Research articles

Complex oxides are interesting for their potential to host multiple properties and functionalities by integrating different elements in a single compound, however they are often challenging to stabilize. Here, epitaxial stabilization of LaRuO₃ and NdRuO₃ is demonstrated, revealing an unconventional anomalous Hall effect in NdRuO₃ which is possibly related to a non-coplanar spin texture on the Nd³⁺ sublattice.

Signatures of pressure-induced high-temperature superconductivity in nickelates have sparked great interest in these materials. Here, the sensitivity of Ruddlesden–Popper nickelate formation to in-plane misfit strain is investigated, revealing that tensile strain favours the perovskite structure LaNiO₃, whereas compressive strain stabilizes the La₃Ni₂O₇ phase where high-temperature superconductivity was reported.

Kagome superconductors provide a platform to explore intertwined symmetry-breaking orders, but controversies remain despite intensive experimental and theoretical efforts. Here, a combined density functional theory and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study reveals quantum confinement phenomena on the surface of CsV₃Sb₅, reconciling conflicting observations of time-reversal symmetry breaking between bulk- and surface-sensitive probes.

Smart devices for wound management combine biosensing with drug release. Here, a smart theranostic bandage is reported that can detect pH and uric acid levels and release antibiotics as necessary, all of which can be done remotely.

The high aspect ratio of nanotubes makes them effective for electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. Here, a carbon shell is synthesized on the surface of iron-based nanotubes, achieving a composite with electromagnetic properties and impedance that are suitable for electromagnetic shielding.

Many capacitive materials exist but assessment protocols that allow comparisons between laboratory-scale research and industrial-scale trials are lacking. Here, extremely lean electrolytic testing is proposed as a systematic evaluation framework to assess the performance of diverse battery systems.

The response of a polycrystalline material during loading is strongly dependent on grain-level effects, such as residual stress from plasticity and grain orientation. Here, in-situ three-dimensional X-ray diffraction reveals the role of local and interacting grain stresses in a ferritic steel.

Hole-doped polymer PEDOT:PSS shows high conductivity but the carrier transport mechanism is not yet clarified. Here, broadband optical conductivity spectra are derived using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and far-infrared to-ultraviolet reflection spectroscopy, demonstrating band transport of hole carriers.

Poly-nitrogen units are useful for next-generation high energy density materials but often have poor thermal stability. Here, cyclopentazolate anions are stabilized in a hydrogen-bonded organic framework through self assembly, displaying a decomposition temperature of 153 °C.

Gas-responsive polymers are unconventional smart materials that utilizes specific gases. Here, polydimethylsiloxane elastomers appended with amine groups react with CO₂ leading to gas-induced mechanical reinforcement.

Poor material biocompatibility of implanted medical devices endangers patient safety and impairs device functionality. Here, durable zwitterion grafts attached onto polymeric surfaces via plasma functionalization lead to superhydrophilic materials for safer and more durable devices.

Memory structures are key components of any functional computing device, but achieving persistent storage of information in the form of light is extremely difficult. Here, the authors demonstrate the sequential formation of multiple memory pathways in photochromic crystals via optical near-field interactions.

Doped carbon nanotubes are essential for molecular electronic and energy devices. Here, protonic acids and lithium salts are employed as hole dopants and stabilizers, respectively, to induce thermally stable p-doped states in carbon nanotubes.

Metallic surfaces are often coated with corrosion inhibitors to prevent damage but these are typically toxic to the environment. Here, a recombinant adhesive cement protein from barnacles is shown to effectively protect steel against corrosion under marine environment conditions.

Single atom detection in nanoporous materials is challenging due to their sensitivity to electron irradiation. Here, the three-dimensional atomic occupancy of natural beryl is quantitatively analysed using high-angle annular dark-field imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope and statistical analysis.

Liquid crystal polymers rarely have high thermal conductivities due to their disordered directionality that limits conductivity in a specific direction. Here, an electric field is applied to align liquid crystal monomers before photopolymerization to result in high anisotropic thermal conductivity.

Unconventional superconductivity can be found in many artificial compounds such as cuprates, iron-based and heavy-fermion superconductors, and recently discovered exotic materials; however, it rarely occurs naturally. Here, nodal superconductivity is observed in synthetically clean miassite minerals, which can also be found in nature.

Cathodic protection is widely used in protecting structures from corrosion, but its working mechanism remains unclear. Here, in-situ and ex-situ characterization techniques, coupled with electrochemical measurements, are used to study the spatio-temporal changes at the steel-electrolyte interface.

Refractory high-entropy alloys are attractive for high-temperature applications, but are challenging to process. Here, a method is shown for identifying a processing window that allows the additive manufacturing of a TiZrNbTa refractory alloy with a low defect content and mechanical properties comparable to as-cast samples.

Polarization rotation is key for modern optics but achieving it at mid-infrared frequencies is challenging and requires very thick phase retarders. Here, α-MoO₃ flakes provide mid-infrared phase retardation and 90 degrees polarization rotation within one micrometer of material, a thickness ten times thinner than the operational wavelength.