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Cu_xS nanoflake arrays (NFAs) with abundant surficial defects and a perfect internal structure are applied in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting; the surficial defects give rise to strong localized surface plasmon resonance effect and quick charge separation near the surface. They also provide active sites for catalyzing hydrogen evolution. As a result, the NFAs achieve the top PEC properties ever reported for Cu_xS-based photocathodes.

The latest developments in the controlled synthesis of large scale layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are reviewed by discussing various approaches. The major obstacles that must be overcome to achieve wafer-scale, uniform, and high-quality TMD films for practical electronic applications are included. Advances in the electronic transport studies of TMDs are presented, such as doping, contact engineering, and mobility improvement, which contribute to overall device performance. A perspective and a look at the future for this field is lastly provided.

The differential conductance of a surface with nanometer resolution in electrochemically controlled conditions is developed as a new method for imaging. This method allows visualizing the reversible oxidation of a metal electrode and individual redox proteins, and reveals submolecular regions with high conductance that have biological relevance as conduction pathways in biological electron transfer.

VO₂ is a potential candidate for thermochromic energy efficient windows due to an abrupt decrease of infrared transmittance in the metallic phase. In this Review, hydrothermal synthesis, physical properties of VO₂ polymorphs, and their transformation to thermochromic VO₂(M) are discussed. Advantages, challenges, and prospects of VO₂(M) in energy-efficient smart windows are also reviewed.

Free-standing photonic glasses are prepared with controllable disorder/structure by sedimentation in a centrifugal field for the first time. A proof of principle photon time of flight experiment demonstrates the good quality and promise of the obtained colloidal glasses. Previously, light localization phenomena have been predicted but never observed in 3D materials, largely due to very few satisfactory materials available for study.