Understanding the competition between thermodynamics and kinetics is crucial for the rational synthesis of inorganic materials. The synthesis of two-layer sodium metal oxides is investigated by in situ synchrotron XRD and a model is developed to rationalize why the observed phase progression proceeds through non-equilibrium three-layered intermediates.

Optimized Ullmann coupling reaction of heterotriangulene precursors allows the synthesis of two-dimensional π-conjugated polymers with ordered domains larger than 100 × 100 nm² showing both Dirac cones and flat bands in their electronic structure.

Dendritic cells concentrated in vivo within a hydrogel have been metabolically tagged with azido groups to enable tracking as well as delivery of antigens, adjuvants and cytokines, thereby facilitating targeted immunomodulation.

A spatially resolved optical polarimetry technique is used to identify a three-state Potts-nematic order parameter in a triangular lattice antiferromagnetic material.

Interlayer exciton dynamics in a van der Waals heterostructure is found to be modulated by the twist angle between the atomically thin layers, elucidating the effect of moiré potentials on exciton motion and providing guidelines to design quantum photonics devices based on 2D materials.

Non-uniform metal deposition and dendrite formation reduce the efficiency, safety and life of batteries with metal anodes. The influence of these factors in a sodium electrolyte now shows how a molten-salt-like structure at the electrode surface results in dendrite-free metal cycling at higher rates.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited efforts to develop materials science innovations aimed at stopping viral infections. One of the greatest opportunities lies in developing broad-spectrum antiviral technologies that work against many viruses, which could be the key to thwarting outbreaks in the future.

First-principles calculations predicted electronic topological properties for 2D honeycomb–kagome polymers, which have been now confirmed experimentally thanks to improvements in on-surface synthesis.

Father of modern ferroelectrics.

Litao Sun, Yongming Tang and Wei Zuo reflect on their experience of nationwide distance learning in China’s universities during the COVID-19 outbreak.

New evidence suggests that the mechanism of nanoparticle entry into solid tumours may be driven by an active process. This insight paves the way for approaches to enhance the efficiency of nanomedicine delivery by harnessing active transport mechanisms, and encourage researchers to rethink how tumours are treated.

Finding a competitor for diamond as a good heat conductor remains challenging. Measurements on crystals of cubic boron nitride demonstrate a thermal conductivity of 1,600 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at room temperature, rivalling diamond.