Core Viewpoint - The article explores the evolution of materials throughout human history, highlighting their significance in shaping civilization and technological advancements. Group 1: Ancient and Early Materials - The discovery of tools made from volcanic rock by early humans marks the beginning of material use in civilization [3] - Flint was used as a tool for cutting and creating fire, showcasing early human ingenuity in material manipulation [6] - The invention of pottery allowed for food storage and contributed to the development of early urban civilizations [7] - Jade, particularly in ancient cultures, symbolized power and status, reflecting the societal hierarchy based on material rarity and craftsmanship [8][9] Group 2: Industrial Revolution - The Bessemer process revolutionized steel production, significantly reducing the time required to produce steel and increasing its availability for infrastructure [12] - The invention of celluloid provided a sustainable alternative to ivory for billiard balls, leading to broader applications in film and photography [13] Group 3: Electrical and Information Revolution - The development of tungsten filaments in light bulbs greatly improved their longevity and efficiency, making electric lighting accessible to households [16] - The invention of silicon chips laid the foundation for modern computing, enabling the integration of billions of transistors on a single chip [17] - Optical fibers transformed communication by allowing high-speed data transmission over long distances, significantly enhancing global connectivity [18][19] Group 4: AI and Future Materials - Graphene, discovered in 2004, exhibits extraordinary strength and conductivity, paving the way for innovations in electronics and energy storage [25] - Shape memory alloys, such as nickel-titanium, have applications in medical devices and robotics due to their ability to return to a predetermined shape [26] - AI-driven material design is revolutionizing the development of new materials, enabling rapid identification of high-performance candidates for various applications [27][28] Group 5: Speculative Future Materials - Bio-steel, derived from genetically modified organisms, promises lightweight and strong materials for protective gear [32] - Time crystals, which maintain a stable oscillation state, could lead to advancements in precision timekeeping and quantum computing [34] - Dark matter composites may enable anti-gravity technologies, revolutionizing transportation and space exploration [35] Group 6: Conclusion - The article emphasizes the continuous evolution of materials as a reflection of human creativity and technological progress, suggesting that future innovations will further transform society [46]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development and potential impact of 30 cutting-edge materials, emphasizing their strategic importance for future technological advancements and applications in various industries [3]. Group 1: Overview of Cutting-edge Materials - Cutting-edge materials include boron graphene, transition metal sulfides, 4D printing materials, and biomimetic plastics, which are crucial for China's strategic development [3]. - The article lists 30 of the most promising advanced materials and their potential impacts on future life [3]. Group 2: Individual Material Summaries - **Holographic Film**: A revolutionary projection film that allows 360° viewing and interaction, predicted to see increased research focus [6][8]. - **Metallic Hydrogen**: A high-density, high-energy material with potential applications in superconductivity and space exploration, capable of revolutionizing energy solutions [12][16]. - **Supersolid**: A state of matter that combines properties of solids and superfluids, with potential applications in superconducting magnets and sensors [18][21]. - **Wood Sponge**: A chemically treated material that can absorb oil up to 46 times its weight, offering a green solution for cleaning oil spills [24][25]. - **Time Crystals**: A new state of matter with periodic structures in time, recognized for its potential in quantum computing [28][35]. - **Quantum Stealth Material**: A camouflage fabric that bends light to achieve invisibility, with military applications [41][42]. - **Never-dry Material**: A polymer-water composite that remains conductive and could be used for artificial skin [45][46]. - **Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDC)**: A semiconductor material with potential in optoelectronics, offering low-cost and stable thin layers [54][56]. - **Cold Boiling Material**: A material that exhibits solid, liquid, and gas states at varying temperatures, with applications in aerospace [59][62]. - **Magnetic Fluid Material**: A stable colloidal liquid with magnetic properties, applicable in various fields including aerospace and medical devices [65][66]. - **Rock-like Coating Material**: A cost-effective coating for industrial tools that enhances durability and lifespan [69][70]. - **Nano-point Perovskite**: A promising material for solar cells, improving efficiency and stability [73][75]. - **Micro Metal**: A lightweight yet strong material that could significantly reduce spacecraft weight [78][79]. - **Tinene**: A new two-dimensional material with superior conductivity, showing promise for various applications [82][83]. - **Molecular Superglue**: A high-strength adhesive with potential in medical diagnostics and material bonding [85][86]. - **Metamaterials**: Engineered materials with unique properties, expected to have significant future applications [89][91]. - **Quantum Metal**: A unique material with superconducting properties, valuable for electronics and energy transmission [94][95]. - **Boron Graphene**: A new two-dimensional material with excellent electronic properties, anticipated to have a broad market potential [97][98]. - **Programmable Cement**: A high-performance cement with enhanced properties, aimed at sustainable construction [100][101]. - **Ultra-thin Platinum**: A cost-effective method for producing platinum layers, with applications in fuel cells [103][104]. - **Platinum Alloys**: Versatile materials used in various high-temperature and catalytic applications [107][112]. - **Self-healing Materials**: Materials that can autonomously repair damage, promising for various industries [115][117]. - **Sun-blocking Glass Coating**: A smart coating that adjusts transparency based on temperature, with applications in construction [120]. - **Biomimetic Plastics**: Materials that mimic biological properties, expected to play a key role in infrastructure development [123][125]. - **Photon Crystals**: Optical materials with potential applications in advanced optics and photonics [127][130]. - **Ablation-resistant Ceramics**: High-temperature materials suitable for aerospace applications [133][136]. - **Cooling Wall Materials**: Innovative materials that can regulate temperature, potentially replacing air conditioning [139][140]. - **Infinite Recyclable Plastics**: Sustainable materials that can be recycled indefinitely, addressing environmental concerns [142][143]. - **4D Printing Materials**: Smart materials that can change shape based on environmental stimuli, with applications in fashion and design [145][146]. - **Wrinkle-eliminating Materials**: Polymers that can tighten skin, showing promise in skincare and medical treatments [149][150].