Volume 1 Issue 12, December 2016

Planar gradient metamaterials are a promising development, overcoming the limitations of both bulk and planar optics, and have been widely investigated in various domains. This Review summarizes recent progress made in the theoretical modelling, experimental implementation and design of functional devices that utilize these materials.

Recent advances in the strategic design and optimization of hydrides of light-weight elements and of physisorbents for on-board hydrogen storage, large-scale distribution and on-site hydrogen generation are reviewed.

New solutions are needed to meet the growing demand for data storage systems with ultra-high capacity, ultra-long lifetime and ultra-low energy consumption. Nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles, graphene and graphene oxide, semiconductor quantum dots and rare-earth-doped nanocrystals, hold promise for the next generation of optical data storage methods.

Hydrogels can provide spatial and temporal control over the release of various therapeutic agents and have found clinical use. This Review presents multiscale mechanisms underlying hydrogel delivery systems and quantitative comparison between them, while discussing clinical translation and future opportunities.

The pores of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) make them attractive materials for gas- and liquid-phase separations. In this Review, the fabrication of MOF-based membranes and analytical techniques used to characterize them are outlined with a focus on the surfaces and interfaces in these composite materials.