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2026 Volume 45 Issue 7
2026, 45(7): 100914
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100914
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2026, 45(7): 100916
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100916
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2026, 45(7): 100918
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100918
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2026, 45(7): 100923
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100923
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2026, 45(7): 100891
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100891
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GQDs/Bi24O31Br10 S-scheme heterojunction composite was successfully constructed via a hydrothermal method and systematically evaluated its bifunctional performance in photocatalytic antibiotic (TC) degradation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Results demonstrate that the optimized composite exhibits excellent activity in both reactions, it achieved a tetracycline degradation rate of 88.5% within 20 min, and H2O2 production yield of 104.53 μM within the same time, which is 4.2 times that of pure Bi24O31Br10. Mechanism studies reveal that the superoxide radical serves as a key reactive species, acting as both a crucial intermediate for H2O2 synthesis and the dominant active species for TC degradation. The built-in electric field at S-scheme heterojunction interface enables efficient spatial separation of photogenerated carriers, highly reductive electrons accumulate on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to promote the two-step single-electron reduction of O2 for H2O2 generation, while strongly oxidative holes remain on Bi24O31Br10 to maintain degradation capability. This work not only develops an efficient and stable bifunctional photocatalyst but also elucidates, at the microscopic scale, the S-scheme heterojunction synergistically drives different reactions through precise regulation of charge transfer pathways, providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for designing novel photocatalytic systems for environmental remediation and green synthesis.
GQDs/Bi24O31Br10 S-scheme heterojunction composite was successfully constructed via a hydrothermal method and systematically evaluated its bifunctional performance in photocatalytic antibiotic (TC) degradation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Results demonstrate that the optimized composite exhibits excellent activity in both reactions, it achieved a tetracycline degradation rate of 88.5% within 20 min, and H2O2 production yield of 104.53 μM within the same time, which is 4.2 times that of pure Bi24O31Br10. Mechanism studies reveal that the superoxide radical serves as a key reactive species, acting as both a crucial intermediate for H2O2 synthesis and the dominant active species for TC degradation. The built-in electric field at S-scheme heterojunction interface enables efficient spatial separation of photogenerated carriers, highly reductive electrons accumulate on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to promote the two-step single-electron reduction of O2 for H2O2 generation, while strongly oxidative holes remain on Bi24O31Br10 to maintain degradation capability. This work not only develops an efficient and stable bifunctional photocatalyst but also elucidates, at the microscopic scale, the S-scheme heterojunction synergistically drives different reactions through precise regulation of charge transfer pathways, providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for designing novel photocatalytic systems for environmental remediation and green synthesis.
2026, 45(7): 100913
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100913
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S-scheme heterojunction has demonstrated high superiority in the separation and transfer of charge carriers, which is desirable for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction into high-value-added chemical feedstocks. Herein, BiOI flake supported on CuBi2O4 rod (CBO/BOI) with oxygen vacancy was in-situ developed. The CBO/BOI composite demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction with H2O vapor compared with those of the individual components. Notably, the product of CO2 reduction changed from CO/CH4 to exclusively CH4 by modulating oxygen vacancies. The CH4 and O2 yields of the optimal CBO/BOI-07 catalyst were 121.7 and 232.6 μmol/gcat/h under visible light illumination, with an apparent quantum yield of 2.25% at 405 nm. The S-scheme charge transfer mode at the CBO/BOI interface was demonstrated through in-situ XPS analysis and theoretical simulations. Furthermore, the presence of oxygen vacancy was found to significantly influence the adsorptive behavior of *CO intermediates, which is crucial for selective conversion of CO2 to CH4. Based on the in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and adsorption studies, the reaction mechanism of photocatalytic CO2 reduction was speculated and experimentally validated.
S-scheme heterojunction has demonstrated high superiority in the separation and transfer of charge carriers, which is desirable for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction into high-value-added chemical feedstocks. Herein, BiOI flake supported on CuBi2O4 rod (CBO/BOI) with oxygen vacancy was in-situ developed. The CBO/BOI composite demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction with H2O vapor compared with those of the individual components. Notably, the product of CO2 reduction changed from CO/CH4 to exclusively CH4 by modulating oxygen vacancies. The CH4 and O2 yields of the optimal CBO/BOI-07 catalyst were 121.7 and 232.6 μmol/gcat/h under visible light illumination, with an apparent quantum yield of 2.25% at 405 nm. The S-scheme charge transfer mode at the CBO/BOI interface was demonstrated through in-situ XPS analysis and theoretical simulations. Furthermore, the presence of oxygen vacancy was found to significantly influence the adsorptive behavior of *CO intermediates, which is crucial for selective conversion of CO2 to CH4. Based on the in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and adsorption studies, the reaction mechanism of photocatalytic CO2 reduction was speculated and experimentally validated.
2026, 45(7): 100915
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100915
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The long-standing absence of standardized assessment protocols for bulk photochromic materials has hindered reliable performance comparisons across studies reported by different research groups. Here, we introduce a standardized testing protocol along with a set of nine key parameters—coloration rate constant, bleaching rate constant, half-life, photostable equilibrium constant, optical modulation range, contrast ratio, response time, cycling stability and coloration efficiency—for evaluating the performance of bulk photochromic materials. Using photochromic inorganic-organic hybrid phosphonate-lanthanide-polyoxoniobates (RA-Ln-PONb, Ln = Dy, Eu, Lu; RA = risedronic acid) as a case study, we successfully validate the rationality of this protocol and demonstrate that these parameters collectively enable a comprehensive, multi-dimensional assessment of photochromic performance. This work provides an important methodological foundation for comparative studies of different bulk photochromic materials.
The long-standing absence of standardized assessment protocols for bulk photochromic materials has hindered reliable performance comparisons across studies reported by different research groups. Here, we introduce a standardized testing protocol along with a set of nine key parameters—coloration rate constant, bleaching rate constant, half-life, photostable equilibrium constant, optical modulation range, contrast ratio, response time, cycling stability and coloration efficiency—for evaluating the performance of bulk photochromic materials. Using photochromic inorganic-organic hybrid phosphonate-lanthanide-polyoxoniobates (RA-Ln-PONb, Ln = Dy, Eu, Lu; RA = risedronic acid) as a case study, we successfully validate the rationality of this protocol and demonstrate that these parameters collectively enable a comprehensive, multi-dimensional assessment of photochromic performance. This work provides an important methodological foundation for comparative studies of different bulk photochromic materials.
2026, 45(7): 100917
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100917
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The dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone is a pathway with significant implications for the production of nylon or nylon 66; however, the core catalyst has long faced the challenge of balancing activity, selectivity, and stability. Herein, we report the use of hard-template biochar as a confining support for copper species, in which spindle-shaped nano-copper particles are embedded on the surface. This configuration promotes nearly 100% conversion of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone across a broad temperature range (240-270 °C), accompanied by high conversion rate and long-term operation stability. Density functional theory calculations reveal that both CuO and amorphous copper in the catalyst facilitate the capture and cleavage of cyclohexanol, while exhibiting stronger adsorption capacity for cyclohexene, thereby preventing its desorption and enhancing the selectivity toward cyclohexanone.
The dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone is a pathway with significant implications for the production of nylon or nylon 66; however, the core catalyst has long faced the challenge of balancing activity, selectivity, and stability. Herein, we report the use of hard-template biochar as a confining support for copper species, in which spindle-shaped nano-copper particles are embedded on the surface. This configuration promotes nearly 100% conversion of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone across a broad temperature range (240-270 °C), accompanied by high conversion rate and long-term operation stability. Density functional theory calculations reveal that both CuO and amorphous copper in the catalyst facilitate the capture and cleavage of cyclohexanol, while exhibiting stronger adsorption capacity for cyclohexene, thereby preventing its desorption and enhancing the selectivity toward cyclohexanone.
2026, 45(7): 100919
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100919
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Supramolecular gels exhibiting ultra-long organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are highly sensitive to external stimuli and show great potential for dynamic anti-counterfeiting applications. While our previous work successfully developed several supramolecular organogels with ultra-long RTP properties, their phosphorescence quantum yields remained relatively low, likely due to comparatively weak intermolecular interactions. In this study, two novel halogen-functionalized ultralong RTP organogelator (m-ClPBCM and m-BrPBCM) were designed and synthesized. The introduction of halogen bonding not only preserves the gelation capability but also enhances the phosphorescence quantum yield. Especially, the m-BrPBCM gel exhibits the highest phosphorescence quantum yield (2.12%, surpassing m-ClPBCM at 1.7% and exceeding the non-brominated m-PBCM by more than eightfold), with a lifetime reaching 203.8 ms. Moreover, both wet and dry m-BrPBCM gels display reversible phosphorescence switching upon rapid heating and cooling, demonstrating second-scale stimuli-responsive performance. This work provides promising candidates for dynamic anti-counterfeiting applications.
Supramolecular gels exhibiting ultra-long organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are highly sensitive to external stimuli and show great potential for dynamic anti-counterfeiting applications. While our previous work successfully developed several supramolecular organogels with ultra-long RTP properties, their phosphorescence quantum yields remained relatively low, likely due to comparatively weak intermolecular interactions. In this study, two novel halogen-functionalized ultralong RTP organogelator (m-ClPBCM and m-BrPBCM) were designed and synthesized. The introduction of halogen bonding not only preserves the gelation capability but also enhances the phosphorescence quantum yield. Especially, the m-BrPBCM gel exhibits the highest phosphorescence quantum yield (2.12%, surpassing m-ClPBCM at 1.7% and exceeding the non-brominated m-PBCM by more than eightfold), with a lifetime reaching 203.8 ms. Moreover, both wet and dry m-BrPBCM gels display reversible phosphorescence switching upon rapid heating and cooling, demonstrating second-scale stimuli-responsive performance. This work provides promising candidates for dynamic anti-counterfeiting applications.
2026, 45(7): 100922
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100922
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Electrochemical water splitting represents a pivotal technology for sustainable hydrogen production, yet its widespread implementation is hindered by the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode, which requires prohibitively high overpotentials. To address this critical challenge, here we present a novel heterostructure CoP/(Fe0.25Co0.75)3N catalyst system coupled with glycerol oxidation as an alternative anodic reaction. The CoP/(Fe0.25Co0.75)3N catalyst demonstrates exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, achieving a remarkably low overpotential of 41.4 mV at 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH. More importantly, when applied to the glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) as an alternative to the conventional OER, the catalyst requires substantially lower potentials of 1.26 and 1.42 V to reach current densities of 50 and 500 mA cm-2, highlighting its superior thermodynamic and kinetic activity. The stable Co(III) active sites in the CoP/(Fe0.25Co0.75)3N anode enable highly selective glycerol electrooxidation in a GOR-assisted hybrid electrolyzer, simultaneously facilitating hydrogen production and the generation of high-value formic acid with outstanding long-term stability (>130 h at 20 mA cm-2). Furthermore, in-situ XPS and EIS analysis reveals that the CoP/(Fe0.25Co0.75)3N is rapidly reconstructed into metal oxides, forming dynamically stable CoOOH species during the OER or GOR process.
Electrochemical water splitting represents a pivotal technology for sustainable hydrogen production, yet its widespread implementation is hindered by the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode, which requires prohibitively high overpotentials. To address this critical challenge, here we present a novel heterostructure CoP/(Fe0.25Co0.75)3N catalyst system coupled with glycerol oxidation as an alternative anodic reaction. The CoP/(Fe0.25Co0.75)3N catalyst demonstrates exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, achieving a remarkably low overpotential of 41.4 mV at 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH. More importantly, when applied to the glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) as an alternative to the conventional OER, the catalyst requires substantially lower potentials of 1.26 and 1.42 V to reach current densities of 50 and 500 mA cm-2, highlighting its superior thermodynamic and kinetic activity. The stable Co(III) active sites in the CoP/(Fe0.25Co0.75)3N anode enable highly selective glycerol electrooxidation in a GOR-assisted hybrid electrolyzer, simultaneously facilitating hydrogen production and the generation of high-value formic acid with outstanding long-term stability (>130 h at 20 mA cm-2). Furthermore, in-situ XPS and EIS analysis reveals that the CoP/(Fe0.25Co0.75)3N is rapidly reconstructed into metal oxides, forming dynamically stable CoOOH species during the OER or GOR process.
2026, 45(7): 100924
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100924
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Topology-symmetry analysis based on order-disorder theory for polytypic structures is a useful tool for understanding structure-property relationships, and it could serve as a basis for structure predictions and materials design. This approach systematically characterizes structural fragments and their stacking sequences through partial symmetry operations. Here, the nonlinear optical (NLO) fluorooxoborate family AB4O6F (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH4) and the alkali-aluminum borate fluorides AAlB3O6F (A = K, Rb, Cs) are investigated within order-disorder (OD) theory framework and described via symmetry groupoids. By enumerating admissible stacking operations, we derived several hypothetical Maximum Degree of Order (MDO) polytypes for NaB4O6F, CsB4O6F, CsKB8O12F2, CsAlB3O6F, RbB4O6F and RbAlB3O6F. New noncentrosymmetric polytype of RbB4O6F (sp.gr. Pnn2) and centrosymmetric polytype of RbAlB3O6F (sp.gr. P21/с) are predicted. Furthermore, we discuss the influence of layer symmetry and stacking topology on optical properties. The results demonstrate that the competition between different stacking manifolds provides a plausible explanation for the occurrence of stacking faults in this family of materials.
Topology-symmetry analysis based on order-disorder theory for polytypic structures is a useful tool for understanding structure-property relationships, and it could serve as a basis for structure predictions and materials design. This approach systematically characterizes structural fragments and their stacking sequences through partial symmetry operations. Here, the nonlinear optical (NLO) fluorooxoborate family AB4O6F (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH4) and the alkali-aluminum borate fluorides AAlB3O6F (A = K, Rb, Cs) are investigated within order-disorder (OD) theory framework and described via symmetry groupoids. By enumerating admissible stacking operations, we derived several hypothetical Maximum Degree of Order (MDO) polytypes for NaB4O6F, CsB4O6F, CsKB8O12F2, CsAlB3O6F, RbB4O6F and RbAlB3O6F. New noncentrosymmetric polytype of RbB4O6F (sp.gr. Pnn2) and centrosymmetric polytype of RbAlB3O6F (sp.gr. P21/с) are predicted. Furthermore, we discuss the influence of layer symmetry and stacking topology on optical properties. The results demonstrate that the competition between different stacking manifolds provides a plausible explanation for the occurrence of stacking faults in this family of materials.
2026, 45(7): 100925
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100925
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The construction of heterojunctions to delay photogenerated electron (e-) and hole (h+) recombination by integrating the advantages of ternary sulfides and two-dimensional (2D) planar covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is an effective strategy for enhancing photocatalytic performance. In this work, CdIn2S4/COF (CIS-COF) composites with an S-scheme heterostructures were fabricated via a self-assembly method. The CIS-COF composites combine the broad light absorption and high specific surface area of COFs with the strong conduction band (CB) reduction capability of CIS, leading to efficient charge separation through the S-scheme mechanism. Compared with pristine CIS (4669.8 μmol g-1 h-1) and COF (1729.8 μmol g-1 h-1), CIS-COF achieved a markedly higher hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) yield of 11889.4 μmol g-1 h-1. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis revealed that superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were the dominant reactive species. The interfacial charge transfer pathway was elucidated using in-situ light-illuminated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs-TA). Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) confirmed Fermi level alignments consistent with an S-scheme configuration, supporting the proposed photocatalytic mechanism. The enhanced performance is attributed to the built-in electric field at the heterojunction interface, which promotes directional charge transfer and suppresses recombination. This study highlights the crucial role of COFs in constructing efficient S-scheme heterostructures providing new insights into photogenerated carrier dynamics for high-performance photocatalytic H2O2 production.
The construction of heterojunctions to delay photogenerated electron (e-) and hole (h+) recombination by integrating the advantages of ternary sulfides and two-dimensional (2D) planar covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is an effective strategy for enhancing photocatalytic performance. In this work, CdIn2S4/COF (CIS-COF) composites with an S-scheme heterostructures were fabricated via a self-assembly method. The CIS-COF composites combine the broad light absorption and high specific surface area of COFs with the strong conduction band (CB) reduction capability of CIS, leading to efficient charge separation through the S-scheme mechanism. Compared with pristine CIS (4669.8 μmol g-1 h-1) and COF (1729.8 μmol g-1 h-1), CIS-COF achieved a markedly higher hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) yield of 11889.4 μmol g-1 h-1. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis revealed that superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were the dominant reactive species. The interfacial charge transfer pathway was elucidated using in-situ light-illuminated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs-TA). Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) confirmed Fermi level alignments consistent with an S-scheme configuration, supporting the proposed photocatalytic mechanism. The enhanced performance is attributed to the built-in electric field at the heterojunction interface, which promotes directional charge transfer and suppresses recombination. This study highlights the crucial role of COFs in constructing efficient S-scheme heterostructures providing new insights into photogenerated carrier dynamics for high-performance photocatalytic H2O2 production.
2026, 45(7): 100926
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100926
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Designing adsorbents for the efficient separation of challenging gas pairs, such as C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2, is a crucial yet demanding goal in separation science. Here, we implemented a pore-engineering strategy to tailor the pore environment of a metal-organic framework (MOF) via functional groups, thereby enhancing its C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 selectivity performance. The introduction of hydroxyl (-OH) groups into Ni7-MOF not only reduces pore dimensions but also promotes a multitude of guest-host interactions within the confined pore environment. The hydroxyl-functionalized Ni7-OH demonstrates high selectivity for C2H2 over C2H4 and CO2 between 273 and 308 K. Dynamic breakthrough experiments further confirm its dual-functional capability. Compared to Ni7-MOF, Ni7-OH not only delivers superior ethylene-purification efficiency but also enables highly effective C2H2/CO2 separation, allowing high-purity C2H2 (>99.9%) to be recovered through mild temperature-swing desorption. The introduction of hydroxyl groups fine-tunes the binding environment, differentially strengthening the key C–H…Ni interaction that favours C2H2 over C2H4 and CO2, as supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. With its excellent stability, regeneration ability, and balanced performance, Ni7-OH represents a promising adsorbent for energy-efficient C2H2 removal from C2H4 streams and C2H2 recovery from C2H2/CO2 mixtures.
Designing adsorbents for the efficient separation of challenging gas pairs, such as C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2, is a crucial yet demanding goal in separation science. Here, we implemented a pore-engineering strategy to tailor the pore environment of a metal-organic framework (MOF) via functional groups, thereby enhancing its C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 selectivity performance. The introduction of hydroxyl (-OH) groups into Ni7-MOF not only reduces pore dimensions but also promotes a multitude of guest-host interactions within the confined pore environment. The hydroxyl-functionalized Ni7-OH demonstrates high selectivity for C2H2 over C2H4 and CO2 between 273 and 308 K. Dynamic breakthrough experiments further confirm its dual-functional capability. Compared to Ni7-MOF, Ni7-OH not only delivers superior ethylene-purification efficiency but also enables highly effective C2H2/CO2 separation, allowing high-purity C2H2 (>99.9%) to be recovered through mild temperature-swing desorption. The introduction of hydroxyl groups fine-tunes the binding environment, differentially strengthening the key C–H…Ni interaction that favours C2H2 over C2H4 and CO2, as supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. With its excellent stability, regeneration ability, and balanced performance, Ni7-OH represents a promising adsorbent for energy-efficient C2H2 removal from C2H4 streams and C2H2 recovery from C2H2/CO2 mixtures.
2026, 45(7): 100937
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100937
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Multiferroic materials that combine ferroelectricity and ferroelasticity can exhibit switchable spontaneous polarization/strain responses, bringing potential applications in new intelligent actuators, sensors and memory devices. However, due to the strict requirements for polar crystal symmetry and specific structural phase transitions, organic-inorganic halide multiferroics remain very rare, with zinc-based ones constituting a blank. Here, by implementing halogen engineering, we successfully designed and synthesized a zinc-based hybrid multiferroic material (CTA)2ZnI4 (CTA = cyanomethyltriethylammonium), which undergoes a mm2Fm-type ferroic phase transition at Curie temperature of 404 K. The halogen substitution strategy on ZnX4 tetrahedra effectively regulates the weak molecular interactions between organic and inorganic components, not only significantly increasing the Curie temperature by 55 K, but also successfully inducing ferroelectric and ferroelastic properties. To our knowledge, (CTA)2ZnI4 is the first case of zinc-based organic-inorganic halide multiferroics to date. This work provides a valuable reference for designing hybrid multiferroics towards multi-modal information processing applications.
Multiferroic materials that combine ferroelectricity and ferroelasticity can exhibit switchable spontaneous polarization/strain responses, bringing potential applications in new intelligent actuators, sensors and memory devices. However, due to the strict requirements for polar crystal symmetry and specific structural phase transitions, organic-inorganic halide multiferroics remain very rare, with zinc-based ones constituting a blank. Here, by implementing halogen engineering, we successfully designed and synthesized a zinc-based hybrid multiferroic material (CTA)2ZnI4 (CTA = cyanomethyltriethylammonium), which undergoes a mm2Fm-type ferroic phase transition at Curie temperature of 404 K. The halogen substitution strategy on ZnX4 tetrahedra effectively regulates the weak molecular interactions between organic and inorganic components, not only significantly increasing the Curie temperature by 55 K, but also successfully inducing ferroelectric and ferroelastic properties. To our knowledge, (CTA)2ZnI4 is the first case of zinc-based organic-inorganic halide multiferroics to date. This work provides a valuable reference for designing hybrid multiferroics towards multi-modal information processing applications.
2026, 45(7): 100920
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100920
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Amorphous metal halides (AMHs) have recently emerged as a unique class of disordered materials that combine structural amorphousness with highly tunable optoelectronic properties, offering compelling advantages over their crystalline counterparts. This Review summarizes recent progress in extrinsic and intrinsic amorphization strategies, including composite integration, melt-quenching, and molecular design approaches. Emphasis is placed on the structural characteristics of AMHs, revealed by advanced characterization techniques, and on the role of local coordination disorder and dynamic bonding motifs in governing unconventional optical behaviors such as broadband emission and enhanced photostability. By integrating insights from thermal analysis, spectroscopy, and molecular simulations, key relationships among amorphization pathways, microstructure evolution, and functional performance are critically assessed. Finally, major challenges, particularly those related to operational stability and scalable processing, are discussed, and future research directions are proposed to advance AMHs toward practical applications in photonics, scintillation, and information storage. This Review highlights how the synergy between rational amorphization chemistry and the integration of advanced characterization with simulations can accelerate the transition of AMHs from laboratory-scale demonstrations to viable optoelectronic platforms.
Amorphous metal halides (AMHs) have recently emerged as a unique class of disordered materials that combine structural amorphousness with highly tunable optoelectronic properties, offering compelling advantages over their crystalline counterparts. This Review summarizes recent progress in extrinsic and intrinsic amorphization strategies, including composite integration, melt-quenching, and molecular design approaches. Emphasis is placed on the structural characteristics of AMHs, revealed by advanced characterization techniques, and on the role of local coordination disorder and dynamic bonding motifs in governing unconventional optical behaviors such as broadband emission and enhanced photostability. By integrating insights from thermal analysis, spectroscopy, and molecular simulations, key relationships among amorphization pathways, microstructure evolution, and functional performance are critically assessed. Finally, major challenges, particularly those related to operational stability and scalable processing, are discussed, and future research directions are proposed to advance AMHs toward practical applications in photonics, scintillation, and information storage. This Review highlights how the synergy between rational amorphization chemistry and the integration of advanced characterization with simulations can accelerate the transition of AMHs from laboratory-scale demonstrations to viable optoelectronic platforms.
2026, 45(7): 100921
doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100921
Abstract:
Ferroelectrics, characterized by an electrically switchable spontaneous polarization, have attracted great attention in the past century for their diverse physical properties and widespread application prospects. Particularly, halide perovskite ferroelectric semiconductors have emerged for their distinctive synergistic interaction between ferroelectric polarization and photo-excited properties, providing a versatile platform for boosting photoelectronic functionality. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements of emerging halide perovskite ferroelectric semiconductors, focusing on their structural diversity, design strategies and optoelectronic applications. The future development directions and application prospects of this ferroelectric semiconductor material system are also predicted This review systematically summarizes the recent research advances in the field of halide perovskite ferroelectrics, explicitly identifies the key existing challenges in this area, and proposes the core research directions and development prospects for the future.
Ferroelectrics, characterized by an electrically switchable spontaneous polarization, have attracted great attention in the past century for their diverse physical properties and widespread application prospects. Particularly, halide perovskite ferroelectric semiconductors have emerged for their distinctive synergistic interaction between ferroelectric polarization and photo-excited properties, providing a versatile platform for boosting photoelectronic functionality. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements of emerging halide perovskite ferroelectric semiconductors, focusing on their structural diversity, design strategies and optoelectronic applications. The future development directions and application prospects of this ferroelectric semiconductor material system are also predicted This review systematically summarizes the recent research advances in the field of halide perovskite ferroelectrics, explicitly identifies the key existing challenges in this area, and proposes the core research directions and development prospects for the future.
