Materials science articles from across Nature Portfolio

Double-sided van der Waals epitaxy across an ultrathin membrane provides a new method for growing a vertical junction with an atomically sharp interface, enabling the direct detection of selection rules for resonant tunnelling between topological surface states.

Mixed conductors streamline ion and electron pathways, boosting the capacity of sulfur electrodes in all-solid-state Li–S batteries.

Copper is typically used as a current collector rather than a catalyst for water electrolysis owing to its weak hydrogen adsorption capability. Now, the electroreduction-driven induction of strong and stable tensile strain in low-coordination copper nanoparticles is shown to increase the copper–hydrogen interaction and, thus, the catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.

Indium selenide semiconductor thin films can be fabricated from a colloidal solution of monolayer nanosheets, and used to create transistors that exhibit electron mobilities of 90–120 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, current on/off ratios of up to 10⁷ and a small current hysteresis.

Double-sided van der Waals epitaxy across an ultrathin membrane provides a new method for growing a vertical junction with an atomically sharp interface, enabling the direct detection of selection rules for resonant tunnelling between topological surface states.

The sorption and storage properties of metal–organic frameworks are extensively reported but their commercialization has been slow. Collaborative efforts from scientists, engineers and investors are needed to accelerate the transition from laboratory to the marketplace.

Mixed conductors streamline ion and electron pathways, boosting the capacity of sulfur electrodes in all-solid-state Li–S batteries.

Copper is typically used as a current collector rather than a catalyst for water electrolysis owing to its weak hydrogen adsorption capability. Now, the electroreduction-driven induction of strong and stable tensile strain in low-coordination copper nanoparticles is shown to increase the copper–hydrogen interaction and, thus, the catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.

Wooden bioresources are key materials for the transition to a circular bioeconomy, yet widespread adoption, for example in construction, still lags. Growth is stalled by policy gaps, resource debates and limited public confidence. A blueprint for global initiatives can help realize the full potential of bio-based materials.