Recent Posts
News•Jan 23, 2026
Atom‐Efficient Ir Nanoclusters in Laser‐Engineered MoC@N‐Carbon for Ultralow‐Overpotential Hydrogen Evolution
Researchers used pulsed laser irradiation in liquids to embed iridium nanoclusters within a MoC/N‑doped carbon matrix, creating defect‑driven interfacial polarization. The resulting IrNC/MoC@NC catalyst delivers ultralow overpotentials of 25 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction at 10 mA cm⁻² and 338 mV for hydrazine oxidation, surpassing commercial Pt/C. In a symmetric electrolyzer it enables overall hydrazine splitting at cell voltages as low as 0.08 V with ~95% reagent utilization and 100‑hour durability.
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
Biomimetic Multifunctional Scaffolds for Osteochondral Regeneration: Bridging Material Design and Functional Integration
The review outlines a systematic framework for engineering biomimetic osteochondral scaffolds, integrating four coordinated components: functional properties, bioactive material systems, advanced fabrication methods, and hierarchical structural designs ranging from monophasic to gradient configurations. By aligning these modules, researchers aim to...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
Synergistic Morphology‐Material Design in a Hierarchical Composite Surface for High‐Efficiency Drag Reduction
Researchers introduced a biomimetic hierarchical composite surface (BHCS) that merges staggered denticle arrays, a flexible substrate, and a surface‑grafted PDMS molecular brush using multi‑material 3D printing and spray coating. The optimized BHCS delivered an 18.65% reduction in underwater drag by...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
Mapping Out Fast Charging Safe Limits for High‐Loading Lithium‐Ion Cells by High‐Fidelity Operando Microscopy
Researchers used operando optical microscopy on transparent micro‑Li‑ion cells to directly observe lithium plating during fast charging. An ether‑based electrolyte delayed plating onset, delivering up to 54 % more charge capacity at high C‑rates compared with conventional carbonate electrolytes. The effect...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
Surface/Interface Design Strategies for Highly Efficient Electrocatalysts: Progress and Perspectives
The review surveys cutting‑edge surface and interface engineering tactics—crystal‑plane orientation, defect creation, functional component modification, and hierarchical geometry—to lift electrocatalyst activity while preserving stability. It underscores the persistent trade‑off between performance and durability under industrial‑scale, high‑current, corrosive environments. Looking forward,...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
Protein‐Capturing Microgel‐Integrated Microneedle Array Patches for Enhanced Tip‐Loading, Storage Stability, and Transdermal Delivery of Recombinant Proteins
Researchers introduced a microgel‑integrated microneedle array patch (MI‑MAP) that concentrates recombinant proteins at the needle tips and stabilizes them through phenolic interactions. Compared with conventional hydrogel‑based patches, MI‑MAP achieved markedly higher tip‑loading efficiency and maintained protein activity after 28 days at...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
Unconventional Gas Sensing Mechanism in Phase‐Separated N‐Type Mixed Tungsten Oxide 2D‐Nanosheets Compared Against Tungsten (VI) Oxide
Researchers created oxygen‑deficient WO3‑x nanosheets by thermochemical reduction, yielding phase‑separated WO2.9 domains within an insulating WO2 matrix. The mixed‑phase material exhibits unconventional gas‑sensing behavior, showing opposite resistance changes to NO2 and CO compared with pristine WO3. WO3‑x delivers −125 % response...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
Mild Photothermal Stimulation Driven Nanoparticles Hybrid Dual‐Network Hydrogels for Bone Repair
The researchers present a PDA@GelMA/HA-DA/Fe3+ dual‑network hydrogel that combines gelatin methacryloyl, dopamine‑modified hyaluronic acid, Fe3+ crosslinking and polydopamine nanoparticles. Fe3+ ions act as angiogenic cues while the nanoparticles provide mild photothermal stimulation under near‑infrared light. In vitro, bone‑marrow mesenchymal stem...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
In Situ Exsolved Ni Nanoparticles From Pr0.5Sr0.5Ti0.5Mn0.5O3 with Varying Ni Doping Levels for Direct Methane Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Researchers investigated nickel‑doped Pr0.5Sr0.5Ti0.5Mn0.5O3 anodes for solid oxide fuel cells, comparing PSTMN41 (Mn0.4Ni0.1) and PSTMN51 (Mn0.5Ni0.1). In‑situ reduction generated dispersed Ni nanoparticles and abundant oxygen vacancies, markedly improving methane oxidation and electron conductivity. PSTMN41 delivered peak power densities of 119.6 mW·cm⁻²...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 23, 2026
Controlling Selectivity for Efficient Nitrogen Photo‐Fixation Over Hydrogen Evolution Using Anthracene‐Containing D–A Conjugated Polymers
Researchers engineered anthracene‑BTSO donor‑acceptor conjugated polymers with tunable monomer ratios to steer photocatalytic selectivity between nitrogen reduction (NRR) and hydrogen evolution (HER). The 1:1 donor‑to‑acceptor polymer AnSO‑6 delivered an unprecedented NH3 production rate of 1645.25 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under full‑spectrum light without sacrificial...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Magnetic Nanocomposites with Cell Membrane Cloak for Electrochemical Profiling of Cancer‐Related MiRNAs
Researchers have engineered magnetic nanocomposites cloaked in cell membranes to serve as carriers for DNA probes targeting cancer‑related microRNAs. Upon binding miRNA, duplex‑specific nuclease triggers cyclic cleavage, releasing labeled signal strands that bind to a tetrahedral DNA interface on an...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Enhancement of Antibacterial and Osteogenic Properties in Novel Ti‐Mo‐Hf‐Cu Medium Entropy Alloys (Small 5/2026)
Researchers have designed a Ti‑Mo‑Hf‑Cu medium entropy alloy that spontaneously forms nanoscale acicular (Ti,Hf)2Cu precipitates. The precipitates generate localized micro‑area potential differences, delivering strong antibacterial activity while simultaneously promoting osteogenic cell growth. Additionally, the alloy’s low elastic modulus closely matches...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
UV‐Curable Perovskite Nanocrystal Inks Integrated with Distributed Bragg Reflectors for Blue‐To‐Green and Blue‐To‐Red Photoconversion
Researchers have developed UV‑curable perovskite nanocrystal inks based on isobornyl acrylate that can be inkjet‑printed for precise color‑conversion layers. The inks, containing CsPbBr3 or CsPbI3 nanocrystals, deliver pure green (528 nm) and red (643 nm) emission with photoluminescence quantum yields above 92%....
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Advanced Encapsulation Technologies for Extracellular Vesicles: From Single Units to Macroscale Packaging
The review categorizes extracellular vesicle (EV) encapsulation into nanoscale, microscale and macroscale approaches, detailing how each tier shields vesicles and modulates release. It highlights recent material innovations that improve EV stability, targeting precision, and therapeutic payload capacity. The authors discuss...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Pair‐Resolved Fe–M Dual‐Atom Catalysts for Programmed PMS Activation: Mechanisms, Membrane Confinement, and Standardized Benchmarks
The review introduces a pair‑resolved framework for Fe‑M dual‑atom catalysts (DACs) that program peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, allowing seamless switching between radical and non‑radical pathways. It connects synthesis details, µ‑peroxo bridging, and spin/electronic coupling to pathway selection, pollutant selectivity, and catalyst...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Unveiling Novel Biomarkers: Ferroptosis and M1A in the Progression of Nanographene‐Induced Lung Fibrosis
The study demonstrates that inhalation of graphene nanomaterials induces pulmonary fibrosis accompanied by ferroptotic cell death. Dose‑ and time‑dependent exposure leads to organ‑specific damage, especially in the lungs and immune system. Researchers identified 1‑methyladenosine (m1A) as a responsive biomarker, whose...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Bottom‐Up Assembly of Biomass‐Derived MXene Aerogels with Hierarchical Electromagnetic Interfaces for Multifunctional Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Researchers have fabricated a lightweight MXene/lignocellulose-derived carbon aerogel incorporating iron particles that delivers exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption. The hierarchical porous structure, combined with MXene’s high conductivity and Fe’s magnetic loss, yields a minimum reflection loss of –51.2 dB and an effective...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Interface Engineering Effected Charge Redistribution Within High Entropy Alloy‐Metal Heterostructured Catalyst Enables High Performance Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (Small...
Researchers engineered the interface of a Mo‑decorated FeCoNiCuMo high‑entropy alloy (HEA) with metal to redistribute charge, improving hydrogen adsorption/desorption balance and OH‑ affinity. This modulation accelerates the Volmer and Heyrovsky steps, boosting hydrogen evolution reaction kinetics. The heterostructured catalyst delivers...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Versatile Reactive Gradient Block Copolymer System for Highly Robust Nanopatterns With Spontaneous Vertical Orientation
Researchers introduced a reactive gradient‑random block copolymer (GRC‑BCP) that self‑assembles into vertically oriented nanopatterns without surface neutralization. The architecture permits post‑polymerization modification, enabling synthesis of diverse high‑χ derivatives such as organosilicon and organotin variants. Patterns as narrow as 7 nm were...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Self‐Strain Suppression of the Metal‐to‐Insulator Transition in Phase‐Change Oxide Devices
Researchers used X‑ray nano‑diffraction to map vanadium sesquioxide (V2O3) devices at the nanoscale, showing that focused gallium ion irradiation creates a defect region that lowers the metal‑to‑insulator transition temperature. The lattice mismatch between pristine and irradiated zones generates internal strain,...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Tailoring the Proximity of Metal‐Acid in Metal/Zeolite Bifunctional Catalysts for Enhanced N‐Hexane Hydroisomerization
Researchers used atomic layer deposition to place Pt nanoparticles on TiO2‑modified ZSM‑5, using the TiO2 layer as a tunable spacer that sets the distance between metal and acid sites. By varying this metal‑acid proximity, they observed a volcano‑shaped performance curve...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Enhancing Lithium‐Oxygen Battery Performance by Optimizing the Interaction of Cathode Materials and Soluble FePc Redox Mediator
Researchers demonstrated that tuning the interaction between iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePc) redox mediator and cathode surfaces markedly improves lithium‑oxygen (Li‑O2) battery performance. By replacing sp2‑carbon cathodes with non‑sp2 materials such as MoN, TiN, and Ti3C2Tx, FePc adsorption weakens, boosting its solubility...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Multifunctional Nanoparticles Inhibit HSPs Expression and Improve Pyroptosis Through ROS Amplification in Mild Photothermal Therapy of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Researchers have engineered folate‑acid‑modified polydopamine nanoparticles loaded with copper peroxide (PDCF NPs) to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma. The nanocarriers generate high levels of reactive oxygen species, which promote Gasdermin D palmitoylation and trigger robust pyroptosis while simultaneously downregulating heat‑shock...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Unveiling the In Situ Dissolution and Reconstruction of CoMo for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Researchers have engineered a Mo‑doped β‑Co(OH)₂/Co₈₅Mo₁₅ catalyst that undergoes in‑situ surface reconstruction, delivering abundant active hydrogen while strongly adsorbing nitrate ions. The catalyst achieves a Faradaic efficiency of ~96 % at –0.1 V vs RHE, 95 % ammonia selectivity, and maintains performance for...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Fabrication of Fe Nanoparticles of 1‐nm Crystallite with Boosted Reactivity and Electron Efficiency
Researchers discovered that adding sodium anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQS) during aqueous Fe³⁺ reduction produces iron nanoparticles with crystallites as small as 1 nm—the smallest reported to date. The effect is highly specific; structurally similar sulfonates instead enlarge crystallites to 9‑32 nm. At an optimal...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Entropy‐Engineered HEO/Fe, N‐CNT Bioanode via Flash Joule Heating: Accelerated Electron Harvesting and Directed Geobacter Enrichment for High‐Power Microbial Fuel Cells
Researchers used ultrafast flash Joule heating to fabricate an entropy‑engineered bioanode that anchors high‑entropy oxide (HEO) nanoparticles onto Fe‑ and N‑doped carbon nanotubes. The hybrid HEO/Fe,N‑CNT electrode delivers a record 3.76 W m⁻² power density in microbial fuel cells, a 9.6% gain...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
In Situ Crosslinked Diallylammonium‐Functionalized Poly(Biphenyl Alkylene) for High‐Performance Anion Exchange Membranes
Researchers have created crosslinked anion exchange membranes (AEMs) by in‑situ free‑radical cyclopolymerization of diallylammonium‑functionalized poly(biphenyl alkylene). By varying the diallyldimethylammonium comonomer, the ion exchange capacity (IEC) was precisely tuned between 2.32 and 3.39 meq g⁻¹ while maintaining a robust network. The optimized...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Subtle Hydrophobicity‐Triggered Vesicle Modulation for Label‐Free Rapid Detection of Native Fatty Acids and Steroids
The researchers present a gemini lipidoid that self‑assembles into vesicles only when exposed to hydrophobic molecules, creating a label‑free optical sensor for fatty acids and steroids. This platform distinguishes chain length, degree of unsaturation, and even cis‑trans isomers without any...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
CdS‐GeSe Heterostructure‐Based Bimodal Memristor with Tunable Synaptic Plasticity and Mixed‐Signal Switching for Neuromorphic Hardware
Researchers unveiled an Ag/CdS‑GeSe/FTO memristor that operates in both analog and digital regimes, switching below 0.8 V for gradual conductance changes and above 0.8 V for binary states. The heterostructure responds to visible and infrared light, with 405 nm optical pulses further modulating...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Increased Series Resistance in the Laser‐Enhanced Contacts of Polysilicon‐Based Solar Cells From an Additional Light Anneal
Researchers investigated an extra light‑anneal step applied after laser‑enhanced contacts in polysilicon TOPCon solar cells. The additional anneal caused a notable rise in series resistance, traced to hydrogen buildup at the metal/p+ emitter interface. Luminescence imaging and contact‑resistance tests confirmed...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction of Perovskite Nanocrystals via Interfacial Acid Reaction
Researchers introduced an oil–water interfacial reaction to supply H⁺ and Br⁻ to CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals, achieving simultaneous defect passivation and proton source generation. This single‑step treatment raised photoluminescence quantum yields and boosted visible‑light photocatalytic CO₂ reduction activity. In‑situ DRIFTS identified...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Amorphous Iron Vanadium on Anti‐Perovskite Nickel Zinc Nitride as an Electrocatalyst for Water‐Splitting
Researchers have engineered a bifunctional electrocatalyst by depositing an amorphous iron‑vanadium (FeV) layer onto anti‑perovskite nickel‑zinc nitride (NiZnN), designated FeV_NiZnN. The catalyst delivers low overpotentials of 201 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction at 10 mA cm⁻² and 115 mV for the hydrogen evolution...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Bacterial Armory: Engineering Dual Photosensitized Bacteria for a Triple‐Modal Therapy on Tumors
Researchers engineered a probiotic E. coli strain by coating it with polydopamine and a cationic BODIPY photosensitizer, creating the E@PB platform that combines photothermal, photodynamic, and immune therapies. The dual‑laser system (808 nm and 660 nm) induces localized hyperthermia and reactive oxygen...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Achieving Highly Stable and High‐Performance Proton Conductive Covalent Organic Frameworks via Chemical Post‐Modification Strategy
Researchers synthesized covalent organic framework COF-316 with irreversible ether linkages and chemically post‑modified its nitrile groups into carboxyl (316‑COOH) and amide (316‑AM) functionalities. The modified COFs preserved their crystalline architecture while showing markedly higher water vapor uptake and proton conductivity,...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Bacterial Membrane Vesicles: Next‐Generation Nanoscale Antibacterial Biomaterials
Researchers are positioning bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) as next‑generation antibacterial biomaterials. Their natural lipid bilayer enables encapsulation and protected delivery of antimicrobial agents, while intrinsic bioactivity can stimulate immune responses. Functionalization strategies improve biosafety, targeting specificity, and cargo loading, turning...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Atomic Layer Deposition of Aluminum Phosphorus Oxynitride and Its Application as a Passivation Layer on Aluminum Metal Anode
Researchers have introduced aluminum phosphorus oxynitride (AlPON) thin films using plasma‑enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) as a novel passivation layer for aluminum metal anodes. The coating is deposited between 100 °C and 180 °C from trimethylaluminum, water, tris(dimethylamino)phosphine and oxygen plasma, yielding...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Species‐Specific Antibacterial Materials: From Design to Application
Traditional broad‑spectrum antibiotics fuel resistance and disrupt the microbiome, prompting a shift toward species‑specific antibacterial materials that target only pathogenic microbes. These agents exploit unique bacterial signatures to preserve beneficial flora while eliminating disease‑causing strains. The review outlines selective mechanisms,...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Highly Conductive and Supertough PVDF‐Based Electrolytes with Self‐Defective Fillers for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Researchers introduced self‑defective silicon/silicon‑oxide (Si/SiOx) fillers into a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix, creating a solid‑state electrolyte that simultaneously delivers high ionic conductivity, robust mechanical strength, and a wide electrochemical stability window. The heterogeneous Si/SiOx interfaces generate a dipole effect that...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Pure‐Red Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Lead Halide Perovskite Nanoplatelets Obtained by Ostwald Ripening and Two‐Step Anion Exchange
Researchers leveraged Ostwald ripening to grow monodisperse five‑monolayer CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets, then applied a two‑step bromide‑to‑iodide anion exchange to convert them into pure‑red CsPbI3 nanoplatelets. The resulting nanocrystals exhibit near‑unity photoluminescence quantum yield. Light‑emitting diodes built from these plates deliver a...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Advanced Analysis Techniques for Elucidating Failure Mechanisms in Silicon Anodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
The review dissects why silicon anodes fail in lithium‑ion batteries, pinpointing volume expansion, unstable SEI formation, and phase transitions as primary culprits. It showcases how cutting‑edge techniques—such as in‑situ transmission electron microscopy, X‑ray tomography, and operando spectroscopy—provide real‑time structural and...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Harnessing Carbon Dots for Photocatalytic Energy Conversion: Challenges and Opportunities
Carbon dots (CDs) are emerging as low‑cost, tunable photocatalysts for converting solar energy into chemical fuels. Their performance hinges on synthesis‑driven structural features, which dictate photophysical and redox behavior. The review highlights how heterogeneity hampers reproducibility and stresses the need...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Advances in Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks for PFAS Detection: Design, Mechanisms, Performance, and Future Perspectives
The review details how functionalized metal‑organic frameworks (MOFs) are being engineered for ultra‑sensitive detection of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. It outlines design strategies such as pre‑synthetic pore tuning, post‑synthetic functionalization, and MOF‑based composites, linking these to detection...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Advancing Characterization for Magnetic Materials via Magneto‐Optical Kerr Effect Microscopy
The review outlines recent progress in magneto‑optical Kerr effect (MOKE) microscopy, emphasizing its surface‑sensitive, nondestructive, and real‑time imaging capabilities. It details the three operational modes—polar, longitudinal, and transverse—each tailored to specific magnetization orientations. The article surveys MOKE applications across magnetic...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Selenium‐Diffusional Precursor Engineering for High‐Efficiency CdSeTe Solar Cells with 80% Fill Factor
Researchers introduced O₂/CdCl₂‑assisted engineering of Se‑diffusional CdSe precursors, achieving deeper, uniform selenium interdiffusion and improved crystallization. The method yields dense, graded CdSeTe absorbers with fewer buried voids and reduced surface‑potential fluctuations, lowering interfacial recombination. Resulting solar cells reach 20.6% power...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Functionalizing Nucleic Acids: Synthesis and Purification Strategies for Bioconjugates as Biomaterials
The review outlines how DNA and RNA can be chemically linked to polymers, peptides, proteins, lipids, and saccharides to create hybrid biomaterials. It details synthesis routes and matches each to appropriate purification techniques such as chromatography, membrane filtration, and electrophoresis....
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Ion‐Induced Hydrophilic Switching Enables Nanostructure Morphology Control for Superior Nanoplasmonic Sensing
A brief SF6 plasma pre‑treatment switches glass substrates to a hydrophilic state, dramatically enhancing gold adatom mobility during thermal dewetting. This ion‑mediated wettability control yields uniform gold nanoislands with reduced size dispersion and tighter inter‑particle gaps. The improved morphology boosts...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Synergistic Engineering of Closed Pores Regulation and In Situ Defects Repair in Anthracite‐Based Hard Carbon Toward Superior Sodium Storage Performance
Researchers converted low‑cost anthracite into high‑performance hard‑carbon anodes for sodium‑ion batteries using a combined KOH activation and space‑confined methane CVD process. The method simultaneously generates abundant closed pores and repairs structural defects, limiting graphitic crystal growth. The optimized MDMA‑2‑6 sample...
By Small (Wiley)
News•Jan 22, 2026
Intratumoral Synthesis of Two‐Photon NIR‐I Activated Photosensitizer Undergoing Oxygen‐Free Photo‐Redox Cycle for Hypoxic Tumor Phototherapy
Researchers have engineered an intratumoral prodrug, AICST, that converts to the photosensitizer AICST‑SO3 when exposed to two‑photon NIR‑I (800 nm) light. The activated compound operates via an oxygen‑free photo‑redox cycle, producing cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals that kill cancer cells even in hypoxic...
By Small (Wiley)