Quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) van der Waals (vdW) materials represent an emerging frontier in nanoscience, yet the synthesis of their metastable phases remains a significant challenge. Now, researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology have developed a kinetically-controlled anion-exchange (KCAE) strategy that, for the first time, produces uniform, wafer-scale (1-inch) films of W₆Te₆ — a metastable quasi-1D material previously inaccessible by conventional methods. By first converting a tungsten film into a stable WS₂ template with vertically aligned grains, then carefully controlling tellurization, the team creates a kinetic barrier that traps the system in the W₆Te₆ phase, preventing it from racing to the thermodynamically stable WTe₂. The method is also compatible with standard photolithography, enabling pre-patterned W₆Te₆ nanostructures.

Singlechain nanoparticle (SCNP) catalysts combine high dispersion and nanoconfinement effects but suffer from poor recyclability. Inspired by worker bees returning to a hive, researchers at Tongji University have developed a dynamic covalent carrier system that releases SCNP catalysts on demand, recovers them after reaction, and retains over 90% catalytic conversion and outstanding selectivity even after 20 cycles. This work opens a new avenue for sustainable, highly efficient nanocatalysis.

ABSTRACT: Strengthening the stability of metal-oxygen bonds in catalysts is imperative for the advancement of efficient and durable electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, using a mild boron-reduction strategy, a self-supported electrode with robust Co-B bonds was constructed. The Co-B@Co(OH)₂–Ru/NF (Co-B@CRN) electrode demonstrates low overpotentials for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER, 20 mV) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER, 160 mV) at 10 mA cm⁻². Furthermore, long-term stability was achieved for over 400 h at 10 mA cm⁻² and 270 h at 200 mA cm⁻², respectively. For overall water splitting, the assembled electrolyzer exhibited a low voltage of 1.40 V at 10 mA cm⁻², with stable operation maintained for over 240 h. Detailed X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) characterization verified the mixed valence state of Co and the Co-B coordination environment. Further electronic analysis indicated strong hybridization between Co d-orbitals and B p-orbitals. The B bonding induced a downward shift in the d-band center at the Co site, thereby significantly suppressing metal leaching during catalysis and stabilizing electronic structure regulation. This research shows that the boron reduction strategy offers an effective dynamic regulation mechanism for the electronic structures and coordination environments of transition metals, enabling a highly efficient and stable overall water splitting process.

As demands for high-quality wound management, health monitoring, and intelligent interaction rise, e-skin—designed to replicate human skin’s flexibility, self-healing ability, and multimodal sensing functions—has steadily emerged as a prominent new research focus. Here, we present a natural biomass-derived multimodal conductive e-skin patch (CCMP) that fabricated by integrating aminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-NH2) and dopamine (DA) into carboxymethyl starch (CMS)/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix through supramolecular interactions assembly. The CCMP demonstrated remarkable electrical conductivity (24.1 S/m), efficient photothermal conversion (with a heating time constant τ_s = 66.66 s), strong antioxidant activity (>96.53%), effective antibacterial performance, hydrophobicity, electromagnetic shielding capability, as well as high sensitivity to temperature (TCR = −8.58 %/°C), strain, and electrical signals. Furthermore, the CCMP also demonstrated ultra-high swelling properties. Notably, the CCMP presented easy re-shaping and ultra-high swelling capacity (water sorption reached 1374%), promoting the rapid absorption of tissue exudate. Meanwhile, the CCMP can significantly promote wound healing and reduce pro-inflammatory factor levels, achieving an exceptional 99% healing rate within 14 days. We additionally integrate a portable wireless wearable sensing system that can transmit real-time wound status micro-motion and multimodal physiological signals (temperature, stress-strain, respiration, motion, and bioelectric signals) via Bluetooth to computers or mobile devices, thus achieving integrated skin-interfacing wearable bioelectronics and smart wound healing. Overall, this study pioneers a novel approach for wireless wound monitoring system, advancing human-friendly e-skin patch development from single-functional devices to a human-machine-environment intelligent symbiosis system.

Researchers in Lin Quan's research group at Jilin University have developed an injectable MXene-based hydrogel specifically for treating periodontitis. This hydrogel, named GQM, consists of oxidized gellan gum, quaternized chitosan, and magnesium-tannic acid-modified MXene nanosheets. It can be injected into periodontal pockets, overcoming the problem of traditional drugs' inability to remain within these pockets. Under near-infrared light irradiation, it can gently disrupt bacterial biofilms through photothermal activity, while the electrostatic effect of the QCS (quaternary cytosolic crystals) helps kill periodontal pathogens. Furthermore, the nanosheets promote electron transport, restore mitochondrial NAD+/NADH balance, and induce macrophages to transform into the M2 type. In a rat model of periodontitis, GQM combined with near-infrared light therapy reduced bacterial count, inflammatory response, and alveolar bone resorption. The MXene-based hydrogels treat periodontitis by disrupting bacterial biofilms and reprogramming immune metabolism, offering a novel strategy for its management.