Two Decades of Materials Research Excellence at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE, CAS)

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), this special issue features NIMTE's state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research at the frontiers of materials science and engineering. We established an academic committee with Prof. Qunji Xue, a Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), as the advisor. Prof. Liping Wang, the president of NIMTE, Prof. Tao Chen, and Prof. Zhiyi Lu as guest editors are responsible for the issue. The special issue showcases a collection of Reviews reflecting the remarkable contributions of NIMTE faculty members, covering a wide range of hot topics in materials science and their highly important applications. NIMTE, as a research institute affiliated with the CAS, was officially co-founded in 2004 by the CAS, Zhejiang Province, and Ningbo Municipality. NIMTE is dedicating itself to strengthening the cross-integration of the main discipline, i.e., materials science, with other disciplines of chemistry, physics, information technology, medical engineering, and mechanical engineering. NIMTE, including 12 academic and technology innovation units, now has a full-time regular faculty staff of more than 1000 from a diverse background and a student population of more than 2500. Named after “materials”, NIMTE pursues the goals with “materials” as the cornerstone, conducting fundamental, forward-looking, world-leading research in the field of materials. As a result, the research and development of marine materials and related technologies, magnetic functional materials and devices, polymers and composites, new energy materials and system technology, optoelectronic information materials and devices, biomedical materials and technology, etc., have shown distinctive features and advantages in recent years. In the near future, NIMTE will strive to become a cradle of original innovation and integrated innovation of key technologies in the new materials field, growing into a world-class scientific research institution. This Special Issue of Advanced Materials features 31 Reviews, encompassing various disciplines within materials science and engineering, organized under 6 main themes: marine materials and related technologies, magnetic functional materials and devices, polymers and composites, new energy materials and system technology, optoelectronic information materials and devices, biomedical materials and technology. In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Liping Wang, Prof. Wenjie Zhao, and coworkers present the latest advances in two dimensional (2D) nanomaterial-reinforced organic composite coatings. The main protection models based on 2D nanomaterials for corrosion resistance are thoroughly summarized, including a physical barrier, self-healing, as well as cathodic protection, respectively. Furthermore, computational simulations and critical factors on the corrosion protection properties of 2D nanomaterials are clarified in detail. The remaining challenges and key prospects for marine corrosion protection based on 2D nanomaterials reinforced organic coatings are highlighted (article number 2312460). In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Liping Wang, Prof. Liangfeng Huang, and coworkers review the up-to-date computational studies for the effect of environmental factors on the lubrication performance of 2D materials, summarize the theoretical methods in lubrication from classical to quantum-mechanics ones, and emphasize the importance of quantum method in revealing the lubrication mechanism at the atomic and electronic level. An effective simulation method based on ab initio molecular dynamics is also proposed to try to provide more ways to accurately reveal the friction mechanisms and reliably guide the lubricating material design. On the basis of current development, future prospects and challenges for the simulation and modeling in lubrication with a realistic environment are outlined (article number 2312429). In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Tao Chen, Prof. Wei Lu, Prof. Ben Zhong Tang, and coworkers present a comprehensive review of the recently developed, compact, and ordered emitters by supramolecular dynamic interactions for high-performance organic room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials. Their typical preparation strategies, optoelectronic properties, and promising applications of related organic RTP materials spanning from bioimaging and afterglow display to information encryption and chemical sensing are thoroughly summarized. Key challenges and perspectives of this field are highlighted to suggest potential directions for future study (article number 2311347). In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Tao Chen, Prof. Peng Xiao, and coworkers summarize the recent progress on superhydrophobic solar-to-thermal conversion materials toward cutting-edge applications. Mechanisms of photothermal materials, i.e., local heating of plasma, non-radiative relaxation, and molecular thermal vibration, and the corresponding strategies for designing superhydrophobic photothermal materials to enhance solar-to-thermal efficiency, including laser-etching, spraying, chemical deposition, dip-coating, and layer-by-layer assembly, are thoroughly addressed. The synergetic functions and applications of superhydrophobic photothermal materials are systematically summarized for stable and efficient solar heating under diverse water conditions. Perspectives on future investigations and challenges aimed at improving the efficiency and stability based on water medium of solar-to-thermal conversion systems are outlined (article number 2311453). In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Xiaoqing Liu and coworkers summarize the recent advances in functional bio-based thermosets, with a particular focus on molecular structures and design strategies for discovering functional properties. Examples are highlighted wherein functionalities, including antibacterial, flame retardancy, antibacterial, self-healing ability, stimuli responsiveness, and serving as carbon precursors, are facilitated by the inherent structures of bio-based feedstock. Perspectives on issues regarding further advances in this field are proposed at the end (article number 2311242). In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Zhixiang Zeng, and coworkers present a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art and recent developments in bioinspired slippery surfaces for liquid manipulation from tiny droplets to bulk liquid. Their inspiration creatures in nature, design principles, preparation methods, wetting mechanism, and emerging applications are highlighted and systemically summarized. The current challenges and future prospects of various bioinspired slippery surfaces are briefly addressed (article number 2311489). In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Tao Zhang and coworkers summarize the recent advances in 2D conjugated polymer (2DCP) thin films for organic electronics. It particularly encompasses the advantages of 2DCPs in topological structure design, linkage chemistry, and carrier transport, alongside the recent advancements in interfacial synthesis strategies, conductivity tuning, and their applications in organic electronics. The opportunities and challenges in the field of 2DCP for high-performance organic electronic devices are also discussed to provide insights for future research (article number 2311541). In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Chengte Lin, Prof. Nan Jiang, Prof. Jinhong Yu, and coworkers present a thorough review elucidating recent advances in investigating thermal interface materials (TIMs) based on two-dimensional sheets (graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, etc.). Special emphasis has been placed on the structure design/development history, properties, and applications of these TIMs, along with a detailed analysis of critical challenges and potential solutions, aiming to offer constructive guidance for the future development of high-performance TIMs used for the thermal management of high-power electronic devices (article number 2311335). In the field of marine materials and related technologies, Prof. Qing Huang and coworkers provide perspectives on the chemical intercalation of layered materials, including graphite/graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, MXenes, and some particular materials. The characteristics of the different intercalation methods and their chemical mechanisms are discussed. The influence of intercalation on the structural changes of the host materials and the structural change in how to affect the intrinsic properties of the intercalation compounds are discussed. Furthermore, a perspective on the applications of intercalation compounds in fields such as energy conversion and storage, catalysis, smart devices, biomedical applications, and environmental remediation is provided. Finally, brief insights into the challenges and future opportunities for the chemical intercalation of layered materials are provided (article number 2312918). In the field of magnetic functional materials and devices, Prof. Runwei Li, Prof. Yiwei Liu, Dr. Yuanzhao Wu, and coworkers have reviewed recent advancements in flexible magneto-sensitive materials and devices for wearable electronics. They provide a comprehensive overview of the preparation and mechanical principles of flexible magnetic materials, the principles and performance of flexible magnetic sensors, and their applications in wearable electronic devices. The discussion also covers the future development trends and potential challenges for practical applications in wearable devices (article number 2311996). In the field of magnetic functional materials and devices, Prof. Runwei Li, Prof. Xiaojian Zhu, Dr. Hongwei Tan, and coworkers provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in nanoionic device-based neuromorphic computing technologies and their potential in the next generation of human-machine interaction (HMI). Through a detailed examination of fundamental mechanisms and behaviors, the paper explores how nanoionic memristors and ion-gated transistors mimic neurons and synapses. It rigorously evaluates crucial performance metrics like reliability, energy efficiency, flexibility, and biocompatibility, and discusses the relevant applications, challenges, and opportunities in emerging HMI technologies, shedding light on the fusion of humans with machines (article number 2311472). In the field of magnetic functional materials and devices, Prof. Guowei Li, Prof. Wei Li, Dr. Wen Sun, and coworkers, offer an extensive review of the role of electronic properties in driving clean energy catalysis, examining both charge and spin perspectives. They thoroughly summarize the nature of heterogeneous catalytic reactions and strategies for enhancing catalytic efficiency through the manipulation of charge and spin dynamics. This exploration covers a broad range of applications, from identifying enantiomorphs and synthesizing chiral molecules to multi-electron reactions pertinent to energy conversion and even questions surrounding the origins of life (article number 2312524). In the field of magnetic functional materials and devices, Prof. Junqiang Wang, Prof. Lijian Song, Prof. Juntao Huo, Prof. Meng Gao, and Prof. Yan Zhang summarize the recent progress in studying the enthalpy relaxation kinetics and influence on functional properties. Especially, the relaxation units, i.e., relaxun, are detected for the first time in experiments. The complex interactions of relaxuns are studied, which may trigger memory effects. It is found that relaxuns exhibit multiple evolution steps during isothermal annealing. A new strategy based on precisely controlling the nonequilibrium energy states is proposed to design amorphous alloys with superior functional properties, e.g. soft magnetism, magnetocaloric effect, and catalytic properties (article number 2311406). In the field of polymers and composites, Prof. Fu Liu and Dr. Na Lu summarize the recent progress on tempospatially confined catalytic membranes for advanced water remediation. The catalytic membrane materials, catalytic mechanisms, and tempospatial confinement mechanisms comprising the nanoconfinement effect, interface effect, and kinetic mass transfer are emphasized. Their roles in the construction and performance optimization are clarified. The fabrication methods, application, and performance evaluations are presented. Finally, the future direction of catalytic membranes for water treatment is proposed (article number 2311419). In the field of polymers and composites, Prof. Jian Zhang, Prof. Chunlin Chen, and coworkers, with over a decade of biomass research and industrialization experience, summarized advances in catalytic synthesis, oxidation, reduction, and etherification of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural. They have delved into the discussion of reaction pathways and technical challenges for the efficient conversion of biomass, encompassing catalyst types, reaction modes, solvent selection, product separation and purification, technical-economic analysis, and future development directions. Despite catalyst progress, with certain process routes demonstrating economic viability and key performance indicators surpassing those of petroleum-based counterparts, a substantial gap remains between research and industrialization due to limited engineering studies (article number 2311464). In the field of new energy materials and system technology, Prof. Zhiyi Lu, Dr. Wenwen Xu, and coworkers summarize the recent progress on anode stability for seawater electrolysis to produce hydrogen system. Factors affecting anode stability, i.e., selectivity-induced instability, halide-induced corrosion, and physical damage, and the corresponding strategies for designing catalytic materials to prolong the anode life, including designing catalytic materials, electrolyte optimization, and electrolyzer design, are thoroughly addressed. A series of rapid stability assessments are proposed for the fast screening of both highly active and stable catalysts/electrodes. Perspectives on future investigations aimed at improving the stability of seawater electrolysis systems are outlined (article number 2311322). In the field of new energy materials and system technology, Prof. Jun Jiang, Prof. Zhigang Chen, Dr. Nanhai Li, and coworkers epitomize the recent progress in AgCuQ-based thermoelectric materials, from the optimization of thermoelectric performance to the rational design of devices, encompassing the fundamental understanding of crystal structures, electronic band structures, mechanical properties, and quasi-liquid behaviors. The correlation between chemical composition, mechanical properties, and thermoelectric performance in this material system is also highlighted. Additionally, several key issues and prospects are proposed for further optimizing AgCuQ-based thermoelectric materials (article number 2313146). In the field of new energy materials and system technology, Prof. Xiayin Yao and coworkers give a comprehensive review on the most widely studied inorganic sodium solid electrolytes. Their fundamental properties, synthesis techniques, Na+ conduction mechanisms, and recent breakthroughs are summarized. Also, the challenges including enhancing ionic conductivity, optimizing interfacial compatibility, mitigating dendrite formation, and the corresponding solutions are discussed. The potential applications of these solid electrolytes are presented as well. This review offers deep insights for future research in solid-state sodium batteries (article number 2311475). In the field of new energy materials and system technology, Prof. Yinjun Xie, Prof. Yanwei Gu, and coworkers provide a concise summary of recent advancements in reversible liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), showing promise for safe and large-scale hydrogen storage and transportation. As key components of one LOHC system, the diverse hydrogen carriers and catalysts are discussed in detail, including their physiochemical properties, advanced preparation techniques, and catalytic performance. Furthermore, the review offers insights into the future direction of reversible LOHC systems, providing a complementary perspective on potential developments of hydrogen carriers and catalysts (article number 2311355). In the field of new energy materials and system technology, Prof. Yongbo Kuang and Dr. Deyu Liu have conducted a comprehensive review focusing on particle-based photoelectrodes for efficient green hydrogen production. This review delves into the design, fabrication, and optimization of these photoelectrodes, which are composed of semiconductor materials capable of harnessing light energy to generate charge carriers, thereby driving water oxidation and reduction reactions. The versatility of particle-based photoelectrodes as a platform for investigating and enhancing various semiconductor candidates, particularly emerging complex oxides with compelling charge transfer properties, is thoroughly explored. Challenges that impact the performance and stability of these photoelectrodes are addressed, including factors such as particle size, shape, composition, morphology, surface modification, and electrode configuration. The authors also discuss recent advancements and persistent challenges in photoelectrode material development, offering promising strategies for improving performance and stability, such as adopting novel architectures and heterojunctions (article number 2311692). In the field of new energy materials and system technology, Prof. Degao Wang, and coworkers summarize the latest advancements in dual-atom catalysts (DACs), covering their synthesis and mechanisms in reversible oxygen electrocatalysis. The structures of and the in by various are highlighted. The state-of-the-art fabrication strategies of for oxygen are particularly the challenges of the The focus is placed on the correlation between the and in in to a understanding of their active roles in oxygen electrocatalysis. Perspectives on future investigations aimed at the of systems are outlined (article number In the field of new energy materials and system technology, Prof. and coworkers provide a comprehensive of the remarkable in the development of metal catalysts for into through and as well as provide a summary of established for and for Additionally, the challenges and opportunities with the of to further enhance the of are offering insights into the potential future developments in product synthesis over (article number In the field of new energy materials and system technology, Prof. Prof. Liu, and coworkers offer a critical and review of flexible solar as solutions for They key strategies for enhancing the materials and of these devices, which have to in their efficiency and to into the evolution of from to large-scale for a of applications. The review the main challenges and perspectives in this field, for future research (article number In the field of optoelectronic information materials and devices, Prof. Lin, Dr. and coworkers summarize the recent advances in materials for advanced smart The design principles, mechanisms, and i.e., and responsiveness, are discussed. emerging systems materials are highlighted. and performance is from to conditions. applications and future perspectives are briefly presented. Their is aimed to provide new insights and for the rational design and performance manipulation of materials for advanced smart (article number In the field of optoelectronic information materials and devices, Prof. Qing Prof. and coworkers present a comprehensive review as well as a perspective on the emerging facilitated by neuromorphic electronics. They such a novel of as interface and summarize the key features and present the most recent progress on such Key challenges and of these are also to the overview of the The of is which the interaction between humans and machines with efficiency and (article number In the field of optoelectronic information materials and devices, Prof. Dr. Wei Song, and coworkers summarize recent advances in organic including the design of materials, and devices. of an overview of the characteristics and recent progress in of and was provided. research into flexible and that affect the of is thoroughly summarized and this review an understanding of the intrinsic properties of highly efficient and active materials, as well as advanced strategies for improving the performance and mechanical of the active including material design, and structural Finally, an overview of the challenges in the preparation of is presented (article number In the field of optoelectronic information materials and devices, Prof. Zhang, Prof. and coworkers summarize the recent progress on the quantum materials, quantum and their potential display applications. The design and synthesis strategies of driving and structures of devices, mechanisms and corresponding solutions of fabrication methods for the exploration of flexible and are discussed in detail. Perspectives on future investigations aimed at improving the of the and the stability of devices are outlined (article number In the field of optoelectronic information materials and devices, Prof. Prof. Li, and coworkers present a review of the development and characteristics of The latest effective charge interfacial modification, and stability strategies under and are the applications of the structure in and flexible devices are challenges and several directions are proposed to the development and industrialization (article number In the field of optoelectronic information materials and devices, Prof. Dr. and coworkers have summarized the progress in solar over the years. Their review a detailed overview of the research and the scientific and engineering challenges with these solar covering from preparation to Additionally, the review offers perspectives on future research directions aimed at enhancing the efficiency, stability, and of solar (article number In the field of biomedical materials and technology, Prof. Wang, Prof. Prof. and coworkers provide a comprehensive review of surface engineering of based on The review the and biomedical applications of and recent advancements in analysis, and based on The review also key challenges and new frontiers in engineering. elucidating the of the authors to their potential for and applications, thereby to current progress and providing insights into future research directions in this field (article number In the field of biomedical materials and technology, Prof. Wu, Prof. Li, and coworkers provide an overview of the functions of inorganic nanomaterials and various in and treatment of solid and the advantages of inorganic nanomaterials Especially, the recent advances of for the and and of solid and the of for and as well as treatment are thoroughly summarized. The main perspectives of further studies of are highlighted to the of functions and of solid (article number The guest editors are and to present this collection of a wide range of materials research with a at We the authors for their contributions to this Special We like to to the Dr. was in this special issue from the and guidance have been We that the of Advanced Materials will this issue both and into the of NIMTE's contributions to fundamental and materials We are that this special issue will further interdisciplinary and strengthening NIMTE's and growing into a world-class scientific research institution. The authors of Tao of the of from Zhejiang in at the of as a research to as an research has been a full-time at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE), Chinese Academy of Sciences research smart materials in marine soft and and energy Zhiyi Lu in chemical engineering and technology from the of Technology in as a is a at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Chinese Academy of Sciences research is on the surface interface of Liping from Institute of Chinese Academy of in has been a full-time at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE), Chinese Academy of Sciences is the president of NIMTE, research the of new materials such as and the and protection coatings under as well as Qunji is one of the academic in materials science, special lubricating materials, and marine materials in In was as the of the Chinese Academy of has been as the of the of the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering from research the of materials, materials, special and materials for applications under conditions.