Interdisciplinary Materials最新文献

Outside Front Cover: Constructing moisture-electric generators (MEGs) with both high energy output and mechanical stability is crucial for powering the next generation of electronic devices. In the article with doi: 10.1002/idm2.70019, we achieved the synergistic enhancement of hydrogel hygroscopicity and mechanical properties by introducing ionic liquids into double-network hydrogels to induce microphase separation. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing all-weather, mechanically robust, and scalable self-powered systems.

The solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) fall short of the stringent requirements of solid-state lithium metal batteries, primarily due to the insufficient lithium salt dissociation and slow migration rate of Li⁺ ions. In this context, a composite SPE is designed by incorporating H-CN4@CN5 (C₃N₅ on the surface of hollow g-C₃N₄) heterojunction into the polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix. Such PEO/H-CN4@CN5 significantly enhances the lithium salt dissociation by means of the spontaneous dipole moment and the built-in electric fields (BIEFs). In details, the electron depletion region of BIEFs enhances the anchoring of anions, while the electron accumulation region accelerates the rapid migration of Li⁺ ion. Moreover, the particular nanoflower morphology increases active sites for dissociation and transportation, while suppressing the Li dendrite growth. Hence, the Li||PEO/H-CN4@CN5||Li symmetric cell demonstrates a remarkable stability (2400 h at 0.1 mA cm⁻²) without lithium dendrites, and the Li||PEO/H-CN4@CN5||NCM811 batteries achieve a high-capacity density of 181.2 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 C and a capacity retention of 90.5% after 100 cycles. The heterojunction filler and the innovative heterojunction structure provide a rewarding avenue towards the rational design and preparation of SPEs to build high performance rechargeable solid-state batteries.

The rapid electrification of transportation and grid systems has placed lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at the forefront of energy storage innovation. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄, LFP), with its superior safety, long cycle life, and cost advantages, has become a cornerstone cathode material. However, the limited energy density (ED), attributed to its relatively low nominal voltage (~3.2 V) and moderate specific capacity (~170 mAh g⁻¹), hinders its competitiveness in high-energy applications. Furthermore, electrochemical characteristics related to poor charge transfer kinetics and material circularity also limit its overall value. This review highlights recent advances in material design, electrode engineering, and system-level optimization aimed at overcoming these challenges. Key strategies include precision doping, multifunctional coating, and nanostructuring to enhance conductivity and rate performance, development of high-tap-density powders and ultra-thick electrodes for improved ED, and hierarchical electrode architectures and advanced conductive networks for efficient ion/electron transport. Additional focus is given to low-temperature performance, scalable and sustainable synthesis routes, and recycling pathways that ensure long-term environmental viability. Emerging directions such as dry electrode processing, solid-state integration, and artificial intelligence/machine learning-driven optimization are also discussed as transformative tools for accelerating LFP innovation. By integrating these multidisciplinary strategies, LFP can evolve from a safe and stable cathode into a high-performance, sustainable solution for electric vehicles, grid storage, and next-generation energy systems.

Zirconium-based halide electrolytes were created as prospective candidates for all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) because of their low cost, wide electrochemical window, and superior compatibility with oxide cathodes. However, practical implementation is hindered by limitations such as suboptimal room-temperature (RT) ionic conductivity (< 1 mS cm⁻¹) and poor interfacial compatibility with lithium metal. Herein, we report a new class of zirconium-based chlorides, Li_2−xZr_1−xNb_xCl₆, synthesized by a high-valent Nb⁵⁺ doping method. The introduction of Nb⁵⁺ induces local lattice decrease, which simultaneously weakens the binding intensity of Li─Zr and optimizes ion migration pathways and defect concentrations. Therefore, the optimal composition, Li_1.75Zr_0.75Nb_0.25Cl₆ (denoted as LZC-Nb), achieves a high RT ionic conductivity of 1.82 mS cm⁻¹ and exceptional moisture resistance. Furthermore, the dynamic interfacial modulation of LZC-Nb forms a low-impedance passivation layer, enhancing Li⁺ transport kinetics. This improvement in interfacial stability enables symmetric batteries to exceed a critical current density of 1.3 mA cm⁻². Combined with a LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ cathode, the resultant ASSLB retains 81.8% of its initial capacity (157.5 mAh g⁻¹) after 600 cycles at 0.3 C. This study provides a proven strategy for developing inorganic ionic conductors with superior ionic transport and interfacial compatibility, offering a viable pathway toward high-performance ASSLBs.

Developing surgical sutures with adjustable bioactivities is essential for diverse surgical interventions. However, adversely affecting their mechanical integrity, biocompatibility, and bioactivity poses a significant challenge. Herein, we present a silk-based bioactive suture that incorporates silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and curcumin (Cur) via a dual in situ integration strategy. This innovative approach leverages the unique reactive groups and molecular interactions inherent in silk to facilitate the in situ reduction of AgNPs and the conformal loading of Cur. Extensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations confirm the suture's multifunctionality. This suture excels in real-time wound monitoring due to its sensitive colorimetric pH response. It is biocompatible and offers strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, essential for infection prevention and inflammation control postsurgery. Moreover, it actively aids wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and collagen deposition, vital for effective tissue repair. This approach provides a promising foundation for creating advanced smart sutures with on-demand bioactivities and on-site monitoring capabilities.

The bone marrow is essential for immune function, hematopoiesis, and skeletal system. The emergence of bone marrow organoids (BMOs) holds promise for addressing bone-related deficiencies, although maintaining BMOs homeostasis is still challenging, and their efficacy for tissue regeneration remains uncertain. Silicate biomaterials can provide distinctive biochemical clues by releasing bioactive ions, which are beneficial for regulating stem cell behaviors and developing cell functions. In this study, harnessing the bioactivities of silicate biomaterials, we engineered functional BMOs through the culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells in a chemically defined medium, incorporating with calcium silicate nanowires (CS) and magnesium silicate nanospheres (MSS). The resulting BMOs demonstrated robust preservation of endothelial networks, increased self-renewal of the mesenchymal compartment, and positive effects on hematopoietic stem cells. Co-culture experiments revealed that the engineered BMOs can significantly improve the activities of chondrocytes, MSCs, and Schwann cells, which are pivotal for tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the silicate biomaterials upregulated gene expression and signaling pathways in the domains of osteogenesis and angiogenesis. In a rabbit osteochondral repair model, BMOs induced by MSS notably enhanced osteochondral regeneration. Our study reveals the critical role of silicate biomaterials in augmenting BMOs homeostasis and function, providing an innovative and compelling strategy for future tissue regeneration.

The rational design of mechanically robust gel-based moisture-electric generators (MEGs) with broad environmental adaptability is of great significance for the construction of self-powered wearable systems, addressing critical challenges in sustainable energy harvesting for practical applications. In this study, we report a high-energy-output MEG based on a microphase-separated double-network ionogel, which contains a physically crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol network, chemically crosslinked poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) and hygroscopic ionic liquid (BMIMCl). The introduction of ionic liquids leads to microphase separation, resulting in the formation of a solvent-rich phase and a polymer-rich phase within ionogels. In this structure, the solvent-rich phase facilitates stretching and ionic conduction, whereas the polymer-rich phase contributes to the improvement of mechanical strength. The resultant ionogels demonstrate exceptional mechanical robustness featuring a tensile strength of 4.63 MPa, 501.02% elongation at break, 10.81 MJ m⁻³ fracture toughness, and < 5% hysteresis. More importantly, benefit from the intrinsic wide-temperature tolerance of ionic liquids, the ionogel-based MEGs can operate over a wide humidity (30%–90% relative humidity) and temperature range (−25°C to 55°C), delivering a stabilized output voltage of 0.9–1.25 V and a record short-circuit current density of 539.42 µA cm⁻², outperforming most reported gel-based MEGs. The electricity generation arises from synergistic coupling of humidity-gradient-driven H⁺ migration (major output current contribution) and Al electrode oxidation (major output voltage contribution). Through modular integration, 50 series-connected units achieved an output of up to 60 V, directly powering commercial electronics, such as smartwatches and calculators. This finding provides a feasible strategy for designing all-weather, mechanically robust, and scalable self-powered systems.

Integrated rocksalt-polyanion cathodes (DRXPS) are promising candidates for next-generation lithium-ion battery cathode materials that combine high energy density, stable cycling performance, and reduced reliance on Co and Ni. In this work, we investigated Li₃Mn_1.6P_0.4O_5.4F_0.6, a new DRXPS cathode with fluoride incorporation. A pure spinel phase was formed and a discharge capacity retention of 84% was achieved after 200 cycles between 1.5 and 4.8 V versus Li/Li⁺. In comparison, the similarly synthesized Li₃Mn_1.6Nb_0.4O_5.4F_0.6, in which all P⁵⁺ was substituted by Nb⁵⁺ while maintaining the same stoichiometry for all other elements, crystallized in a disordered rocksalt structure, and exhibited inferior capacity retention and rate capability than the P⁵⁺ counterpart. Our findings expand the compositional space of DRXPS to include F⁻, justify the viability of integrating polyanion groups in rocksalt-type cathodes, and highlight the superiority of P⁵⁺ as a cation charge compensator compared to the commonly used Nb⁵⁺. This work thereby advances the design of robust, high-performance cathode materials for sustainable batteries.

Inside Front Cover: In the article of doi: 10.1002/idm2.12252, the evaporation of Mg leave vacancies, and is taken by Ag atoms which is unstable in their original sites. This helps to adjust carrier concentration without detriment carrier mobility and decrease the precipitation of Ag in the matrix for α-MgAgSb thermoelectric.

Inside Back Cover: Graphite is a key structural component in some of the world's oldest nuclear reactors and many of the next-generation designs being built today. But it also condenses and swells in response to radiation. This paper, doi: 10.1002/idm2.70008, covered a link between properties of graphite and how the material behaves in response to radiation.