We constructed an intelligent cloud lab that integrates lab automation with cloud servers and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect chirality in perovskites. Driven by the materials acceleration operating system in cloud (MAOSIC) platform, on-demand experimental design by remote users was enabled in this cloud lab. By employing artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) technology, synthesis, characterization, and parameter optimization can be autonomously achieved. Through the remote collaboration of researchers, optically active inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (IPNCs) were first synthesized with temperature-dependent circular dichroism (CD) and inversion control. The inter-structure (structural patterns) and intra-structure (screw dislocations) dual-pattern-induced mechanisms detected by MAOSIC were comprehensively investigated, and offline theoretical analysis revealed the thermodynamic mechanism inside the materials. This self-driving cloud lab enables efficient and reliable collaborations across the world, reduces the setup costs of in-house facilities, combines offline theoretic analysis, and is practical for accelerating the speed of material discovery.

Structural symmetry plays a crucial role in the electronic band structure and properties of two-dimensional materials. In contrast to graphene, monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides exhibit intrinsic in-plane asymmetry with suitable direct bandgaps and distinctive optical properties. Efforts have been devoted to breaking their out-of-plane mirror symmetry by applying external electric fields, vertical stacking, or functionalization. The successful fabrication of Janus transition metal dichalcogenides offers a synthetic strategy to breaking the vertical mirror symmetry, leading to a variety of novel properties, such as vertical piezoelectricity, Rashba spin splitting, and excellent exciton properties. Here, we discuss the universal fabrication approaches and unique properties of Janus transition metal dichalcogenides and further present a brief perspective on their potential applications and challenges.

All-inorganic lead halides, including CsPbX₃ (X = Cl, Br, I), have become important candidate materials in the field of optoelectronics. However, the inherent toxicity of metal lead and poor material stability have hindered further applications of traditional metal halides, CsPbX₃. Therefore, copper(I)-based ternary metal halides are expected to become promising substitutes for traditional metal halides because of their nontoxicity, excellent optical properties and good stability under ambient conditions. This article reviews the recent development of all-inorganic low-dimensional copper(I)-based ternary metal halides by introducing their various synthesis methods, crystal structures, properties and their optoelectronic applications. In addition, the prospects for future challenges and the potential significance of copper(I)-based ternary metal halides in optoelectronic fields are presented.