Article 09 November 2024 | Open Access Photochemistry dominates over photothermal effects in the laser-induced reduction of graphene oxide by visible light Laser reduction of graphene oxide is generally assumed to be primarily driven by heat. Here the authors show that light-triggered chemical reactions dominate over photothermal effects. Maxim Fatkullin, Dmitry Cheshev & Evgeniya Sheremet Article 09 November 2024 | Open Access Absence of bulk charge density wave order in the normal state of UTe2 Surface-sensitive scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has previously found a charge density wave (CDW) up to 10 K in the normal state of the heavy-fermion superconductor UTe2. Here, using resonant elastic X-ray scattering (REXS) above the superconducting transition, the authors find no evidence for a bulk CDW, suggesting the normal state CDW observed by STM is a surface effect. C. S. Kengle, J. Vonka & W. Simeth Article 09 November 2024 | Open Access A tripartite synergistic optimization strategy for zinc-iodine batteries Here, authors propose a tripartite synergistic optimization strategy involving cathode host, electrolyte additive, and in-situ anode protection, which enables the zinc-iodine batteries exhibit high capacity, superior energy density, and ultralong cycle life. Weibin Yan, Ying Liu & Zifeng Lin Article 09 November 2024 | Open Access Individually addressed entangling gates in a two-dimensional ion crystal Quantum gates in 2D ion crystals are more challenging than in 1D. Here, the authors use their 2D ion trap platform and acousto-optical deflectors to demonstrate a 2-qubit gate that can stand the ion micromotion in such configuration. Y.-H. Hou, Y.-J. Yi & L.-M. Duan Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access Energy-transfer-enabled photocatalytic transformations of aryl thianthrenium salts Aryl thianthrenium salts are valuable in photocatalysis but traditionally require external electron donors for activation. Herein, the authors report an energy transfer strategy for the activation of aryl thianthrenium salts, eliminating the need for external donors. Kai Sun, Chang Ge & Bing Yu Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access Organic–inorganic covalent–ionic network enabled all–in–one multifunctional coating for flexible displays Lin et al. report a nanoscale organic-inorganic covalent-ionic hybrid network leveraging the reorganising interaction between siloxanes and fluoride ions, enabling a single layer coating with excellent optical, antistatic, anti-smudge, anti-scratch, and mechanical properties for touch displays. Xiong Lin, Chen–Yu Li & Qiang Fu Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access Learning properties of quantum states without the IID assumption Most of the current protocols for learning properties of quantum states are based on the assumption that the states are prepared in the same way over time. Here, the authors show a way to remove this assumption, while incurring only a polynomial increase in sample complexity. Omar Fawzi, Richard Kueng & Aadil Oufkir Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access Oriented Bi2Te3-based films enabled high performance planar thermoelectric cooling device for hot spot elimination The authors fabricate highly (00l) orientated Bi2Te3-based films by liquid Te assistant growth method, showing high mobility stemming from high orientation and low lattice thermal conductivity, resulting from excess Te induced staggered stacking faults. Guoying Dong, Jianghe Feng & Rong Sun Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access OCTOPUS: operation control system for task optimization and job parallelization via a user-optimal scheduler OCTOPUS is an operating system for material acceleration platforms that optimizes resources and ensures safety with multiple user experiments. It integrates to streamline scheduling and modularizes processes to reduce delays and hazards. Copilot function helps code generation, enhancing reusability. Hyuk Jun Yoo, Kwan-Young Lee & Sang Soo Han Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access Ultrafast dynamics evidence of strong coupling superconductivity in LaH10±δ Recently, clathrate superhydride superconductors have garnered significant attention. Here the authors measure the electron-phonon coupling strength and superconducting gap of an ultrahigh pressure superconductor LaH10±δ by ultrafast spectroscopy, revealing a strong coupling nature of the superconductivity. Y. L. Wu, X. H. Yu & Jimin Zhao Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access Steering diffusion selectivity of chemical isomers within aligned nanochannels of metal-organic framework thin film Controlling chemical isomer diffusion in nanoporous metal-organic framework is key for separation and catalysis. Here, the authors leverage dynamic chemical interactions to manipulate and reverse isomer diffusion selectivity. Tanmoy Maity, Susmita Sarkar & Ritesh Haldar Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access mRNA delivery enabled by metal–organic nanoparticles Potential toxicity from cationic moieties and limited organ tropism are two challenges faced by current mRNA delivery vehicles. Here, authors develop non-cationic, highly biocompatible metal–organic nanoparticles that enable robust mRNA expression in vivo with tunable organ tropism. Yuang Gu, Jingqu Chen & Frank Caruso Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access Cell shape affects bacterial colony growth under physical confinement Lab experiments using liquid cultures or agar plates fail to capture the effects of physical confinement on bacteria. Here, Sreepadmanabh et al. use three-dimensional matrices to show that growth under confinement favours rod-shaped bacteria, which form elongated colonies with increased access to nutrients, as opposed to spherical bacteria that form compact, spherical colonies. M Sreepadmanabh, Meenakshi Ganesh & Tapomoy Bhattacharjee Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access The backpropagation algorithm implemented on spiking neuromorphic hardware Neuromorphic computing has shown the capability of low-power real-time parallel computations, however, implementing the backpropagation algorithm entirely on a neuromorphic chip has remained challenging. The authors propose a spiking neural network implementation of the exact backpropagation algorithm fully on-chip without a computer in the loop. Alpha Renner, Forrest Sheldon & Andrew Sornborger Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access A platform for mapping reactive cysteines within the immunopeptidome MHC-I antigen presentation pathways are crucial for orchestrating immune responses. Here, the authors introduce a platform for mapping reactive cysteines on MHC-I-bound peptide antigens and discover that these cysteines exhibit varying degrees of reactivity. Chenlu Zhang, Chen Zhou & Xiaoyu Zhang Article 08 November 2024 | Open Access An assessment of China’s methane mitigation potential and costs and uncertainties through 2060 This paper assesses methane emission reduction sources, costs, and uncertainties in China’s methane pathways through 2060. It identifies significant cost-effective methane reduction potential in the energy and agriculture sectors as early as 2030. Nina Khanna, Jiang Lin & Wenjun Wang Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Spatially selective actuation of liquid-crystalline polymer films through two-photon absorption processes Spatial selectivity of photoactuation in soft material has been limited in two dimension and three-dimensionally selective actuation is an effective approach to control the direction and types of macroscopic motions. Here, the authors report the photoinduced deformation of liquid-crystalline polymer films with high spatial selectivity via a two-photon absorption process. Toru Ube, Shota Sasaki & Tomiki Ikeda Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Catalyst-free and wavelength-tuned glycosylation based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer Achieving chemoselectivity for chemical synthesis is mainly limited to thermodynamic conditions by an exogenous activation strategy. Here, the authors report an endogenous activation method, which can be used to control the chemoselectivity of phenol and naphthol through the photo-induced excited-state intramolecular proton transfer. Min Hou, Xiaoling Jing & Shuanhu Gao Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Localized topological states beyond Fano resonances via counter-propagating wave mode conversion in piezoelectric microelectromechanical devices The authors introduce a MEMS device that leverages the destructive interference between two topological radiofrequency (RF) counter-propagating wave modes at a piezoelectric Aluminum Scandium Nitride (AlScN) Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) interface. This device offers enhanced sensing capabilities compared to conventional NEMS/MEMS, particularly for localized parameters such as the mass of a single cell. Jacopo M. De Ponti, Xuanyi Zhao & Cristian Cassella Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Scalable robust photothermal superhydrophobic coatings for efficient anti-icing and de-icing in simulated/real environments Photothermal superhydrophobic coatings show poor anti-icing performance and mechanical stability in real conditions. Here, authors report on robust photothermal superhydrophobic coatings with self-similar low-surface-energy three-tier micro-/nano- /nanostructures. Mingyuan Mao, Jinfei Wei & Junping Zhang Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Understanding the active site in chameleon-like bifunctional catalyst for practical rechargeable zinc-air batteries Rechargeable zinc-air batteries hold great promise for energy storage but face several challenges. In this study, the authors introduce a chameleon-like catalyst and a hierarchical air cathode, achieving a 2400-hour cycle life for these batteries. Xiongwei Zhong, Xiao Xiao & Baomin Xu Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Photosynthesis of Au8Cu6 nanocluster for photocatalysis in oxidative functionalization of alkynes Ligand-protected metal nanoclusters provide an ideal platform for investigating the balance of stability and activity in photoredox catalysis. Here, the authors apply a photochemical reduction–oxidation cascade method to synthesize an Au8Cu6 nanocluster with a robust structure and active surface. Yan Zhao, Ze-Min Zhu & Man-Bo Li Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Dynamic control and quantification of active sites on ceria for CO activation and hydrogenation This study combines model and powder catalyst studies to elucidate the atomic-scale structure-reactivity relationships in ceria-catalyzed CO hydrogenation, optimizing ceria catalysts for syngas conversion and advancing model-guided catalyst design. Weipeng Shao, Yi Zhang & Fan Yang Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Visualizing the topological pentagon states of a giant C540 metamaterial Fullerenes possess unique electronic property influenced by their real space topology and gauge field. Here, the authors construct an acoustic C540 fullerene metamaterial, allowing observation of 3D topological pentagon states using sound waves, and offering new insights into classical wave manipulation. Danwei Liao, Jingyi Zhang & Johan Christensen Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Organoelectrocatalytic cyclopropanation of alkenyl trifluoroborates with methylene compounds Although cyclopropanes are found in many natural products, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, catalytic methods for cyclopropanation with two abundant substrates, mild conditions, high functional group tolerance, and broad scope are still highly desirable. Here, the authors report an intermolecular electrocatalytic cyclopropanation of alkenyl trifluoroborates with methylene compounds. Wei Yi, Peng-Cheng Xu & Shenlin Huang Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Major-auxiliary cooperative metal pairs in MOFs enable cascade oxidation of KA oil to ε-caprolactone ε-Caprolactone is a key starting point for the preparation of many polymers, such as polycaprolactone, polyurethane and nylon-6. Here the authors show that a metal-organic framework in conjunction with oxygen and benzaldehyde can facilitate the synthesis of ε-caprolactone from ketone-alcohol oil feedstock in a cascade oxidation. Guangxin Xue, Hanlin Liu & Zhiyong Tang Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Floquet topological dissipative Kerr solitons and incommensurate frequency combs Optical frequency combs are conventionally defined as a set of phase-locked, equally spaced spectral lines. Here, using a two-dimensional array of Floquet topological ring resonators, the authors propose novel incommensurate combs with phase-locked spectral lines that are not all equally spaced. Seyed Danial Hashemi & Sunil Mittal Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Microcavity-assisted multi-resonant metasurfaces enabling versatile wavefront engineering Previous multi-wavelength metasurfaces are restricted to a few wavelengths or lack wavefront control ability. Here, the authors introduce a microcavity-assisted metasurface that achieves multi-resonant wavefront engineering at 15 high-Q peak wavelengths from 480 nm to 1000 nm. Shih-Hsiu Huang, Hsiu-Ping Su & Pin Chieh Wu Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access A superlattice interface and S-scheme heterojunction for ultrafast charge separation and transfer in photocatalytic H2 evolution Limited charge separation is a major challenge in creating efficient semiconductor photocatalysis. This work introduces a superlattice interface and S-scheme heterojunction for ultrafast charge separation and transfer in photocatalytic H2 evolution. Sijie Wan, Wang Wang & Lianmeng Zhang Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access A low-coordinate platinum(0)-germylene for E–H bond activation and catalytic hydrodehalogenation Pairing transition metals and heavier tetrylenes holds potential for cooperative bond activation. Here, the authors investigate the reactivity of a low-coordinate Pt(0)/Ge(II) system that emerges from the reaction between a monoligated platinum(0) precursor with a germylene dimer and explore its application as a hydrodehalogenation catalyst. Sonia Bajo, Enrique Soto & Jesús Campos Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Enhanced production of 60Fe in massive stars 60Fe and 26Al provide insights about active nucleosynthesis in our galaxy and there is a discrepancy between observed and theoretically predicted ratios. Here, the authors show that this discrepancy is higher than previously found. A. Spyrou, D. Richman & A. Sweet Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Strength gradient in impact-induced metallic bonding In situ measurements reveal a significant strength gradient at interfaces formed by the supersonic impact of metallic microparticles on metallic surfaces, featuring weak central bonding and a rapid rise to a peak exceeding bulk material strength. Qi Tang, David Veysset & Mostafa Hassani Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Integrating spoken instructions into flight trajectory prediction to optimize automation in air traffic control Current air traffic control systems struggle to consider controlling intent for traffic prediction. Here, authors propose an automation approach integrating controlling intent into the information processing loop through the spoken instruction-aware flight trajectory prediction framework. Dongyue Guo, Zheng Zhang & Yi Lin Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Superconductivity and nematic order in a new titanium-based kagome metal CsTi3Bi5 without charge density wave order The new kagome metals can exhibit unconventional electron correlated states beyond recently discovered kagome superconductors AV3Sb5. Here, the authors report discovery of superconductivity and intrinsic nematic order in a new titanium-based kagome metal CsTi3Bi5 without charge density wave order. Haitao Yang, Yuhan Ye & Hong-Jun Gao Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Precise p-type and n-type doping of two-dimensional semiconductors for monolithic integrated circuits The fabrication of n- and p-type semiconducting channels based on the same layered material would simplify the implementation of 2D electronics. Here, the authors report a spatially selective doping method for the synthesis of wafer-scale p- and n-type 2H-MoTe2 thin films, and their application for the realization of complementary 2D transistor and inverter arrays. Yu Pan, Tao Jian & Yu Ye Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Ultrafast complete dechlorination enabled by ferrous oxide/graphene oxide catalytic membranes via nanoconfinement advanced reduction Catalytic removal of chlorinated pollutants is hampered by sluggish degradation, incomplete dechlorination, and poor catalyst recovery. Here, a catalytic membrane with strong nanoconfinement effects is developed for achieving ultrafast, complete, and stable dechlorination of those pollutants. Qian Xiao, Wanbin Li & Chuyang Y. Tang Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Achromatic metalenses for full visible spectrum with extended group delay control via dispersion-matched layers Researchers created a metalens focusing all visible light equally across 400–700 nm by engineering meta-atoms with dispersion-matched layers. This improves group delay control, enabling efficient, large-aperture achromatic metalenses for practical use. Shengyuan Chang, Lidan Zhang & Xingjie Ni Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Parity-independent Kondo effect of correlated electrons in electrostatically defined ZnO quantum dots To date, semiconductor quantum dots have been studied in heterostructures of materials such as GaAs and Si. Here the authors report the formation of electrostatically defined quantum dots in ZnO heterostructures with correlated electrons and observe a unique Kondo effect independent of even-odd electron parity. Kosuke Noro, Yusuke Kozuka & Tomohiro Otsuka Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Device deficiency and degradation diagnosis model of Perovskite solar cells through hysteresis analysis The understanding of the origins of device degradation of perovskite solar cells remains limited. Here, the authors establish hysteresis as a diagnostic key to unveil and remedy degradation issues and investigate the relations between characteristic J-V hysteresis features and device deficiencies. Zi Shuai Wang, Yindan An & Wallace C. H. Choy Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Tuning direct-written terahertz metadevices with organic mixed ion-electron conductors Organic mixed ion-electron conductors are emerging as promising platforms for innovative bioelectronic, neuromorphic, and electro-optical technologies. In this work, authors explore the potential of this class of electronic materials in THz technologies by developing reconfigurable metasurfaces via direct-writing methods. Cristiano Bortolotti, Federico Grandi & Giorgio Ernesto Bonacchini Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Rigid and planar π-conjugated molecules leading to long-lived intramolecular charge-transfer states exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence The authors report thermally activated delayed fluorescence in rigid planar donor-acceptor molecules achieving decoupling of ground and excited states through a bonding/antibonding connectivity between donor and acceptor without alarge dihedral twist angle between them. Suman Kuila, Hector Miranda-Salinas & Andrew P. Monkman Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access Small molecule modulation of protein corona for deep plasma proteome profiling The protein corona on nanoparticles has potential for application in protein diagnostics. Here, the authors report on the use of small molecules to change the protein and proteoform patterns of protein corona on otherwise identical nanoparticles, which can be leveraged to significantly enhance the depth of plasma proteome profiling. Ali Akbar Ashkarran, Hassan Gharibi & Morteza Mahmoudi Article 07 November 2024 | Open Access In silico formulation optimization and particle engineering of pharmaceutical products using a generative artificial intelligence structure synthesis method Pharmaceutical drug dosage forms are traditionally determined through extensive physical experimentation. Here, the authors present a generative AI method that creates digital drug products from images, matching and improving critical quality attributes such as particle size and drug loading. Timothy Hornick, Chen Mao & Shawn Zhang Article 06 November 2024 | Open Access Pathway-directed recyclable chirality inversion of coordinated supramolecular polymers Elucidation of the fundamental mechanisms behind the dynamic chirality inversion of supramolecular assemblies with pathway complexity is challenging. Here, the authors report metal coordination driven assembly systems based on pyridyl-conjugated cholesterol and show that metal ions facilitate pathway-directed, recyclable chirality inversion and assembly polymorphism. Kuo Fu, Yanli Zhao & Guofeng Liu Article 06 November 2024 | Open Access Enhancing photocatalytic performance of covalent organic frameworks via ionic polarization Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) show great promise in photocatalysis but are limited by slow charge transfer. Here, the authors report a strategy to enhance the built-in electric field of COFs via ionic polarization, resulting in a hydrogen evolution rate of 9.21 mmol g-¹ h-¹ without Pt co-catalysts. Jiahe Zhang, Xiaoning Li & Tianyi Ma Article 06 November 2024 | Open Access Electronic and magnetic excitations in La3Ni2O7 It was recently found that a certain nickelate compound, La3Ni2O7, at moderately high pressures has a superconducting phase that persists to above liquid nitrogen temperatures. Here, by studying the parent phase at ambient pressure, Chen et al uncover rich magnetic properties and show the vital role of the strong bonding of the inter-layer Ni orbitals in the magnetic and electronic excitations. Xiaoyang Chen, Jaewon Choi & Donglai Feng Article 06 November 2024 | Open Access Quantifying chemomechanical weakening in muscovite mica with a simple micromechanical model Changes in muscovite caused by environmental factors can be detected in nanoindentation data with a statistical physics model for plastic deformation. The model’s simplicity implies these findings may generalize to other layered materials. Jordan J. Sickle, William M. Mook & Karin A. Dahmen Article 06 November 2024 | Open Access Robustly learning the Hamiltonian dynamics of a superconducting quantum processor Accurately estimating Hamiltonian parameters of a quantum system is crucial in the development of large-scale analog quantum simulators. Here, the authors develop and experimentally demonstrate an algorithm to robustly learn Hamiltonian parameters of bosonic systems undergoing dynamical evolution. Dominik Hangleiter, Ingo Roth & Pedram Roushan Article 06 November 2024 | Open Access Electron-donable heterojunctions with synergetic Ru-Cu pair sites for biocatalytic microenvironment modulations in inflammatory mandible defects Mandible defect is a global health challenge. This study proposes an electron-donable heterojunction with synergetic catalytic sites and switchable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities for the repair of mandible defects. Mingru Bai, Ting Wang & Chong Cheng Article 06 November 2024 | Open Access Probing plexciton emission from 2D materials on gold nanotrenches The authors have developed a custom-designed near-field probe to study the formation and emission characteristics of plexcitons arising from the interaction between surface plasmons in Au nanotrenches and excitons in monolayer WSe2. Junze Zhou, P. A. D. Gonçalves & Alexander Weber-Bargioni