Research articles

The redox state is highly sensitive to synthetic conditions, and existing quantification methods remain limited by practical challenges. The authors introduce two simple wet-chemical techniques that measure oxidizing and reducing species using easy-to-handle glassware and reagents.

Four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy is able to capture intricate diffraction patterns at each probe position, yet traditional binary masks limit image specificity. Here, the authors introduce a method using real-space image correlations to create weighted masks, enhancing atomic-resolution imaging and enabling distinct visualization of atom columns, significantly advancing material characterization in complex specimens.

A pressure-induced insulator-to-metal transition in the nodal-line ferrimagnet Mn₃Si₂Te₆ presents intriguing anomalies in magnetic ordering and Hall conductivity. Here, the authors use density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations to link these phenomena, explaining the evolution of magnetism with pressure and suggesting that the anomalous Hall conductivity is determined by extrinsic factors or electron doping.

Perovskite manganites are interesting for their colossal magnetoresistance and recent evidence suggests a complex underlying mechanism for this effect, going beyond a large electron-phonon coupling. Here, the authors use high-resolution neutron scattering and density functional theory to reveal that giant electron-phonon coupling in La_1−xSr_xMnO₃ drives cooperative diffusive motion of charge-trapping lattice distortions, whereby the magnitude of magnetoresistance is correlated to diffusion rates rather than the strength of Jahn–Teller distortion.

Silicon on insulator technology demands precise control of buried oxide layers and heat transfer across interfaces, yet current methods fall short in predicting oxygen distribution and interfacial thermal resistance. Here, the authors present a computational framework combining machine-learned interatomic potentials with molecular dynamics, accurately predicting oxygen redistribution and thermal resistance, thereby advancing the design of high-performance silicon on insulator technologies.

High-efficiency thermal insulation materials are essential for extreme terrestrial and space environments, yet achieving such performance with natural materials remains challenging. Here, the authors reveal that low-porosity lunar agglutinates from the Chang’E-5 mission exhibit ultra-low thermal conductivities of ~8 mW m⁻¹ K⁻¹ under vacuum, surpassing synthetic aerogels, thereby redefining insulation design principles via non-porosity-dominated microstructural mechanisms.

Methylammonium lead iodide perovskites are often deemed unstable, partly due to residual lead iodide in films. Here, the authors employ a precursor-engineering strategy using pre-synthesized methylammonium lead iodide single crystals to eliminate lead iodide, achieving enhanced power conversion efficiency and long-term stability, with significant implications for both outdoor and indoor photovoltaic applications.

Liquid crystal-aqueous interfaces can optically respond to phospholipid interactions, yet quantifying vesicle transport and fusion kinetics remains challenging. Here, the authors use microfluidic chips with stabilized liquid crystal interfaces to reveal that lipid adsorption kinetics vary with vesicle rigidity, offering a rapid diagnostic platform for detecting mechanical alterations in lipid bilayers linked to disease.

A hierarchical microstructure is important for the fatigue performance of titanium alloys, and is usually achieved by successive rounds of nucleation. Here, intermediate temperature deformation causes nucleation of nanoscale HCP precipitates between micron-thick plates, enhancing high-cycle fatigue strength.

Doping challenges in 2D materials hinder the advancement of semiconductor devices. Here, the authors introduce a solvent-based cation-exchange method to incorporate Cu into MoS₂ monolayers, achieving stable p-type doping leading to faster photoresponse and reduced noise, paving the way for advanced optoelectronic applications in neuromorphic and spintronic technologies.

The electronic flat band in kagome lattices offers a promising platform for exploring electron-correlated and topological phenomena, yet its potential for device functionality remains underexplored. Here, the authors investigate Co₃Mo films, revealing enhanced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, large coercive field, and anomalous Hall effect mediated by kagome lattice flat bands close to the Fermi level, positioning Co₃Mo as a candidate for topological magnetic devices.

Catechol-based adhesives offer switchable adhesion via electrochemical redox reactions but struggle with water-induced performance issues. Here, the authors enhance a water-free catechol adhesive with sulfonic acid and carbon nanotubes, achieving over 100-fold increased conductivity and superior adhesion, while enabling precise electrical control and selective deactivation.

Transition-metal fluorides are being explored as alternative lithium-ion battery cathodes, with a focus on overcoming limitations like inefficient kinetics and electrolyte incompatibility. Here, the authors introduce chromium fluorides as cathode material, demonstrating enhanced rate capability and stability, which could significantly expand the options for high-energy conversion in next-generation batteries.

Electron-boson coupling is crucial for understanding many-body systems, yet the role of electron-plasmon interactions remains underexplored. Here, the authors reveal plasmonic polarons in self-intercalated 1T-TiS₂ using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy, demonstrating tunable bosonic energy scales and highlighting the potential of layered materials for advancing quantum material research.

Rare earth-doped luminescent materials typically emit characteristic fluorescence, but achieving non-characteristic emissions remains challenging. Here, the authors report unique blue emissions from ytterbium- and erbium-doped organic-inorganic metal halides, demonstrating high water resistance and a ~ 90% quantum yield in solution, highlighting their potential as liquid-phase X-ray scintillators

Quantum-dot electrochromic devices face challenges such as agglomeration and electrolyte erosion, hindering their commercial potential. Here, the authors address these issues by developing molecular-scale coating strategies, achieving enhanced transmittance modulation and stability, with significant implications for advancing high-performance, cost-effective electrochromic technologies.

Memristive devices hold promise for nature-inspired computing, yet often suffer from variability and mismatched time scales compared to biological systems. Here, the authors introduce a liquid-metal eutectic gallium indium memristive device that achieves consistent, unipolar resistive switching on a biological time scale, demonstrating potential for reliable in-memory processing and logic gate applications.

Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures hold promise for advanced optoelectronic devices, yet optimizing their interfaces remains crucial for enhancing performance. Here, the authors demonstrate that VP/PdSe₂ heterostructures with graphene as a contact layer achieve remarkable photodetection capabilities and robust cycling stability, significantly boosting responsivity and quantum efficiency, thus advancing multifunctional optoelectronic applications.

Reflection anisotropy spectroscopy has long been used to explore surface optical properties, yet the origins of bulk-related features remain contentious. Here, the authors introduce a layer-resolved exciton localization measure within many-body perturbation theory to reveal that these bulk features in arsenic-modified silicon are primarily due to surface-localized states, challenging traditional views and highlighting the role of excitonic contributions.

The Willis coupling vectors offer a novel approach to manipulating acoustic waves, yet their practical implementation remains challenging. Here, the authors present an active metamaterial capable of rapid time modulation of Willis vectors, demonstrating nonreciprocal filtering and steerable beamforming, thus unlocking new possibilities for dynamic wave control.