Focus 26 January 2021

Materials science and chemistry

Materials science and chemistry encompasses experimental and computational research that aims to understand and exploit relationships between structures and properties of materials. On this page, we highlight exciting research in materials design, fabrication, physicochemical characterization, and functional properties.

Featured articles

Adenine oligomer directed synthesis of chiral gold nanoparticles

Chiral plasmonic nanoparticles are of great interest in nanotechnology. Here, the authors demonstrate chiral shape guidance by single-stranded oligonucleotides during particle growth based on sequence-specific hydrogen bonding within the strand.
- Nam Heon Cho
- Young Bi Kim
- Ki Tae Nam
Article Open Access 2 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Low-defect-density WS₂ by hydroxide vapor phase deposition

Chemical vapor deposition enables the scalable production of 2D semiconductors, but the grown materials are usually affected by high defect densities. Here, the authors report a hydroxide vapour phase deposition method to synthesize wafer-scale monolayer WS₂ with reduced defect density and electrical properties comparable to those of exfoliated flakes.
- Yi Wan
- En Li
- Lain-Jong Li
Article Open Access 18 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Spongy all-in-liquid materials by in-situ formation of emulsions at oil-water interfaces

All-in-liquid printing promises applications from energy storage to drug delivery and tissue engineering. Here, authors present the in-situ generation of layered emulsion in a fraction of a second at the oil-water interface forming 3D tube-like structures in a liquid medium.
- Parisa Bazazi
- Howard A. Stone
- S. Hossein Hejazi
Article Open Access 18 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Fabrication of triboelectric polymer films via repeated rheological forging for ultrahigh surface charge density

High charge density is the foundation to promote a wide range of applications of triboelectric nanogenerators. Here, authors propose a processing method based on the repeated rheological forging of triboelectric polymers achieving an enhanced triboelectricity and further study its mechanism.
- Zhaoqi Liu
- Yunzhi Huang
- Jin-Ping Qu
Article Open Access 14 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Large-area transfer of two-dimensional materials free of cracks, contamination and wrinkles via controllable conformal contact

Reliable transfer techniques are critical for the integration of 2D materials with arbitrary substrates. Here, the authors describe a method to transfer 4-inch and A4-sized defect-free graphene films onto rigid and flexible substrates with controllable conformal contact, leading to improved electrical properties and uniformity.
- Yixuan Zhao
- Yuqing Song
- Zhongfan Liu
Article Open Access 29 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Highly efficient and selective extraction of gold by reduced graphene oxide

High extraction capacity with precise selectivity to trace amounts of gold over a wide range of co-existing elements remains a challenge for effective e-waste recycling. Here, authors demonstrate the excellent performance of rGO for gold extraction from e-waste leachate, even at minute concentrations.
- Fei Li
- Jiuyi Zhu
- Hui-Ming Cheng
Article Open Access 2 Aug 2022 Nature Communications
Conformational heterogeneity of molecules physisorbed on a gold surface at room temperature

Tip-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy at room temperature is complicated by molecular conformational dynamics, photobleaching, contaminations, and chemical reactions in air. This study demonstrates that a sub-nm protective layer of Al₂O₃ provides robust conditions for probing single-molecule conformations.
- Mingu Kang
- Hyunwoo Kim
- Kyoung-Duck Park
Article Open Access 15 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Finely tunable dynamical coloration using bicontinuous micrometer-domains

Structural colors are often produced by periodic structured materials leading to the constructive interference of light waves. Here, the authors report control of structural color and light transmission via a colloidal gel and dynamic coloration with a precise wavelength selectivity over a broad range of wavelengths by taking advantage of the Christiansen effect.
- Yuyin Xi
- Fan Zhang
- Yun Liu
Article Open Access 24 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Nesting of multiple polyhedral plasmonic nanoframes into a single entity

The spatial configuration of nanostructure building blocks determines the physical and optical properties of their superstructures. Here, the authors report on complex nanoparticles in which different geometric forms of nanoframes are nested into a single entity by multistep chemical reactions.
- Sungjae Yoo
- Jaewon Lee
- Sungho Park
Article Open Access 4 Aug 2022 Nature Communications
Precise electrical gating of the single-molecule Mizoroki-Heck reaction

Guiding chemical reactions in a predictable and controllable manner is an ultimate goal of chemistry. Here, the authors show tuning of the single-molecule Mizoroki-Heck catalytic cycle through electrical gating and direct in-situ detection.
- Lei Zhang
- Chen Yang
- Xuefeng Guo
Article Open Access 5 Aug 2022 Nature Communications
Assembly of planar chiral superlattices from achiral building blocks

The formation of nanostructures with chiral symmetry often requires chiral directing agents at a smaller length scale. Here, the authors report the self-assembly of 2D chiral superlattices from achiral tetrahedron-shaped building blocks.
- Zhihua Cheng
- Matthew R. Jones
Article Open Access 21 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Solvent-driven fractional crystallization for atom-efficient separation of metal salts from permanent magnet leachates

Rare earth elements are essential to electrified infrastructure and clean energy production. Here, authors show reagent- and energy-efficient separation of lanthanides from secondary feedstock using dimethyl ether-driven fractional crystallization.
- Caleb Stetson
- Denis Prodius
- Aaron D. Wilson
Article Open Access 1 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Photo-tailored heterocrystalline covalent organic framework membranes for organics separation

Covalent organic frameworks (COF) hold great promise in filtration and separation but combining facile processing, high crystallinity and high separation performance remains challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate that heterocrystalline COF membranes in which high-crystalline regions are tightly linked by low-crystalline regions can improve molecular sieving properties at high solvent flux.
- Jinqiu Yuan
- Xinda You
- Zhongyi Jiang
Article Open Access 2 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Fluorescence turn on amine detection in a cationic covalent organic framework

Ionic covalent organic frameworks (iCOFs) are new examples of porous materials and show great potential for various applications. Here, the authors demonstrate functionalization of an iCOFs with suitable emission sites and application as chemosensor for amine detection with high sensitivity which can be used to monitor meat spoilage.
- Gobinda Das
- Bikash Garai
- Ali Trabolsi
Article Open Access 7 Jul 2022 Nature Communications
Breaking the nanoparticle’s dispersible limit via rotatable surface ligands

Nanoparticles that can disperse in a broad range of solvents are desirable. Here, the authors report nanoparticles featuring rotatable surface ligands that enable the formation of stable dispersions in a wide range of solvents.
- Yue Liu
- Na Peng
- Shikuan Yang
Article Open Access 23 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
An unexpected dual-emissive luminogen with tunable aggregation-induced emission and enhanced chiroptical property

Organic materials with both aggregation induced emission (AIE) and aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effects that can emit with multiple wavelengths in the solution and aggregated state are rarely reported. Here, the authors report a chiral dual-emissive bismacrocycle which shows the unique ACQ and AIE effects inducing redshift emission with near white-light emission.
- Xinyu Zhang
- Huiqing Liu
- Pingwu Du
Article Open Access 21 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Secondary through-space interactions facilitated single-molecule white-light emission from clusteroluminogens

Although mature and systematic theories of molecular photophysics have been developed, it is still challenging to endow clusteroluminogens (CLgens) with designed photophysical properties by manipulating through-space interactions. Here, the authors design three CLgens that show multiple emissions and white-light emission in the crystalline state, and emphasize the important role of secondary through-space interactions between the acceptor and non-conjugated donor units.
- Jianyu Zhang
- Parvej Alam
- Ben Zhong Tang
Article Open Access 17 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Cellulose photonic pigments

Several biomaterials have been promised as suitable candidates for photonic materials and pigments, but their fabrication processes have been limited to the small to medium-scale production of films. Here, the authors demonstrate a substrate-free process to fabricate structurally coloured microparticles via the confined self-assembly of a cholesteric cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspension within emulsified microdroplets.
- Richard M. Parker
- Tianheng H. Zhao
- Silvia Vignolini
Article Open Access 13 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Transforming Ti₃C₂T_x MXene’s intrinsic hydrophilicity into superhydrophobicity for efficient photothermal membrane desalination

Membrane distillation is susceptible to thermal inefficiency and membrane wetting issues during seawater desalination. Here, authors design a MXene-engineered membrane that imparts efficient localized photothermal effect and strong water repellency, achieving sustainable freshwater production.
- Baoping Zhang
- Pak Wai Wong
- Alicia Kyoungjin An
Article Open Access 8 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Trapping and detecting nanoplastics by MXene-derived oxide microrobots

Nanoplastic water pollution represents an increasing concern. Here, photogravitactic MXene-derived microrobots are programmed to trap nanoplastics in the layered structure and magnetically transfer them to low-cost electrodes for further detection.
- Mario Urso
- Martina Ussia
- Martin Pumera
Article Open Access 22 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Decoupled temperature and pressure hydrothermal synthesis of carbon sub-micron spheres from cellulose

Temperature and pressure are typically dependent parameters in hydrothermal processes. Here, authors devise a hydrothermal system that allows independent control of these parameters and realize low-temperature fast synthesis of carbon sub-micron spheres directly from cellulose at higher pressure.
- Shijie Yu
- Xinyue Dong
- Hui Zhou
Article Open Access 24 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Droplets in underlying chemical communication recreate cell interaction behaviors

While a hallmark of living systems, developing sensory-motor interactions in inanimate systems remains challenging. Here, authors show that nanoporous surfaces can be used to create stimuli-responsive droplet interplay with shape transformation and complex behaviours reminiscent of living cell actions.
- Agustin D. Pizarro
- Claudio L. A. Berli
- Martín G. Bellino
Article Open Access 1 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Spontaneous water-on-water spreading of polyelectrolyte membranes inspired by skin formation

Stable interfaces between immiscible solvents are crucial for chemical synthesis and assembly, but interfaces between miscible solvents have been less explored. Here the authors report the spontaneous water-on-water spreading and self-assembly of polyelectrolytes.
- Sihan Tang
- Jiang Gong
- Qiang Zhao
Article Open Access 9 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Biomimetic non-classical crystallization drives hierarchical structuring of efficient circularly polarized phosphors

Chiral emitters with high photoluminescence quantum yield are desirable for use in circularly polarized LEDs. The authors demonstrate the transfer of chirality from nanoscale copper iodide clusters to microscale chiral luminescent polycrystals by non-classical crystallization.
- Li-Zhe Feng
- Jing-Jing Wang
- Hong-Bin Yao
Article Open Access 9 Jun 2022 Nature Communications
Structural colour enhanced microfluidics

Organized microfibrillation can be used to optically printing well-defined porosity with high resolution into thin polymer films. Here, the authors use this method to create self-enclosed microfluidic devices in different flexible substrates and exploit the intrinsic appearance of structural colours for sensing application
- Detao Qin
- Andrew H. Gibbons
- Easan Sivaniah
Article Open Access 19 May 2022 Nature Communications
Predicting the failure of two-dimensional silica glasses

The sheer number of parameters in deep learning makes the physical interpretation of failure predictions in glasses challenging. Here the authors use Grad-CAM to reveal the role of topological defects and local potential energies in failure predictions.
- Francesc Font-Clos
- Marco Zanchi
- Stefano Zapperi
Article Open Access 20 May 2022 Nature Communications
Ultra-dense dislocations stabilized in high entropy oxide ceramics

Dislocation engineering is important for designing structural materials. Here the authors demonstrate that a high-entropy oxide ceramic with a high density of edge dislocations can be stabilized by increasing the compositional complexity, resulting in enhanced fracture toughness.
- Yi Han
- Xiangyang Liu
- Chunlei Wan
Article Open Access 24 May 2022 Nature Communications
Memory, switches, and an OR-port through bistability in chemically fueled crystals

In biology, information is stored and processed using highly evolved molecules in bistable states. Here, the authors demonstrate bistability in a synthetic system without the need for evolved biomolecules or autocatalytic networks.
- Fabian Schnitter
- Benedikt Rieß
- Job Boekhoven
Article Open Access 20 May 2022 Nature Communications
Type II porous ionic liquid based on metal-organic cages that enables l-tryptophan identification

Porous liquids are potentially useful materials for the identification and separation of non-gaseous compounds. Herein, the authors report a type II porous ionic liquid with permanent porosity and high selectivity towards l-tryptophan (l-Trp) over other aromatic amino acids.
- Zhuxiu Zhang
- Baolin Yang
- Xu Qiao
Article Open Access 29 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Towards universal neural network potential for material discovery applicable to arbitrary combination of 45 elements

Existing neural network potentials are generally designed for narrow target materials. Here the authors develop a neural network potential which is able to handle any combination of 45 elements and show its applicability in multiple domains.
- So Takamoto
- Chikashi Shinagawa
- Takeshi Ibuka
Article Open Access 30 May 2022 Nature Communications
Multimodal confined water dynamics in reverse osmosis polyamide membranes

Polymeric membranes are extensively used in water desalination, but the effect of membrane nanostructure on water transport is still elusive. The authors, using quasi-elastic neutron scattering and contrast variation techniques, provide detailed insight into the dynamics of the polymer network and confined water across a wide range of length and timescales.
- Fabrizia Foglia
- Bernhard Frick
- João T. Cabral
Article Open Access 19 May 2022 Nature Communications
Ultrahigh strength and shear-assisted separation of sliding nanocontacts studied in situ

To understand and predict friction, it is crucial to observe sliding at the nanoscale to uncover the mechanisms at play. Here, the authors show that nano-contacts exhibit strength near the ideal limit, and find that pull-off forces predicted by continuum models are reduced by shearing.
- Takaaki Sato
- Zachary B. Milne
- Hiroyuki Fujita
Article Open Access 10 May 2022 Nature Communications
Well-defined nanostructuring with designable anodic aluminum oxide template

Well-defined nanostructuring is a feasible concept to achieve nanostructured arrays with unique properties. Here the authors report fabrication of designable anodic aluminum oxide templates with controllable in-plane and out-of-plane shapes, sizes, spatial configurations, and pore combinations.
- Rui Xu
- Zhiqiang Zeng
- Yong Lei
Article Open Access 4 May 2022 Nature Communications
Medial packing and elastic asymmetry stabilize the double-gyroid in block copolymers

Double-gyroid networks assemble in diverse soft materials, yet the molecular packing that underlies their complex structure remains obscure. Here, authors advance a theory that resolves a long-standing puzzle about their formation in block copolymers.
- Abhiram Reddy
- Michael S. Dimitriyev
- Gregory M. Grason
Article Open Access 12 May 2022 Nature Communications
High-entropy induced a glass-to-glass transition in a metallic glass

Glass-to-glass transitions can help understanding the glass nature, but it remains difficult to tune metallic glasses into significantly different glass states. Here the authors demonstrate the high-entropy effects in glass-to-glass transitions of high-entropy metallic glasses.
- Hengwei Luan
- Xin Zhang
- Ke-Fu Yao
Article Open Access 21 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Controlling forward and backward rotary molecular motion on demand

Being able to control motion at the molecular level is vital for many future developments in the molecular sciences. Here, the authors report the controlled forward and backward rotation of a molecular motor guided by external stimuli.
- L. Pfeifer
- S. Crespi
- B. L. Feringa
Article Open Access 19 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Achieving gas pressure-dependent luminescence from an AIEgen-based metal-organic framework

Compounds displaying aggregation-induced emission behavior may have application in the preparation of smart materials. Here, the authors report a luminogen-containing metal-organic framework for which luminescence intensity changes are observed in response to gas pressure.
- Zhijia Li
- Feilong Jiang
- Maochun Hong
Article Open Access 19 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Multivariate analysis of disorder in metal–organic frameworks

Structural disorder in materials is challenging to characterise. Here, the authors use multivariate analysis of atomic pair distribution functions to study structural collapse and melting of metal–organic frameworks, revealing powerful mechanistic and kinetic insight.
- Adam F. Sapnik
- Irene Bechis
- Thomas D. Bennett
Article Open Access 21 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
On-surface synthesis of triangulene trimers via dehydration reaction

Preparing triangulene-based high spin structures is of interest for molecular spintronics. Here, the authors generate high spin triangulene trimers on Au(111) via a surface-assisted dehydration reaction.
- Suqin Cheng
- Zhijie Xue
- Ping Yu
Article Open Access 31 Mar 2022 Nature Communications
Dislocation avalanches are like earthquakes on the micron scale

Metallic microsamples deform in a sequence of abrupt strain bursts. Here, the authors demonstrate by analysing the elastic waves emitted by these bursts that this intermittent process resembles earthquakes in several aspects, although on completely different spatial and temporal scales.
- Péter Dusán Ispánovity
- Dávid Ugi
- István Groma
Article Open Access 13 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Manufacture-friendly nanostructured metals stabilized by dual-phase honeycomb shell

Engineering applications of nanostructured metals are limited by their complex manufacturing technology and poor microstructural stability. Here the authors report a facile technology that enables a mass production of nanostructured Ti6Al4V5Cu alloys with high microstructural stability.
- Hai Wang
- Wei Song
- Ke Yang
Article Open Access 19 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Magnetic refrigeration material operating at a full temperature range required for hydrogen liquefaction

Application of magnetic refrigeration (MR) for hydrogen liquefaction is limited by lack of MR materials with a large magnetocaloric effect (MCE). Here the authors show a series of MR materials with a large and reversible MCE operating at a full temperature range required for hydrogen liquefaction.
- Xin Tang
- H. Sepehri-Amin
- K. Hono
Article Open Access 31 Mar 2022 Nature Communications
Cooperative light-induced breathing of soft porous crystals via azobenzene buckling

The application of photoswitches as light-responsive triggers for phase transitions of porous materials remains poorly explored. Here, the authors report a light-responsive flexible metal-organic framework which undergoes pore contraction upon combined application of light irradiation and adsorption stress via a buckling process of the framework-embedded azobenzene photoswitch.
- Simon Krause
- Jack D. Evans
- Ben L. Feringa
Article Open Access 12 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Hygroscopic holey graphene aerogel fibers enable highly efficient moisture capture, heat allocation and microwave absorption

Functionalization of aerogel fibers, characterized by high porosity and low thermal conductivity, to obtain multifunctional materials is highly desirable. Here the authors report hygroscopic holey graphene aerogel fibers hosting LiCl salt, enabling moisture capture, heat allocation, and microwave absorption performance.
- Yinglai Hou
- Zhizhi Sheng
- Xuetong Zhang
Article Open Access 9 Mar 2022 Nature Communications
A metafluid with multistable density and internal energy states

Investigating and tailoring the thermodynamic properties of different fluids is crucial to many applied fields such as energy and refrigeration cycles. Here, authors use multistable, gas filled, particles suspension to enhance the macro-properties of thermodynamic fluids.
- Ofek Peretz
- Ezra Ben Abu
- Amir D. Gat
Article Open Access 5 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Rigidly flat-foldable class of lockable origami-inspired metamaterials with topological stiff states

While origami-inspired metamaterials can spatially fold, they usually collapse along the deployment direction limiting applicability. Here authors introduce a cellular structure that can be reprogrammed in-situ to not only deploy and rigidly flat-fold but also lock and offer rigidity across all directions.
- Amin Jamalimehr
- Morad Mirzajanzadeh
- Damiano Pasini
Article Open Access 5 Apr 2022 Nature Communications
Liquid crystalline 2D borophene oxide for inorganic optical devices

Borophene exhibits attractive electronic and optical properties, but its instability has so far limited its applications. Here, the authors report the synthesis of a liquid-state borophene analogue showing a good thermal stability up to 350 °C and an electrically-controlled optical switching behaviour.
- Tetsuya Kambe
- Shotaro Imaoka
- Kimihisa Yamamoto
Article Open Access 24 Feb 2022 Nature Communications
Robust growth of two-dimensional metal dichalcogenides and their alloys by active chalcogen monomer supply

The large-area growth of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) requires a precise control of metal and chalcogen precursors. Here, the authors implement a strategy using active chalcogen monomer supply to grow monolayer TMDs and their alloys, showing low defect density and improved optoelectronic properties.
- Yonggang Zuo
- Can Liu
- Kaihui Liu
Article Open Access 23 Feb 2022 Nature Communications
Damage-tolerant material design motif derived from asymmetrical rotation

Nature-inspired design motifs have contributed to the development of advanced materials. Here the authors present a segmental design motif to realize a compression-resisting lightweight mechanical metamaterial with a progressive failure behavior and rotational degree of freedom.
- Wei Wang
- Shu Jian Chen
- Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil
Article Open Access 11 Mar 2022 Nature Communications
Excellently balanced water-intercalation-type heat-storage oxide

There are few well-balanced heat storage materials up to date. Here, the authors report that δ-type K0.33MnO₂ ∙ nH₂O can be an excellently balanced heat storage material exhibiting a “water-intercalation mechanism”.
- Takuya Hatakeyama
- Norihiko L. Okamoto
- Tetsu Ichitsubo
Article Open Access 17 Mar 2022 Nature Communications

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