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Open Access Research Article Issue
Mie-resonant nanosensor visualizing biomolecular binding events
Nano Research 2026, 19(10): 94908795
Published: 27 July 2026
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Downloads:35

Proteins orchestrate nearly all cellular processes and serve as key biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Conventional detection bioassays are confined in centralized laboratories, dependent on bulky instruments or labeling workflows. Currently, they are limited to merely read out the concentration of proteins, leaving molecular details such as layer thickness and orientation inaccessible, which are critical for functional assessment. Here, we present a Mie-resonant nanosensor that transduces biomolecular binding events into vivid colorimetric changes through high-order quadrupole modes in the visible spectrum, unprecedently extending colorimetric sensing to the biomolecular scale. Coherent quadrupole interference enhances backward scattering enabling optical readout of protein layers as thin as 1.8 nm along with recognizing protein orientation, termed as the visualized Mie-resonance sensing (VIMS). Both quality control of antibody functionalization and quantitative detection of antigens can be achieved via VIMS, demonstrating a 0.4 pg/mL detection limit of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) within 20 minutes. Integrated with a smartphone-compatible point-of-care platform, the assay reliably diagnoses acute myocardial infarction (AUC > 0.95) from serum, saliva and urine (N = 220), and identifies elevated baseline cTnT in high-stress populations. This work bridges nanophotonic field confinement with biomolecular structural resolution, enabling label-free, portable, and quantitative molecular-scale optical sensing for decentralized precision diagnostics.

Open Access Research Article Issue
Dual-functional 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide doping for simultaneous electronic optimization and silver electrode stabilization in inverted perovskite solar cells
Nano Research 2026, 19(6): 94908437
Published: 23 April 2026
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Downloads:169

Simultaneously addressing nanoscale interfacial charge transport inefficiency and Ag electrode diffusion remains a critical bottleneck for scalable inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we report a dual-functional molecular engineering strategy by doping 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide (2-MPNO) into the 10 nm-thick nanoscale bathocuproine (BCP) cathode buffer layer, achieving synergistic optimization of interfacial energy alignment and Ag+ diffusion inhibition. The n-type doping effect of 2-MPNO triples the electron mobility of the [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/BCP layer (via space-charge-limited current measurements), with ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy confirming a 0.37 eV upward Fermi level shift to optimize nanoscale interfacial energy alignment. Owing to the incomplete coverage of PCBM on the perovskite surface, 2-MPNO molecules infiltrate the perovskite interface, effectively passivating defects and reducing non-radiative recombination. Concurrently, the –SH and N–O groups of 2-MPNO form bidentate coordination with Ag at the nanoscale Ag/BCP interface, constructing a molecular barrier to block Ag+ migration. As a result, the optimized device exhibits an improvement in efficiency from 23.56% to 25.31%. More importantly, unencapsulated devices maintain 97.4% of their original efficiency after 2115 h stored in air with a relative humidity of 15% ± 5% and retain 94.0% of their initial efficiency following thermal aging at 65 °C for 1256 h in a nitrogen environment.

Open Access Research Article Issue
Fluorophenylalkylamine passivation of α-FAPbI3 for high-performance and air-stable photodetectors
Nano Research 2026, 19(4): 94908476
Published: 25 March 2026
Abstract PDF (8.2 MB) Collect
Downloads:154

Formamidinium–lead triiodide (FAPbI3) shows strong potential for high-performance photodetectors owing to its narrow band gap and superior thermal stability. However, fabrication of pure-phase α-FAPbI3 via a simple method remains challenging. Herein, a facile strategy based on antisolvent engineering is introduced to obtain pure-phase FAPbI3 perovskite films by incorporating 3,5-difluorobenzylamine (DFBZ) into one-step antisolvent chlorobenzene. The findings reveal that the DFBZ molecule can effectively control the crystallization of perovskite and improve α phase stability of FAPbI3 perovskite. The perovskite films incorporating DFBZ exhibit a more uniform and denser surface morphology as well as prolonged carrier lifetime. The resulting photodetectors demonstrate a broad spectral response from 300 to 850 nm, with a responsivity of up to 0.49 A·W−1 at 770 nm. The DFBZ molecule can effectively passivate perovskite crystal defects and also improve the stability of perovskite films. The optimized devices retain approximately 90% of their initial performance after storage in air environment of 25 °C and a relative humidity of 30% for 400 h. The strategy provides an effective route to prepare stable pure-phase α-FAPbI3 perovskite films and broadband photodetectors.

Open Access Research Article Issue
Metal–organic-framework-assisted inhibition of interface oxygen migration for exceptional thermal stability of perovskite solar cells
Nano Research 2025, 18(9): 94907685
Published: 29 August 2025
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Downloads:502

Formamidinium (FA)-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaics due to their exceptional power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, their commercial deployment is hindered by poor stability, particularly under strict environmental stresses like high temperature, with interface degradation and ion migration being key challenges. In this work, we introduce metal–organic framework (MOF) materials composed of assembled Zr clusters and functional amino/sulfhydryl groups at the SnO2/perovskite interface within the n–i–p structure to address these issues. The incorporation of MOFs—specifically their robust framework with confined spatial structure and functional groups—plays a pivotal role in hindering oxygen migration from SnO2 to perovskite, leading to enhanced thermal stability of both perovskite films and PSCs. Furthermore, the anchoring of MOF on SnO2 and perovskite is essential for passivating interface defects, promoting perovskite crystallization, and reducing carrier recombination, all of which contribute to enhanced charge transport. As a result, the MOF-modified devices achieve a champion PCE of 25.22%, with the MOF-modified devices retaining 100% of their initial PCE after 2000 h of thermal aging at 85 °C in N2. This study highlights the structural integrity and functionality of MOFs for achieving high-performance and long-term stable PSCs.

Open Access Research Article Issue
Boosting charge extraction and efficiency of inverted perovskite solar cells through coordinating group modification at the buffer layer/cathode interface
Nano Research 2025, 18(1): 94907075
Published: 24 December 2024
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Downloads:411

In inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), effective modification of the interface between the metal cathode and electron transport layer (ETL) is crucial for achieving high performance and stability. Herein, sulfonated bathocuproine, commonly known as disodium bathocuproine disulfonate (BCDS), was employed as a cathode buffer layer to address the interfacial issues at the [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/Ag interface. BCDS possesses the ability to form coordinate bonds with Ag electrodes. The utilization of the BCDS buffer layer enhanced the charge extraction capability at the cathode interface while simultaneously achieving interfacial defect passivation, improving interfacial contact and increasing the built-in electric field. Consequently, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.06% was achieved. Furthermore, owing to the excellent film-forming uniformity of BCDS on PCBM, the stability of the device was also improved. After storage in dry air for more than 2000 h, the device maintained 96% of its initial efficiency. This work underscores the remarkable potential of tailoring coordination groups to enhance charge extraction efficiency at the ETL–cathode interface, unveiling a promising new frontier in buffer layer development and performance optimization strategies for PSCs.

Research Article Issue
A star-like photodetector for angle-based light sensing in 3D space
Nano Research 2024, 17(8): 7567-7573
Published: 03 July 2024
Abstract PDF (4.8 MB) Collect
Downloads:81

The development of three-dimensional (3D) space light angle detection is vital in optical technology for applications such as 3D imaging, computer vision, and augmented reality. Current methods involve advanced sensors and algorithms, including time-of-flight cameras, which need multiple cameras and light sources to improve accuracy. However, it is a great challenge to integrate these complex components into compact devices. Subwavelength semiconductor structures offer optical resonance characteristics, enabling precise light–matter interaction regulation. A 3D star-like photodetector, fabricated using a template assistant printing strategy, demonstrates optical resonances of the subwavelength facade and the shielding effect of spatial arrangement. It achieves light angle detection with the resolution of 10° in vertical space and the resolution of 36° in horizontal space, making it a promising prototype for various applications.

Research Article Issue
Structure-regulated fluorine-containing additives to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells
Nano Research 2024, 17(7): 6080-6086
Published: 14 March 2024
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Downloads:133

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have seen remarkable progress in recent years, largely attributed to various additives that enhance both efficiency and stability. Among these, fluorine-containing additives have garnered significant interest because of their unique hydrophobic properties, effective defect passivation, and regulation capability on the crystallization process. However, a targeted structural approach to design such additives is necessary to further enhance the performance of PSCs. Here, fluoroalkyl ethylene with different fluoroalkyl chain lengths (CH2CH(CF2)nCF3, n = 3, 5, and 7) as liquid additives is used to investigate influences of fluoroalkyl chain lengths on crystallization regulation and defect passivation. The findings indicate that optimizing the quantity of F groups plays a crucial role in regulating the electron cloud distribution within the additive molecules. This optimization fosters strong hydrogen bonds and coordination effects with FA+ and uncoordinated Pb2+, ultimately enhancing crystal quality and device performance. Notably, 1H,1H,2H-perfluoro-1-hexene (PF3) with the optimal number of F presents the most effective modulation effect. A PSC utilizing PF3 achieves an efficiency of 24.05%, and exhibits exceptional stability against humidity and thermal fluctuations. This work sheds light on the importance of tailored structure designs in additives for achieving high-performance PSCs.

Review Article Issue
Recent advances in photoelectrochemistry-coupled dual-modal biosensors: From constructions to biosensing applications
Nano Research 2024, 17(6): 5512-5528
Published: 29 February 2024
Abstract PDF (8.2 MB) Collect
Downloads:286

Precise and sensitive bioanalysis has been the major and urgent pursuit in pathologic diagnosis, food safety, environment monitoring, and drug evaluation. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) bioanalysis, as one of the most promising detection technologies, has rapidly expanded within the field of analysis. However, most of reported PEC analysis approaches still suffer from weak external anti-interference ability, high background, and the risk of false positive or negative errors due to their inherent single-signal readout. To overcome these shortcomings, new PEC-coupled dual-modal analysis approaches have been developed, where a dual-response signal can be derived through two completely different mechanisms and independent signal transduction pathways. This review introduces the basic principles of PEC biosensing and enumerates and classifies the substrate or probe selections, constructions, and applications of PEC-coupled dual-modal biosensors. Furthermore, the challenges and developmental prospects of PEC-coupled dual-mode sensing technologies are evaluated and discussed. We hope that this review will provide valuable insights into the latest advancements and practical applications of dual-mode PEC bioanalysis, which will be of great interest to those seeking to stay informed in this field.

Review Article Issue
Unveiling the surface-interface properties of perovskite crystals and pivotal regulation strategies
Nano Research 2024, 17(5): 3950-3981
Published: 29 December 2023
Abstract PDF (27.2 MB) Collect
Downloads:171

Metal-halide perovskite solar cells have garnered significant research attention in the last decade due to their exceptional photovoltaic performance and potential for commercialization. Despite achieving remarkable power conversion efficiency of up to 26.1%, a substantial discrepancy persists when compared to the theoretical Shockley–Queisser (SQ) limit. One of the most serious challenges facing perovskite solar cells is the energy loss incurred during photovoltaic conversion, which affects the SQ limits and stability of the device. More significant than the energy loss occurring in the bulk phase of the perovskite is the energy loss occurring at the surface-interface. Here, we provide a systematic overview of the physical and chemical properties of the surface-interface. Firstly, we delve into the underlying mechanism causing the energy deficit and structural degradation at the surface-interface, aiming to enhance the understanding of carrier transport processes and structural chemical reactivity. Furthermore, we systematically summarized the primary modulating pathways, including surface reconstruction, dimensional construction, and electric-field regulation. Finally, we propose directions for future research to advance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells towards the radiative limit and their widespread commercial application.

Review Article Issue
Emerging interactively stretchable electronics with optical and electrical dual-signal feedbacks based on structural color materials
Nano Research 2024, 17(3): 1837-1855
Published: 26 July 2023
Abstract PDF (5.4 MB) Collect
Downloads:177

The booming development of wearable devices has aroused increasing interests in flexible and stretchable devices. With mechanosensory functionality, these devices are highly desirable on account of their wide range of applications in electronic skin, personal healthcare, human–machine interfaces and beyond. However, they are mostly limited by single electrical signal feedback, restricting their diverse applications in visualized mechanical sensing. Inspired by the mechanochromism of structural color materials, interactively stretchable electronics with optical and electrical dual-signal feedbacks are recently emerged as novel sensory platforms, by combining both of their sensing mechanisms and characteristics. Herein, recent studies on interactively stretchable electronics based on structural color materials are reviewed. Following a brief introduction of their basic components (i.e., stretchable electronics and mechanochromic structural color materials), two types of interactively stretchable electronics with respect to the nanostructures of mechanochromic materials are outlined, focusing primarily on their design considerations and fabrication strategies. Finally, the main challenges and future perspectives of these emerging devices are discussed.

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