Search Results (349)

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation has been recognized as an effective measure to address freshwater scarcity. Photothermal materials lie at the core of this process and have been extensively studied. However, conventional carbon-based materials typically suffer from high thermal emissivity, leading to significant heat loss. Here, we report a tungsten carbide/carbon composite polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel evaporator (PWC) for solar-driven interfacial seawater evaporation. Specifically, a tungsten carbide/carbon (WC/C) composite was synthesized via a straightforward one-step molten salt coating method and exhibited a remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency of 67.1%, attributed to the plasmon resonance absorption effect of WC nanoparticles. When incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel via a physical-chemical dual-crosslinking strategy, the resulting PWC evaporator achieved a high evaporation rate of 2.99 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ and a conversion efficiency of 90.9% in a 5 wt% NaCl solution under 1 kW m⁻² illumination. In addition, the evaporator can purify seawater and effectively remove a variety of organic dyes. This study provides a viable strategy for a sustainable freshwater supply. Full article

Periodontitis treatment remains challenging due to incomplete removal of plaque biofilms, increasing antibiotic resistance, and dysregulated host inflammatory responses. In this study, an MPB@ZnPc nanomaterial was constructed to achieve efficient antibacterial activity through the synergistic effects of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), while also exerting immunomodulatory functions under dark conditions. MPB@ZnPc (mesoporous Prussian blue @ zinc phthalocyanine) was synthesized using a polymer-templating method and systematically characterized. The results demonstrated that the nanomaterial exhibited excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and stability under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. It also showed strong photocatalytic degradation performance toward methylene blue and rhodamine B, accompanied by substantial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In vitro antibacterial assays revealed that MPB@ZnPc achieved significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy compared with individual components, with bactericidal rates of 99.61 ± 0.52% against Porphyromonas gingivalis and 99.77 ± 0.32% against Fusobacterium nucleatum. The corresponding biofilm removal rates reached 93.60 ± 3.30% and 93.25 ± 3.30%, respectively. Under dark conditions, the nanomaterial exhibited good biocompatibility toward L929 cells and effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced M1 polarization of macrophages, leading to reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Mechanistically, MPB@ZnPc suppressed the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, MPB@ZnPc provides a promising strategy for precise periodontitis treatment by integrating synergistic antibacterial activity with immunomodulatory effects. Full article

The photothermal conversion capability of polydopamine (PDA) was exploited to load the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) onto its surface via π-π stacking and hydrogen-bond interactions, yielding a PDA-DOX complex. In this study, biocompatible poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was employed as a shell material to fabricate multifunctional PLLA composite PDA-DOX (PLLA@PDA-DOX) nanobubbles with integrated functions of ultrasound imaging, photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy. The fabricated nanobubbles exhibited a uniform mean diameter of 489.30 ± 6.96 nm with a Polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.226 ± 0.01 and a DOX loading efficiency of 3.27%. Acute toxicity evaluation in mice revealed that the maximum tolerated dose of PLLA@PDA-DOX nanobubbles was markedly higher than the clinical equivalent dose, showing no detectable toxicity or allergic reactions. Under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the inhibition rate of HCCLM3 cells increased from 50.1% to 64.45%, indicating enhanced therapeutic efficacy through the combined effects of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, compared with the free DOX group, the survival rate of LX-2 cells in the composite nanobubble group significantly increased from 18.9 ± 1.56% to 68.8 ± 3.08%, suggesting that the PLLA@PDA-DOX nanobubbles effectively reduced the direct cytotoxicity of DOX by preventing its immediate contact with cells. Collectively, the results confirm that PLLA@PDA-DOX nanobubbles possess excellent biocompatibility, robust ultrasound imaging performance, and enhanced antitumor efficacy under NIR irradiation. This multifunctional nanosystem demonstrates promising potential as an integrated platform for simultaneous cancer diagnosis and therapy. Full article

This study demonstrates a single phosphor material system capable of continuously tuning color across the entire visible spectrum while integrating multiple luminescent functionalities. A series of these phosphors was conveniently synthesized with varying Al/Sr ratios in the reactants, enabling the emission color to progress through red, orange, yellow, green and blue. We systematically investigated the photoluminescence mechanisms by correlating crystal phase evolution with europium ion site occupancy and exploiting the resulting multicolor-emitting phosphors in optical display and anti-counterfeiting demonstrations. The relationships between composition, structure, and luminescence were revealed commendably, alongside more functional evaluations of europium-doped strontium aluminate phosphors. Notably, at an equimolar Al/Sr ratio of 1 (with 2 at% Eu doping), the phosphor achieves a high absolute quantum yield of 66.2% and functions as a luminescent optical thermometer with a relative sensitivity of 0.27% K⁻¹ and temperature resolution of ~0.005 K. At a non-equimolar Al/Sr ratio of 2, the Eu-doped phosphor exhibits efficient photothermal conversion, reaching ~72.8 °C under 980 nm laser irradiation (1 W·cm⁻²) within 10 s. This work introduces a facile composition-regulation strategy for designing multicolor-tunable, multifunctional phosphors, highlighting promising applications in optical displays, anti-counterfeiting, luminescence thermometry and photothermal conversion. Full article

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) pose severe threats to human health and the environment because of their extreme toxicity. Conventional liquid-phase decontamination processes can present limitations, including potential equipment corrosion, generation of secondary liquid waste, and increased operational complexity. To overcome these challenges, we report a solar-assisted process intensification strategy for solvent-free decontamination of toxic organophosphorus compounds using UiO-66-NH₂@carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid platforms. Incorporation of CNTs (optimized at 5 wt%) enables efficient solar-to-thermal conversion, resulting in rapid photothermal self-heating to 85 °C under simulated solar irradiation (1000 W m⁻²). This localized thermal effect contributes to accelerated DMMP removal within the MOF-based hybrid structure, thereby partially alleviating the kinetic limitations typically associated with solvent-free reactions. Consequently, the optimized hybrid achieves 94% removal of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a representative sarin simulant, within 10 min under humidity-conditioned, solvent-free conditions, representing a 27% improvement compared with pristine UiO-66-NH₂. This decontamination platform eliminates the need for chemical solvents and external energy input, thereby mitigating secondary contamination and reducing the environmental footprint. By integrating the catalytic framework of Zr-based MOFs with the photothermal capability of CNTs, this study presents a sustainable engineering strategy for advanced defense and environmental protection. Full article

Chronic wounds, particularly those complicated by infection, present significant challenges in clinical management. The microenvironment of these wounds is typically characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and abnormal local pH levels, both of which impede the healing process. Baicalin (BA), a natural flavonoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, ROS-scavenging capability, and pro-healing effects. In this study, hydrogels were synthesized through photoinitiated radical polymerization of methacrylic anhydride (MAA) and dopamine (DA)-modified chondroitin sulfate (ChSMA-DA), grafting degrees of MA and DA were 58%, 23%, MPDA@MnO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), and methacrylated gelatin (GelMA). The gelation time, microtopography, swelling behavior, and water retention of the hydrogels were investigated, along with their degradation, rheological properties, and photothermal effects. The results indicate that swelling ratio (SR) and water retention (WR) of optimal HG-MPDA@MnO₂-M sample were 5.7, 82.42%, exhibited responsive behavior upon weakly acidic environment with pH 6.5 and elevated ROS levels, and exhibited a stable photothermal effect (photothermal conversion efficiency was 22.7%) under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) light. Following the incorporation of the drug model BA, the cumulative release percentage over 24 h under the combined stimulation of pH 6.5, 1 mmol·L⁻¹ H₂O₂, and 808 nm NIR was 81.1%, significantly higher than either factor alone. These hydrogels show promise as an injectable dressing for chronic wounds, effectively integrating the internal microenvironment of the wound tissue with external NIR to modulate drug release. Full article

Superhydrophobic photothermal coatings have great potential in anti-icing and de-icing applications. However, how to construct superhydrophobic coatings with high photothermal conversion performance and an appropriate rough structure is still a challenge. In this study, we first constructed the photothermal nanosphere coating by in situ co-deposition of tannic acid (TA) and (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and then by the coordination of iron ions (Fe³⁺). A superhydrophobic photothermal coating with a micro–nano–nano hierarchical rough structure was constructed by further applying a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/hydrophobic fumed silica (SiO₂) coating. The coating has excellent superhydrophobic (water contact angle (WCA) of 158°) and efficient photothermal conversion performance (75 °C). Based on this, the coated fabric shows ideal performance in passive anti-icing and active de-icing tests. At the same time, the coated fabric also has an ideal UV shielding effect, which can ensure the long-term and efficient operation of the coated fabric in the outdoor sunlight. This preparation strategy provides an innovative method for the development of superhydrophobic photothermal coating materials and has broad application prospects in the field of flexible anti-/de-icing applications. Full article

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles is an effective approach to create biocompatible nanomaterials. In this study, gold nanoparticles (BC-AuNPs) were prepared by reducing chloroauric acid with black corncob (BC) extract at relatively low temperatures. The optimal preparation conditions were obtained through a single-factor experiment, which included 5 mL of black corncob extract and 0.12 mL of 3% HAuCl₄ solution at a pH of 5.0, and the reaction was carried out at 50 °C in a water bath for 3 h. The prepared BC-AuNPs were characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta-potential measurement, which showed that they were dispersed spherical particles with an average size of approximately 23.0 nm and their surfaces were covered with various black corncob active components. The photothermal performance test indicated a good photothermal effect with a conversion efficiency of 41.3%. Antibacterial experiments revealed that BC-AuNPs had excellent antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for E. coli and Salmonella were 25.00 and 50.00 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, this study proved a potential application for gold nanoparticles in photothermal antibacterial fields. Full article

Non-stoichiometric copper sulfide (Cu_2-xS) nanomaterials are promising antibacterial agents, but the role of morphology in regulating their bactericidal performance remains poorly understood. Herein, we rationally design two types of Cu_2-xS nanostructures, namely nanoplates (NPs) and superparticles (SPs). Both materials were prepared via a ligand-directed synthesis method with the comparable sizes, surface ligands, and crystal phase. The antibacterial behaviors of Cu_2-xS NPs and Cu_2-xS SPs against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were investigated under dark and 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. The results showed that under NIR light irradiation, Cu_2-xS SPs exhibit a markedly higher bactericidal efficiency against both E. coli and S. aureus than Cu_2-xS NPs, leading to almost complete eradication of bacterial colonies. Notably, S. aureus shows more sensitive than E. coli, and significant growth inhibition is observed even in the absence of laser irradiation. Mechanistic investigations reveal that hierarchical assembly of primary nanoparticles in SPs can promote multiple internal light scatterings, thereby significantly enhancing light harvesting efficiency and further improving the photothermal conversion efficiency. In addition, the SPs exhibited higher peroxidase-like activity, resulting in enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and aggravated oxidative damage, and the accelerated Cu²⁺ release kinetics strengthens ionic toxicity. Full article

Since the first successful synthesis of borophene in 2015, this atomically thin boron allotrope has attracted extensive attention due to its polymorphic structures, metallic conductivity, and outstanding mechanical flexibility. As a new member of the two-dimensional (2D) materials family, borophene exhibits a unique triangular lattice with tunable hexagonal vacancies, leading to rich structural diversity and anisotropic physical properties. Recent breakthroughs in synthesis—particularly molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and solvothermal-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation (S-LPE)—have significantly expanded the accessible structural phases and improved control over film quality and stability. Meanwhile, borophene’s distinctive combination of structural and electronic characteristics has enabled its rapid development in both energy and biomedical applications. In energy storage, borophene serves as a promising anode material for lithium/sodium-ion batteries and a lightweight medium for hydrogen storage and supercapacitors, owing to its metallic conductivity, high surface charge density, and large adsorption capacity. In biomedicine, borophene-based nanoplatforms exhibit excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, enabling multifunctional roles in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Despite these advances, several challenges—such as environmental instability, oxidation susceptibility, and limited scalable synthesis—continue to restrict practical implementation. Future progress will depend on chemical functionalization, surface passivation, and machine-learning-assisted materials design to achieve oxidation-resistant, large-area, and biocompatible borophene derivatives. This review summarizes recent advances in borophene synthesis, structural engineering, and multifunctional applications, while outlining key scientific challenges and future opportunities for the realization of borophene-based materials in next-generation energy and biomedical systems. Full article

Melanin-like polymers, particularly polydopamine, have gained significant attention as photothermal materials due to their broad light absorption (ultraviolet to near-infrared), high photothermal conversion efficiency, negligible fluorescence, good biocompatibility regarding unmodified melanin-like polymers, and universal adhesion. Upon light irradiation, these bioinspired polymers convert absorbed optical energy into heat through molecular vibration and electron–phonon coupling, making them ideal for diverse photothermal applications. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in using melanin-like polymers for photothermal purposes. In biomedical engineering, they serve as efficient agents for photothermal therapy and synergistic antibacterial treatment. In catalysis, their photothermal effect enhances pollutant degradation, hydrogen production, and chemical warfare agent detoxification. For water remediation, melanin-like polymers are fabricated into evaporators, membranes, and aerogels for solar-driven steam generation, desalination, and oil spill cleanup. They also enable sensitive photothermal sensing, near-infrared imaging, and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging. Furthermore, these materials are incorporated into soft actuators and self-healing elastomers for light-controlled shape memory, programmable folding, and remote manipulation. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges such as long-term stability, biocompatibility, scalability, and color limitations and provide future perspectives for advancing melanin-like photothermal materials toward practical applications. Full article

Fe³⁺–polyphenol coordination complexes have attracted growing interest for photothermal applications due to their tunable chemistry and good biocompatibility. However, how pH and the metal-to-ligand ratio collectively affect their photothermal performance remains poorly understood. In this work, we synthesized Fe³⁺–gallic acid (GA) metal–phenolic networks (MPNs) under a wide range of pH conditions and different mixing ratios. The materials were then characterized through electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption, and photothermal testing. Our results show that a near-neutral pH (around 7) is critical for forming an effective ligand-to-metal charge transfer complex, which appears as a distinct absorption band near 560 nm. Acidic or strongly alkaline environments severely disrupt coordination and weaken light absorption. Among all formulations, the sample prepared at pH 7 with a suitable Fe³⁺/GA ratio gave the best photothermal conversion, reaching a temperature rise of 42.8 °C and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 32.67%. We also found that photothermal heating increases steadily with GA concentration and peaks sharply at neutral pH. These findings demonstrate that optimal photothermal efficiency requires both neutral pH and a well-balanced metal-to-ligand ratio. This work provides a simple and practical set of conditions for developing high-performance Fe³⁺-GA MPNs for applications such as local heating, antibacterial surfaces, and light-triggered drug release. Full article

Ice accumulation on critical infrastructure surfaces threatens operational safety in aviation, power transmission, and transportation systems. Conventional anti-icing and deicing strategies, such as chemical deicers and energy-intensive active heating, have inherent drawbacks. These include environmental pollution, high energy consumption, and low efficiency. In recent years, photothermal-responsive extremely water-repellent surfaces have attracted widespread attention. They can harvest renewable solar energy and achieve efficient anti-icing and deicing through tailored interfacial wetting properties. This review summarizes photothermal extremely water-repellent surfaces based on the “water as a lubricating layer” strategy. This strategy reduces ice adhesion strength and enables low-energy deicing. It works by forming a continuous lubricating film via photothermally induced interfacial meltwater. We discuss photothermal conversion mechanisms and strategies to enhance performance for stable lubricating film formation. We also analyze the stagewise physics of anti-icing and deicing, focusing on the interfacial tribological behavior of the water film. Key engineering challenges are addressed, including mechanical durability and all-weather applicability. Finally, we clarify future research directions for industrial translation. This review aims to provide theoretical insights and technical pathways for developing next-generation anti-icing and deicing surfaces that are efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable. Full article

Personal thermal management (PTM) requires materials that can adapt to dynamically changing environments, yet most existing systems are limited to single-mode cooling or heating and lack tunable optical appearance. Here, we report a structurally colored photonic Janus film that enables switchable radiative cooling and solar heating within a single material platform. The cooling side is based on cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) photonic structures, providing high mid-infrared emissivity (up to 0.91) while enabling tunable structural color through pitch modulation, thereby achieving radiative cooling without sacrificing visual appearance. The heating side consists of a carbon nanotube (CNT) layer with high solar absorptivity (~92%), enabling efficient photothermal conversion, further enhanced by low-voltage Joule heating. By simply flipping the film, reversible switching between cooling and heating modes is achieved, allowing adaptation to varying thermal conditions. In addition, the system is compatible with continuous fabrication, enabling scalable production. This work demonstrates a dual-mode photonic thermal management system that integrates optical tunability with switchable thermal regulation, providing a viable pathway toward wearable microclimate control. Full article

Broadband antireflective surface technology constitutes a crucial technique in optoelectronic devices, playing a key role in reducing optical losses. Ultrafast laser processing provides a flexible route for fabricating micro-nano structures on metallic surfaces because it enables efficient fabrication, high spatial resolution, and minimal chemical consumption. This study uses a variable-angle scanning strategy to texture the copper surface, produce a series of antireflection arrayed micro-nano structures, and study the spectral reflectance characteristics of the copper surface. The results exhibit that 90° orthogonal scanning favors the formation of an arrayed microcone structure, which shows lower reflectance than the non-orthogonal scanning strategies in the 200–1300 nm band, with a minimum reflectance of 0.94%. The 60° and 45° cross-scanning based on the non-orthogonal strategy favors the formation of microcavity structures, and shows low reflectance in the 1300–2500 nm band, with the maximum reflectance remaining below 5%. Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are observed on the structures fabricated by all strategies. This work demonstrates that the scanning angle itself can be used to switch the dominant surface morphology and thereby tailor the spectral antireflection response, and lies in establishing a clear processing–structure–spectral response relationship for copper surfaces, which provides a designable route for wavelength-selective optical absorption in photothermal conversion, infrared detection, and sensing applications. Full article