Materials Horizons最新文献

Flame-retardant coatings provide effective fire protection for various substrates, yet developing eco-friendly alternatives that combine strong adhesion, high-efficiency flame retardancy, and excellent thermal insulation remains a formidable challenge. Inspired by the nesting behavior of birds, a fully biomass-based fire-retardant coating without traditional flame-retardant elements was constructed through a green multiple-groups synergy strategy for "one stone for multiple birds" that concurrently incorporates nanostructuring, strong adhesion, thermal insulation, and universal flame retardancy. In this design, gallic acid (GA) self-assembles into nanofibrous-like supramolecular aggregates through π-π stacking, mimicking structural "twigs". Meanwhile, chitosan acts as a cohesive binder, replicating the adhesive function of "saliva". The resulting coating exhibits a bird nest-like interpenetrating structure with nanopores (<250 nm), which reduces the thermal conductivity of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) to 24.85 mW (m K)^-1 from 28.57 mW (m K)^-1. The synergy of decarboxylation/carbonization and radical scavenging imparts self-intumescent barrier properties and universal flame retardancy to diverse materials (fabric, RPUF, paper, wood), yielding a limiting oxygen index of 25-30%, and smoke and toxic gas suppression. This work presents a biomimetic strategy for sustainable, high-performance flame-retardant coatings with broad applicability.

Optimizing the storage performance of phase-change memory (PCM) devices critically depends on understanding the chemical-bonding nature of phase-change materials (PCMs). However, significant controversy persists regarding the fundamental bonding characteristics, representing a key bottleneck for the field's advancement. In this study, using a unique ionic-reaction-based approach, we successfully synthesized the PCM materials, crystalline Sb₂Te₃, Bi₂Te₃, and SnTe. Crucially, this pathway is fundamentally distinct from conventional atomic-based routes, yet it yields final reaction products with identical structural characteristics. This observation prompted a thorough investigation into the bonding nature of the products. A comprehensive theoretical analysis, using methods such as the electron localization function (ELF), revealed that the chemical bonds in these materials exhibit distinct hybrid characteristics: clear covalent orbital interactions are accompanied by an ionic contribution and features of multicenter bonding. Our findings indicate that the unique bonding behavior of PCMs-compatible with disparate synthesis pathways-does not necessitate classification as a fundamentally new bond type. Instead, it can be coherently and uniformly described within the existing framework of multicenter (hypervalent) bonding theory. This work provides novel experimental evidence, and a theoretical perspective, for understanding the properties of such important functional materials.

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Intelligent protective clothing plays a pivotal role in safeguarding life and health. In this study, we have developed a cellulose@polyethyleneimine aerogel fiber (CE@PEI-aerogel fiber), which integrates thermal protection, hazardous gas detection, and visual warning functions. This innovative fiber is fabricated through amino-functionalization modification of cotton followed by wet-spinning processes. The resulting aerogel fiber exhibits a three-dimensional network structure with uniform nanopores, and the constructed fabric demonstrates exceptional thermal insulation properties and an ultra-low thermal conductivity of 29.5 mW (m K)^-1. Notably, the introduction of amino groups significantly enhances the dye uptake rate (95.95% for reactive red) and fixation rate (77.68% for reactive red) of the aerogel fiber via a salt-free dyeing process. Furthermore, by incorporating commercially available responsive dyes, these aerogel fibers exhibit high sensitivity, rapid response, and visual detection capabilities towards toxic substances including acidic gases, ammonia, formaldehyde, and acetone with a detection limit at the ppm level. The CE@PEI-aerogel fiber can be further woven into a fabric, which integrates thermal protection, visual early warning, and robust mechanical properties, achieving a comprehensive "detection-protection-warning" system for industrial safety and environmental monitoring.

The development of therapies that dynamically respond to the wound microenvironment is essential to overcome the limitations of conventional monotherapies. We present a wearable patch that self-regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to accelerate wound healing. This flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) patch conforms to the wound, delivering narrow 630 nm peak light at an irradiance of 5 mW cm^-2 for photobiomodulation (PBM). The patch activates healing directly via PBM, and the consequently induced ROS serve as a therapeutic trigger. This ROS trigger stimulates ROS-responsive nanoparticles to release antioxidant drugs, which neutralize excess ROS. We confirmed a dose-dependent additive effect across 2-8 J cm^-2, with 6 J cm^-2 being the most effective. This combination therapy significantly accelerated wound closure and promoted superior tissue regeneration, including robust skin barrier reconstruction and mature vessel stabilization. This OLED patch introduces a next-generation phototherapy, transforming signals into therapeutic triggers for advanced combination treatments.

The quantitative relationship between chemical composition, crystal structure and functional properties in materials with complex distortions has remained elusive, creating a critical bottleneck for rational design. This is particularly relevant for the vast family of Pnma perovskites-technologically important materials where octahedral tilting governs key functionalities. While Landau theory successfully describes structural responses to external stimuli like temperature or pressure, its application to chemical diversity has been largely unexplored. Here, we bridge this gap by demonstrating that symmetry-derived order parameters serve as universal descriptors, providing a language connecting chemical bonding to distortion patterns. Through group-theoretical analysis of 227 Pnma perovskites across oxides, fluorides, halides and chalcogenides, we establish robust symmetry principles governing composition-structure relationships. Unlike empirical descriptors or non-analytical machine learning approaches, our framework provides quantitative, physics-based design rules for engineering functional properties. This work expands Landau theory into chemical space, creating a universal platform for understanding and designing functional materials, with implications extending beyond perovskites to other distorted crystal structures.

Although transarterial chemoembolization is a prevalent treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its efficacy is limited by inadequate vascular infiltration, inconsistent embolization, and lack of therapeutic synergy. We developed a multifunctional injectable hydrogel system using strategically combined high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and a carbon dot/iron complex (APIO/Fe complex) to overcome these challenges. The dual-molecular-weight approach optimizes both structural integrity and injectability and also enables the homogeneous distribution of therapeutic agents. The APIO carbon dots were produced by a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis using iohexol and 1-(3-aminopropyl) imidazole as dual-purpose precursors for computed tomography (CT) imaging and iron chelation. The APIO/Fe complex was characterized via dynamic light scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, confirming its nanoscale structure and compositional integrity. The APIO/Fe hydrogel demonstrated shear-thinning and self-healing properties, injectability, and mechanical recovery. The APIO/Fe complex and the hydrogel preserved CT and magnetic resonance imaging contrast capabilities compared with conventional contrast agents. They also catalyzed the Fenton reaction, initiated the formation of reactive oxygen species, and accelerated coagulation upon interaction with blood. In a three-dimensional vascular model, the APIO/Fe complex induced occlusion. This multifunctional platform integrates imaging visibility, oxidative therapy, and embolic function, thus providing a synergistic, minimally invasive approach for HCC treatment.

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events driven by global climate change has intensified icing-related challenges across critical infrastructure, including transportation, energy systems, and aerospace applications. Conventional anti-/de-icing technologies are often limited by high energy consumption, operational inefficiency, and environmental concerns, underscoring the urgent need for more sustainable solutions. Herein, we define key terms: 'icephobic' materials passively inhibit ice formation or adhesion; 'anti-icing' refers to preventing ice accretion, while 'de-icing' involves removing accumulated ice; 'superhydrophobic' surfaces exhibit extreme water repellency (contact angle > 150°, sliding angle < 10°); and 'slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS)' are lubricant-infused surfaces that provide a smooth, ice-repellent interface. Photothermal materials have shown great potential in anti-icing applications, offering efficient, eco-friendly ice mitigation by harnessing solar energy for localized heat generation. This review provides a systematic summary of the role and application prospects of photothermal anti-icing materials in anti-icing applications, with an emphasis on the underlying mechanisms, particularly interfacial wettability dynamics and thermal transport processes. We categorize and critically assess major classes of photothermal materials, including carbon-based, metallic, semiconductor, polymeric, and all-weather systems, discussing their fabrication strategies and associated performance trade-offs. Key barriers to commercialization are highlighted, including challenges related to mechanical durability and geometric adaptability, optical transparency and scalable production, as well as precise thermal management and long-term chemical stability. Beyond a systematic summary of recent progress, this review pioneers a unified perspective that integrates photothermal efficiency, surface/interfacial design, and environmental adaptability. We critically analyze the synergistic effects and inherent trade-offs among these dimensions. By establishing this framework, this review aims to guide the rational design of next-generation photothermal icephobic materials for targeted applications and bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world implementation.

Achieving scarless healing combined with skin appendage regeneration remains an extremely challenging task in the treatment of skin wounds. Vitamin A derivatives have shown great potential for follicle neogenesis and scarless repair but suffer from poor solubility, instability, photosensitivity, and toxicity in wound healing processes. Here, we present a multifunctional bioadhesive hydrogel system that integrates polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles with vitamin A derivatives to promote functional skin regeneration. The PDA nanoparticles stabilized and enabled pH-responsive release of vitamin A derivatives, while simultaneously providing reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and antioxidant protection. Embedded within an imine-crosslinked adhesive hydrogel network, this platform achieved strong tissue adhesion, sustained drug delivery, and favorable immune microenvironment modulation. In vivo, using both rat burn wounds and rabbit hypertrophic scar models, the optimized formulation accelerated wound closure, rebalanced collagen deposition, suppressed myofibroblast activation, and markedly prevented pathological fibrosis. Strikingly, it also induced robust de novo hair follicle formation, indicating true functional tissue restoration. Transcriptomic and immunofluorescence analyses further revealed downregulation of pro-fibrotic and inflammatory pathways alongside activation of regenerative signaling, including M2 macrophage polarization and suppression of the M1 phenotype in treated wounds. This study introduces an early vitamin A-based nanocomposite hydrogel with dual anti-scarring and regenerative functions, offering a promising strategy for advanced wound care.

Correction for 'Moderately polarized carborane-MOF with inverse C₂ selectivity for one-step polymer-grade ethylene purification' by Changhong Liu et al., Mater. Horiz., 2026, 13, 473-479, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01641J.