In article number 1703852, Andreas A. Polycarpou and co-workers fabricate and study the deformation of three-dimensional (3D) multilayered Kirigami microstructures with potential applications in 3D microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. The mechanical response under flat-punch compression is studied using combined experiments and finite element analyses. The findings reveal different geometry-dependent deformation for the structures.

In article number 1703400, Quli Fan and co-workers develop a cyanine derivative-based nanoprobe with specific GSH sensing capability by taking advantage of the single composition architecture design, which permits noninvasive real-time ratiometric photoacoustic imaging of GSH in the tumors of living mice.

In article number 1703044, Sang-Jae Kim and co-workers demonstrate a flexible ZnO photodetector based on unique microarchitectural influences (e.g., microwire, coral-like microstrip, and fibril-like clustered microwire). The photodetector has the capability to detect the broadband spectrum in the UV/visible range. The behavior of the electrical transport characteristics is determined through conceptual realization of the external strain induced piezo-phototronic effect. This work paves the way for the development of next generation self-powered optoelectronic integrated devices and switches.

This Review focuses on the new concept of polymer-based battery separators designed for high energy rechargeable batteries. The rational design of novel battery separators with multiple functions highlights the vision to consider separators as active components in battery systems rather than inert barriers.

Mechano-based transduction of biological signals has become an important route for wearable healthcare. This Concept provides an overview of recent advances, critical challenges, future development of pressure, strain, deflection, and swelling transductive principles for wearable healthcare devices. Special attention is paid to monitoring biophysical signals via pressure and strain sensors, and biochemical signals via microfluidic pressure, microcantilever, and photonic crystal sensors.

A cyanine derivative-based nanoprobe with specific glutathione (GSH) sensing capability is developed by taking advantage of the single composition architecture design, which effectively overcomes the dissociation-induced issues such as changed optical properties and unreliable imaging results compared with the multicomposition architecture-based nanoprobe fabricated from nanoprecipitation. This nanoprobe permits noninvasive real-time ratiometric photoacoustic imaging of GSH in tumor in living mice.

3D multilayered kirigami microstructures are mechanically driven using compressive buckling of 2D precursor patterns, consisting of multilayer thin membranes. In situ scanning electron microscopy flat punch compression reveals high flexibility and recoverability of about 100% height compression. The deformation modes are observed to be geometry-dependent. Computational modeling supports the experimental results, and provides insights on the stress/strain induced on each layer.

A rambutan-shaped microporous carbon-coated sulfur composite is synthesized from the self-assembled ZnS precursor, through the in situ oxidation process. The functions of the three pores in the unique framework are divided and singularized, macropores for accommodation, mesopores for storage, and micropores for blockage. The excellent cycling stability is exactly originated from the functional separation and cooperation of the three pores.

Both the crystal structure and optical properties of narrow bandgap semiconductor Ag₂S QDs have a revolutionary change upon the doping of transition metal Pb²⁺ ions. The ultrasmall size (≈2.7–2.8 nm), bright tunable emission (975–1242 nm), excellent stability and decent biocompatibility of the Pb-doped Ag₂S QDs render this material a promising application prospect in in vivo fluorescence-based imaging.

A transformable chimeric peptide (C₁₆-K(TPE)-GGGH-GFLGK-PEG₈, denoted as CTGP) with cell-encapsulation properties is designed to deliver doxorubicin (DOX) into tumor regions, for restricting DOX efflux, and overcoming multidrug resistance. After cleaving by tumor pericellular hypersecreted cathepsin B, CTGP@DOX can transform into dense nanofibers, which adhere firmly to cell membrane to encapsulate cells, restrict DOX efflux, and reverse tumor multidrug resistance.

A general approach is reported to produce 1D porous nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon fibers (N-GCFs) with embedded metal/metal oxides. Metal nanoparticles nucleate within the electrospun polymer fibers and subsequently catalyze their graphitization. Benefited from the synergistic effects from electrocatalytic-active Co₃O₄ and robust nanocarbon structures, the Co₃O₄@N-GCFs exhibit comparable ORR catalytic activity but superior stability and methanol tolerance versus Pt/C.

The equimolar C₂H₂-CO₂ reaction shows promise for carbon nanotube (CNT) production on a broad array of substrates, but the role of CO₂ is not well demonstrated. The role of CO₂ is explored experimentally and theoretically in this study: CO₂ is not an important carbon source for incorporation into CNT, but offers benefits for the dehydrogenation process.

The potential of 1D C₆₀ crystals as a detector material for visible spectrum photoconductor devices is demonstrated. Investigation of the device performance suggests that they can be used as an alternative to cadmium-based photocells.

A flexible ZnO photodetector based on the unique microarchitectural influence (microwire, coral-like microstrip, and fibril-like clustered microwire) is demonstrated with the capability to detect broadband spectrum in the UV/visible range. The behavior of the electrical transport characteristics is determined through conceptual realization on the external strain induced piezo-phototronic effect for the development of next-generation optoelectronics.

Charge transfer kinetics between g-C₃N₄ and two kinds of nanostructured MoS₂ (nanodot and monolayer) cocatalyst were systematically investigated using single-particle photoluminescence and femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopies. Faster and more efficient electron injection from g-C₃N₄ to MoS₂ nanodots and more active sites in MoS₂ nanodots were found, which induced a 7.9 times higher H₂ evolution rate than g-C₃N₄/MoS₂-monolayer hybrid.

A scalable synthesis using structure-guided combustion waves enables the facile fabrication of multiple core-shell TiO₂@MnO₂@Carbon nanoparticles which originate from incomplete combustion inside chemical-fuel-wrapped nanostructures. TiO₂@MnO₂@Carbon-based electrodes exhibit a greater specific capacitance, and capacitance retention while the absences of MnO₂ or carbon shells reveal severe degradation.

Stable lead-free Cs₂AgBiBr₆ double perovskite nanocrystals with a cubic shape and an average size of 9.5 nm are successfully synthesized via the hot-injection route, and are employed as photocatalysts to convert CO₂ into solar fuels (CO and CH₄). This work offers a reliable avenue for Cs₂AgBiBr₆ perovskite nanocrystals preparation, which holds a great potential in the further photochemical applications.

Through the branching technique, wurtzite InAsSb nanowire branches are achieved on wurtzite InAs with different Sb compositions. Zinc blende branched nanowires are grown simultaneously for comparison. Wurtzite branches (or branch segments) incorporate less Sb compared to their zinc blende counterparts, while the average sum of Sb of the different segments of wurtzite is similar to the Sb incorporation in zinc blende branches.

A photo-reconfigurable etch mask is presented that enables highly reliable and efficient structural manipulation of functional materials. At the center of this technology is the directional photofluidization of an azopolymer with the structural guidance of an elastomeric mold; the photo-reconfigured azopolymer arrays undergo a rectangularization process. Diverse structural features of silicon patterns, as a proof of the concept, are successfully demonstrated.

A simple strategy for functional DNA-mediated surface engineering of porphyrin-based Zr₆ metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is developed and DNA–MOFs with designer biorecognition functionalities are constructed for targeted cancer imaging and specific immune activation.