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By using a lead-free perovskite derivative ETP₂SbCl₅ (ETP = (C₆H₅)₃PC₂H₅), Li's group fabricate a series of recyclable LSCs, achieving the highest power conversion and optical efficiencies of ~5.56% and ~32.5%, respectively. The damaged LSCs could be mass recycled to phosphor by ethanol or mild heating treatments, which still maintains nearly initial fluorescent performance. This work presents a paradigm for the sustainable use of fluorescent materials and offers a reliable path toward low-carbon globalization.

Optical synapses have an ability to perceive and remember visual information, making them expected to provide more intelligent and efficient visual solutions for humans. As a new type of artificial visual sensory devices, photoelectric memristors can fully simulate synaptic performance and have great prospects in the development of biological vision. However, due to the urgent problems of nonlinear conductance and high-energy consumption, its further application in high-precision control scenarios and integration is hindered. In this work, we report an optoelectronic memristor with a structure of TiN/CeO₂/ZnO/ITO/Mica, which can achieve minimal energy consumption (187 pJ) at a single pulse (0.5 V, 5 ms). Under the stimulation of continuous pulses, linearity can be achieved up to 99.6%. In addition, the device has a variety of synaptic functions under the combined action of photoelectric, which can be used for advanced vision. By utilizing its typical long-term memory characteristics, we achieved image recognition and long-term memory in a 3 × 3 synaptic array and further achieved female facial feature extraction behavior with an activation rate of over 92%. Moreover, we also use the linear response characteristic of the device to design and implement the night meeting behavior of autonomous vehicles based on the hardware platform. This work highlights the potential of photoelectric memristors for advancing neuromorphic vision systems, offering a new direction for bionic eyes and visual automation technology.

Ultralong organic afterglow materials are being actively explored as attractive candidates for a wide range of applications such as data storage, security inks, emergency lighting, etc. In this review, the research team have summarized small-molecule ultralong organic afterglow materials based on different emission mechanisms involving ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence (URTP), ultralong thermally activated delayed fluorescence (UTADF) and organic long persistent luminescence (OLPL). In addition, challenges and future perspectives are discussed to emphasize the future directions.

A new study published in Materials Futures reveals critical insights into the degradation mechanism of scalable, wideband gap perovskite solar cells, a key component for the next generation tandem solar technologies. Researchers from imec, Hasselt University, and Ghent University in Belgium have identified how thermal stress, both in the dark and under illumination, critically affects the stability of these solar devices. Their findings reveal that in dark conditions, failure is mainly driven by the charge transport layers, whereas under light exposure, the failure is associated to degradation of the absorber material itself.

By subjecting the devices to accelerated stress tests that mirror industry standards, the team has mapped out the key failure pathways, offering a clearer understanding of how to enhance long-term stability. This research represents a major advance in the push toward commercially viable, high-efficiency perovskite solar technologies — a crucial step for the future of sustainable energy generation.

Scientists have discovered that tweaking the composition of biochar, a charcoal-like material made from biomass, can significantly improve its ability to trap and neutralize toxic groundwater contaminants. The findings, published in Biochar, could pave the way for more cost-effective and sustainable approaches to cleaning up long-lasting pollution from chlorinated solvents.

Hong Kong’s skyline generates vast amounts of construction waste through daily demolition. While some of this waste is used for land reclamation, much still ends up in landfills. Prof. C.S. Poon, Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering and Distinguished Research Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is dedicated to advancing construction waste recycling and had developed a new semi-wet carbonation technique, transforming waste into valuable building aggregates and promoting more sustainable construction practices in the city.