Clickable X-ray Nanoprobes for Nanoscopic Bioimaging of Cellular Structures.

Synchrotron-based X-ray microscopy (XRM) has garnered widespread attention from researchers due to its high spatial resolution and excellent energy (element) resolution. Existing molecular probes suitable for XRM include immune probes and genetic labeling probes, enabling the precise imaging of various biological targets within cells. However, immune labeling techniques are prone to cross-interference between antigens and antibodies. Genetic labeling technologies have limited systems that allow express markers independently, and moreover, genetically encoded labels based on catalytic polymerization lack a fixed morphology. When applied to cell imaging, this can result in reduced localization accuracy due to the diffusion of labels within the cells. Therefore, both techniques face challenges in simultaneously labeling multiple biotargets within cells and achieving high-precision imaging. In this work, we applied the click reaction and developed a third category of imaging probes suitable for XRM, termed clickable X-ray nanoprobes (Click-XRN). Click-XRN consists of two components: an X-ray-sensitive multicolor imaging module and a particle-size-controllable morphology module. Efficient identification of intra- and extracellular biotargets is achieved through click reactions between the probe and biomolecules. Click-XRN possesses a controllable particle size, and its loading of various metal ions provides distinctive signals for imaging under XRM. Based on this, we optimized the imaging energy of Click-XRN with different particle sizes, enabling single-color and two-color imaging of the cell membrane, cell nucleus, and mitochondria with nanoscale spatial nanometers. Our work provides a potent molecular tool for investigating cellular activities through XRM.

Up-bottom assessments of nutrient supply and gaseous pollutant from Chinese wheat straw field management.

To achieve resource efficiency, and carbon neutrality, it is vital to evaluate nutrient supply and gaseous pollutant emissions associated with field management of bio-straw resources. Previous straw yield estimates have typically relied on a constant grain-to-straw yield ratio without accounting for grain yield levels in a given region. Addressing this high-resolution data gap, our study introduces a novel empirical model for quantifying grain-to-straw yield, which has been used to gauge wheat straw field management practices at the city level during 2011-2015. Utilizing both statistical review and GIS-based methods, average nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) supplies from straw field management stood at 1510, 1229, and 61700 tons, respectively. Average emissions of PM2.5, SO2, NOx, NH3, CH4, and CO2 due to straw burning were 367, 41, 160, 18, 165, and 70,644 tons, respectively. We also reported uncertainty from Monte Carlo model as the 5th-95th percentiles of estimated nutrient supply and gaseous pollutant. These insights will provide foundational support for the sustainable and environmentally friendly management of wheat straw in China.

van der Waals Contact for Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides.

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as highly promising candidates for next-generation electronics owing to their atomically thin structures and surfaces devoid of dangling bonds. However, establishing high-quality metal contacts with TMDs presents a critical challenge, primarily attributed to their ultrathin bodies and delicate lattices. These distinctive characteristics render them susceptible to physical damage and chemical reactions when conventional metallization approaches involving "high-energy" processes are implemented. To tackle this challenge, the concept of van der Waals (vdW) contacts has recently been proposed as a "low-energy" alternative. Within the vdW geometry, metal contacts can be physically laminated or gently deposited onto the 2D channel of TMDs, ensuring the formation of atomically clean and electronically sharp contact interfaces while preserving the inherent properties of the 2D TMDs. Consequently, a considerable number of vdW contact devices have been extensively investigated, revealing unprecedented transport physics or exceptional device performance that was previously unachievable. This review presents recent advancements in vdW contacts for TMD transistors, discussing the merits, limitations, and prospects associated with each device geometry. By doing so, our purpose is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the current research landscape and provide insights into future directions within this rapidly evolving field.

Microscopy aided detection of the self-intercalation mechanism and in situ electronic properties in chromium selenide.

Two-dimensional (2D) chromium-based self-intercalated materials Cr1+nX2 (0 ≤ n ≤ 1, X = S, Se, Te) have attracted much attention because of their tunable magnetism with good environmental stability. Intriguingly, the magnetic and electrical properties of the materials can be effectively tuned by altering the coverage and spatial arrangement of the intercalated Cr (ic-Cr) within the van der Waals gap, contributing to different stoichiometries. Several different Cr1+nX2 systems have been widely investigated recently; however, those with the same stoichiometric ratio (such as Cr1.25Te2) were reported to exhibit disparate magnetic properties, which still lacks explanation. Therefore, a systematic in situ study of the mechanisms with microscopy techniques is in high demand to look into the origin of these discrepancies. Herein, 2D self-intercalated Cr1+nSe2 nanoflakes were synthesized as a platform to conduct the characterization. Combining scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), we studied in depth the microscopic structure and local electronic properties of the Cr1+nSe2 nanoflakes. The self-intercalation mechanism of ic-Cr and local stoichiometric-ratio variation in a Cr1+nSe2 ultrathin nanoflake is clearly detected at the nanometer scale. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) measurements indicate that Cr1.5Se2/Cr2Se2 and Cr1.25Se2 exhibit conductive and semiconductive behaviors, respectively. The STM tip manipulation method is further applied to manipulate the microstructure of Cr1+nSe2, which successfully produces clean zigzag-type boundaries. Our systematic microscopy study paves the way for the in-depth study of the magnetic mechanism of 2D self-intercalated magnets at the nano/micro scale and the development of new magnetic and spintronic devices.

Edge-by-Edge Lateral Heterostructure through Interfacial Sliding.

van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) based on two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have attracted considerable attention. However, the reported vdWHs are largely based on vertical device structure with large overlapping area, while the realization of lateral heterostructures contacted through 2D edges remains challenging and is majorly limited by the difficulties of manipulating the lateral distance of 2D materials at nanometer scale (during transfer process). Here, we demonstrate a simple interfacial sliding approach for realizing an edge-by-edge lateral contact. By stretching a vertical vdWH, two 2D flakes could gradually slide apart or toward each other. Therefore, by applying proper strain, the initial vertical vdWH could be converted into a lateral heterojunction with intimately contacted 2D edges. The lateral contact structure is supported by both microscope characterization and in situ electrical measurements, exhibiting carrier tunneling behavior. Finally, this approach can be extended to 3D thin films, as demonstrated by the lateral 2D/3D and 3D/3D Schottky junction.

Ag-Assisted Dry Exfoliation of Large-Scale and Continuous 2D Monolayers.

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have generated considerable attention for high-performance electronics and optoelectronics. However, to date, it is still challenging to mechanically exfoliate large-area and continuous monolayers while retaining their intrinsic properties. Here, we report a simple dry exfoliation approach to produce large-scale and continuous 2D monolayers by using a Ag film as the peeling tape. Importantly, the conducting Ag layer could be converted into AgOx nanoparticles at low annealing temperature, directly decoupling the conducting Ag with the underlayer 2D monolayers without involving any solution or etching process. Electrical characterization of the monolayer MoS2 transistor shows a decent carrier mobility of 42 cm2 V-1 s-1 and on-state current of 142 µA/µm. Finally, a plasmonic enhancement photodetector could be simultaneously realized due to the direct formation of Ag nanoparticles arrays on MoS2 monolayers, without complex approaches for nanoparticle synthesis and integration processes, demonstrating photoresponsivity and detectivity of 6.3 × 105 A/W and 2.3 × 1013 Jones, respectively.

Global evaluation of key factors influencing nitrogen fertilization efficiency in wheat: a recent meta-analysis (2000-2022).

Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) without compromising yield remains a crucial agroecological challenge in theory and practice. Some meta-analyses conducted in recent years investigated the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on crop yield and gaseous emissions, but most are region-specific and focused on N sources and application methods. However, various factors affecting yield and N fertilizer efficiency in wheat crops on a global scale are not extensively studied, thus highlighting the need for a comprehensive meta-analysis. Using 109 peer-reviewed research studies (published between 2000 and 2022) from 156 experimental sites (covering 36.8, 38.6 and 24.6% of coarse, medium, and fine texture soils, respectively), we conducted a global meta-analysis to elucidate suitable N management practices and the key factors influencing N fertilization efficiency in wheat as a function of yield and recovery efficiency and also explained future perspectives for efficient N management in wheat crop. Overall, N fertilization had a significant impact on wheat yield. A curvilinear relationship was found between N rates and grain yield, whereas maximum yield improvement was illustrated at 150-300 kg N ha-1. In addition, N increased yield by 92.18% under direct soil incorporation, 87.55% under combined chemical and organic fertilizers application, and 72.86% under split application. Site-specific covariates (climatic conditions and soil properties) had a pronounced impact on N fertilization efficiency. A significantly higher yield response was observed in regions with MAP > 800 mm, and where MAT remained < 15 °C. Additionally, the highest yield response was observed with initial AN, AP and AK concentrations at < 20, < 10 and 100-150 mg kg-1, respectively, and yield response considerably declined with increasing these threshold values. Nevertheless, regression analysis revealed a declining trend in N recovery efficiency (REN) and the addition of N in already fertile soils may affect plant uptake and RE. Global REN in wheat remained at 49.78% and followed a negative trend with the further increase of N supply and improvement in soil properties. Finally, an advanced N management approach such as "root zone targeted fertilization" is suggested to reduce fertilizer application rate and save time and labor costs while achieving high yield and NUE.

Highly Stable HfO2 Memristors through van der Waals Electrode Lamination and Delamination.

Memristors have attracted considerable attention in the past decade, holding great promise for future neuromorphic computing. However, the intrinsic poor stability and large device variability remain key limitations for practical application. Here, we report a simple method to directly visualize the origin of poor stability. By mechanically removing the top electrodes of memristors operated at different states (such as SET or RESET), the memristive layer could be exposed and directly characterized through conductive atomic force microscopy, providing two-dimensional area information within memristors. Based on this technique, we observed the existence of multiple conducting filaments during the formation process and built up a physical model between filament numbers and the cycle-to-cycle variation. Furthermore, by improving the interface quality through the van der Waals top electrode, we could reduce the filament number down to a single filament during all switching cycles, leading to much controlled switching behavior and reliable device operation.

Realizing On/Off Ratios over 104 for Sub-2 nm Vertical Transistors.

Vertical transistors hold promise for the development of ultrascaled transistors. However, their on/off ratios are limited by a strong source-drain tunneling current in the off state, particularly for vertical devices with a sub-5 nm channel length. Here, we report an approach for suppressing the off-state tunneling current by designing the barrier height via a van der Waals metal contact. Via lamination of the Pt electrode on a MoS2 vertical transistor, a high Schottky barrier is observed due to their large work function difference, thus suppressing direct tunneling currents. Meanwhile, this "low-energy" lamination process ensures an optimized metal/MoS2 interface with minimized interface states and defects. Together, the highest on/off ratios of 5 × 105 and 104 are realized in vertical transistors with 5 and 2 nm channel lengths, respectively. Our work not only pushes the on/off ratio limit of vertical transistors but also provides a general rule for reducing short-channel effects in ultrascaled devices.

High-Pressure Synthesis of Single-Crystalline SnS Nanoribbons.

Two-dimensional tin monosulfide (SnS) is attractive for the development of electronic and optoelectronic devices with anisotropic characteristics. However, its shape-controlled synthesis with an atomic thickness and high quality remains challenging. Here, we show that highly crystalline SnS nanoribbons can be produced via high-pressure (0.5 GPa) and thermal treatment (400 °C). These SnS nanoribbons have a length of several tens of micrometers and a thickness down to 5.8 nm, giving an average aspect ratio of ∼30.6. The crystal orientation along the zigzag direction and the in-plane structural anisotropy of the SnS nanoribbons are identified by transmission electron microscopy and polarized Raman spectroscopy, respectively. An ionic liquid-gated field-effect transistor fabricated using the SnS nanoribbon exhibits an on/off current ratio of >103 and a field-effect mobility of ∼0.7 cm2 V-1 s-1. This work provides a unique way to achieve one-dimensional growth of SnS.

Epitaxy of a Monocrystalline CsPbBr3 -SrTiO3 Halide-Oxide Perovskite p-n Heterojunction with High Stability for Photodetection.

Perovskite heterojunctions are essential components of perovskite optoelectronics, but their construction and investigation have been impeded by the instability and severe anion interdiffusion. This work epitaxially deposits p-type CsPbBr3 on n-type Nb:SrTiO3 (STO) to construct a functional perovskite heterojunction with high stability. The lattice match allows epitaxial growth of CsPbBr3 to occur over large scale, resulting in a monocrystalline thin film with excellent crystallinity and uniformity. The highly stable STO prevents the anion migration frequently happening in halide perovskites, forming a sharp interface of two perovskite with opposite conduction type, with which a diode is fabricated and a current rectification ratio of 374 is obtained. The diode is able to work as a photodetector with dark current of 2.01 × 10-12 A at -1 V and responsivity (R) of 8.26 A W-1 , rendering a detectivity (D*) of 2.98 × 1013 Jones. Owing to the all-inorganic architecture, effective photoresponse at temperature as high as 150 °C is guaranteed with D* of ≈1.52 × 1013 Jones. Combining the unique optoelectrical properties of halide perovskite and the rigidity of oxide perovskite, the epitaxy of CsPbBr3 on n-type STO opens up a new method to construct functional perovskite heterojunction for optoelectronics.

Wafer-scale high-κ dielectrics for two-dimensional circuits via van der Waals integration.

The practical application of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors for high-performance electronics requires the integration with large-scale and high-quality dielectrics-which however have been challenging to deposit to date, owing to their dangling-bonds-free surface. Here, we report a dry dielectric integration strategy that enables the transfer of wafer-scale and high-κ dielectrics on top of 2D semiconductors. By utilizing an ultra-thin buffer layer, sub-3 nm thin Al2O3 or HfO2 dielectrics could be pre-deposited and then mechanically dry-transferred on top of MoS2 monolayers. The transferred ultra-thin dielectric film could retain wafer-scale flatness and uniformity without any cracks, demonstrating a capacitance up to 2.8 µF/cm2, equivalent oxide thickness down to 1.2 nm, and leakage currents of ~10-7 A/cm2. The fabricated top-gate MoS2 transistors showed intrinsic properties without doping effects, exhibiting on-off ratios of ~107, subthreshold swing down to 68 mV/dec, and lowest interface states of 7.6×109 cm-2 eV-1. We also show that the scalable top-gate arrays can be used to construct functional logic gates. Our study provides a feasible route towards the vdW integration of high-κ dielectric films using an industry-compatible ALD process with well-controlled thickness, uniformity and scalability.

Wafer-scale and universal van der Waals metal semiconductor contact.

Van der Waals (vdW) metallic contacts have been demonstrated as a promising approach to reduce the contact resistance and minimize the Fermi level pinning at the interface of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors. However, only a limited number of metals can be mechanically peeled and laminated to fabricate vdW contacts, and the required manual transfer process is not scalable. Here, we report a wafer-scale and universal vdW metal integration strategy readily applicable to a wide range of metals and semiconductors. By utilizing a thermally decomposable polymer as the buffer layer, different metals were directly deposited without damaging the underlying 2D semiconductor channels. The polymer buffer could be dry-removed through thermal annealing. With this technique, various metals could be vdW integrated as the contact of 2D transistors, including Ag, Al, Ti, Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, Au, Pd. Finally, we demonstrate that this vdW integration strategy can be extended to bulk semiconductors with reduced Fermi level pinning effect.

Strain Releasing of Flexible 2D Electronics through van der Waals Sliding Contact.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have demonstrated promising potential for flexible electronics, owning to their atomic thin body thickness and dangling-bond-free surface. Here, we report a sliding contact device structure for efficient strain releasing. By fabricating a weakly coupled metal-2D junction with a van der Waals (vdW) gap in between, the applied strain could be effectively released through their interface sliding; hence minimized strain is transferred to the 2D lattice. Therefore, we observed stable device behavior with electrodes stretching over 110%, much higher than 2D devices using evaporated metal contacts. Furthermore, through multicycle straining-releasing measurements, we found the electrodes still form intimate contact with nearly constant contact resistance during sliding, confirming the optimization of device flexibility and electrical properties at the same time. Finally, we demonstrate this vdW sliding contact is a general device geometry and could be well-extended to various 2D or 3D bulk materials, leading to devices with much higher strain tolerance.

The promises, challenges and pathways to room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries.

Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries (RT-Na-S batteries) are attractive for large-scale energy storage applications owing to their high storage capacity as well as the rich abundance and low cost of the materials. Unfortunately, their practical application is hampered by severe challenges, such as low conductivity of sulfur and its reduced products, volume expansion, polysulfide shuttling effect and Na dendrite formation, which can lead to rapid capacity fading. The review discusses the Na-S-energy-storage chemistry, highlighting its promise, key challenges and potential strategies for large-scale energy storage systems. Specifically, we review the electrochemical principles and the current technical challenges of RT-Na-S batteries, and discuss the strategies to address these obstacles. In particular, we give a comprehensive review of recent progresses in cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, separators and cell configurations, and provide a forward-looking perspective on strategies toward robust high-energy-density RT-Na-S batteries.

Endoepitaxial growth of monolayer mosaic heterostructures.

The controllable growth of two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure arrays is critical for exploring exotic physics and developing novel devices, yet it remains a substantial synthetic challenge. Here we report a rational synthetic strategy to fabricate mosaic heterostructure arrays in monolayer 2D atomic crystals. By using a laser-patterning and an anisotropic thermal etching process, we create periodic triangular hole arrays in 2D crystals with precisely controlled size and atomically clean edges, which function as robust templates for endoepitaxial growth of another 2D crystal, to obtain monolayer mosaic heterostructures with atomically sharp heterojunction interfaces. Systematic microstructure and spectroscopic characterizations reveal periodic modulation of chemical compositions, lattice strains and electronic band gaps throughout the mosaic heterostructures. The robust growth of the monolayer mosaic heterostructures with a high level of synthetic control opens a pathway for band structure engineering and spatially modulating the potential landscapes in the atomically thin 2D crystals, establishing a designable material platform for fundamental studies and development of complex devices and integrated circuits from 2D heterostructures.

A Silicon Monoxide Lithium-Ion Battery Anode with Ultrahigh Areal Capacity.

Silicon monoxide (SiO) is an attractive anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries for its ultra-high theoretical capacity of 2680 mAh g-1. The studies to date have been limited to electrodes with a relatively low mass loading (< 3.5 mg cm-2), which has seriously restricted the areal capacity and its potential in practical devices. Maximizing areal capacity with such high-capacity materials is critical for capitalizing their potential in practical technologies. Herein, we report a monolithic three-dimensional (3D) large-sheet holey graphene framework/SiO (LHGF/SiO) composite for high-mass-loading electrode. By specifically using large-sheet holey graphene building blocks, we construct LHGF with super-elasticity and exceptional mechanical robustness, which is essential for accommodating the large volume change of SiO and ensuring the structure integrity even at ultrahigh mass loading. Additionally, the 3D porous graphene network structure in LHGF ensures excellent electron and ion transport. By systematically tailoring microstructure design, we show the LHGF/SiO anode with a mass loading of 44 mg cm-2 delivers a high areal capacity of 35.4 mAh cm-2 at a current of 8.8 mA cm-2 and retains a capacity of 10.6 mAh cm-2 at 17.6 mA cm-2, greatly exceeding those of the state-of-the-art commercial or research devices. Furthermore, we show an LHGF/SiO anode with an ultra-high mass loading of 94 mg cm-2 delivers an unprecedented areal capacity up to 140.8 mAh cm-2. The achievement of such high areal capacities marks a critical step toward realizing the full potential of high-capacity alloy-type electrode materials in practical lithium-ion batteries.

Dual-Carbon Electrode-Based High-Energy-Density Potassium-Ion Hybrid Capacitor.

Potassium-ion hybrid capacitors (KIHCs) have attracted growing attention due to the natural abundance and low cost of potassium. However, KIHCs are still limited by sluggish redox reaction kinetics in electrodes during the accommodation of large-sized K+. Herein, a starch-derived hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon (SHPNC) anode and active carbon cathode were rationally designed for dual-carbon electrode-based KIHCs with high energy density. The hierarchical structure and rich doped nitrogen in the SHPNC anode result in a distensible interlayer space to buffer volume expansion during K+ insertion/extraction, offers more electrochemical active sites to achieve high specific capacity, and has highly efficient channels for fast ion/electron transports. The in situ Raman and ex situ TEM demonstrated a reversible electrochemical behavior of the SHPNC anode. Thus, the SHPNC anode delivers superior cycling stability and a high reversible capacity (310 mA h g-1 at 50 mA g-1). In particular, the KIHCs assembled by the SHPNC anode and commercial active carbon cathode can deliver a high energy density of 165 W h kg-1 at a current density of 50 mA g-1 and an ultra-long cycle life of 10,000 cycles at 1 A g-1 (calculated based on the total mass of the anode and cathode).

Large-Area Synthesis and Patterning of All-Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskite Thin Films and Heterostructures.

All-inorganic lead halide perovskites have attracted tremendous interest for their excellent stability when compared with hybrid perovskites. Here we report a large-area growth of monocrystalline all-inorganic perovskite thin films and further patterning them into heterostructure arrays. We show that highly oriented CsPbBr3 microcrystal domains can be readily grown on muscovite mica substrates with a well-defined epitaxial relationship, which can further expand and eventually merge into large-area monocrystalline CsPbBr3 thin films with an excellent optical quality. Taking a step further, we show the large-area CsPbBr3 thin film can be further patterned and selectively transformed into CsPbI3 using a selective anion-exchange process to produce CsPbBr3-CsPbI3 lateral heterostructure arrays with spatially modulated photoluminescence emission and an apparent current rectification behavior. The capability to grow large-area CsPbBr3 monocrystalline thin films and heterostructure arrays defines a robust material platform for both the fundamental investigations and potential applications in optoelectronics.

Probing photoelectrical transport in lead halide perovskites with van der Waals contacts.

Lead halide perovskites have attracted increasing interest for their exciting potential in diverse optoelectronic devices. However, their charge transport properties remain elusive, plagued by the issues of excessive contact resistance and large hysteresis in ambient conditions. Here we report a van der Waals integration approach for creating high-performance contacts on monocrystalline halide perovskite thin films with minimum interfacial damage and an atomically clean interface. Compared to the deposited contacts, our van der Waals contacts exhibit two to three orders of magnitude lower contact resistance, enabling systematic transport studies in a wide temperature range. We report a Hall mobility exceeding 2,000 cm2 V-1 s-1 at around 80 K, an ultralow bimolecular recombination coefficient of 3.5 × 10-15 cm3 s-1 and a photocurrent gain >106 in the perovskite thin films. Furthermore, magnetotransport studies reveal a quantum-interference-induced weak localization behaviour with a phase coherence length up to 49 nm at 3.5 K. Our results lay the foundation for exploring new physics in this class of 'soft-lattice' materials.