Pub Date : 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101674
Hyunji Park, Congrui Jin, Claus Daniel, Jianlin Li
The dry processing technique of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibrillation offers significant advancements in cost reduction, environmental impact, and electrochemical performance. Dry processing alone allows for ∼ 20–60% cost reduction and increases of up to 40 mg cm⁻2 of areal loading – it typically comes at a reduction of rate capability. By leveraging the network structure of fibers, this method enhances rate capability and cycling performance, providing a compelling alternative to the conventional and currently predominant wet processing. The review delves into PTFE fibrillation mechanisms and examines critical influencing factors including material properties and processing parameters. It also discusses challenges associated with the electrodes fabricated by PTFE fibrillation, including structural instability due to insufficient PTFE fibrillization, compromised electrical conductivity from an insufficient conductive network, inhomogeneous dispersion resulting from the absence of solvents, restricted ionic transport due to increased electrode thickness, inadequate adhesion to current collector because of low surface energy of PTFE, electrochemical degradation due to low Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) level of PTFE, particle damage during processing and environmental concerns related PTFE being a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Recent research innovations aimed at mitigating these issues, their application in beyond-lithium batteries, and future research directions are thoroughly discussed
{"title":"Dry-processed electrodes enabled by polytetrafluoroethylene fibrillation for high-performance lithium-ion batteries","authors":"Hyunji Park, Congrui Jin, Claus Daniel, Jianlin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101674","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101674","url":null,"abstract":"The dry processing technique of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibrillation offers significant advancements in cost reduction, environmental impact, and electrochemical performance. Dry processing alone allows for ∼ 20–60% cost reduction and increases of up to 40 mg cm⁻<sup>2</sup> of areal loading – it typically comes at a reduction of rate capability. By leveraging the network structure of fibers, this method enhances rate capability and cycling performance, providing a compelling alternative to the conventional and currently predominant wet processing. The review delves into PTFE fibrillation mechanisms and examines critical influencing factors including material properties and processing parameters. It also discusses challenges associated with the electrodes fabricated by PTFE fibrillation, including structural instability due to insufficient PTFE fibrillization, compromised electrical conductivity from an insufficient conductive network, inhomogeneous dispersion resulting from the absence of solvents, restricted ionic transport due to increased electrode thickness, inadequate adhesion to current collector because of low surface energy of PTFE, electrochemical degradation due to low Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) level of PTFE, particle damage during processing and environmental concerns related PTFE being a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Recent research innovations aimed at mitigating these issues, their application in beyond-lithium batteries, and future research directions are thoroughly discussed","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"236 1","pages":"101674"},"PeriodicalIF":37.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146129361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101675
Shuai Guo, Litong Shi, Xinyue Gao, Baihao Ren, Yajing Yang, Ming Gao, Xiaowen Guo, Linru He, Jinjin Ban, Fanfan Liu, Guoqin Cao, S.Ravi P. Silva, Junhua Hu
With the expansion of human activities into extreme environments, ensuring a stable energy supply has become a critical challenge. Zn-based energy storage devices show great application potential. However, traditional electrolytes often suffer from limitations, such as slow ion transport kinetics and poor chemical stability under extreme conditions, which urgently require solutions. Hydrogel electrolytes, which combine the advantages of solid and liquid electrolytes, offer unique adaptability to extreme conditions and represent a promising paradigm for overcoming existing technological barriers. In this review, we systematically examine the behavior of hydrogel electrolytes under extreme conditions, summarize the challenges and optimization strategies for these conditions, and outline future research directions. We further provide a critical understanding of how to design better hydrogel electrolytes for applications in extreme conditions. By integrating multi-perspective analyses of different extreme conditions, we propose a comprehensive framework for the development of multi-functional hydrogel electrolytes. This review aims to provide novel insights for researchers in related fields and accelerate technological innovation in critical applications.
{"title":"Molecular design and structural Hybridization of hydrogel electrolytes toward High-Performance Zn-Based energy storage devices under extreme conditions","authors":"Shuai Guo, Litong Shi, Xinyue Gao, Baihao Ren, Yajing Yang, Ming Gao, Xiaowen Guo, Linru He, Jinjin Ban, Fanfan Liu, Guoqin Cao, S.Ravi P. Silva, Junhua Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101675","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101675","url":null,"abstract":"With the expansion of human activities into extreme environments, ensuring a stable energy supply has become a critical challenge. Zn-based energy storage devices show great application potential. However, traditional electrolytes often suffer from limitations, such as slow ion transport kinetics and poor chemical stability under extreme conditions, which urgently require solutions. Hydrogel electrolytes, which combine the advantages of solid and liquid electrolytes, offer unique adaptability to extreme conditions and represent a promising paradigm for overcoming existing technological barriers. In this review, we systematically examine the behavior of hydrogel electrolytes under extreme conditions, summarize the challenges and optimization strategies for these conditions, and outline future research directions. We further provide a critical understanding of how to design better hydrogel electrolytes for applications in extreme conditions. By integrating multi-perspective analyses of different extreme conditions, we propose a comprehensive framework for the development of multi-functional hydrogel electrolytes. This review aims to provide novel insights for researchers in related fields and accelerate technological innovation in critical applications.","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"84 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":37.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146111020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101664
Wenhao Wang , Long Wang , Shenghao Jin , Liuying Wang , Gu Liu , Haoyuan Zhang , Yangming Pang , Wenhaoyu Wu , Rundong Guo , Tonghao Liu , Boxiang Wang , Dongqing Liu
Dynamic spectral regulation facilitates the manipulation of light across various wavelength bands, leveraging distinct optical properties to enable diverse functionalities and behaviors. Precise control of solar and thermal radiation offers novel pathways for heat flow manipulation, with promising applications in energy-efficient buildings, camouflage, and aerospace technologies. Reversible metal electrodeposition (RMED) technology, through its electrochromic properties, allows flexible control of light transmission behavior, demonstrating significant potential for advanced thermal regulation. However, a comprehensive review focusing on the effects of different modification methods on optical and electrochemical performances, as well as systematic analysis of the applications and mechanisms of RMED, remains lacking. Herein, this review first demonstrates the fundamental electrochemical and optical regulation principles of RMED, elucidating the underlying physico-chemical mechanisms and discussing performance evaluation methods. Then, the modification strategies for devices operating in different wavelength bands and based on different metal systems are discussed and compared. Finally, the review presents feasible strategy for addressing the current main challenges and discusses future research directions. This review aims to guide future improvement of device performance in terms of cycle stability, open-circuit stability, response rate, and spectral modulation range.
{"title":"Dynamic spectral modulation devices based on reversible metal electrodeposition: principles, modification strategies, and applications","authors":"Wenhao Wang , Long Wang , Shenghao Jin , Liuying Wang , Gu Liu , Haoyuan Zhang , Yangming Pang , Wenhaoyu Wu , Rundong Guo , Tonghao Liu , Boxiang Wang , Dongqing Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dynamic spectral regulation facilitates the manipulation of light across various wavelength bands, leveraging distinct optical properties to enable diverse functionalities and behaviors. Precise control of solar and thermal radiation offers novel pathways for heat flow manipulation, with promising applications in energy-efficient buildings, camouflage, and aerospace technologies. Reversible metal electrodeposition (RMED) technology, through its electrochromic properties, allows flexible control of light transmission behavior, demonstrating significant potential for advanced thermal regulation. However, a comprehensive review focusing on the effects of different modification methods on optical and electrochemical performances, as well as systematic analysis of the applications and mechanisms of RMED, remains lacking. Herein, this review first demonstrates the fundamental electrochemical and optical regulation principles of RMED, elucidating the underlying physico-chemical mechanisms and discussing performance evaluation methods. Then, the modification strategies for devices operating in different wavelength bands and based on different metal systems are discussed and compared. Finally, the review presents feasible strategy for addressing the current main challenges and discusses future research directions. This review aims to guide future improvement of device performance in terms of cycle stability, open-circuit stability, response rate, and spectral modulation range.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 101664"},"PeriodicalIF":40.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146044836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101662
Huiyi Zong, Xinyao Zeng, Zihui Liang, Zhen Wang, Xiangzhe Li, Congcong Wu, Dong Yang, Xiaotian Li, Huimin Wu, Sixing Xiong, Bed Poudel, Gloria Zanotti, Thomas M. Brown, Shashank Priya, Kai Wang, Jin Qian
As archetypal soft lattice materials, halide perovskites exhibit distinctive ‘soft lattice’ features such as ionically mediated deformation, liquid-like polaronic behavior, strong electron–phonon coupling, and anharmonic lattice vibrations, etc., collectively indicating a coexistence of mechanical plasticity (static strain) and elasticity (dynamic mechanical responses). However, a unified understanding of these behaviors and their implications for structure–function relationships remain insufficiently developed, particularly from a mechanics-informed perspective. This review reframes halide perovskites through the dual lens of spatial (static strain and plastic deformation) and temporal (dynamic strain and elastic response) mechanics. We systematically dissect the origins, manifestations, and effects of strain in halide perovskites across multiple scales, beginning with the fundamental mechanics and strain-property correlations. The review then differentiates static (plastic) and dynamic (elastic) strain regimes, examining their structural origins, measurable signatures, and implications for synthesis, performance, and stability—culminating in a forward-looking discussion of key challenges and emerging opportunities. By positioning strain as a generative and tunable dimension of material behavior, this work offers new insights into the design of adaptive, mechanically responsive optoelectronic material systems
{"title":"Soft lattice elasto-plasticity of halide perovskites: origin of multifunctionalities","authors":"Huiyi Zong, Xinyao Zeng, Zihui Liang, Zhen Wang, Xiangzhe Li, Congcong Wu, Dong Yang, Xiaotian Li, Huimin Wu, Sixing Xiong, Bed Poudel, Gloria Zanotti, Thomas M. Brown, Shashank Priya, Kai Wang, Jin Qian","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101662","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101662","url":null,"abstract":"As archetypal soft lattice materials, halide perovskites exhibit distinctive ‘soft lattice’ features such as ionically mediated deformation, liquid-like polaronic behavior, strong electron–phonon coupling, and anharmonic lattice vibrations, etc., collectively indicating a coexistence of mechanical plasticity (static strain) and elasticity (dynamic mechanical responses). However, a unified understanding of these behaviors and their implications for structure–function relationships remain insufficiently developed, particularly from a mechanics-informed perspective. This review reframes halide perovskites through the dual lens of spatial (static strain and plastic deformation) and temporal (dynamic strain and elastic response) mechanics. We systematically dissect the origins, manifestations, and effects of strain in halide perovskites across multiple scales, beginning with the fundamental mechanics and strain-property correlations. The review then differentiates static (plastic) and dynamic (elastic) strain regimes, examining their structural origins, measurable signatures, and implications for synthesis, performance, and stability—culminating in a forward-looking discussion of key challenges and emerging opportunities. By positioning strain as a generative and tunable dimension of material behavior, this work offers new insights into the design of adaptive, mechanically responsive optoelectronic material systems","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"21 1","pages":"101662"},"PeriodicalIF":37.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146044837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hydrogen is a crucial energy carrier with the potential to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to an eco-friendly future. Photocatalytic overall-water splitting (OWS) delivers a hopeful, green, and clean method for hydrogen production, but its efficiency remains unsatisfactory. This review contends that achieving high-efficiency photocatalytic OWS remains a significant challenge both theoretically and practically due to key obstacles such as asynchronized emission of O2 and H2, backward/side reaction, and slow O2-evolution kinetics. We highlight that the sustainable trend of coupling H2 evolution with selective organic synthesis represents a more valuable and appealing alternative. This process can be significantly promoted by the incorporation of cocatalysts. Following this demand, the function and mechanism of cocatalysts are comprehensively summarized. Then, we put a special focus on recent achievements and progress in microstructure regulation of chalcogenide cocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen generation, including the increase of active site numbers, improvement of active site efficiency, and acceleration of interfacial electron transfer by different strategies. Finally, we provide a forward-looking outlook on the emerging opportunities and development directions for chalcogenide cocatalysts in the materials science and catalysis fields. It is expected that this review will offer fresh insights and inspire further innovative research towards the development and optimization of highly efficient photocatalytic materials.
{"title":"Chalcogenide cocatalysts in photocatalytic H2 production","authors":"Duoduo Gao , Huogen Yu , Hermenegildo García , Jiaguo Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogen is a crucial energy carrier with the potential to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to an eco-friendly future. Photocatalytic overall-water splitting (OWS) delivers a hopeful, green, and clean method for hydrogen production, but its efficiency remains unsatisfactory. This review contends that achieving high-efficiency photocatalytic OWS remains a significant challenge both theoretically and practically due to key obstacles such as asynchronized emission of O<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>, backward/side reaction, and slow O<sub>2</sub>-evolution kinetics. We highlight that the sustainable trend of coupling H<sub>2</sub> evolution with selective organic synthesis represents a more valuable and appealing alternative. This process can be significantly promoted by the incorporation of cocatalysts. Following this demand, the function and mechanism of cocatalysts are comprehensively summarized. Then, we put a special focus on recent achievements and progress in microstructure regulation of chalcogenide cocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen generation, including the increase of active site numbers, improvement of active site efficiency, and acceleration of interfacial electron transfer by different strategies. Finally, we provide a forward-looking outlook on the emerging opportunities and development directions for chalcogenide cocatalysts in the materials science and catalysis fields. It is expected that this review will offer fresh insights and inspire further innovative research towards the development and optimization of highly efficient photocatalytic materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 101663"},"PeriodicalIF":40.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101661
A. Behvar , M.Beyk Khorasani , S. Mohajerani , A. Algamal , M. Sojoodi , H. Bajaj , S. Vanaei , N. Taheri , A. Celebi , M.J. Mahtabi , M.B. Djukic , M. Elahinia
<div><div>Hydrogen embrittlement poses a formidable challenge to the structural integrity and functional performance of high-performance NiTi applications in biomedical, aerospace, and hydrogen energy sectors, where hydrogen exposure is inevitable, and structural reliability is paramount. There is a growing interest in fabricating these smart alloys in additively manufactured (AM) parts to harness additional features and functionality. It is therefore important to systematically study the effect of hydrogen-rich environments on the superelasticity and shape memory, the main functional properties of these alloys. Despite extensive research on hydrogen embrittlement in conventionally manufactured (CM) metallic alloys, the impact of AM-induced microstructural heterogeneities, such as residual stresses, fine grains, and porosity, on hydrogen-microstructure interactions remains underexplored. There is a need to study hydrogen embrittlement to enhance our understanding of the intricate hydrogen-material interactions, phase transformation behaviors, and HE-assisted failure mechanisms, especially of AM NiTi shape memory alloys. This review addresses this need by systematically analyzing how AM-specific microstructures influence (1) hydrogen trapping and diffusion kinetics, (2) multiple active hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms, (3) phase stabilization, and (4) hydrogen embrittlement-provoked mechanical degradation. These issues are not well characterized in the current literature. To this end, the complex interplay between hydrogen diffusion and trapping processes, phase stability, and mechanical degradation is examined, with a particular focus on hydrogen-induced martensitic stabilization, active hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms/models in NiTi shape memory alloys: hydrogen enhanced localized plasticity (HELP), and hydrogen enhanced decohesion (HEDE), including their synergy (HELP + HEDE model), and hydride embrittlement. The classical single-mechanism hydrogen embrittlement models are inadequate in capturing the intricate diffusional-mechanical coupling in AM NiTi shape memory alloys. We have discussed this issue and explained the necessity of novel multi-scale modeling and experimental frameworks. These proposed frameworks provide the basis for understanding the interplay of hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen damage mechanisms. This understanding leads to mitigating the hydrogen embrittlement in AM NiTi shape memory alloys and similar alloys. Furthermore, the review highlights the challenges in designing AM NiTi shape memory alloys with improved hydrogen embrittlement resistance, identifying gaps in predictive modeling and real-time characterization techniques. Future research directions emphasize the need for real-time in situ characterization techniques, integrated computational-experimental approaches, and innovative hydrogen embrittlement mitigation strategies such as microalloying, surface engineering, and post-processing treatments to enhance hy
{"title":"Hydrogen embrittlement of additively manufactured NiTi shape memory alloys: Review on interactions between microstructure and mechanical properties","authors":"A. Behvar , M.Beyk Khorasani , S. Mohajerani , A. Algamal , M. Sojoodi , H. Bajaj , S. Vanaei , N. Taheri , A. Celebi , M.J. Mahtabi , M.B. Djukic , M. Elahinia","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogen embrittlement poses a formidable challenge to the structural integrity and functional performance of high-performance NiTi applications in biomedical, aerospace, and hydrogen energy sectors, where hydrogen exposure is inevitable, and structural reliability is paramount. There is a growing interest in fabricating these smart alloys in additively manufactured (AM) parts to harness additional features and functionality. It is therefore important to systematically study the effect of hydrogen-rich environments on the superelasticity and shape memory, the main functional properties of these alloys. Despite extensive research on hydrogen embrittlement in conventionally manufactured (CM) metallic alloys, the impact of AM-induced microstructural heterogeneities, such as residual stresses, fine grains, and porosity, on hydrogen-microstructure interactions remains underexplored. There is a need to study hydrogen embrittlement to enhance our understanding of the intricate hydrogen-material interactions, phase transformation behaviors, and HE-assisted failure mechanisms, especially of AM NiTi shape memory alloys. This review addresses this need by systematically analyzing how AM-specific microstructures influence (1) hydrogen trapping and diffusion kinetics, (2) multiple active hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms, (3) phase stabilization, and (4) hydrogen embrittlement-provoked mechanical degradation. These issues are not well characterized in the current literature. To this end, the complex interplay between hydrogen diffusion and trapping processes, phase stability, and mechanical degradation is examined, with a particular focus on hydrogen-induced martensitic stabilization, active hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms/models in NiTi shape memory alloys: hydrogen enhanced localized plasticity (HELP), and hydrogen enhanced decohesion (HEDE), including their synergy (HELP + HEDE model), and hydride embrittlement. The classical single-mechanism hydrogen embrittlement models are inadequate in capturing the intricate diffusional-mechanical coupling in AM NiTi shape memory alloys. We have discussed this issue and explained the necessity of novel multi-scale modeling and experimental frameworks. These proposed frameworks provide the basis for understanding the interplay of hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen damage mechanisms. This understanding leads to mitigating the hydrogen embrittlement in AM NiTi shape memory alloys and similar alloys. Furthermore, the review highlights the challenges in designing AM NiTi shape memory alloys with improved hydrogen embrittlement resistance, identifying gaps in predictive modeling and real-time characterization techniques. Future research directions emphasize the need for real-time in situ characterization techniques, integrated computational-experimental approaches, and innovative hydrogen embrittlement mitigation strategies such as microalloying, surface engineering, and post-processing treatments to enhance hy","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 101661"},"PeriodicalIF":40.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101660
Xiaoyu Li , Yufei Zhang , Zexing Deng , Xin Zhao , Shuqi Zhang , Yihan Shan , Baolin Guo , Yong Han
When tissue injury exceeds its intrinsic regenerative capacity, artificial interventions are required. Endogenous electric fields (EEFs) have been shown to regulate cell and tissue behavior, providing a physiological basis for using electrical stimulation (ES) to mimic or amplify these cues with precise, low-amplitude, continuous signaling that tunes membrane potential, Ca2+ influx, and downstream pathways. Replicating EEFs via biomaterials featuring self-generated electric fields (SGEF biomaterials) enables wireless, conformal delivery in tissues without wired power or bulky hardware, improving safety, comfort, and integration. This review focuses on polymer-based SGEF biomaterials to deliver ES without wired external power sources or batteries. We summarize the mechanisms by which ES modulates tissue repair and regeneration, and then survey polymer-based SGEF biomaterials, including piezoelectric polymers, polymer-based triboelectric nanogenerators, thermoelectric polymers, photoelectric polymers, and polymer-based magnetoelectric composites, highlighting their historical development, working principles and recent advances. The effects of polymer chemistry, structure and fabrication strategies on electrical output and stability are discussed. Representative applications in varying kinds of tissues are analyzed in terms of tissue-specific requirements. Finally, the prospects and future directions of polymer-based SGEF biomaterials are envisioned. This review presents a comprehensive summary and classifies polymer-based SGEF strategies according to their transduction mechanisms to facilitate comparison and future materials design.
{"title":"Polymer-based stimuli-responsive biomaterials featuring self-generated electric fields for tissue repair","authors":"Xiaoyu Li , Yufei Zhang , Zexing Deng , Xin Zhao , Shuqi Zhang , Yihan Shan , Baolin Guo , Yong Han","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When tissue injury exceeds its intrinsic regenerative capacity, artificial interventions are required. Endogenous electric fields (EEFs) have been shown to regulate cell and tissue behavior, providing a physiological basis for using electrical stimulation (ES) to mimic or amplify these cues with precise, low-amplitude, continuous signaling that tunes membrane potential, Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx, and downstream pathways. Replicating EEFs via biomaterials featuring self-generated electric fields (SGEF biomaterials) enables wireless, conformal delivery in tissues without wired power or bulky hardware, improving safety, comfort, and integration. This review focuses on polymer-based SGEF biomaterials to deliver ES without wired external power sources or batteries. We summarize the mechanisms by which ES modulates tissue repair and regeneration, and then survey polymer-based SGEF biomaterials, including piezoelectric polymers, polymer-based triboelectric nanogenerators, thermoelectric polymers, photoelectric polymers, and polymer-based magnetoelectric composites, highlighting their historical development, working principles and recent advances. The effects of polymer chemistry, structure and fabrication strategies on electrical output and stability are discussed. Representative applications in varying kinds of tissues are analyzed in terms of tissue-specific requirements. Finally, the prospects and future directions of polymer-based SGEF biomaterials are envisioned. This review presents a comprehensive summary and classifies polymer-based SGEF strategies according to their transduction mechanisms to facilitate comparison and future materials design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 101660"},"PeriodicalIF":40.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101659
Yue Yin , Shuang Li , Wenbo Wang , Dongyuan Zhao , Kun Lan , Michael Rohwerder
Coatings represent one of the most widely employed strategies for mitigating metal corrosion, yet their long-term performance is often compromised by inherent structural defects and permeability to aggressive species. While traditional filler-reinforced coatings enhance barrier properties and pigmented coatings systems can additionally provide active protection, however, in an uncontrolled way, recent advances in smart materials have enabled the development of self-healing systems capable of providing active corrosion inhibition exactly when needed. This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted role of silica-based fillers—spanning pristine, modified, and container-type structures—in the design of high-performance corrosion protection coatings. We comprehensively analyze coating fabrication technologies, the barrier-enhancing mechanisms of silica fillers, and advanced strategies for synthesizing and functionalizing silica micro/nano-containers to achieve stimuli-responsive release. Special emphasis is placed on “gatekeeper” systems that enable on-demand, localized delivery of inhibitors in response to corrosion-related triggers. By integrating discussions on both physical barrier enhancement and active self-healing functionality, this work provides a unified perspective on silica-based coating design. Furthermore, we critically assess current challenges, including filler dispersion, release kinetics control, and scalability, and propose future research directions aimed at advancing the practical application of intelligent silica-containing coatings for extended metallic structure durability.
{"title":"Silica-containing coatings for corrosion protection","authors":"Yue Yin , Shuang Li , Wenbo Wang , Dongyuan Zhao , Kun Lan , Michael Rohwerder","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coatings represent one of the most widely employed strategies for mitigating metal corrosion, yet their long-term performance is often compromised by inherent structural defects and permeability to aggressive species. While traditional filler-reinforced coatings enhance barrier properties and pigmented coatings systems can additionally provide active protection, however, in an uncontrolled way, recent advances in smart materials have enabled the development of self-healing systems capable of providing active corrosion inhibition exactly when needed. This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted role of silica-based fillers—spanning pristine, modified, and container-type structures—in the design of high-performance corrosion protection coatings. We comprehensively analyze coating fabrication technologies, the barrier-enhancing mechanisms of silica fillers, and advanced strategies for synthesizing and functionalizing silica micro/nano-containers to achieve stimuli-responsive release. Special emphasis is placed on “gatekeeper” systems that enable on-demand, localized delivery of inhibitors in response to corrosion-related triggers. By integrating discussions on both physical barrier enhancement and active self-healing functionality, this work provides a unified perspective on silica-based coating design. Furthermore, we critically assess current challenges, including filler dispersion, release kinetics control, and scalability, and propose future research directions aimed at advancing the practical application of intelligent silica-containing coatings for extended metallic structure durability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 101659"},"PeriodicalIF":40.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145995778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101657
Tao-Tao Li , Bing-Chen Liu , Yi-Meng Wu , Peng-Fei Wang , Zong-Lin Liu , Jie Shu , Shijie Feng , Jiaming Zhang , Ting-Feng Yi , Qiaobao Zhang
Flexible zinc-air batteries (FZABs) emerge as an ideal choice for next-generation wearable power sources due to their intrinsic safety, high theoretical energy density, robustness under mechanical deformation, and long-term operational stability. Despite significant advancements, balancing the structural flexibility required for wearable devices with outstanding electrochemical efficiency remains a critical challenge. The inherent trade-off between highly active catalysts and electrochemical kinetics, as well as interface compatibility issues in Zn anode design and electrolyte engineering, has forced researchers to adopt innovative approaches to achieve practical applications in portable electronic devices. Here, optimizing key components, integrating material design and interface regulation for Zn anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and air electrodes into a unified framework are systemically reviewed. The recent research progress is summarized from three dimensions: failure mechanism, basic electrochemical principle and multidimensional optimization strategy. The review emphasizes the interplay between different components and their impact on overall battery performance, proposing mechanism-driven synergistic design principles to guide the engineering of FZABs. Finally, some advisable suggestions and future directions in the field of FZABs are presented to provide strategic insights for translating research findings into real-world implementation. These guidelines aim to accelerate the transition of FZABs from proof-of-concept to reliable power sources for next-generation wearables.
{"title":"Advances in the rational design of flexible Zn-Air batteries: Recent developments and future perspectives","authors":"Tao-Tao Li , Bing-Chen Liu , Yi-Meng Wu , Peng-Fei Wang , Zong-Lin Liu , Jie Shu , Shijie Feng , Jiaming Zhang , Ting-Feng Yi , Qiaobao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101657","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101657","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flexible zinc-air batteries (FZABs) emerge as an ideal choice for next-generation wearable power sources due to their intrinsic safety, high theoretical energy density, robustness under mechanical deformation, and long-term operational stability. Despite significant advancements, balancing the structural flexibility required for wearable devices with outstanding electrochemical efficiency remains a critical challenge. The inherent trade-off between highly active catalysts and electrochemical kinetics, as well as interface compatibility issues in Zn anode design and electrolyte engineering, has forced researchers to adopt innovative approaches to achieve practical applications in portable electronic devices. Here, optimizing key components, integrating material design and interface regulation for Zn anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and air electrodes into a unified framework are systemically reviewed. The recent research progress is summarized from three dimensions: failure mechanism, basic electrochemical principle and multidimensional optimization strategy. The review emphasizes the interplay between different components and their impact on overall battery performance, proposing mechanism-driven synergistic design principles to guide the engineering of FZABs. Finally, some advisable suggestions and future directions in the field of FZABs are presented to provide strategic insights for translating research findings into real-world implementation. These guidelines aim to accelerate the transition of FZABs from proof-of-concept to reliable power sources for next-generation wearables.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 101657"},"PeriodicalIF":40.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145995842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101658
Ziming Zhao , Ran Yang , Binggang Chen , Chao Wang , Shujun Zhang , Changhong Linghu , Ping Wang , Shifang Luan , Huajian Gao , K. Jimmy Hsia
Tissue adhesives have long been proposed as alternatives to sutures and staples, yet most existing formulations are mechanically passive, providing only static fixation. Recent advances, however, have introduced a new class of mechanically active polymeric adhesives (MAPAs) that can generate forces or dynamically modulate mechanical properties to engage cellular mechanotransduction. By integrating adhesive chemistry with biomechanics, MAPAs actively regulate inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, thereby accelerating tissue regeneration in diverse applications—from skin closure to myocardial repair and musculoskeletal healing. This review defines the concept of MAPAs and situates them within the broader evolution of regenerative biomaterials. We highlight the biological foundations of mechanically guided regeneration and summarize design principles for adhesive matrices and interfaces. Particular attention is given to stimulation modalities—thermal, optical, electrical, magnetic, and chemical—that enable spatiotemporal control of mechanical cues, and to emerging AI-driven approaches that accelerate materials discovery and optimize mechanics–adhesion synergy. Applications in wound care, cardiac rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal repair illustrate the translational potential of MAPAs. Finally, we discuss key challenges, including the mechanistic understanding of mechanobiological coupling, clinical feasibility, reliability and safety in complex physiological environments, regulatory translation, and issues related to large-scale manufacturing and storage, while also highlighting opportunities for performance optimization and functional expansion. MAPAs thus represent a paradigm shift from passive sealants to active, mechano-therapeutic platforms poised to reshape regenerative medicine.
{"title":"Mechanically active polymeric adhesives (MAPAs) for tissue regeneration","authors":"Ziming Zhao , Ran Yang , Binggang Chen , Chao Wang , Shujun Zhang , Changhong Linghu , Ping Wang , Shifang Luan , Huajian Gao , K. Jimmy Hsia","doi":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pmatsci.2026.101658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tissue adhesives have long been proposed as alternatives to sutures and staples, yet most existing formulations are mechanically passive, providing only static fixation. Recent advances, however, have introduced a new class of mechanically active polymeric adhesives (MAPAs) that can generate forces or dynamically modulate mechanical properties to engage cellular mechanotransduction. By integrating adhesive chemistry with biomechanics, MAPAs actively regulate inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, thereby accelerating tissue regeneration in diverse applications—from skin closure to myocardial repair and musculoskeletal healing. This review defines the concept of MAPAs and situates them within the broader evolution of regenerative biomaterials. We highlight the biological foundations of mechanically guided regeneration and summarize design principles for adhesive matrices and interfaces. Particular attention is given to stimulation modalities—thermal, optical, electrical, magnetic, and chemical—that enable spatiotemporal control of mechanical cues, and to emerging AI-driven approaches that accelerate materials discovery and optimize mechanics–adhesion synergy. Applications in wound care, cardiac rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal repair illustrate the translational potential of MAPAs. Finally, we discuss key challenges, including the mechanistic understanding of mechanobiological coupling, clinical feasibility, reliability and safety in complex physiological environments, regulatory translation, and issues related to large-scale manufacturing and storage, while also highlighting opportunities for performance optimization and functional expansion. MAPAs thus represent a paradigm shift from passive sealants to active, mechano-therapeutic platforms poised to reshape regenerative medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":411,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Materials Science","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 101658"},"PeriodicalIF":40.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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