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Isolated flat bands can host strongly correlated electronic phases due to the enhancement of the Coulomb interaction. Here, an isolated flat band is realized and visualized in a 2D supramolecular crystal based on self-assembled square-shaped macrocycle molecules on Ag(111) surface arranged in a Lieb lattice.
Additive manufacturing is known to create microstructures that cannot be achieved by conventional alloy processing. Here, heat treatment of an additively-manufactured aluminum alloy creates a hierarchical microstructure with a large number of precipitates, achieving high strength and ductility.
Irradiation-induced void swelling is known to be higher in metals with an fcc structure compared to bcc, though the reason behind this is unclear. Here, by combining simulations and STEM imaging, stacking fault tetrahedra are found to be the cause of a high swelling rate in fcc copper.
Ferroelectric field-effect transistors are interesting for their non-destructive readout characteristic and energy efficiency but are difficult to integrate on silicon platforms. Here, ferroelectricity in ZrXAl1−XOY generated by compressive strain in contact with ZnO is demonstrated, showing promising multi-level memory and synaptic weight performance for neuromorphic computing devices.
Structural transformations offer a route to control functional properties but it is difficult to design metal-organic frameworks with multiple and fast transformations. Here, a 2D metal-organic framework was designed with continuous structural transformations driven by light and used for optical modulation.
Defected silicon has uses in optically active telecom emitters. Here, nanosecond pulsed laser annealing is demonstrated as a non-invasive, localized method to activate the defects in high-purity silicon substrates.
Rare-earth-based triangular lattice materials are interesting for their unconventional magnetism. Here, CsNdSe2 single crystals are synthesized, with magnetic susceptibility measurements and first-principles calculations suggesting a candidate spin-liquid ground state.
Rydberg excitons in cuprous oxide feature giant optical nonlinearities that may be exploited in quantum applications if suitably confined. Here, the authors show how exciton confinement can be realised by focused-ion-beam etching of Cu2O crystals without noticeable degradation of excitonic properties.
The Dicke model, describing the cooperative coupling of an ensemble of two-level atoms with a single-mode light field, has a rich phenomenology in quantum optics and quantum information, but its analytical or numerical solution is beyond current reach. Here, a solid-state quantum simulator of an extended Dicke model is achieved using ErFeO3 crystals, where terahertz spectroscopy and magnetocaloric effect measurements reveal an atomically ordered phase in addition to the expected superradiant and normal phases.
Magnetic ordering in 2D materials represents a promising platform for data storage, computing, and sensing. Here, nanometer scale imaging of few-layer Cr2Ge2Te6 reveals its thickness-dependent magnetic textures such as labyrinth domains and skyrmionic bubbles.
Metallic copper is a potent antimicrobial agent against microorganisms but its coating on high-touch surfaces reduces their optical transparency. Here, a transparent antimicrobial nanostructured copper surface is reported with >99.9 % antimicrobial effectiveness and high transmittance.
Metal-organic frameworks are versatile materials but typically suffer from poor electrical conductivity. Here, a patterning technique allows controlled metal-organic framework growth on predefined areas of functionalized carbon nanotube for increased conductivity.
Giant magneto-thermal resistance has been recently observed in spintronic materials and superconductors, with exciting prospects in thermal management technologies. Here, nonvolatile thermal switching by magnetic field is demonstrated in commercial Sn-Pb solders, with electron thermal conductivity retaining its value even when the field is turned off.
Cyanobacteria convert light and energy into physical movement. Here, the effect of light intensity gradients on the motion of dense bacterial filaments is investigated, revealing self-assembly of 2D and 3D active nematic states, and changes in orientational and velocity order parameters.
Polyorganophosphazenes are macromolecules that selfassemble with antigenic proteins to enable biological functionality. Here, direct imaging by cryogenic electron microscopy reveals the coil structure of their individual chains and compact stiffened coils of their complexes with proteins.
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.