The amorphous regions of π-conjugated polymers typically show lower functionality than the crystalline regions with high π–π stacking order. Here, a benzodithiophene–thiazolothiazole copolymer shows a greater coplanar backbone structure when the π–π stacking order is absent compared to the crystalline state.

Understanding the effects of changing process parameters during additive manufacturing is vital for building high-quality parts. Here, operando tomographic microscopy during laser-based processing of alumina reveals detailed insight into process dynamics, including melt pool behavior and defect formation.

First-order phase transitions are accompanied by hysteretic behavior, but understanding this behavior is challenging. Here, hysteresis broadening, and its relationship to phase-front velocity during a first-order transition, is observed in (Fe_0.95Zn_0.05)₂Mo₃O₈ via magnetic imaging.

Water-thermal management is difficult to coordinate in solar evaporators, limiting their performance. Here, hierarchical MXene-reduced graphene oxide sponges with anisotropic thermal conductivity and axial-directional channels integrate water-thermal management for rapid and continuous evaporation.

Excitons – electron-hole bound states important for optoelectronics – are typically observed only in weakly-doped semiconductors or insulators. Here, an exciton with a large binding energy of 375 meV is observed in a highly-doped van der Waals degenerate semiconductor, remaining stable up to room temperature.

Binary drug combinations can be used for cooperative therapy. Here, binary inhibitor combinations of citrate with natural polyphenols can boost the inhibitory efficacy of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystallization, a primary component of kidney stones.

Celebrating one year of publishing at Communications Materials

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