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High-voltage nickel (Ni)-rich layered oxide-based lithium metal batteries (LMBs) exhibit a great potential in advanced batteries due to the ultra-high energy density. However, it is still necessary to deal with the challenges in poor cyclic and thermal stability before realizing practical application where cycling life is considered. Among many improved strategies, mechanical and chemical stability for the electrode electrolyte interface plays a key role in addressing these challenges. Therefore, extensive effort has been made to address the challenges of electrode-electrolyte interface. In this progress, the failure mechanism of Ni-rich cathode, lithium metal anode and electrolytes are reviewed, and the latest breakthrough in stabilizing electrode-electrolyte interface is also summarized. Finally, the challenges and future research directions of Ni-rich LMBs are put forward.

Protonic solid oxide electrolysis cells (P-SOECs) operating at intermediate temperatures, which have low costs, low environmental impact, and high theoretical electrolysis efficiency, are considered promising next-generation energy conversion devices for green hydrogen production. However, the developments and applications of P-SOECs are restricted by numerous material- and interface-related issues, including carrier mismatch between the anode and electrolyte, current leakage in the electrolyte, poor interfacial contact, and chemical stability. Over the past few decades, considerable attempts have been made to address these issues by improving the properties of P-SOECs. This review comprehensively explores the recent advances in the mechanisms governing steam electrolysis in P-SOECs, optimization strategies, specially designed components, electrochemical performance, and durability. In particular, given that the lack of suitable anode materials has significantly impeded P-SOEC development, the relationships between the transferred carriers and the cell performance, reaction models, and surface decoration approaches are meticulously probed. Finally, the challenges hindering P-SOEC development are discussed and recommendations for future research directions, including theoretical calculations and simulations, structural modification approaches, and large-scale single-cell fabrication, are proposed to stimulate research on P-SOECs and thereby realize efficient electricity-to-hydrogen conversion.

Finding a real thermoelectric (TE) material that excels in various aspects of TE performance, mechanical properties, TE power generation, and cooling is challenging for its commercialization. Herein, we report a novel multifunctional Ge_0.78Cd_0.06Pb_0.1Sb_0.06Te material with excellent TE performance and mechanical strength, which is utilized to construct candidate TE power generation and cooling devices near room temperature. Specifically, the effectiveness of band convergence, combined with optimized carrier concentration and electronic quality factor, distinctly boosts the Seebeck coefficient, thus greatly improving the power factor. Advanced electron microscopy observation indicates that complex multi-scale hierarchical structures and strain field distributions lead to ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity, and also effectively enhance mechanical properties. High ZT ~ 0.6 at 303 K, average ZT_ave ~ 1.18 from 303 to 553 K, and Vickers hardness of ~200 H_v in Ge_0.78Cd_0.06Pb_0.1Sb_0.06Te are obtained synchronously. Particularly, a 7-pair TE cooling device with a maximum ΔT of ~45.9 K at T_h = 328 K, and a conversion efficiency of ~5.2% at T_h = 553 K achieving in a single-leg device. The present findings demonstrate a unique approach to developing superior multifunctional GeTe-based alloys, opening up a promising avenue for commercial applications.

All solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are the holy grails of rechargeable batteries, where extensive searches are ongoing in the pursuit of ideal solid-state electrolytes. Nevertheless, there is still a long way off to the satisfactorily high (enough) ionic conductivity, long-term stability and especially being able to form compatible interfaces with the solid electrodes. Herein, we have explored ionic transport behavior and high mobility in the sub-nano pore networks in the framework structures. Macroscopically, the frameworked electrolyte behaves as a solid, and however in the (sub)-nano scales, the very limited number of solvent molecules in confinement makes them completely different from that in liquid electrolyte. Differentiated from a liquid-electrolyte counterpart, the interactions between the mobile ions and surrounding molecules are subject to dramatic changes, leading to a high ionic conductivity at room temperature with a low activation energy. Li⁺ ions in the sub-nano cages of the network structure are highly mobile and diffuse rather independently, where the rate-limiting step of ions crossing cages is driven by the local concentration gradient and the electrostatic interactions between Li⁺ ions. This new class of frameworked electrolytes (FEs) with both high ionic conductivity and desirable interface with solid electrodes are demonstrated to work with Li-ion batteries, where the ASSB with LiFePO₄ shows a highly stable electrochemical performance of over 450 cycles at 2°C at room temperature, with an almost negligible capacity fade of 0.03‰ each cycle. In addition, the FE shows outstanding flexibility and anti-flammability, which are among the key requirements of large-scale applications.

Pathogenic and corrosive bacteria pose a significant risk to human health or economic well-being. The specific, sensitive, and on-site detection of these bacteria is thus of paramount significance but remains challenging. Taking inspiration from immunoassays with primary and secondary antibodies, we describe here a rational design of microbial sensor (MS) under a dual-specificity recognition strategy using Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) as the detection model. In the MS, engineered aptamers are served as the primary recognition element, while polydopamine-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (PDA-Gal NAc) nanoparticles are employed as the secondary recognition element, which will also generate and amplify changes in the output voltage signal. To achieve self-powering capability, the MS is constructed based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with the specific aptamers immobilized on the TENG electrode surface. The as-prepared MS-TENG system exhibits good stability in output performance under external forces, and high specificity toward P. aeruginosa, with no cross-reactivity observed. A linear relationship (R² = 0.995) between the output voltage and P. aeruginosa concentration is established, with a limit of detection estimated at around 8.7 × 10³ CFU mL⁻¹. The utilization of PDA-Gal NAc nanoparticles is found to play an important role in enhancing the specific and reliability of detection, and the underlying mechanisms are further clarified by computational simulations. In addition, the MS-TENG integrates a wireless communication module, enabling real-time monitoring of bacterial concentration on mobile devices. This work introduces a pioneering approach to designing self-powered smart microbial sensors with high specificity, using a double recognition strategy applicable to various bacteria beyond P. aeruginosa.

Lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dot (CQD) photodiodes integrated with silicon-based readout integrated circuits (ROICs) offer a promising solution for the next-generation short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging technology. Despite their potential, large-size CQD photodiodes pose a challenge due to high dark currents resulting from surface states on non-passivated (100) facets and trap states generated by CQD fusion. In this work, we present a novel approach to address this issue by introducing double-ended ligands that supplementally passivate (100) facets of halide-capped large-size CQDs, leading to suppressed bandtail states and reduced defect concentration. Our results demonstrate that the dark current density is highly suppressed by about an order of magnitude to 9.6 nA cm⁻² at −10 mV, which is among the lowest reported for PbS CQD photodiodes. Furthermore, the performance of the photodiodes is exemplary, yielding an external quantum efficiency of 50.8% (which corresponds to a responsivity of 0.532 A W⁻¹) and a specific detectivity of 2.5 × 10¹² Jones at 1300 nm. By integrating CQD photodiodes with CMOS ROICs, the CQD imager provides high-resolution (640 × 512) SWIR imaging for infrared penetration and material discrimination.

Narrowband photodetectors conventionally rely on optical structure design or bandpass filters to achieve the narrowband regime. Recently, a strategy for filterless narrowband photoresponse based on the charge collection narrowing (CCN) mechanism was reported. However, the CCN strategy requires an electrically and optically “thick” photoactive layer, which poses challenges in controlling the narrowband photoresponse. Here we propose a novel strategy for constructing narrowband photodetectors by leveraging the inherent ion migration in perovskites, which we term “band modulation narrowing” (BMN). By manipulating the ion migration with external stimuli such as illumination, temperature, and bias voltage, we can regulate in situ the energy-band structure of perovskite photodetectors (PPDs) and hence their spectral response. Combining the Fermi energy levels obtained by the Kelvin probe force microscopy, the internal potential profiles from solar cell capacitance simulator simulation, and the anion accumulation revealed by the transient ion-drift technique, we discover two critical mechanisms behind our BMN strategy: the extension of an optically active but electronically dead region proximal to the top electrode and the down-bending energy bands near the electron transport layer. Our findings offer a case for harnessing the often-annoying ion migration for developing advanced narrowband PPDs.

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing technique, which deposits micro/nanostructures through high electric force, has recently attracted significant research interest owing to their fascinating characteristics in high resolution (<1 μm), wide material applicability (ink viscosity 1–10 000 cps), tunable printing modes (electrospray, electrospinning, and EHD jet printing), and compatibility with flexible/wearable applications. Since the laboratory level of the EHD printed electronics' resolution and efficiency is gradually approaching the commercial application level, an urgent need for developing EHD technique from laboratory into industrialization have been put forward. Herein, we first discuss the EHD printing technique, including the ink design, droplet formation, and key technologies for promoting printing efficiency/accuracy. Then we summarize the recent progress of EHD printing in fabrication of displays, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), transparent electrodes, and sensors and actuators. Finally, a brief summary and the outlook for future research effort are presented.

Solid-state batteries that employ solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to replace routine liquid electrolytes are considered to be one of the most promising solutions for achieving high-safety lithium metal batteries. SSEs with high mechanical modulus, thermal stability, and non-flammability can not only inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites but also enhance the safety of lithium metal batteries. However, several internal materials/electrodes-related thermal hazards demonstrated by recent works show that solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are not impenetrable. Therefore, understanding the potential thermal hazards of SSLMBs is critical for their more secure and widespread applications. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive overview of the thermal failure mechanism of SSLMBs from materials to devices. Also, strategies to improve the thermal safety performance of SSLMBs are included from the view of material enhancement, battery design, and external management. Consequently, the future directions are further provided. We hope that this work can shed bright insights into the path of constructing energy storage devices with high energy density and safety.

Electrochemical water splitting represents a promising technology for green hydrogen production. To design advanced electrocatalysts, it is crucial to identify their active sites and interpret the relationship between their structures and performance. Materials extensively studied as electrocatalysts include noble-metal-based (e.g., Ru, Ir, and Pt) and non-noble-metal-based (e.g., 3d transition metals) compounds. Recently, advancements in characterization techniques and theoretical calculations have revealed novel and unusual active sites. The present review highlights the latest achievements in the discovery and identification of various unconventional active sites for electrochemical water splitting, with a focus on state-of-the-art strategies for determining true active sites and establishing structure–activity relationships. Furthermore, we discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives for the development of next-generation electrocatalysts with unusual active sites. By presenting a fresh perspective on the unconventional reaction sites involved in electrochemical water splitting, this review aims to provide valuable guidance for the future study of electrocatalysts in industrial applications.