheng Yan & Hua-Jian Xu Article 17 August 2024 | Open Access Nanocrystalline copper for direct copper-to-copper bonding with improved cross-interface formation at low thermal budget Direct copper-to-copper bonding is crucial for advanced electronic packaging. Here, the authors demonstrate Cu-Cu bonding with low thermal budget using nanocrystalline Cu with a double-layer structure. Chuan He, Jingzhuo Zhou & Shien-Ping Feng Article 17 August 2024 | Open Access Amorphous (lysine)2PbI2 layer enhanced perovskite photovoltaics The mainstream passivation strategies routinely rely on crystalline materials for perovskite photovoltaics. Here, authors utilize a solid phase reaction to prepare an amorphous (lysine)2PbI2 layer to neutralize surface and interface defects, achieving device efficiency of over 26% for solar cells. Yehui Wen, Tianchi Zhang & Deren Yang Article 17 August 2024 | Open Access High-resolution flexible iontronic skins for both negative and positive pressure measurement in room temperature wind tunnel applications Flexible skins are desired for wind pressure measurement on curved surfaces. Here, the authors report a flexible skin using two iontronic pressure sensors for negative pressure and positive pressure sensing, respectively, and demonstrate its application to pressure measurements in room temperature wind tunnels. Jingxiao Wang, Xueyong Wei & Chuan Fei Guo Article 17 August 2024 | Open Access Qualitative and quantitative electrochemiluminescence evaluation of trace Pt single-atom in MXenes Here, an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform is developed to analyze trace Pt single-atoms in MXenes, where distinct reactive oxygen species originating from different Pt species react with luminol, allowing for monitoring of Pt environment. Yacheng Shi & Yang Liu Article 17 August 2024 | Open Access α-Synuclein oligomers form by secondary nucleation The formation of protein aggregates is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, with small oligomeric species implicated as a major source of toxicity. In this work, Xu et al. determine their mechanism of formation and role in aggregation. Catherine K. Xu, Georg Meisl & Tuomas P. J. Knowles Article 16 August 2024 | Open Access Multi-dimensional optical information acquisition based on a misaligned unipolar barrier photodetector Multi-dimensional detection of optical information with a single device enables energy- and area-efficient sensing capabilities. Here, the authors report dual-band infrared detectors based on misaligned 2D black phosphorus and black arsenic phosphorus, sensitive to light intensity, spectrum and polarization. Shukui Zhang, Hanxue Jiao & Jianlu Wang Article 16 August 2024 | Open Access Structure and inference in hypergraphs with node attributes Many networked datasets encoded with hypergraphs include additional node attributes, such as roles in a workplace, that can enhance the understanding of higher-order interactions. This study presents a model that integrates higher-order interactions and node attributes for improved community detection in hypergraphs, demonstrating superior accuracy and efficiency in hyperedge prediction and community division tasks. Anna Badalyan, Nicolò Ruggeri & Caterina De Bacco Article 16 August 2024 | Open Access An acid-tolerant metal-organic framework for industrial CO2 electrolysis using a proton exchange membrane This work develops an industrial-level CO2 electrolysis system for formic acid production by constructing a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer with an acid-tolerant Bismuth metal-organic framework. Kang Yang, Ming Li & Jingjing Duan Article 16 August 2024 | Open Access High-efficiency C3 electrosynthesis on a lattice-strain-stabilized nitrogen-doped Cu surface The transformation of CO and H2O into C2+ fuels using renewable electricity represents a significant stride in carbon recycling. Here, the authors introduce a plasma-treated Cu catalyst, achieving high CO coverage and promoted C-C coupling ability for efficient n-propanol formation. Wenzhe Niu, Jie Feng & Bo Zhang Article 16 August 2024 | Open Access Jamming is a first-order transition with quenched disorder in amorphous materials sheared by cyclic quasistatic deformations Jamming in amorphous systems is an athermal transition characterized by mixed first-order and second-order aspects. Authors demonstrate that jamming is a first-order transition with quenched disorder, revealing significant finite-size effects and a square relationship between disconnected and connected susceptibilities in cyclically sheared systems. Yue Deng, Deng Pan & Yuliang Jin Article 16 August 2024 | Open Access Motion blur microscopy: in vitro imaging of cell adhesion dynamics in whole blood flow Monitoring cellular adhesion in blood samples is of fundamental importance, but conventional approaches may not capture the full physiological complexity of microscale flow in living contexts. Here, the authors present motion blur microscopy and machine learning-based image analysis to study cell interactions in microfluidic channels during whole blood flow. Utku Goreke, Ayesha Gonzales & Umut A. Gurkan Article 15 August 2024 | Open Access An anionic two dimensional covalent organic framework from tetratopic borate centres pillared by lithium ions Non-covalent interactions facilitate the stacking of framework layers in two dimensional covalent organic frameworks playing an important role for the framework formation. Here, the authors describe a covalent organic framework with tetratopic borate linkages whose counter cations promote the framework layer interaction. Darosch Asgari, Julia Grüneberg & Arne Thomas Article 15 August 2024 | Open Access Phase-stabilised self-injection-locked microcomb Phase-stabilized frequency combs are critical for optical precision measurements. They have now been realized in a chip-scale format with CMOS compatible electrical control Thibault Wildi, Alexander E. Ulanov & Tobias Herr Article 15 August 2024 | Open Access Radiative plasma simulations of black hole accretion flow coronae in the hard and soft states Physical origin of accretion states in black hole X-ray binary systems is an open question. Here, the authors perform self-consistent radiative plasma simulations of the corona around the inner accretion flow and demonstrate natural generation of the observed hard and soft state X-ray emission when the plasma is turbulent. Joonas Nättilä Article 15 August 2024 | Open Access Unusual plastic strain-induced phase transformation phenomena in silicon The authors report an in-situ x-ray diffraction study of pressure and strain-induced phase transformations in silicon, an essential electronic material. They observe several different plastic strain-induced transformation phenomena which may inspire practical applications. Sorb Yesudhas, Valery I. Levitas & Jesse S. Smith Article 15 August 2024 | Open Access Grand canonically optimized grain boundary phases in hexagonal close-packed titanium Grain boundaries strongly influence the properties of crystalline materials, but identifying their multiple phases remains difficult. Here, authors show a new tool for automated grain boundary structure prediction with an application to Ti. Enze Chen, Tae Wook Heo & Timofey Frolov