News & Views

Monatomic glassy antimony can now be achieved via melt-quenching in a nanoconfined volume in a device setting. In contrast to alloys currently used in phase-change memories, deviation from optimized composition is no longer an issue in this simple material.

Advanced characterization and modelling techniques provide unique insights into oxidant transport processes in growing scales of high-temperature alloys and alloy design for improving their degradation resistance in harsh environments.

A two-step deposition method has been developed that enables the conformal coating of textured surfaces with perovskite films. This allows the realization of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells with increased short-circuit current density.

By inserting potassium into a 3D metal–organic framework band delocalization occurs, enabling mobilities and conductivities similar to organic polymers.

A strategy to enhance antigen immunogenicity was developed by adsorption of polyethyleneimine on a mesoporous silica microrod vaccine for the presentation of tumour viruses and neoantigens, demonstrating their ability to drive anti-tumour immunity.

By using high-concentration salt in electrolyte, water is replaced in the zinc solvation-sheath and a zinc anode is developed with high reversibility and stability

Spin currents in magnetic trilayers exhibit an unexpected spin polarization that facilitates current-induced switching of magnetization.

Microbial gas vesicles have been developed for use as MRI contrast agents whose contrast can be inactivated by applying ultrasound waves to collapse the vesicles.

Voltage control of recently discovered two-dimensional magnets has been demonstrated, highlighting their potential for low-power data storage.

Using a thin-film geometry and electric-field-driven enhancement of pyroelectric response, a relaxor ferroelectric is shown to display superior power densities for thermal harvesting.

Unlike conventional inorganic semiconductors, which are typically brittle, α-Ag₂S exhibits room-temperature ductility with favourable electrical properties, offering promise for use in high-performance flexible and stretchable devices.

A theoretical framework for the design of so-called perturbative metamaterials, based on weakly interacting unit cells, has led to the experimental demonstration of a quadrupole topological insulator.

A combination of hard, soft and nanoscale organic components results in robust superhydrophobic surfaces that can withstand mechanical abrasion and chemical oxidation, and exhibit excellent substrate adhesion.

The ionic conductivity of a halide perovskite can be boosted by light. This may be detrimental for perovskite solar cells, but also holds promise for solid-state photoelectrochemical devices.

Ultrahigh piezoelectricity in relaxor-ferroelectric ceramics is engineered by chemical and structural heterogeneities at the nanoscale.