Given the abundant solar light available on our planet, it is promising to develop an advanced fabric capable of simultaneously providing personal thermal management and facilitating clean water production in an energy-efficient manner. In this study, we present the fabrication of a photothermally active, biodegradable composite cloth composed of titanium carbide MXene and cellulose, achieved through an electrospinning method. This composite cloth exhibits favorable attributes, including chemical stability, mechanical performance, structural flexibility, and wettability. Notably, our 0.1-mm-thick composite cloth (RC/MXene IV) raises the temperature of simulated skin by 5.6 degrees C when compared to a commercially available cotton cloth, which is five times thicker under identical ambient conditions. Remarkably, the composite cloth (RC/MXene V) demonstrates heightened solar light capture efficiency (87.7%) when in a wet state instead of a dry state. Consequently, this cloth functions exceptionally well as a high-performance steam generator, boasting a superior water evaporation rate of 1.34 kg m(-2) h(-1) under one-sun irradiation (equivalent to 1000 W m(-2)). Moreover, it maintains its performance excellence in solar desalination processes. The multifunctionality of these cloths opens doors to a diverse array of outdoor applications, including solar-driven water evaporation and personal heating, thereby enriching the scope of integrated functionalities for textiles.

Maintaining human thermal comfort in the cold outdoors is crucial for diverse outdoor activities, e.g., sports and recreation, healthcare, and special occupations. To date, advanced clothes are employed to collect solar energy as a heat source to stand cold climates, while their dull dark photothermal coating may hinder pragmatism in outdoor environments and visual sense considering fashion. Herein, tailor-made white webs with strong photothermal effect are proposed. With the embedding of cesium–tungsten bronze (Cs_xWO₃) nanoparticles (NPs) as additive inside nylon nanofibers, these webs are capable of drawing both near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight for heating. Their exceptional photothermal conversion capability enables 2.5–10.5 °C greater warmth than that of a commercial sweatshirt of six times greater thickness under different climates. Remarkably, this smart fabric can increase its photothermal conversion efficiency in a wet state. It is optimal for fast sweat or water evaporation at human comfort temperature (38.5 °C) under sunlight, and its role in thermoregulation is equally important to avoid excess heat loss in wilderness survival. Obviously, this smart web with considerable merits of shape retention, softness, safety, breathability, washability, and on-demand coloration provides a revolutionary solution to realize energy-saving outdoor thermoregulation and simultaneously satisfy the needs of fashion and aesthetics.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a classic two dimensional (2D) building block that can be used to develop high-performance materials for numerous applications, particularly in the energy and environmental fields. Currently, the precise assembly of GO nanosheets into macroscopic nanohybrids of superior strength and toughness is desirable, and faces challenges and trade-offs. Herein, we exploited the freshly established polycationitrile method as a powerful molecular crosslinking strategy to engineer ultratough and ultrastrong GO/polymer hybrid films, in which a covalent triazine-based network was constructed in a mild condition to reinforce the interface between GO nanosheets. The tensile strength and toughness reached 585 +/- 25 MPa and 14.93 +/- 1.09 MJ m(-3), respectively, which, to the best of our knowledge, are the current world records in all GO-based hybrid films. As an added merit of the tailor-made polymer crosslinker, the high mechanical performance can be maintained in large part at an extremely high relative humidity of 98%. This emerging interface-engineering approach paves a new avenue to produce integrated strong-and-tough 2D nanohybrid materials that are useful in aerospace, artificial muscle, energy harvesting, tissue engineering and more.

Graphene and its derivatives are a classical group of two-dimensional (2D) building blocks possessing excellent mechanical and/or electrical properties in favor of preparing flexible electronic devices. Natural materials, such as nacre, provide inspiration and an exciting guideline for assembling 2D nanosheets into functional nanocomposites. In this context, despite recent advance, methods to assemble graphene-derived nanosheets into nanocomposites with the integrated enhancement of mechanical properties and electrical conductivity are eagerly pursued. Here, a rational design has been proposed and demonstrated, which utilizes synergistic supramolecular interactions between a polymeric additive and reduced graphene-oxide nanosheets to fabricate exceptional, integrated, strong, and tough nanocomposite films with high electrical conductivity. Such materials can be applied in areas such as, aerospace, artificial muscle, tissue engineering, and flexible electronics.

Noble metals are the most commonly used electrocatalysts, but due to the high-cost and scarcity, improving their utilization has become a hot topic. As the Pt-based high-entropy alloy (HEA) can greatly increase the activity of catalyst and increase the utilization of noble metal, herein, a HEA with promising performance in ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR) is developed. The EGOR results show that, the onset potential of PtPdAuNiCo/C is 0.55 V, which is 20 mV lower than Pt/C (0.57 V) reference. Besides, the PtPdAuNiCo/C exhibits a high activity of 0.482 A mg⁻¹_PtPdAu, which is 2.18 times of Pt/C (0.221 A mg⁻¹_Pt) reference. And the current retention rate of PtPdAuNiCo/C (81.3%) is also higher than Pt/C (73.0%) reference in 500-cycle stability test. When as-obtained PtPdAuNiCo/C assembled into a direct ethylene glycol fuel cell, it exhibits a high-power density of 8.38 mW cm⁻². It is 1.40 times than that of Pt/C (6.00 mW cm⁻²) reference. This work would be a good reference to HEA materials application on electrocatalysis in future.

Inhomogeneous lithium-ion (Li⁺) deposition is one of the most crucial problems, which severely deteriorates the performance of solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, we discovered that covalent organic framework (COF-1) with periodically arranged boron-oxygen dipole lithiophilic sites could directionally guide Li⁺ even deposition in asymmetric solid polymer electrolytes. This in situ prepared 3D cross-linked network Poly(ACMO-MBA) hybrid electrolyte simultaneously delivers outstanding ionic conductivity (1.02 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C) and excellent mechanical property (3.5 MPa). The defined nanosized channel in COF-1 selectively conducts Li⁺ increasing Li⁺ transference number to 0.67. Besides, The COF-1 layer and Poly(ACMO-MBA) also participate in forming a boron-rich and nitrogen-rich solid electrolyte interface to further improve the interfacial stability. The Li‖Li symmetric cell exhibits remarkable cyclic stability over 1000 h. The Li‖NCM523 full cell also delivers an outstanding lifespan over 400 cycles. Moreover, the Li‖LiFePO₄ full cell stably cycles with a capacity retention of 85% after 500 cycles. the Li‖LiFePO₄ pouch full exhibits excellent safety performance under pierced and cut conditions. This work thereby further broadens and complements the application of COF materials in polymer electrolyte for dendrite-free and high-energy-density solid-state LMBs.

Developing inexpensive but efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) is critical to the design of zinc-air battery (ZAB). Here, we report a good ORR electrocatalyst (MoFeC_x-NC) composed of nitrogen-doped carbon armored by ferro-molybdenum binary carbides. The physical characterization of MoFeC_x-NC by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show that MoFeC_x-NC is composed of amorphous bimetallic carbides and N-doped carbon. In addition, the electrochemical test shows that its more positive onset potential of 0.962 V and better half-wave potential of 0.847 V, almost close to Pt/C (E_onset = 0.957 V, E_1/2 = 0.854 V). Furthermore, the MoFeC_x-NC assembled ZAB exhibits a good peak power density of 79.14 mW cm⁻² and an impressive 1.40 V discharge voltage, indicating that the obtained MoFeC_x-NC is an ideal for the future ORR electrocatalyst.

Diphenolic acid (DPA) is a kind of endocrine-disrupting compound, which brings serious health problems to humans and animals. An eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent was prepared through a simple method, in which the β-Cyclodextrin(β-CD) was crosslinked onto the surface of diatomite (DA), the as-prepared DA/β-CD composite showed higher adsorption efficiency for DPA than DA as the host–guest interaction between DPA and β-CD. DA is a kind of biosilica with a hierarchical pore structure that provides enough surface area for the DA/β-CD. The surface area and pore size of DA/β-CD were investigated by nitrogen adsorption and desorption. The DA/β-CD composite illustrated a good adsorption capability, and was used for removing DPA from wastewater. The adsorption ratio of DPA could achieve 38% with an adsorption amount of 9.6 mg g⁻¹ under room temperature at pH = 6. The adsorption isotherm curves followed the Langmuir (R² = 0.9867) and Freundlich (R² = 0.9748) models. In addition, the regeneration rate of the DA/β-CD was nearly at 80.32% after three cycles of regeneration. These results indicated that the DA/β-CD has the potential for practical removal of the EDC contaminants from wastewater.

Bilayer actuators, traditionally consisting of two laminated materials, are the most common types of soft or hybrid actuators. Herein, a nanomaterial-based organic–inorganic humidity-sensitive bilayer actuator composed of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TCNF-Na⁺) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets is presented. The hybrid actuator displays a large humidity-driven locomotion with an atypical fast unbending. Cationic exchange of the anionically charged TCNF-Na⁺ and control of the layer thickness is used to tune and dictate the locomotion and actuator's response to humidity variations. Assembly of a self-oscillating electrical circuit, that includes a conductive rGO layer, displays autonomous on-and-off lighting in response to actuation-driven alternating electrical heating.

Herein, we established a synthetic route towards MXene/poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) composite porous membranes as a new platform of solar-thermal conversion materials. These membranes were made by a base-triggered ionic crosslinking process between a cationic PIL and a weak polyacid in solution in the presence of dispersed MXene nanosheets. A three-dimensionally interconnected porous architecture was formed with MXene nanosheets uniformly distributed within it. The unique characteristics of the as-produced composite membranes displays significant light-to-heat conversion and excellent performance for solar-driven water vapor generation. This facile synthetic strategy opens a new avenue for developing composite porous membranes as solar absorbers for the solar-driven water production from natural resources. 

Herein, we established a synthetic route towards MXene/poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) composite porous membranes as a new platform of solar-thermal conversion materials. These membranes were made by a base-triggered ionic crosslinking process between a cationic PIL and a weak polyacid in solution in the presence of dispersed MXene nanosheets. A three-dimensionally interconnected porous architecture was formed with MXene nanosheets uniformly distributed within it. The unique characteristics of the as-produced composite membranes displays significant light-to-heat conversion and excellent performance for solar-driven water vapor generation. This facile synthetic strategy opens a new avenue for developing composite porous membranes as solar absorbers for the solar-driven water production from natural resources.

Controlled synthesis of polymer-based porous membranes via innovative methods is of considerable interest, yet it remains a challenge. Herein, we established a general approach to fabricate porous polyelectrolyte composite membranes (PPCMs) from poly-(ionic liquid) (PIL) and MXene via an ice-assisted method. This process enabled the formation of a uniformly distributed macroporous structure within the membrane. The unique characteristics of the as-produced composite membranes display significant light-to-heat conversion and excellent performance for solar-driven water vapor generation. This facile synthetic strategy breaks new ground for developing composite porous membranes as high-performance solar steam generators for clean water production.

Controlled regulation of polymer-based porous membranes via innovative methods is of considerable interest yet it remains a challenge. Herein, we established a general approach to fabricate porous polyelectrolyte composite membranes (PPCM)s from poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) and MXene via an ice-templating method. This process enabled the formation of a uniformly distributed macroporous structure within the membrane. The unique characteristics of the as-produced composite membranes displays significant light-to-heat conversion and excellent performance for solar-driven water vapor generation. This facile synthetic strategy breaks new grounds for developing composite porous membranes as high-performance solar steam generator for clean water production.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received considerable attention for their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity as well as scalable production. However, CNT dispersions are prone to settling and have a short shelf time, especially under high concentration, which significantly hinders their further processing and increases transportation costs. Here, we report a highly concentrated CNT dough enabled by ionic liquid crystal (ILC) as auxiliaries. Benefiting from the temperature-controlled physical transformation of the ILC, the CNTs of the powder state are successfully transferred to highly processable dough with excellent electrical conductivity, flame retardancy, and outstanding redispersibility even after 180 days of storage. In particular, the CNT dough exhibits excellent self-healing properties and good reshapable capability. Various bulk form CNT derived from the ILC armored CNT dough are realized by facile processing technique. Hybrid nanocomposite papers with ANF nanofiber exhibited excellent photothermal conversion and Joule heating properties. The redispersible CNT doughs presented here promise to revolutionize traditional CNT powder and dispersions as the primary raw material for building CNT-based architectures and facilitate the large-scale application of CNTs.

Assembling two-dimensional (2D) materials by polyelectrolyte often suffers from inhomogeneous microstructures due to the conventional mixing-and-simultaneous-complexation procedure (mix-and-complex) in aqueous solution. Herein a mix-then-on-demand-complex concept via on-demand in situ cascade anionization and ionic complexation of 2D materials is raised that drastically improves structural order in 2D assemblies, as exemplified by classical graphene oxide (GO)-based ultrathin membranes. Specifically, in dimethyl sulfoxide, the carboxylic acid-functionalized GO sheets (COOH-GOs) were mixed evenly with a cationic poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) and upon filtration formed a well-ordered layered composite membrane with homogeneous distribution of PIL chains in it; next, whenever needed, it was alkali-treated to convert COOH-GO in situ into its anionized state COO--GO that immediately complexed ionically with the surrounding cationic PIL chains. This mix-then-on-demand-complex concept separates the ionic complexation of GO and polyelectrolytes from their mixing step. By synergistically combining the PIL-induced hydrophobic confinement effect and supramolecular interactions, the as-fabricated nanofiltration membranes carry interface transport nanochannels between GO and PIL, reaching a high water permeability of 96.38 L m(-2) h(-1) bar(-1) at a maintained excellent dye rejection 99.79% for 150 h, exceeding the state-of-the-art GO-based hybrid membranes. The molecular dynamics simulations support the experimental data, confirming the interface spacing between GO and PIL as the water transport channels.

Two-dimensional (2D) MXene-based lamellar membranes play transformative roles in membrane filtration technology. Their practical use in water treatment is however hindered by several hurdles, e.g., unfavorable swelling due to weak interactions between adjacent MXene nanosheets, tortuous diffusion pathways of layered stacking, and the intrinsic aquatic oxidation-prone nature of MXene. Herein, nanoporous 2D/2D heterostructure membranes are elaborately constructed via solution-phase assembly of oppositely charged MXene and modified layered double hydroxide (MLDH) nanosheets. As a multifunctional component, positively charged holey MLDH nanosheets were first tailor-made to serve simultaneously as a binder, spacer and surface-modifier; next they were intercalated into negatively charged MXene lamella to enhance structural stability and mass transfer of membranes. As a result, the as-prepared MLDH@MXene heterostructure membranes successfully break the persistent trade-off between high permeability and selectivity while mitigating the common drawbacks in 2D MXene-based lamellar membranes, e.g., swelling issues, restacking problems, and vulnerable chemical stability. Noticeably, at an operating pressure of 4 bar and a feed solution of 100 ppm of Congo red, the heterostructure membranes enable a threefold jump in permeability (332.7 +/- 20 L m(-2) h(-1 )bar(-1)) when compared to the pristine MXene membrane (119.3 +/- 18 L m(-2 )h(-1) bar(-1)), and better operational stability without compromising the rejection.

Two-dimensional (2D) membrane-based ion separation technology has been increasingly explored to address the problem of lithium resource shortage, yet it remains a sound challenge to design 2D membranes of high selectivity and permeability for ion separation applications. Zeolitic imidazolate framework functionalized modified layered double hydroxide (ZIF-8@MLDH) composite membranes with high lithium-ion (Li⁺) permeability and excellent operational stability were obtained in this work by in situ depositing functional ZIF-8 nanoparticles into the nanopores acting as framework defects in MLDH membranes. The defect-rich framework amplified the permeability of Li⁺, and the site-selective growth of ZIF-8 in the framework defects bettered its selectivity. Specifically speaking, the ZIF-8@MLDH membranes featured a high permeation rate of Li⁺ up to 1.73 mol m⁻² h⁻¹ and a desirable selectivity of Li⁺/Mg²⁺ up to 31.9. Simulations supported that the simultaneously enhanced selectivity and permeability of Li⁺ are attributed to changes in the type of mass transfer channels and the difference in the dehydration capacity of hydrated metal cations when they pass through nanochannels of ZIF-8. This study will inspire the ongoing research of high-performance 2D membranes through the engineering of defects.

Understanding the reconstruction of surface sites is crucial for gaining insights into the true active sites and catalytic mechanisms. While extensive research has been conducted on reconstruction behaviors of atomically dispersed metallic catalytic sites, limited attention has been paid to non-metallic ones despite their potential catalytic activity comparable or even superior to their noble-metal counterpart. Herein, we report a carbonaceous, atomically dispersed non-metallic selenium catalyst that displayed exceptional catalytic activity in the hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) in alkaline media, outperforming the noble-metal Pt catalysts. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the pristine SeC₄ site pre-adsorbs an ∗OH ligand, followed by HzOR occurring on the other side of the OH–SeC₄. Theoretical calculations proposed that the pre-adsorbed ∗OH group pulls electrons from the Se site, resulting in a more positively charged Se and a higher polarity of Se–C bonds, thereby enhancing surface reactivity toward HzO/R.