Zhan-Zhan Zhang, Kai-Jia Liu, Qiu-Shi Li, Yang Liu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3567-z
    Abstract:Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized oncology by harnessing the immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells, yet its clinical efficacy is often limited by tumor immune evasion, low immunogenicity, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent advances in nanotechnology offer opportunities to overcome these barriers by precisely modulating both tumor and immune landscapes. In this review, we summarize three representative strategies developed by our group: (i) surface-adaptive nanomaterials (SANs), which respond dynamically to physiological and tumor-specific cues to enable prolonged systemic circulation, efficient barrier translocation, and controlled intratumoral activation; (ii) antigen-engineering nanoplatforms, designed to enhance tumor immunogenicity via delivering exogenous antigens to antigen-presenting cells (APCs), inducing tumor cells to re-express or re-generate, or anchoring immunogenic epitopes onto tumor surfaces, thereby promoting T cell activation and converting “cold” tumors into “hot” ones; and (iii) TME-modulating nanomaterials, which alleviate immune suppression via targeted delivery of inhibitors, neutralization or degradation of suppressive cytokines, and gene-level reprogramming of tumors to restore effector immunity. Together, these approaches provide a multifaceted framework for reinvigorating antitumor immune responses and offer mechanistic insights and design principles for the next generation of bioactive polymeric nanomaterials with potential translational application in cancer immunotherapy.  
    Keywords:Bioactive nanomaterials;cancer immunotherapy;Low immunogenicity;Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME);Physiological barriers   
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    Updated:2026-04-24

    Ke-Jun Jin, Ying-Jian Yu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3610-0
    Abstract:Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are safe and cost-effective, making them ideal for large-scale energy storage and wearable electronics. Nevertheless, the advancement of AZIB technology faces constraints due to limited energy storage capability and degraded cyclability, primarily attributed to the absence of optimal cathode materials. In this study, two structurally similar but chemically different covalent organic framework materials (Aza-COF-1L and Aza-COF-2) were synthesized. Notably, Aza-COF-1L is easier to synthesize and features abundant pyrazine redox-active sites, a well-defined porous structure, and intrinsic stability. Consequently, Aza-COF-1L exhibited an electrochemical performance superior to that of Aza-COF-2. Aza-COF-1L achieved initial capacities of 368.58, 345.96, and 327.82 mAh·g−1 at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 A·g−1, respectively. After 800 cycles at 1 A·g−1, Aza-COF-1L maintains a specific capacity of 136.38 mAh·g−1. In contrast, Aza-COF-2 exhibited an initial capacity of 117.79 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1, and its capacity significantly decreased during cycling. Additionally, the contribution of the C=N pyrazine redox site in Aza-COF-1L to battery capacity during charging and discharging was experimentally analyzed. These results provide valuable guidance for the development of high-performance organic cathode materials for use in AZIBs.  
    Keywords:Zinc-ion batteries;Covalent organic frameworks;Cathodes;Pyrazine-based materials;Organic electrodes   
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    Updated:2026-04-24

    Ming-Zhe Zhao, Kong-Ying Zhu, Xiao-Yan Yuan, Li-Xia Ren

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3589-6
    Abstract:Membrane-less organelles (MLOs), formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules in cells, play crucial roles in cellular function such as gene expression, epigenetics, cellular metabolism, and so on. Moreover, the function of MLOs is closely related to the size of their droplets. Synthetic coacervates, which mimic MLOs, show great potential in cell biomimicry, drug delivery, and functioning as nanoreactors. However, the droplet size regulation of coacervates excluding concentration is challenging. In this work, synthetic coacervates are formed by poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate) (PHPA), which undergoes lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type coacervation driven by hydrophobic interactions under physiological conditions. The size of the coacervate droplets is regulated by incorporating a more hydrophobic block, poly(di(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether acrylate) (PDEGA); the droplet size decreases from 5 μm to 234 nm as the PDEGA block length increases. Additionally, liquid-to-solid phase transition (LSPT) is observed with further increase in the PDEGA block. Thus, both droplet size and LSPT are controlled by the hydrophobicity of the block copolymers. The LCST-type coacervate shows thermal protection of enzymes such as glucose oxidase, which decreases as the size of coacervate droplets decreases, while the precipitates offer no protection activity. Furthermore, glucose oxidase (GOx) retains over 85% of its activity after 3 h of treatment at 60 °C with PHPA44 coacervate. The hydrophobicity-tuned size control of coacervate droplets and LSPT bring insight into the molecular mechanism of coacervate phase change and facilitates the design of coacervate for biomimicking applications.  
    Keywords:Block copolymer;Coacervate;Liquid-liquid phase separation;Liquid-to-solid phase transition;Protein thermal protection   
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    Updated:2026-04-24

    Yi Yu, Wei Zhou, Tao Chen, Wei Lu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3597-6
    Abstract:Polymer hydrogels with variable stiffness demonstrate immense practical application value, particularly when utilizing water as a trigger medium, which significantly expands their prospects in soft robotics, bioelectronics, and artificial muscles. However, existing water-induced stiffening hydrogel rely on ionic liquids and inorganic salts, posing leakage risks during prolonged use. Here, we proposed a strategy for mechanically strengthening hydrogel through water-induced phase separation. By designing a polymer matrix featuring hydrophilic oligomeric ethylene glycol methacrylate (OEGMA) and hydrophobic methyl methacrylate (MMA) moieties, this poly[methyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate] [P(MMAx-co-OEGMAy)] hydrogel exhibited reversible stiffness switching across four orders of magnitude (from 1.88×10–2 MPa to 201.63 MPa) upon water stimulation. This abrupt stiffness enhancement stemmed from strong hydrogen bonding between water molecules and hydrophilic OEGMA segments, facilitating spontaneous aggregation and phase separation of hydrophobic MMA segments. The resulting hydrophobic MMA domains formed dynamic physical crosslinking points, thereby enhancing the hydrogel's stiffness. Furthermore, the hydrogel exhibited a time-dependent, multi-stage stiffness enhancement during water swelling. As proof of concept, it was employed as a shape-memory component to explore its application in the controllable programming of multi-stage complex shapes, offering novel design insights for developing environmentally friendly, high-mechanical-performance smart hydrogel materials.  
    Keywords:Polymer hydrogel;Water-induced phase separation;Stiffness enhancement;Hydrogen bonding;Shape memory   
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    Updated:2026-04-24

    Jun-Yang Liu, Yu-Chen Zhang, Yi-Xin Liu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3599-4
    Abstract:Recent advances in polymer synthesis have enabled the creation of block copolymers with increasingly complex chain architectures, presenting exciting opportunities for novel materials design. However, elucidating and exploring their intricate mesophase behavior calls for highly efficient computational tools. Building upon recent developments in optimizing propagator computations for branched polymers, such as dynamic programming approaches and extensions of comb polymer methods, we introduce a novel topology-driven acceleration algorithm specifically designed for graph-enhanced field-based simulations (FBS) of block copolymers. Unlike prior methods focused on specific redundancies, our approach leverages graph isomorphism for topological decomposition, enabling systematic handling of symmetries in arbitrary architectures. Comprehensive benchmark tests on diverse complex architectures, including miktoarm star polymers and dendrimers, demonstrate significant computational speed-ups across a wide range of ordered phases. The acceleration algorithm not only enables rapid exploration of vast parameter spaces for complex block copolymer systems with self-consistent field theory (SCFT) simulations but also maintains full compatibility with sampling-based field-theoretical simulations (FTS), facilitating broader applicability in computational polymer science.  
    Keywords:Block copolymers;Self-consistent field theory;Graph theory;Graph isomorphism   
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    Updated:2026-04-24

    Zi-Xing Zhang, Bai Xue, Jian-Neng Li, Kui Yang, Fan Zhang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3617-6
    Abstract:Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) is a type of reversible chemical reactions under the control of thermodynamics. The reversibility of DCC allows the exchange of reaction components to form thermodynamically stable products. This kind of reaction has been widely incorporated in various research directions, holding an important significance in guiding emerging fields, such as two-dimensional macrocycles, two-dimensional materials and three-dimensional molecular cages. Of them, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as a class of high crystalline porous conjugated polymers linked by dynamic covalent bonds exhibit huge potential application in various fields, such as gas separation, catalysis, sensing, biomedicines, and electronic devices due to their long-range ordered structures, regular pore distribution, high specific surface areas, and excellent molecular material designability. Vinylene-linked COFs feature high chemical stability and outstanding π-electron delocalization, extremely desired for the development of high-performance semiconducting catalysts and device. However, given that the formation reaction of carbon-carbon double bond only exhibited much poorer reversibility than those of the traditional dynamic covalent bonds, it still a big challenge to well-control the preparation of high-quality vinylene-linked COFs. In this review article, we intend to summarize the synthetic strategy approach to 2D vinylene-linked COFs on the basis of the rational design of the key monomers and the optimized reaction conditions for efficiently promoting Knoevenagel/aldol condensation. Then, we exemplified several applications arising from the unique characters of such kinds of COFs. Eventually, the challenges and opportunities of vinylene-linked COFs were also foreseen.  
    Keywords:Covalent organic frameworks;Vinylene linkage;Dynamic condensation;Monomer design;Semiconducting properties   
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    Updated:2026-04-24

    Yao Liu, Yao-Guang Liu, Jun-Xin Xu, Qi Yang, Wen-Peng Zhao, Liang Fang, Xiu-Juan Wang, Heng Liu, Chun-Yu Zhang, Xue-Quan Zhang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3581-1
    Abstract:In this study, the coordination pathways and decomposition behavior of azo-containing dicyano compounds within Fe(acac)3/AliBu3/donor ternary catalyst systems were systematically investigated via in situ Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, the modulating effect of conjugated moieties on the coordination interaction between cyanide groups and Fe ions was examined in detail. Experimental results demonstrate that isoprene polymerization catalyzed by azodicyanide mediated Fe-based catalytic systems proceeds via a coordination polymerization mechanism. Notably, the azo group does not directly participate in the coordination process; instead, it exerts a regulatory influence on the coordination capacity of the cyano group. Although thermal decomposition of the azo group occurs at elevated temperatures, it fails to initiate free radical polymerization of the isoprene monomer. Conjugated moieties including azo, vinyl, and benzene rings exert distinct impacts on the cyanide group. As electron-donating species, their Raman spectral characteristics reflect varying influences on cyanide coordination behavior. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that AIBN with azo groups as the conjugated moiety exhibits the most negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG°=–222.71 kcal·mol–1) for the coordination reaction with Fe2+, indicating that the cyano groups in the azo-containing compound possess the strongest coordination capability with Fe2+. The coordination effects of conjugated groups on the cyanide center follow the sequence: azo > carbon-carbon double bond > benzene ring, where azo groups show the most significant coordination enhancement. These theoretical findings are consistent with the observed polymerization activity, suggesting that rational design of electron donors can be guided by theoretical calculations.  
    Keywords:Iron-based catalysts;Polyisoprene;Azo group;Raman spectroscopy;Density functional theory (DFT)   
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    Updated:2026-04-24

    Fang Xu, Xin-Bao Han, Hao-Hao Ren, Wei-Tao Gong, Rong-Sheng Cai, Yu Li, Ming Zhang, Wen-Bo Sheng

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3611-z
    Abstract:Combining nanomaterials with the three-dimensional hydrophilic network of hydrogels is an effective strategy for creating smart materials with enhanced mechanical properties and advanced functionalities. Herein, chitosan quaternary ammonium/polyacrylamide (QP) hydrogels with interpenetrating networks were prepared via an in situ method based on chain entanglement, in which polyoxometalate (POM) nanoparticles were introduced as physical crosslinking agents. This incorporation of POMs significantly improved the overall mechanical properties of the hydrogels, endowing them with high fracture energy, low hysteresis, and outstanding resilience under high water content (>90%). Owing to the strong water molecule adsorption capacity of POMs and their homogeneous and dense distribution as physical crosslinking points in the hydrogel structure, the friction coefficient was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the hydrogels exhibited good biocompatibility as well as pH- and ion-responsive behavior, while maintaining structural stability under varying external stimuli. Notably, the swelling ratio increased in high-concentration salt solutions, making them promising for applications in controlled drug release, intelligent monitoring, and especially in seawater desalination treatment.  
    Keywords:Polyoxometalates;Hydrogel;Chain entanglement;Low friction;Stimuli responsiveness   
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    Updated:2026-04-24

    Mai Zhou, Gui-Qiu Ma, Zhe Ma

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3590-0
    Abstract:The long-range order and intrinsic entanglement of polymer play a crucial role in crystallization and the corresponding melting relaxation which, however, are rarely treated as a form of symmetry. In this work, a field model is developed based on a self-avoiding random string with open ends, where time dimension for string vibrations is added and the dynamics of chain vibrations is captured by a $ \phi^4 $ theory with O(N) symmetry. The long-range order triggered by crystallization is referred to the scalar's breaking in grand canonical ensemble, while entanglement is considered as a geometric dynamic effect in absence of closed loops, rather than chain topology. For the entanglement, there are interactions among the replica scalar's components via the gauged O(N) symmetry. The infrared stability at $ d = 3+1 $ requires $ N = 2 $, thus the gauge-scalar theory is reduced to Coleman-Weinberg model in the rest frame. The finite-temperature effect causes the second-order phase transition related to scalar's breaking to become first-order with a metastable region, depending on the gauge coupling g. These modeling results are helpful in understanding the crystallization and melting behavior of polymer, including the difference of the extrapolated temperatures in Gibbs-Thomson equation, and the re-entanglement and the vanishing of long-range order in melt relaxation.  
    Keywords:Crystallization;Spontaneous symmetry breaking;Entanglement;Long-range order   
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    Updated:2026-04-16

    Wei-Long Hu, Hao-Ke Qiu, En-Zhe Jing, Wan-Chen Zhao, Hai-Yang Huo, Zhao-Yan Sun

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3643-4
    Abstract:Polyimides (PIs) are widely used in industry owing to their excellent mechanical properties and thermomechanical stability, which depend not only on molecular structure but also on processing conditions. In this study, we present a machine-learning-based strategy for predicting and optimizing the mechanical properties of PI materials by explicitly incorporating processing information into predictive models. Three machine learning models were developed to evaluate PI structures together with thermal imidization parameters, with the aim of improving the prediction accuracy of mechanical properties and enhancing the interpretability of structure-processing-property relationships. By analyzing structural and processing descriptors, key factors influencing tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break were identified. The results indicate that, in addition to molecular descriptors, processing-related features plays a substantial role on multiple mechanical properties. Based on the trained models, we further developed an automated tool that accepts a SMILES representation of a PI structure as input and outputs the predicted mechanical properties along with the corresponding processing conditions associated with optimal performance. This work provides a data-driven framework for guiding PI material design and process optimization, and offers a practical basis for future experimental validation. Our proposed approach is readily extendable to other polymer systems and polymer composites where processing plays an important role in determining mechanical behavior.  
    Keywords:Explainable machine learning;Polyimides;Mechanical property   
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    Updated:2026-04-16

    Yi Yang, Jun-Mei Song, Tian-You Wang, Shu-Wei Wu, Yu-Hang Zhou, Zhi-Peng Gu, Ling-Hong Guo, Xian Jiang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3657-y
    Abstract:Sanshool is a promising skin photoprotective agent with strong UV absorption and great antioxidative activity. However, it faces challenges including poor stability, skin penetration-associated systemic toxicity, and efficacy loss upon chemical modification. To address these issues, amphiphilic hyaluronic acids (HHA) were synthesized and self-assembled to integrate with sanshool via hydrophobic interactions, significantly boosting its photostability by 24% and enhancing its antioxidative activity. In HaCaT cells, HHA-sanshool nanoparticles (NPs) reduced UVB-induced reactive oxygen species, decreased cell apoptosis, and lowered G2/M phase arrest from 42% to approximately 31% (close to the normal level), while also inhibiting excessive autophagy. Moreover, in a mouse model, HHA-sanshool NPs alleviated UVB-induced skin damage, reducing skin thickening by up to 50% and mitigating erythema, protected collagen/elastic fibers, and suppressed proinflammatory factor, with no dermal penetration in vivo. This strategy provides a simple, efficient and safe platform for natural active molecular clinical translation in skin photoprotection.  
    Keywords:Hyaluronic acid;Sanshool;Nanoplatform;Stability improvement;Cell cycle regulation   
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    Updated:2026-04-16

    Xiao-Jiao Shi, Yu-Bin Zhang, Na Li, Yu-Xuan Qiao, Ya Liang, Gong-Kuo Yu, Ai-Hong Su, Ze-Cheng Song, Dan-Dan Song, Ti-Feng Jiao, Zhi-Hui Qin

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3571-3
    Abstract:The rapid advancement of wearable sensors necessitates ionically conductive hydrogels that simultaneously exhibit high stretchability, damage tolerance, and reliable adhesion. However, achieving these properties in a single material remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report an ionically conductive polyoxometalate (POM)-based hydrogel (PAA/L-arg@SIW) fabricated by incorporating L-arginine (L-arg)-modified silicotungstic acid nanocomplexes (L-arg@SIW) into a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) network as a multifunctional dynamic crosslinker. Strong electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding between rigid L-arg@SIW nanoclusters and flexible PAA chains generate a three-dimensional hard-soft synergistic network, in which dynamic crosslinks preferentially rupture and re-form under mechanical loading, thereby dissipating energy and suppressing crack propagation. Consequently, the hydrogel exhibits exceptional stretchability (fracture strain >1500%), high toughness (1483 kJ/m3), outstanding crack resistance (fracture energy up to 6.82 kJ/m2), and high ionic conductivity (0.15 S/m), along with robust adhesion to diverse substrates. Hydrogel-based sensors demonstrate high strain sensitivity (gauge factor (GF)=8.06), fast response, and excellent cyclic stability, enabling reliable monitoring of human motion and high-fidelity acquisition of electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals. This study presents an effective strategy for constructing high-performance ionically conductive hydrogels for wearable sensing applications.  
    Keywords:Hydrogel;High stretchability;Notch-insensitivity;Self-adhesion;Wearable sensor   
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    Updated:2026-04-16

    Yi-Kai Zhao, Yi Zou, Jie-Chun Zhou, Jin-Rong Huang, Jian-Wen Chen, Jin-Rui Huang, Yu-Tian Zhu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3587-8
    Abstract:Polymer-based piezoelectric films can be assembled into piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs), which can simultaneously serve as flexible pressure sensors and energy harvesting devices. However, the low piezoelectric output of PENGs is a major limitation for their practical applications. Herein, we propose a coaxial electrospinning strategy to generate a core-shell structured nanofiber film, which could significantly enhance the piezoelectric output compared to the traditional nanofiber film via conventional single-axial electrospinning. Notably, the as-prepared PENGs based on the core-shell structured CsCuCl3/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber composite film (2 wt%) produced via coaxial spinneret exhibit a 60% increase in output voltage (increase from 48 V to 75 V) and a 50% increase in short-circuit current (increase from 0.2 μA to 0.3 μA) compared to those prepared using a single-needle spinneret. More interestingly, this enhancement in piezoelectric performance is a universal phenomenon because the coaxial electrospinning process can induce greater polymer chain alignment in the shell layer and lead to increased crystallinity and a higher proportion of the piezoelectric-active β-phase. Owing to their enhanced piezoelectric output and high sensitivity to subtle pressure variations, the resulting PENGs demonstrate promising potential for human-machine interaction applications. This study offers a novel and broadly applicable approach to boost the piezoelectric performance of polymer-based PENGs.  
    Keywords:Piezoelectric nanogenerators;Pressure sensors;Coaxial electrospinning;Piezoelectric performance;Human-machine interaction   
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    Updated:2026-04-16

    Xue-Lin Song, Shun-Jie Liu, Xian-Hong Wang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3630-9
    Abstract:We report a platform-based approach for designing of aromatic polyesters with customizable optical properties. By employing a series of benzaldehyde-derived cyclic carbonate monomers, we performed ring-opening alternating copolymerization with phthalic anhydride to yield structurally regular polyesters featuring diverse substituents. All monomers underwent smooth copolymerization, producing polymers with controlled molecular weights (Mn=21–45 kDa) and narrow dispersity (Đ=1.04–1.28). Thermal analysis revealed decomposition temperatures above 280 °C and glass transition temperatures exceeding 90 °C, ensuring robust thermal stability. The resulting polyesters showed excellent visible-light transparency, with transmittance greater than 92% between 400–600 nm. Systematic modification of aromatic substituents enabled continuous tuning of refractive indices from 1.563 to 1.622, alongside Abbe numbers ranging from 30.9 to 45.1, highlighting the significant impact of electronic polarizability on optical performance. This work establishes a unified molecular design platform for creating high-performance optical polyesters with predictable and tunable refractive and dispersive properties.  
    Keywords:Optical polyester;Cyclic carbonate;Designable properties   
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    Updated:2026-04-16

    Miao-Han Ban, Jin-Lun Wu, Yi-Meng Han, An-Ping Yang, Qi Ding, Fei Xu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3638-1
    Abstract:The urgent global demand for clean energy has positioned proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as a pivotal technology owing to their high efficiency and environmental friendliness. Their performance critically relies on the proton exchange membranes (PEMs). Recently, integrating covalent organic frameworks (COFs) into conventional proton-conducting polymers has gained increasing, as this strategy is expected to combine the structural advantages of COFs with polymer flexibility to develop advanced PEMs. This review briefly outlines the current types of PEMs and the COF design for proton conducting. Then the fabrication strategies and evaluation methods are introduced. The design of COF-modified Nafion and sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) for low-humidity proton conduction, as well as COF-modified polybenzimidazole (PBI) for high-temperature proton conduction were summarized, with particular emphasis on COFs forming continuous “proton highways” within polymer matrices for enhanced conduction while leveraging molecular sieving to suppress fuel crossover and thus improve cell efficiency and safety. Finally, critical challenges and outlook of COF-modified PEMs are discussed, such as interfacial compatibility, COF agglomeration, and the long-term stability and scalability under harsh conditions, which severely hinder the practical applications. Potential solutions are proposed, including in situ growth, hierarchical pore design, and gradient doping, to improve interfacial compatibility while maintaining excellent mechanical properties, as well as the development of intelligent and multifunctional PEMs.  
    Keywords:Covalent organic frameworks;Proton exchange membranes;COF-modified PEMs;Interfacial compatibility   
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    Updated:2026-04-16

    Kai-Xin Li, Yuan-Yuan Yin, Zhen-Jie Mu, Zhong-Hua Xiang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3556-2
    Abstract:Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are synthesized from organic building blocks through covalent bonds, constituting a class of crystalline organic polymers. They are characterized by well-defined periodic structures, uniform and permanent pores, high porosity, customizable functionalities, high chemical and thermal stability, and tailored topological architectures. The customizable functional groups and tunable pore environments can be integrated into the infinitely extending skeletons of COFs, facilitated by an extensive toolbox of molecular synthesis. This versatility has garnered significant interest across various fields. However, the large-scale production of functional COFs is highly desirable to meet the growing demand for various applications, yet it remains constrained by high costs and the low efficiency of current synthesis methods. Among the synthesis methods for COFs, solvothermal synthesis remains the dominant approach, while, it faces significant challenges such as prolonged reaction times, reliance on organic solvents, high temperature and pressure conditions, complex operational procedures, and environmental unsustainability. The microwave-assisted method for synthesizing COFs can rapidly and uniformly transfer reactive energy at the molecular level due to its unique volumetric heating mechanism. This approach offers a promising solution to the challenges associated with conventional synthesis methods for COFs. This review systematically includes recent research advances in microwave-assisted synthesis (MAS) of COFs, organized by their linkages, topologies, and synthesis methods. It compiles key synthesis parameters and material properties, along with fundamental aspects concerning COFs and microwave interactions. Current challenges and prospects in this field are also discussed.  
    Keywords:Covalent organic framework;Microwave-assisted synthesis;Linkage;Topology   
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    Updated:2026-04-13

    Peng-Yun Xie, Xin Wang, Ya-Ping Jiang, Kai-Fa Dong, Hui Peng, Guo-Fu Ma, Lei Zhu, Yu-Xi Xu

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3564-2
    Abstract:Porous polymer fibers, which integrate polymer flexibility with high surface area and tunable porosity, represent a burgeoning class of functional materials. Unlike previous reviews that focused on electrospun porous fibers or porous materials used for specific energy/separation functions, this review focuses on fibers and systematically explores their controllable synthesis from a cross-process perspective. These include electrospinning-assisted pore-forming techniques, phase separation, template processing, 3D printing, and key structure-function relationships that determine their properties. Key applications include environmental remediation (filtration and adsorption), energy storage (batteries and supercapacitors), biomedical engineering (tissue scaffolds and drug delivery), and advanced smart textiles. This further highlights emerging trends toward smart/wearable integration and the hybridization of porous fibers with advanced porous frameworks and conductive components. This review is expected to provide a viable research direction for porous polymer fibers.  
    Keywords:Porous polymer fibers;Environmental remediation;Energy devices;Smart textiles;Functional integration   
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    Updated:2026-04-09

    Feng Yuan, Dan Lin, Yue Zhang, Kang Han, Qing Xu, He Ma, Ping-Ping Huang, Yong Liu, Ling-Dan Kong

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3692-8
      
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    Updated:2026-04-09

    Jia-Hui Ni, Ming-Qing Yu, Xin-Ze-Yu Zhang, Yu-Zhu Wang, Yao-Zu Liao

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3586-9
    Abstract:Solar-driven interfacial evaporation provides a sustainable solution to freshwater scarcity. However, its practical use is hindered by salt crystallization, the mechanical fragility of existing evaporators, and the substantial low-grade heat generated during evaporation, which is seldom utilized. Herein, drawing functional inspiration from the efficient mass-transport characteristics of the lotus root, we design a biomimetic polymerized high internal phase emulsion (PolyHIPE)-hydrogel composite (SH@FPCP) featuring an interpenetrating network. The interconnected macropores act as rapid vapor-escape pathways, while hydrogel filaments threaded through the pores continuously replenish water and dissolve accumulating salts. The fluorinated polypyrrole-modified PolyHIPE framework provides a strong photothermal response under solar irradiation. The SH@FPCP evaporator delivers a high evaporation rate of 3.19 kg·m−2·h−1 with stable salt-resistant operation for over one week. The compressive strength increases to 1298 kPa at 5% strain, highlighting substantial mechanical reinforcement compared with the unmodified hydrogel. Moreover, the SH@FPCP evaporator enables thermoelectric power generation, delivering a power density of 720 mW·m−2 and an open-circuit voltage of 110 mV. This study provides a novel material design strategy for developing durable and high-performance solar evaporation systems.  
    Keywords:PolyHIPE-hydrogel composite;Biomimetic evaporator;Solar-driven interfacial evaporation;Desalination;Salt-resistant   
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    Updated:2026-04-09

    Xiang-Yuan Tian, Xin Zhang, Dian-Bo Zhang, Ya Liu, Xiao-Pei Wang, Zhen-Xiu Zhang

    Corrected Proof
    DOI:10.1007/s10118-026-3612-y
    Abstract:Liquid silicone rubber foam (LSRF) offers superior processability, high mechanical flexibility, and low thermal conductivity, which are of great significance for achieving long-term thermal insulation and fire resistance but remain challenging to achieve. We first prepared LSRF with excellent open-cell performance, achieving a water absorption rate of 242.5%, and then explored the advantages of flame-retardant solution impregnation in the open-cell structure. Meanwhile, the synergistic flame-retardant effect of kaolin (KL), glass powder (GP), and silica aerogel (AG) was investigated. When the composite formulation was LSRF/30KL10GP20AG, the material exhibited outstanding flame-retardant properties: the limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 33.2%, an increase of 9% compared with unfilled LSRF, the vertical burning rating was V-0, and the water contact angle of the surface after combustion was 160.35°, meeting the superhydrophobic standard. At the same time, the sample LSRF/30KL10GP20AG showed a 49.6% reduction in peak heat release rate and an 83.8% reduction in total peak smoke production compared to LSRF. Under butane-flame impingement at 1300 °C, the flame-retardant LSRF maintained an intact structure for 120 s, with the backside temperature rising only to 219 °C, demonstrating excellent thermal insulation performance. In a high-temperature environment at 800 °C, the foam well retained its original cell structure and maintained volume stability, forming a dense, hard ceramicized carbon layer with a compressive strength of 2.69 MPa. The fillers were uniformly impregnated and distributed on the foam surface and cell walls, endowing the material with durable flame retardancy, low smoke generation, and minimal toxic gas release, effectively inhibiting the spread of flames during fires and enabling LSRF foam to be widely applied in the field of building flame retardancy.  
    Keywords:Liquid silicone rubber foam;Vacuum impregnation;Flame-retardant;Thermal insulation;Ceramization   
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