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All Clean Energy & Battery Intelligence (Page 10)

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Showing 24 of 1398 peer-reviewed translated articles (Page 10 of 59)

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Towards Chlorine-Tolerant Seawater Electrolysis: Anode Electrocatalysts, Electrolyte, and System Design Strategies

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Towards Chlorine-Tolerant Seawater Electrolysis: Anode Electrocatalysts, Electrolyte, and System Design Strategies

Seawater electrolysis (SWE) is a reusable and convenient avenue for producing hydrogen, offering a promising solution to the energy crisis and global warming. However, poor electrolytic efficiency and irreversible corrosion caused by high concentrations of chlorine severely hinder the commercialization of SWE. To address these challenges, numerous strategies have been proposed in recent years, involving theoretical innovations, directional catalyst design, and electrolyser modification. This review provides a systematic summary of the chlorine-related challenges and solutions encountered in SWE. The chlorine-related theoretical knowledge and challenges in SWE systems are first emphasized. Subsequently, multiple anodic chloride suppression strategies are introduced from three aspects: directional regulation of oxygen evolution catalysts, optimization of electrolyte compositions, and ingenious upgrades of electrolytic cells. Finally, future challenges and development directions for large-scale application of SWE technology are explored. This review offers an in-depth analysis of the chlorine-related challenges encountered in the industrialization of SWE, aiming to accelerate the advancement of this technology toward practical applications.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3865-1

ElHyX: A Strain-Insensitive Elastomer-Hydrogel Biphasic Platform for Multimodal Implantable Bioelectronics

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

ElHyX: A Strain-Insensitive Elastomer-Hydrogel Biphasic Platform for Multimodal Implantable Bioelectronics

The development of implantable bioelectronics faces critical trade-offs between mechanical compliance, electrical stability, and tissue adhesion. Here, we introduce ElHyX, a fully printable integrated system that combines ultrahigh stretchability, durable wet-tissue adhesion, strain-insensitive conductivity, and multimodal sensing-therapy feedback. The molecular covalent bonding design fundamentally eliminates the mechanical and electrical trade-offs of traditional soft conductive materials. Ex-vivo organ tests and long-term rodent implantation experiments verify stable working performance, favorable biocompatibility, and unique autonomous intervention capability. Specifically, the elastomer-hydrogel biphasic architecture achieves strain-insensitive conductivity with relative resistance changes below 5% over 1,000 cycles at 200% strain. The hydrogel component exhibits enhanced adhesion on porcine skin due to ionic crosslinks, maintaining performance after swelling. The integrated device enables closed-loop blood glucose management in diabetic rats, sensing glucose and heart rate to trigger vagus nerve stimulation for insulin modulation. Although unresolved problems exist in long-term in-vivo stability, wireless integration, and biodegradability, ElHyX provides a universal modular manufacturing framework for next-generation implantable bioelectronics. Further targeted optimization of material formulation, packaging technology, and closed-loop algorithms will accelerate industrialization and clinical translation of minimally invasive intelligent diagnostic and therapeutic implants.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-026-4397-4

Orchestrated Multi-Physics Field-Engineering Toward Valorized C2+ Chemicals from CO2/CH4

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Orchestrated Multi-Physics Field-Engineering Toward Valorized C2+ Chemicals from CO2/CH4

The urgent imperative for carbon-neutral chemical production has accelerated the development of solar-driven catalytic technologies that convert abundant C1 feedstocks (CO2 and CH4) into value-added C2+ molecules. Standalone photocatalysis remains constrained by rapid charge-carrier recombination and poor C–C coupling selectivity. This review critically examines multi-field-coupled catalysis—a transformative paradigm synergistically integrating solar energy with auxiliary thermal, electric, and magnetic fields. Through mechanistic dissection of photothermal, photoelectrochemical, and photomagnetic field cooperativities, it is summarized that thermal gradients attenuate phonon scattering to enhance charge-carrier drift mobility while vibrationally stabilizing reactive intermediates, electric potentials drive vectorial charge transport via Coulomb-force-directed separation and band alignment, and magnetic fields modulate spin-selective electron transfer through Zeeman splitting-mediated polarization to boost reaction specificity. This synergistic multi-field integration circumvents intrinsic limitations of single-mode photocatalysis by collectively reconfiguring reaction coordinates for selective C–C coupling. We further address persistent challenges in resolving ultrafast interfacial charge-transfer dynamics, scaling integrated field reactors for industrial deployment, and advancing in situ operando characterization of multiscale processes. Strategic research priorities are proposed to advance sustainable multi-field-coupled catalytic production of fuels and platform chemicals.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3775-3

Cl−-Driven Pathway Switching Enables Efficient Industrial-Current Seawater Oxidation on Dual-Atom Catalysts

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Cl−-Driven Pathway Switching Enables Efficient Industrial-Current Seawater Oxidation on Dual-Atom Catalysts

Direct seawater electrolysis offers a promising route to green hydrogen production, circumventing freshwater scarcity. However, the presence of chloride ions (Cl−) poses severe challenges, including competing chlorine evolution reaction (CER) and corrosion of anode catalysts. Here, we report a dual-atom catalyst design, RuCr-Ni3P, where Ru atoms with strong chloride affinity and Cr atoms as Lewis acid centers are co-doped into a nickel phosphide matrix. This catalyst exhibits outstanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and selectivity in alkaline seawater, achieving stable operation for over 4000 hours at industrially relevant current densities. Mechanistic studies reveal that Cl− ions are selectively captured by Ru sites, forming a dynamic Ru–Cl coordination motif that electronically modulates adjacent Ni centers, promoting the formation of high-valent Ni>3+ species. This switches the OER pathway from the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) to the more efficient adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM). Concurrently, Cr sites facilitate the formation of Cr–OH species, creating a localized alkaline microenvironment that further enhances OER kinetics. This dual-site synergistic mechanism transforms Cl− from a detrimental impurity into a beneficial chemical switch, concurrently enhancing both activity and stability. Our findings provide a paradigm shift in seawater electrolysis catalyst design, turning a longstanding challenge into an opportunity for efficient and durable hydrogen production.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-026-4153-2

Metal-organic frameworks as functional materials for biomedicine

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Metal-organic frameworks as functional materials for biomedicine

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3703-8

Macro-to-nano: multi-scale functionalized biomaterials for cancer magnetic hyperthermia therapy

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Macro-to-nano: multi-scale functionalized biomaterials for cancer magnetic hyperthermia therapy

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3690-y

Multifunctional Lanthanide-Doped Nanoparticle-Enabled Fiber Probe with Decoupled Modules for Tumor Therapy and Real-Time Temperature Sensing

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Multifunctional Lanthanide-Doped Nanoparticle-Enabled Fiber Probe with Decoupled Modules for Tumor Therapy and Real-Time Temperature Sensing

Nanomaterial-based optical biomedicine and devices have attracted significant attention for tumor diagnosis and treatment, yet their application in tumor ablation is often hindered by limited functional integration and concerns over excessive radiation exposure. In this study, we address these challenges by developing a multifunctional fiber probe based on lanthanide-doped nanoparticles, featuring decoupled modules for localized heating and optical thermometry. This design enables synergistic therapy under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Beyond achieving precise photothermal ablation and real-time temperature monitoring, we uncovered a unique phenomenon: the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by these nanoparticles under NIR laser excitation, even in the absence of traditional photosensitizers. Through a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we elucidated the physical mechanisms underlying ROS generation in wide-bandgap lanthanide nanoparticles. Leveraging these insights, we constructed an all-optical fiber system capable of simultaneous precise thermal control and photodynamic therapy. Our findings offer valuable guidance for the development of advanced optical nanomaterials and devices for effective tumor treatment, both in vivo and in vitro.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3536-5

Strategic Inner/Outer Side-Chain Tuning for High-Efficiency Green-Solvent-Processed Organic Solar Cells

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Strategic Inner/Outer Side-Chain Tuning for High-Efficiency Green-Solvent-Processed Organic Solar Cells

The rapid development of halogen-free solvent-processed organic solar cells (OSCs) has been enabled by side-chain modification on small molecular acceptors, yet the structure-property relationship between inner/outer chain lengths and device performance remains unclear. This study systematically investigates five non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with varied side-chain positions and architectures, clarifying the effects of inner versus outer modifications on energy level distribution, film morphology, and carrier dynamics. Notably, longer alkyl chains are not always superior; excessive solubility reduces molecular packing order. The optimized PM6:BTP-TO12 blend achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.2%. Furthermore, ternary OSCs incorporating BTP-TO12 as a guest material reach a remarkable PCE of 19.5%, enhancing the performance of L8-BO-based devices processed with green solvents. This improvement is attributed to the low energy loss and well-controlled aggregation behavior of BTP-TO12 in environmentally friendly toluene. These findings establish a design guideline for side-chain engineering in green-solvent-processed OSCs, achieving state-of-the-art performance and advancing scalable, eco-compatible photovoltaic technologies.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3828-y

Achieving High-Performance Near-Infrared Cr3+-Activated Phosphor via A&C Lattice Sites Cosubstitution Strategy in Garnet for Plant Lighting

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Achieving High-Performance Near-Infrared Cr3+-Activated Phosphor via A&C Lattice Sites Cosubstitution Strategy in Garnet for Plant Lighting

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has significantly advanced NIR light sources, yet creating NIR emitters with optimal luminescence properties, high thermal stability, and adjustable emission peaks remains a critical challenge for future smart NIR devices. Here, we introduce a chemical unit cosubstitution strategy by incorporating Ca2+ and Sn4+ ions into the garnet structure. Through this approach, Y3−yCayGa4.95−ySnyO12:0.05Cr3+ (y = 0–1) phosphors were developed by modulating the A&C ligands, resulting in emission centers ranging from 708 to 768 nm. The modified local environment of Cr3+ accounts for the increased light intensity (2.71 times) and broadening observed. Furthermore, this study investigated the impact of varying Cr3+ concentrations (Y2.6Ca0.4Ga4.6−xSn0.4O12:xCr3+) on the production of high-performance phosphors. Compared with Y3Ga4.93O12:0.07Cr3+, the optimized phosphor exhibited exceptional external quantum efficiency (EQE = 34.96%). The luminescence enhancement is attributed to an increase in radiative transitions caused by octahedral Jahn-Teller distortion, whereas the notable thermal stability (91.3% at 423 K) is attributed to the presence of weak electron-phonon coupling (EPC) and oxygen vacancy (OV) defects. Finally, by combining it with a 450 nm blue LED chip, we constructed a near-infrared phosphor-converted LED (NIR pc-LED) device with superior electroluminescence efficiency (18.8% @ 100 mA), increasing the ultralow quenching rate (< 5% intensity loss after 30 days of operation) and demonstrating remarkable performance in plant lighting applications.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3691-9

Dual-functional light adaptation in perovskite quantum dot synaptic devices for smart blue-light protection

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Dual-functional light adaptation in perovskite quantum dot synaptic devices for smart blue-light protection

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) hold great potential for brain-like neuromorphic computing. However, the development of PQDs-based synaptic devices is hindered by interfacial defects and limited stability. Here, we demonstrate a high-performance Cs2AgBiBr6 QDs/organic single crystal heterojunction synaptic device, fabricated via a novel space-confined vertical growth technique combined with a polymer-free transfer process. Vertically grown organic single crystals enable superior carrier mobility and facilitate the formation of low-defect interfaces with PQDs. The heterojunction exhibits remarkable photosensitivity (7.22 × 10^5 at 425 nm) and detectivity (2.15 × 10^15 Jones), owing to the strong optical absorption of PQDs coupled with the superior charge transport characteristics of organic single crystals. Notably, the device achieves dual-functional light adaptation, emulating synaptic behaviour under blue light while exhibiting photo-switching under green/red light. This unique capability enables smart blue-light hazard protection. This work not only provides a versatile platform for high-performance PQDs-based synaptic devices but also advances the development of brain-inspired neuromorphic systems for next-generation computing and intelligent sensing.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3582-9

Enhanced built-in electric field by asymmetric Mo-doped BiVO4 for photoelectrocatalytic detoxification of ofloxacin in hyposaline wastewater

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Enhanced built-in electric field by asymmetric Mo-doped BiVO4 for photoelectrocatalytic detoxification of ofloxacin in hyposaline wastewater

Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) detoxification of ofloxacin in hyposaline wastewater is hindered by weak built-in electric fields (IEF) and rapid charge recombination. Here, we report a crystal dipole engineering strategy using high-valence Mo-doped BiVO4 to enhance IEF and PEC activity. Mo incorporation breaks lattice symmetry, increasing the crystal dipole moment and amplifying IEF to 2.05 times that of pristine BiVO4. This promotes directional carrier migration, improving electron-hole separation efficiency. The optimized 4% Mo-BiVO4 photoanode achieves 96.5% ofloxacin degradation within 60 minutes and maintains 91.9% degradation efficiency in natural lake water containing saline and organic interferents, demonstrating exceptional anti-interference capability. This work provides a strategy for boosting photocatalytic performance through unit-cell dipole engineering, aiming to enhance sustainability in wastewater treatment.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3709-4

Surface Modification of Metal Nanostructures Toward Electrically Pumped Perovskite Microlasers

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Surface Modification of Metal Nanostructures Toward Electrically Pumped Perovskite Microlasers

Electrically pumped lasers with reduced physical dimensions are critical for future optical information processing, storage, and photonic integrated circuits. However, electrical injection in perovskite lasers faces challenges including material instability, non-radiative losses, and Joule heating. Here, we demonstrate an ultralow-threshold perovskite microlaser decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), enabling simultaneous optical pumping and current injection at ambient temperature. The lasing threshold is reduced to 8.6 μJ/cm², approximately 44% lower than that of pristine devices (15.3 μJ/cm²). The AuNPs, with optimized size, enhance both lasing performance and electrical properties, achieving a current injection density of 2.98 kA/cm². AuNPs accelerate hot-carrier cooling, reducing non-radiative recombination and mitigating Joule heating. The threshold decreases progressively with increasing electrical assist fraction. Stability tests confirm excellent resistance to aging and humidity, with stable lasing output under co-excitation in ambient air. This work underscores the feasibility of electrically driven perovskite microlasers, offering a pathway toward electrically pumped microlaser diodes.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3629-3

Enhanced electron delocalization in potassium poly(heptazine imide) triggered by indium sites and nitrogen defects promotes highly efficient H2O2 photosynthesis

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Enhanced electron delocalization in potassium poly(heptazine imide) triggered by indium sites and nitrogen defects promotes highly efficient H2O2 photosynthesis

Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) is a promising photocatalyst for H2O2 production due to its visible-light response, low cost, and high selectivity for the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, its H2O2 yield is limited by narrow light absorption, low charge separation efficiency, and insufficient active sites. Here, crystalline poly(heptazine imide) (PHI)-based carbon nitride with highly dispersed In sites and N defects was prepared via an ionothermal method using LiCl/KCl molten salts. The large π-conjugated system and N defects enhance visible-light harvesting. Remaining K+ ions in nitrogen cavities act as interlayer electron channels, while N defects induce asymmetric charge distribution on the heptazine network, promoting interlayer and in-plane charge separation and transfer. In sites accelerate charge transfer dynamics and serve as active sites for ORR. The synergistic effect of metal modification and defect engineering boosts electron delocalization, significantly improving photocatalytic activity. The H2O2 production rate of 10InPHI reaches 15.3 mmol g−1 h−1 via a two-step single-electron ORR pathway, underscoring the potential of modified carbon nitride for efficient H2O2 photosynthesis.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3608-8

Synergistic Sulfur Vacancy and Polydopamine Engineering in S v-CdS@PDA Z-scheme Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic H2O2 Production with Robust Anticorrosion

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Synergistic Sulfur Vacancy and Polydopamine Engineering in S v-CdS@PDA Z-scheme Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic H2O2 Production with Robust Anticorrosion

Metal sulfides such as CdS are promising for solar-driven H2O2 production but suffer from rapid charge recombination and severe photocorrosion. This study introduces a dual-functional strategy synergizing sulfur vacancy (Sv) engineering and polydopamine (PDA) coating to overcome these limitations. Sv-CdS nanorods were hydrothermally synthesized with tunable vacancy concentrations, followed by in-situ PDA deposition to construct a direct Z-scheme heterojunction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the introduction of S vacancies reduces the work function of CdS, facilitating energy level alignment with PDA and enabling efficient electron transfer from CdS to PDA. By tuning the concentration of S vacancies, the charge transfer efficiency can be maximized. As a result, the photocatalytic H2O2 production rate reaches 2539.5 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light, and further increases to 4395.5 μmol g−1 h−1 after PDA encapsulation—15.6 times higher than that of pristine CdS. Concurrently, PDA enhances O2 adsorption and protects Sv-CdS from photocorrosion. Sv-CdS@PDA exhibited superior photostability compared to Sv-CdS after three consecutive photocatalytic cycles. Mechanistic studies suggest that the Z-scheme heterojunction effectively separates electron-hole pairs: electrons in the conduction band of CdS reduce O2 to ·O2−, which is subsequently converted to H2O2, while holes in the valence band of Sv-CdS oxidize water to replenish O2. This work provides fundamental insights into engineering charge transfer and stability in sulfide-based photocatalysts.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3579-8

Modulating Donor-Acceptor Interactions in Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis and Emerging Contaminants Removal

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Modulating Donor-Acceptor Interactions in Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis and Emerging Contaminants Removal

The molecular copolymerization of donor-acceptor (D-A) interactions has been effectively utilized to modulate the charge transfer dynamics in polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) photocatalysts. Herein, a D-A configured photocatalyst (TPCN) was constructed by copolymerizing 4,4’,4’’-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl) trianiline (TAPT) as the electron donor with triazine units (electron acceptor). The unique propeller structure of TAPT, combined with the triazine framework, expanded the π-conjugated system and induced a strong built-in electric field (BIEF) across the D-A configuration. Theoretical calculations and transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that this synergistic effect facilitated intramolecular charge separation and widened the range of light absorption, indicating accelerated charge transfer and suppressed recombination in TPCN. The optimized TPCN3 sample exhibited dramatically enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 production (1.74 mmol g−1 h−1), representing a 13.4-fold increase over pristine PCN. Additionally, the TPCN3 sample also exhibited significantly faster degradation kinetics than PCN counterpart toward various emerging contaminants. This work demonstrates a promising strategy for designing efficient metal-free photocatalysts for sustainable H2O2 production and environmental remediation.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3803-8

Janus-interface engineering enhances hydrogel integrated with ZIF-8@Co9S8 composite featuring concave pyramid patterns for efficient solar-driven water purification

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Janus-interface engineering enhances hydrogel integrated with ZIF-8@Co9S8 composite featuring concave pyramid patterns for efficient solar-driven water purification

Water scarcity and the increasing demand for clean water have driven the development of efficient solar desalination technologies. Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) is promising, yet its practical deployment is hindered by insufficient light harvesting and salt crystallization on photothermal surfaces. Here, we report a Janus hydrogel evaporator in which tubular Co9S8 nanocrystals are uniformly embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix with a concave pyramid pattern, creating a broadband light-trapping architecture (200–2500 nm) with 96% solar absorption. The top surface is further coated with hydrophobic zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), while the bottom retains intrinsic hydrogel hydrophilicity, establishing asymmetric wettability that sustains rapid water supply yet suppresses salt deposition. Under one-sun illumination (1 kW m−2), the Janus evaporator achieves an evaporation rate of 2.69 kg m−2 h−1 and a solar-to-vapor efficiency of 98.15%. Continuous operation in 3.5 wt% brine shows stable performance for 11 h without observable salt crystallization. This work offers an effective, durable pathway toward high-performance solar desalination and wastewater purification.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3583-6

Accelerated oxygen activation over uranyl decorated covalent organic framework for universally promoted H2O2 photosynthesis

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Accelerated oxygen activation over uranyl decorated covalent organic framework for universally promoted H2O2 photosynthesis

Photocatalytic synthesis has been considered a promising technology for solar-to-chemicals conversion. Here, a series of novel photocatalysts was synthesized by decorating uranyl sites on imine-based covalent organic frameworks (i-COF) and proved functioning for the uniformly boosted H2O2 production by 1.6–10.1 folds compared with the bare i-COFs in a wide pH range from 2 to 11. Typically, an optimal H2O2 production rate of 1435.9 μmol g−1 h−1, i.e., 28.72 mmol g(U)−1 h−1, was realized over uranyl decorated TTa-COFs under visible light. Systematic investigations reveal that the universally and remarkably promoted performance is attributed to the outstanding electron-transfer ability, accelerated activation of molecular oxygen and favored formation of ·O2− and *OOH as the key intermediate by virtue of the decorated uranyl ions; thus the two-step single-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for H2O2 photo-generation is significantly facilitated. This work paves a new way for the uranyl-decorated COFs as a novel photocatalyst and provides in-depth insight to the reaction mechanism for photocatalytic H2O2 production.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3700-7

Facile Construction of Self-Supported Ru-Ni(OH)2 with Built-In Interfacial Electric Field for Accelerating Hydrogen Evolution

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Facile Construction of Self-Supported Ru-Ni(OH)2 with Built-In Interfacial Electric Field for Accelerating Hydrogen Evolution

Sluggish water dissociation kinetics in the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) hamper its practical production. Here, a heterojunction electrocatalyst featuring Ru-Ni(OH)2 interfaces on nickel foam (NF) with self-engineered built-in electric fields (BIEF) was synthesized via a simple in situ galvanic replacement reaction. The hierarchical Ru-Ni(OH)2/NF exhibits a record overpotential of 9.6 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for alkaline HER, surpassing most reported catalysts and commercial Pt/C. It also shows exceptional activity for hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) at 100 mA cm−2 with a remarkably low potential of ca. 0.015 V vs. RHE. The assembled overall hydrazine splitting (OHzS) system integrating HER and HzOR requires a cell voltage of about 0.09 V to reach 50 mA cm−2, which is 1.637 V lower than the corresponding overall water splitting (OWS) device. Systematic analysis and calculation reveal that the BIEF induces redistribution of interfacial electrons for Ru, facilitating H2O dissociation and intermediate conversion, delivering ultra-high electrocatalytic performance. This work provides an avenue for design and preparation of electric field-mediated catalysts towards sustainable energy conversion.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3564-9

$Enhanced hydrogen spillover effect in low-temperature ammonia decomposition via N-coordination and O-vacancy-activated Co/La_xCe_{1-x}AlO_{3-y}N_z catalyst$ Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Enhanced hydrogen spillover effect in low-temperature ammonia decomposition via N-coordination and O-vacancy-activated Co/La_xCe_{1-x}AlO_{3-y}N_z catalyst

Ammonia decomposition is a key process for generating COx-free hydrogen, yet conventional cobalt catalysts require high temperatures (>550 °C) to overcome the strong Co–N binding that limits N2 desorption. Here we report a novel Co catalyst supported on a Ce and N co-modified perovskite (Co@La_xCe_{1-x}AlO_{3-y}N_z) that achieves 92.6% ammonia conversion with a hydrogen production rate of 9.7 mmol g−1 min−1 at 425 °C and GHSV = 9000 mL h−1 g_cat−1, representing a 125 °C reduction in operating temperature relative to conventional Co-based catalysts. Mechanistic studies using isotopic labeling and in-situ DRIFTS reveal that synergistic Ce and N modification creates a unique LA-L(A+B)-LB active site configuration, which lowers the Schottky barrier at the metal-support interface and promotes facile hydrogen spillover. The reaction proceeds via an interfacial Mars-van Krevelen mechanism, contrasting with the traditional Langmuir-Hinshelwood pathway on conventional Co catalysts. This work provides new insights for designing low-temperature Co-based ammonia decomposition catalysts.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3831-0

Pt-optimized AuAgCuPdPt high-entropy alloys for selective CO2 reduction and high-performance Zn-CO2 battery

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Pt-optimized AuAgCuPdPt high-entropy alloys for selective CO2 reduction and high-performance Zn-CO2 battery

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have shown great promise in the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) due to their tunable composition and unique physical and chemical properties. However, the role of HEAs in CO2RR and the underlying reaction mechanism remain underexplored, particularly through in situ techniques. In this work, we investigate the mechanism of CO2 reduction on AuAgCuPdPt HEAs using in situ Raman spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to reveal key intermediates and reaction pathways. Our results demonstrate that within the potential window of −0.2 to −0.7 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), the AuAgCuPdPt HEAs efficiently reduce CO2 to CO, achieving a Faradaic efficiency (FE) for CO greater than 90%, with a peak FE of 96.5% at −0.3 V vs. RHE. The CO2− intermediate was observed at low potentials, revealing the reaction pathway in the CO2 reduction process. Additionally, in situ ATR-FTIR results suggest that the introduction of an appropriate amount of Pt metal not only promotes water dissociation to generate protonic hydrogen, but also facilitates the desorption of *CO intermediates. The kinetic isotope effect of hydrogen-deuterium (H-D) confirms that water dissociation acts as a key proton donor in CO2RR. Furthermore, the catalyst of AuAgCuPdPt HEAs was applied as cathodes in a Zn-CO2 battery, achieving 90.23% FE for CO and a power density of 3.474 mW cm−2. This study provides new insights into the mechanistic understanding of CO2 reduction and underscores the importance of in situ spectroscopic techniques for advancing the design of efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 conversion.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3596-2

Exciton Tuning and Charge Steering in Donor-Acceptor Covalent Triazine Frameworks toward Boosted Photocatalytic Oxidation

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Exciton Tuning and Charge Steering in Donor-Acceptor Covalent Triazine Frameworks toward Boosted Photocatalytic Oxidation

Conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts often suffer from insufficient light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and a lack of specific reactive sites for efficient photocatalytic oxidation. To overcome these limitations, we propose a molecular polarization engineering approach utilizing structurally well-defined donor (D)-acceptor (A) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). The construction of dipole-induced built-in electric fields within the D-A-structured CTFs enables enhanced exciton dissociation and facilitates directional charge transfer. Specifically, the asymmetric A1-D-A2 moiety enhances molecular polarization in the dual-acceptor system CTF-TBT (A1-D-A2), enabling efficient charge separation through multiple electron-withdrawing units. This structural design promotes directional electron transfer toward the secondary acceptor (benzothiazole, A2), while simultaneously concentrating holes on the donor unit. Consequently, the A2 moiety acts as a site for efficient O2 activation via electron accumulation, whereas the highly oxidized donor unit provides strongly positive holes (h+) that facilitate substrate oxidation. Experimental and DFT calculation results confirm that CTF-TBT demonstrates highly enhanced photocatalytic oxidation performance, which can be attributed to its multi-channel charge separation mechanism and spatially separated redox-active sites. This study highlights the effectiveness of molecular dipole engineering in designing heterogeneous photocatalysts with controlled charge transfer pathways and improved redox capabilities. The proposed design principles provide a universal approach for promoting solar-driven chemical synthesis applications.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3848-7

Synergistic Bulk and Interface Engineering Empowering Exceptional Lithium Storage Performance of Ni-Rich Cathodes

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Synergistic Bulk and Interface Engineering Empowering Exceptional Lithium Storage Performance of Ni-Rich Cathodes

Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes are pivotal candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high capacity and energy density. However, their susceptibility to structural deterioration and interfacial degradation during cycling causes substantial capacity fade, hindering commercialization. This work proposes a synergistic strategy of lattice doping and in situ surface coating to enhance structural integrity and interfacial stability of LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2. La and Y dopants act as pillars to reinforce the layered structure, mitigating volume changes and expanding c-axis spacing to facilitate Li+ diffusion. Concurrently, La4NiLiO8 and LiYO2 coatings protect the cathode from H2O/CO2 corrosion and electrolyte attack, while their high lithium-ion conductivity promotes Li+ transport. The modified cathode delivers exceptional electrochemical metrics: high specific capacity of 207.3 mA h g−1, remarkable cycling stability with 97.6% retention after 100 cycles, superior rate capability of 152.1 mA h g−1 at 10.0 C, and enhanced thermal stability. This work establishes a paradigm for multi-dimensional stabilization of Ni-rich cathodes via synergistic bulk and interface engineering, providing insights for designing high-performance energy storage systems.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3841-6

Low-Temperature-Resilient Polymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Quasi-Solid Lithium Batteries

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Low-Temperature-Resilient Polymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Quasi-Solid Lithium Batteries

Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) are promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high safety and energy density. However, poor low-temperature performance of solid-state electrolytes remains a critical challenge. Here, we present a facile and scalable approach for synthesizing a low-temperature-resilient polymer electrolyte based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), leveraging its unique molecular structure for enhanced lithium-ion transport. The EVA polymer electrolyte (EPE) demonstrates a high ionic conductivity of 5.13×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature and retains a remarkable conductivity of 2.72×10−5 S cm−1 at −40 °C. This superior performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the ester functional groups of EVA and lithium salts, which reduces the ion dissociation energy barrier and facilitates efficient ion migration. The EPE enables stable lithium plating/stripping cycling for over 3000 h at −40 °C and supports long-term cycling of LiFePO4-based full cells at −40 °C for over 900 cycles. This work highlights the potential of cost-effective, scalable EPEs for next-generation SSLBs, particularly in extreme environmental conditions.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3602-1

Robust photothermal coating of core-shell nanoparticles for zero-energy long-lasting antifogging

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Robust photothermal coating of core-shell nanoparticles for zero-energy long-lasting antifogging

Antifogging coatings are critical for transparent optical components, yet existing solutions struggle to balance durability and energy efficiency. We present a scalable printing technology for fabricating uniform nanoparticle (NP) coatings with an Au@SiO2 core-shell architecture. The Au core provides efficient photothermal conversion, while the SiO2 shell ensures robust interfacial adhesion to diverse substrates and imparts hydrophilicity. Leveraging these properties, the coatings suppress moisture condensation upon light exposure. The coatings exhibit exceptional mechanical stability, retaining antifogging performance after soaking in water for 1 week or wiping with a glass cloth over 100 times. This work offers a sustainable, energy-efficient solution for long-term antifogging applications, with potential in optical devices, automotive glass, and medical instruments. Our approach provides a scalable platform for functional NP coatings and opens new avenues for next-generation antifogging materials.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3531-2