SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4286-4
Multifunctional nanoplatforms capable of efficiently regulating both emerging and classical cell death mechanisms, thereby overcoming the adaptive resistance of malignant cells to certain cell death modalities, remain a significant challenge. Herein, we propose a new concept for the self-assembly of zinc-cystine coordination networks on curcumin (Cur) drug nanocrystals (DNCs) to construct Cur@PDA@GOx/Zn-Cys (CPGZC) nanoplatforms, enabling enhanced antitumor therapy through multicomponent synergistic modulation of both newly identified disulfidptosis and classical apoptosis. At tumor site, GOx-mediated glucose depletion reduces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels, which can impair the intracellular conversion of cystine to cysteine. Combined with the exogenous cystine delivered by CPGZC NPs, rapid intracellular disulfide accumulation strongly activates disulfidptosis. Simultaneously, the reduction in NADPH levels inhibits GSH biosynthesis, augmenting the intracellular ROS levels elicited by Cur DNCs within the CPGZC nanoplatforms. Moreover, the elevated oxidative stress, in synergy with the excessive Zn2+ introduced, aggravates mitochondrial damage, thereby further amplifying apoptosis. Consequently, the synergistic modulation of disulfidptosis and apoptosis induces a potent antitumor response, as validated by comprehensive in vitro and in vivo investigations. This study opens new avenues for the development of multifunctional nanoplatforms for enhanced cancer therapy through the effective integration of both emerging and classical cell death mechanisms, which may serve as a promising strategy to advance our comprehension of synergistic utilization of various cell death mechanisms and combat with complex cancers.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4467-x
Conventional eye-movement interaction systems depend on video capture, infrared tracking, and image recognition, which impose inherent constraints on accuracy, response latency, and stability. This study introduces an eyelash-guided signal interaction system based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (PF-TENG) using PDMS-FDTS thin films. The system employs eyelash movements as interactive inputs, eliminating the need for complex optical acquisition devices. A CNN-LSTM hybrid neural network classifies distinct eyelash movement patterns with a classification accuracy exceeding 98.5%. The PF-TENG device exhibits ultra-flexibility and transparency, enabling seamless integration onto eyeglasses without obstructing the user's field of view. Experimental validation demonstrates real-time monitoring of ocular states for driving fatigue detection, accurately identifying fatigue signs and enhancing application potential in intelligent driving. The system offers a natural, comfortable input modality and significant advantages for human-machine interaction, with broad prospects in eye-movement control and intelligent transportation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4369-1
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage due to sodium's abundance and low cost. Among cathode materials, polyanionic compounds like Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) offer high energy density and dual voltage plateaus at ~3.6 and 4.0 V, but suffer from low electronic conductivity and sluggish Na+ diffusion. Here, we report a dual-modulation strategy combining high-valence Nb5+ doping and polydopamine-derived carbon coating to synthesize Na3V1.94Nb0.06(PO4)2O2F-C (NVPOF-Nb-C) via a hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement confirm that Nb5+ doping induces slight lattice expansion without altering the tetragonal I4/mmm framework. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Nb5+ doping optimizes the crystal structure and reduces the Na+ diffusion barrier, while the uniform carbon coating enhances electron transport. Consequently, NVPOF-Nb-C exhibits remarkably improved electrochemical performance, including high reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and ultralong cycling stability. In a full cell with hard carbon anode, it delivers a high energy density of 487.2 Wh kg−1 at 1C and retains 91.51% capacity after 3000 cycles at 20C. This work provides a synergistic strategy to overcome the intrinsic limitations of polyanionic cathodes for practical SIB applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3709-4
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3583-6
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3605-0
Nickel oxide (NiOx) is widely used as a hole transport material in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, its practical application is limited by low intrinsic conductivity and insufficient hole extraction ability, leading to significant interfacial defects that reduce device efficiency and stability. To overcome these issues, two isomeric small organic molecules, 2,6-NOT and 1,5-NOT, were developed and introduced to modify NiOx. These isomers share the same structure but differ in the substitution positions of functional groups, resulting in distinct molecular planarity. Experimental results demonstrate that 1,5-NOT, featuring extended conjugation and enhanced planarity, more effectively enhances the hole extraction/transport capabilities and conductivity of NiOx compared to 2,6-NOT. The NiOx/1,5-NOT-based device achieves a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.20%, along with excellent long-term stability, surpassing the NiOx control device (18.12%) and the 2,6-NOT-based device (21.87%). These findings indicate that modifying NiOx with small organic molecules significantly improves charge transport performance, and increasing molecular planarity is particularly beneficial for enhancing hole transport and reducing defect density, thereby increasing both efficiency and stability. This work provides a new strategy for NiOx modification via small organic molecules, offering a promising route to high-performance inverted PSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3553-7
Gesture interaction has emerged as a highly effective interface for intelligent human-computer interaction, attributed to its intuitive interaction modality and multi-dimensional control capabilities. However, traditional gesture interaction devices often depend on predefined encoding rules, which substantially limit interaction efficiency and degrade user experience. This study introduces an innovative intelligent finger ring interaction system based on a triboelectric nanogenerator utilizing PDMS/SrTiO3 composite thin film (PS-TENG). The system maps freehand writing gestures directly to textual information input, thereby eliminating the need for complex gesture encoding schemes and offering a user-friendly, low-learning-curve input method. By integrating a deep learning model, the system achieves recognition accuracies of 98.21% for English letters, 96.87% for Arabic numerals, and 96.44% for Chinese characters. Furthermore, it supports secure and encrypted data transmission and enables wireless interaction for gaming control. These findings indicate that the intelligent finger ring interaction system possesses significant potential for practical applications in information input and wireless control.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3687-6
P2-Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 (NNMO) is a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high energy density and operating voltage. However, severe P2-O2 phase transition at high cut-off voltage causes large volume variation, structural degradation, and rapid capacity decay. Ion doping has been explored to suppress this transition, but achieving both high capacity and stability remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate that precise composition regulation enables both. The designed P2-Na0.67Ni0.28Mg0.03Fe0.04Mn0.55Ti0.1O2 retains high electrochemical active element content while effectively suppressing phase transition, leading to outstanding structural stability and fast charge transfer kinetics. This cathode delivers a high specific capacity of 143.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains stable cycling over 1000 cycles. Our work provides a new strategy for rationally designing high-capacity, stable cathode materials for SIBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3506-3
Metallic glasses (MGs) often suffer from sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics in neutral and alkaline media, with their catalytic performance predominantly confined to acidic environments. Herein, we reported a novel thermoplastic forming technique to fabricate a self-supported partially crystallized nanoporous Pt56.2Ni5.2Cu16.8P21.8 metallic glass (C-NPMG). The C-NPMG catalyst delivers ultralow overpotentials of 18.0 mV (0.5 M H2SO4), 42.2 mV (1 M KOH), and 88.0 mV (1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, outperforming most state-of-the-art non-noble MGs and Pt-based benchmarks across all pH conditions. Notably, it maintains negligible performance decay for over 1000 h in alkaline electrolytes, showcasing superior stability. Experimental and computational analyses reveal that the enhanced HER activity arises from three synergistic effects: (1) the high-specific-surface-area nanoporous architecture that maximizes active site exposure; (2) the formation of crystallite-amorphous interfaces during partial crystallization, which lowers the energy barrier for H2 desorption; (3) the hierarchical super-hydrophilic and super-hydrophobic wettability of the C-NPMG, which optimizes mass transport and prevents electrolyte-induced corrosion. This work establishes a novel design paradigm for developing high-performance, pH-universal HER electrocatalysts by integrating structural nano-engineering and crystallite-amorphous phase synergy in metallic glass systems to overcome the trade-offs between performance and stability in electrochemical water splitting.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3710-y
Layered transition metal oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) suffer from Jahn–Teller distortion of MnO6, Na+/vacancy ordering, and irreversible lattice oxygen loss, causing capacity fading and voltage decay. Here, we report a P2-type material, Na0.67Ni0.3Mn0.6Li0.09Sn0.01O2 (NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01), co-doped with closed-shell Li+ and Sn4+ ions. Li+ increases the Mn4+/Mn3+ ratio, mitigating Jahn–Teller distortion, and disrupts Ni/Mn ordering, suppressing Na+/vacancy ordering. Sn4+ forms stronger Sn–O bonds (548 kJ mol−1), enhancing bonding between transition metal ions and oxygen, reducing oxygen loss. NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01 delivers a specific capacity of 90.3 mAh g−1 with 62.9% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA g−1), and 90.3% voltage retention. This closed-shell substitution strategy offers a viable approach for enhancing structural stability of wide-voltage layered oxide cathodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3713-y
Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), yet their practical application remains limited by poor electrical conductivity and sluggish reaction kinetics. In this work, we synthesize three high-entropy LDHs (HELDHs) featuring a hierarchical architecture of microspheres assembled from ultrathin nanosheets, via a simple hydrothermal method using a combination of low-cost, catalytically active transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Cr). Among them, the FeCoNiMnZn HELDH exhibits outstanding OER performance, requiring an overpotential of only 306 mV to reach a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Notably, during 200 h of continuous operation, the device exhibits a stable and, in some cases, increasing current output. This exceptional activity is attributed to the formation of abundant cation vacancies, induced by Zn leaching, which enhance the intrinsic catalytic properties by optimizing the adsorption energies of key OER intermediates. Density functional theory calculations further validate that these vacancies modulate the electronic structure and lower reaction barriers, underscoring the effectiveness of cation-vacancy engineering in high-entropy systems for efficient and durable water oxidation catalysis. The optimized catalyst was further evaluated as the air cathode in a zinc–air battery, demonstrating practical electrochemical performance.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507027
Ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) is a common water pollutant that can induce eutrophication and threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health. Accurate monitoring is essential for water safety. This study applied a self-developed gas-permeable membrane-based conductivity sensor (GPMCS) for real-time in-situ monitoring of NH3-N in two water bodies. In the Qunying River (surface river water), GPMCS captured concentration fluctuations linked to pump operations and sewage intrusion, with mean inlet and outlet concentrations of 4.67 and 3.42 mg/L, respectively. In Swan Lake (landscape aquaculture water), concentrations reached up to 11.16 mg/L, with site means of 6.42 and 7.04 mg/L, influenced by aquaculture activities, weather, and location. GPMCS results correlated strongly with national standard methods (r1=0.8132, r2=0.7483), confirming accuracy and reliability. Compared to existing techniques, GPMCS offers high selectivity, strong anti-interference, portability, no sample pretreatment, low cost, and environmental friendliness, making it suitable for long-term in-situ monitoring. This technology provides robust support for sustainable water environment management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3464-4
Photocatalytic conversion of atmospheric CO2 (0.03%) into multi-carbon fuels remains a grand challenge due to the high energy barrier of C–C coupling and the low concentration of CO2. Here, we report the construction of multiple metal pair sites on metal oxide nanosheets to steer C–C coupling, enabling efficient photoreduction of air-concentration CO2 to ethane (C2H6). As a prototype, Au nanoparticles were anchored on Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets (Au-Bi4Ti3O12). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Au-Ti metal pair sites at the interface. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of *OCCOH intermediate on Au-Bi4Ti3O12 during CO2 photoreduction, which was absent on pristine Bi4Ti3O12. Density functional theory calculations showed that the Gibbs free energy for *CO–COH formation on Au-Bi4Ti3O12 is 2.23 eV, significantly lower than that on Bi4Ti3O12 (3.59 eV), indicating facilitated C–C coupling. Consequently, Au-Bi4Ti3O12 exhibited a C2H6 evolution rate of 2.58 μmol g−1 h−1 under 0.03% CO2, whereas Bi4Ti3O12 produced only C1 products (CO and CH4). This work demonstrates the first single-catalyst photoreduction of atmospheric CO2 to C2H6, highlighting the effectiveness of engineered multiple active sites in overcoming the C–C coupling bottleneck.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3816-y
Tool protective films operate under extreme service conditions, requiring exceptional hardness. Transition metal diborides (TMB2), with strong covalent TM–B and B–B bonds, are promising candidates, but achieving superhardness while preserving their simple binary structure remains challenging. Here, we use HfB2 as a model system to reveal how boron vacancy filling and in-plane compressive stress synergistically enhance hardness, through combined experimental synthesis and first-principles calculations. (001)-oriented HfB2 thin films were fabricated, including sub-stoichiometric HfB2−x, stoichiometric HfB2, and stoichiometric HfB2 under compressive stress. Nanoindentation shows the hardness increases from 33.0 ± 1.1 GPa in HfB1.90 to 40.5 ± 0.4 GPa in stoichiometric HfB2, and further to 45.7 ± 1.1 GPa under −3.67 GPa stress. Calculations reveal that vacancy filling increases the number of load-bearing bonds and strengthens B–B bonding via charge accumulation, while compressive stress shortens B–B bonds to further enhance their strength. These findings clarify the atomic-scale mechanisms of vacancy and stress engineering in TMB2, and propose a simple, scalable pathway to superhard protective films without alloying or doping, addressing a long-standing challenge in coatings for extreme environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3633-5
High-temperature interfacial diffusion in Half-Heusler (HH) thermoelectric devices poses significant challenges for practical applications, particularly the diffusion of Ag from conventional solders, which degrades material performance and device stability. This study reveals anomalous Ag diffusion through a Cr powder barrier layer into Ti0.5Zr0.5NiSn0.98Sb0.02, driven by Sn phase penetration. In contrast, employing a Cr foil barrier layer pre-densified the material, effectively preventing Sn phase penetration and eliminating Ag diffusion pathways, thereby preserving junction integrity. After aging at 973 K for 30 days, the Cr foil junction maintained a clean interface with a low contact resistivity of 0.27 μΩ cm2. Benefiting from this interfacial design, a Hf-free HH module achieved a high conversion efficiency of 10.4% at a hot-side temperature of 976 K, alongside long-term stability. This work addresses critical bottlenecks in developing high-performance, low-cost HH modules, facilitating their commercial application in waste heat recovery.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61116-X
A standardized dataset of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) curves is presented for evaluating the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance of carbon-supported catalysts in acidic media. All electrochemical tests were conducted in O2-saturated 0.5 mol L−1 H2SO4 at controlled rotation speeds using a rotating disk electrode. The dataset comprises 120 validated entries from both non-precious metal (MNC) and platinum-based (Pt-MC) catalysts, including original LSV curves and extracted performance parameters such as onset potential, half-wave potential, and limiting current densities at different rotation speeds. Data processing involved potential conversion to the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) scale, background subtraction, outlier removal, and reproducibility checks with defined quality control thresholds (relative standard deviation ≤2% for E1/2 and ≤5% for limiting current). The standardized collection serves as a reliable benchmark for catalyst performance comparison, supports kinetic and mass transport analysis, and provides a structured data source for machine learning applications in electrocatalysis. The dataset is openly available via Science Data Bank, with a DOI, and is intended as a dynamic resource for the ORR electrocatalysis community.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202505012
Sediment risk assessment for lakes and rivers often neglects the distinction between in-situ ecological risks and ex-situ comprehensive utilization risks. This study proposes a multi-scenario risk assessment model incorporating both in-situ and ex-situ contexts. For the in-situ scenario, a dual-background-value potential ecological risk assessment was applied using national and Yunnan soil background values. For ex-situ scenarios, pollution risk assessment models were established for agricultural land (paddy and other) and construction land (Class I and II). Taking the Dianchi Lake dredging project as a case study, 92 sediment samples from polluted and transition layers at 46 grid points were analyzed for six heavy metals (As, Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr). Results showed: (1) Under different background values, ≥97.83% of samples exhibited moderate or higher ecological risk, with Hg and Cd as main contributors, Hg posing higher risk. (2) In agricultural scenarios (paddy/orchard and other), 95.65% of points had unacceptable risk, with comprehensive pollution intensity order Cd>Cu>Zn>As>Cr; for Class I construction land, As was the target pollutant with 93.48% of points unacceptable, while Class II land was acceptable. (3) Spatial heterogeneity was significant: horizontal risk was higher at the lake outlet than at the Cixiang River inlet; vertical risk was higher in the polluted layer than in the transition layer, with Hg and Cd potential ecological risk coefficients 11.58% and 24.19% higher, and comprehensive potential ecological risk index 43.27% higher. Pollution coefficients for Cd, Zn, Cu (agricultural) and As (Class I construction) increased by 123.02%, 6.3%, 4.1%, and 41.02% in the polluted layer. (4) Different evaluation methods yielded significantly different results, indicating that metals without potential ecological risk may still pose pollution risk in utilization scenarios, necessitating comprehensive consideration in remediation.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60647-0
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers a direct route to convert solar energy into clean hydrogen fuel. CuBi2O4, a p-type semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.5–1.8 eV, exhibits visible-light responsiveness and good stability, yet its performance is limited by high interfacial resistance and severe charge carrier recombination. This study introduces a CuO interlayer between fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and CuBi2O4 to construct CuO/CuBi2O4 photocathodes, aiming to improve interfacial charge transfer. The optimized CuO/CuBi2O4-200 photocathode achieved a photocurrent density of −1.71 mA/cm² at 0 V vs. RHE, more than 3.5 times that of bare CuBi2O4. Incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) at 365 nm reached ~13%, and the maximum applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) was 0.17%. Water splitting experiments yielded 2.05 μmol/cm² of hydrogen, significantly surpassing the unmodified photoelectrode. Mechanistic studies indicate that the CuO layer establishes favorable band alignment, promotes hole transport toward the FTO substrate, and suppresses interfacial carrier recombination. This work demonstrates a simple and efficient interfacial engineering strategy, offering insights for the design of high-performance semiconductor-based PEC photoelectrodes.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60620-7
Direct coal liquefaction (DCL) diesel constitutes over 60% of DCL products, yet its cetane number (30–40) falls short of the automotive diesel standard (≥45). Rapid and accurate compositional analysis is essential for optimizing properties via component blending. Traditional gas chromatography offers high accuracy but is unsuitable for online industrial monitoring. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy enables rapid, non-destructive analysis, but spectral interpretation is complex. This study integrates NIR spectroscopy with machine learning (ML) to construct a spectral-composition database for DCL diesel. Feature extraction using correlation coefficient and mutual information methods screened key wavelength variables, reducing dimensionality from ~1800 to ~200 wavelengths. Three ML models—Lasso, SVR, and XGBoost—were compared. Excluding spectral data with absorbance >1 significantly improved model accuracy, increasing test set R² from 0.85 to 0.96. After feature extraction, the optimal variable count was 177, enhancing computational efficiency. Among models, SVR-MI-0.9 (mutual information feature selection) achieved the best performance, with training and test set R² values exceeding 0.98, enabling precise prediction of paraffin, naphthene, and aromatic contents. This research provides a robust methodology for intelligent online quality monitoring. An intelligent NIR spectroscopy data analysis software was independently developed based on the established model. Compared with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, the software reduced analysis time by over 98%, with absolute prediction error below 0.2%. Thus, rapid analysis of DCL diesel components was successfully realized.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3845-9
The controlled regulation of molecular folding provides a fundamental pathway for constructing adaptive chiral materials with tunable optical and structural properties. This review summarizes recent progress in folding-mediated chirality control across four interrelated domains: stimuli-responsive regulation, host-guest and coordination interactions, halogen-bond driven modulation, and structural adaptability. Stimuli such as solvent polarity, temperature, pH, and light can reversibly reshape intramolecular hydrogen-bond networks to trigger chiroptical switching. Host-guest and coordination assemblies further enable cooperative chirality transfer through multicomponent interactions, while halogen bonding offers directional and programmable control over molecular helicity. Finally, intrinsic structural adaptability—integrating ferrocenyl frameworks, peptide folding, and diastereomeric design—demonstrates that molecular architecture itself can encode responsive behavior. By comparing these diverse yet convergent strategies, this review highlights the underlying principles of folding-regulated chirality and outlines future directions toward intelligent, multifunctional, and hierarchically organized chiral systems.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202508081
Traditional soil thermal remediation requires high temperatures (>300 °C), which can damage soil structure, increase energy consumption, and elevate carbon emissions. This study developed a Cu–CeOx/TiO2 trimetallic catalyst to enable low-temperature thermal remediation of naphthalene-contaminated soil. Using nano-TiO2 as a support, catalysts with varying Cu/Ce ratios were prepared via impregnation-calcination. Material characterization (XRD, TEM, XPS, etc.) revealed that Cu and Ce incorporation induced crystal defects in TiO2, enhancing lattice oxygen activity and electron mobility, thereby generating more oxygen vacancies and hydroxyl radicals. Performance evaluation using a TGA-GC-FTIR-MS platform showed that the catalyst with Cu:Ce = 1:1 achieved the best remediation efficiency, reducing the thermal remediation temperature from 250 °C to 211.5 °C and increasing the removal rate by an average of 19.49% compared to the non-catalyst group at the same temperature. The catalyst facilitated stepwise degradation of naphthalene into smaller organic molecules (alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes) and ultimately into H2O and CO2. This work demonstrates that Cu–CeOx/TiO2 significantly lowers the energy demand of thermal remediation, offering a promising approach for low-carbon remediation of organic-contaminated soils.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509019
To enhance the electricity generation and decolorization efficiency of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) for azo dye wastewater, this study introduced pomelo peel biochar as anode material and flavonoid-rich Chinese herbal medicines as electron mediators (EMs) into microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The anodes were prepared by chemical activation with KOH, ZnCl2, and H3BO3, followed by polypyrrole (PPy) modification. Among the modified anodes, PPy-PPCH3BO3-CC exhibited the best electrochemical performance. The EMs were derived from aqueous extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin), Ginkgo biloba leaves, and Pueraria lobata (Gegen). The extract from Scutellaria baicalensis showed the highest electron transfer capability. In the MFC system equipped with the optimal anode and Scutellaria baicalensis extract, the maximum output voltage reached (587±10) mV, power density increased to 423.12 mW·m−2, Coulombic efficiency was (57.85±1.06)%, COD removal efficiency was (77.45±0.92)%, charge transfer resistance (Rct) decreased to 7.15 Ω, and methyl orange decolorization rate reached (95.86±1.12)%. These results were significantly superior to the control group, demonstrating that natural source materials can effectively enhance the performance of BES for methyl orange wastewater treatment.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60636-6
Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (DMMx) are promising clean diesel additives. Compared to the traditional aldol condensation route, the one-step oxidative method for producing DMMx directly from methanol is a green synthesis route offering significant advantages. However, due to the complexity of the reaction, a balance must be struck between oxidation depth and C–O chain growth efficiency. This imposes specific requirements on the design of catalysts with multifunctional active sites: the catalyst should possess appropriate oxidative activity, suitable acid strength distribution, and effective synergy between these two functions. To address these challenges, this study designed a sulfuric acid-modified molybdenum-doped NASICON catalyst, which demonstrated favorable catalytic performance in the one-step oxidative synthesis of DMMx from methanol. Over the NSC-Mo-0.5-30% catalyst, methanol conversion rate of 81.3% and the DMMx selectivity of 58.7% were achieved, along with the formation of heavier molecules, as evidenced by the DMM2–6 selectivity of 11.3%. The NH3-TPD, Py-IR and XPS results indicate that the introduction of molybdenum increases the number of weak Lewis acid sites, while sulfuric acid impregnation not only generates gradient-distributed Brønsted acid sites but also promotes the formation of Mo5+/Mo6+ redox pairs. The cooperation of the two types of active sites significantly enhances catalyst performance.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60660-3
Catalytic oxidation is a pivotal technology for the valorization of light hydrocarbons, with oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) and epoxidation using molecular oxygen attracting significant interest due to high atom economy and environmental friendliness. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes (ethane, propane) and aerobic epoxidation of light olefins (ethylene, propylene). For rational catalyst design, it elaborates on performance regulation strategies for metal oxide catalysts such as MoVNbTeOx mixed oxides, NiO-based, and V-based systems, as well as carbon/boron-based non-metal catalysts in alkane ODH, and silver- and copper-based catalysts in alkene epoxidation. Strategies include regulating the oxidation state of active sites, exploiting strong metal-support interactions, engineering particle size and crystal facets, and promoter modification. At the mechanistic level, combining density functional theory calculations with in situ characterization, the review examines C–H bond activation and alkene desorption pathways in ODH, and oxygen insertion routes and competing side reactions in epoxidation. Special attention is given to the dynamic evolution of electrophilic and nucleophilic oxygen species and their decisive role in selectivity. Persistent challenges include suppressing over-oxidation and overcoming the conversion–selectivity trade-off. Future directions propose precise design of active centers, development of inherently safer processes, and in-depth analysis of complex reaction networks, supporting the green transition of the chemical industry.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3976-x
The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7−δ (La-327) under high pressure and in thin films at ambient pressure has opened new avenues in superconductivity research. However, La-327 exhibits a narrow phase stability range, leading to stacking faults that suppress bulk superconductivity. Chemical substitutions, particularly at the A-site with smaller rare-earth ions, have been shown to enhance phase purity and reduce stacking faults, while also increasing the orthorhombic distortion and chemical pressure. In this work, we apply the high-entropy (HE) strategy to stabilize the 327 phase with reduced average A-site ionic radius (rA). We successfully synthesized medium-entropy La1.2Pr0.6Nd0.6Sm0.6Ni2O7−δ (ME-327) and high-entropy La0.67Pr0.67Nd0.67Sm0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33Ni2O7−δ (HE-327) polycrystalline samples. These compositions satisfy medium- and high-entropy criteria, with rA values of 1.181 Å and 1.164 Å, respectively. The samples are phase-pure and homogeneous. HE-327 exhibits the lowest cell volume, largest orthorhombicity, and shortest interlayer Ni-Ni distance among reported bilayer nickelates. Physical property measurements reveal low electrical conductivity and a high density-wave (DW) transition temperature. Under high pressure, HE-327 shows a resistivity anomaly at 103 K under 31 GPa, suggesting a possible superconducting transition. Extrapolation indicates that Tc under high pressure exceeds 100 K for HE-327, correlating with reduced rA and enhanced interlayer coupling. Our results demonstrate the ionic size effect and the effectiveness of the HE approach in stabilizing bilayer nickelates, providing a new avenue for developing superconducting materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4053-5
The rapid and efficient removal of radioactive iodine species from water is critical for nuclear waste treatment, particularly given the short half-life of 131I (8.02 days). Traditional porous inorganic materials exhibit low uptake capacities (<1 g g−1), while porous frameworks such as MOFs and COFs achieve high capacities (>5 g g−1) but suffer from slow removal kinetics, often requiring hours to capture 80% of iodine. This study introduces nonporous naphthobipyrrole-based organic cages (NBP-Cages) that demonstrate ultrafast iodine removal from water. Among the materials tested, type-II Me-NBP-Cage and Et-NBP-Cage, prepared via reprecipitation, exhibit amorphous morphology with small particle sizes (2–6 μm) and low BET surface areas (33.4 and 2.3 m2 g−1, respectively). Despite their nonporosity, these materials achieve >99% iodine removal within seconds, outperforming previously reported sorbents. The adsorption performance correlates with particle size and morphology: amorphous, small particles with effective surface gaps show superior kinetics. The materials are recyclable; for instance, Et-NBP-Cage can be regenerated by washing with acetonitrile, maintaining removal efficiency over five cycles. This work highlights the potential of nonporous organic cages as high-performance iodine sorbents, addressing the critical need for materials that combine high uptake capacity with rapid removal kinetics.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510029
Low hydrolysis efficiency is a core bottleneck in anaerobic digestion (AD) of lignocellulosic agricultural residues, limiting methane production and resource utilization. This study optimized thermal hydrolysis pretreatment (THP) of corn straw (CS) using response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance methane yield. The optimal conditions were determined as solid-to-liquid ratio of 51.0–57.5 mg·mL−1, pretreatment time of 74–81 min, and temperature of 182.5–197.5 °C. Under the optimal combination (52.3 mg·mL−1, 78.4 min, 191 °C), cumulative methane yield increased from 218.0 to 362.9 mL·g−1 VS, a 66.7% improvement over untreated CS. Characterization via XRD, FTIR, and SEM revealed that THP disrupted the lignocellulosic structure, reducing lignin content from 21.5% to 8.3% and crystallinity index (CrI) from 70.83% to 61.95%. Inhibitory derivatives generated during THP included furfural (1.69 mg·mL−1), 5-methylfurfural (2.44 mg·mL−1), and phenol (23.14 mg·L−1), with a theoretical combined inhibition rate of 7.26%. The promotion effect on methane production (66.7%) far exceeded the theoretical inhibition (7.26%), indicating that THP under optimized conditions is effective and environmentally controllable. This study provides a systematic framework for optimizing THP parameters to maximize methane production from agricultural residues.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60624-4
Para-xylene (PX) is a critical chemical feedstock for producing polyesters, plastics, and fibers, with China's 2024 consumption reaching 40 million tons (63% of global total) and an import dependency of 17%. Conventional naphtha-based routes face feedstock security and cost volatility, prompting interest in syngas conversion. This review systematically examines recent catalyst developments for direct syngas-to-PX-rich aromatics, focusing on three systems: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalyst/zeolite coupling, methanol synthesis catalyst/zeolite synergy, and dual-engine/zeolite catalysis. Critical parameters such as active component electronic structure, promoter effects, and zeolite pore topology are analyzed to reveal governing principles of activity, selectivity, and stability. Reaction mechanisms via olefin, methanol, and dual-intermediate pathways are explored. Current bottlenecks include coordinated optimization of activity and stability, and unclear regulation of PX selectivity. Future research directions are proposed to address these challenges.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60628-1
The coupling of CO2 with olefins to produce cyclic carbonates has emerged as an important research topic in sustainable chemistry, owing to its high atom economy and the wide applicability of the resulting products. However, this reaction faces a significant challenge due to the mismatch between the rates of the epoxidation and cycloaddition steps. In this work, a series of TS-1 zeolite catalysts encapsulating different amounts of molybdenum acetylacetonate were prepared through hydrothermal synthesis followed by post-treatment, with the aim of elucidating the rate balance between the epoxidation and cycloaddition steps and the underlying regulation mechanism. Characterization results show that the Mo species were present as highly dispersed molybdenum acetylacetonate complexes that were stably confined within the TS-1 framework. These complexes interact electronically with the tetra-coordinated Ti sites to form synergistic active centers, while imposing negligible effects on the zeolite structure and porosity. In the CO2-styrene coupling reaction, tuning the Mo loading enabled effective control over the epoxidation rate, thereby achieving an appropriate balance with the subsequent cycloaddition step. The optimized catalyst delivered excellent performance under mild conditions, with a styrene conversion of 83.4% and a selectivity of 75.3%, and also exhibited outstanding recyclability. Overall, this encapsulated catalyst successfully addresses the dual challenges of rate matching and active-site stability in CO2–olefin coupling, providing valuable insights for the rational design of efficient, durable bifunctional catalysts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026021301
Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) nanoparticles (NPs), generated during the lifecycle of LCO batteries via mechanical wear, pose respiratory health risks. This study systematically assessed LCO NPs' physicochemical properties, ion release, and immunotoxicity using multi-scale models. LCO NPs exhibited irregular morphology, layered crystal structure, good dispersion, and negative surface charge. Cobalt ion release was minimal: 1.03% in deionized water and 0.11% in cell culture medium. In vitro, LCO NPs significantly induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in macrophages, promoting M1 polarization. In vivo, intranasal exposure caused dose-dependent pulmonary accumulation, alveolar destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and elevated cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, implicating these in macrophage activation and inflammation amplification. This multi-level study elucidates LCO NPs' immunotoxicity mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for environmental health risk assessment and management of lithium-ion battery materials.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60695-0
The direct carbonylation of glycerol with CO2 to glycerol carbonate represents a promising route for CO2 utilization, addressing both carbon emission reduction and the synthesis of value-added chemicals. However, the reaction is thermodynamically limited, resulting in low glycerol conversion, necessitating the use of coupling agents and appropriate catalysts. This review systematically examines recent progress in homogeneous catalysts (inorganic and organic bases) and heterogeneous catalysts (Zn, Cu, Ce, La, Mg, noble metals, modified zeolites, non-metallic materials) for this transformation. Strategies such as metal oxide modification, support optimization, precursor selection, and construction of acidic-basic sites are analyzed for enhancing catalytic performance. The effects of coupling agents including acetonitrile, adiponitrile, 2-cyanopyridine, MgCO3, CaC2, and NaHCO3 are summarized. Notably, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), Zn(QTf)2, and metal composite oxides like ZnO-CeO2 have demonstrated promising catalytic performance. Future research directions include developing organometallic complexes or composite metal oxides with highly dispersed active sites and tailored morphologies to modulate surface area, pore size, and acidity/basicity; optimizing coupling agents or designing novel membrane reactors to improve glycerol conversion; and introducing polar solvents to enhance reactant adsorption and activation. These approaches provide valuable references for catalyst design and reaction system optimization in the carbonylation of glycerol with CO2.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025040708
Bisphenol S (BPS), a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), is widely used in food packaging, plastics, and dental fillings. BPS enters and accumulates in the human body via respiratory, digestive, and dermal routes, posing increasing health risks. Epidemiological and animal studies link BPS exposure to metabolic disorders. This review systematically summarizes BPS pollution status and its mechanisms in obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune system disorders. BPS detection rates reach 78.5% in food samples (up to 67.1 μg·kg−1) and 81.67% in fish (up to 65.31 μg·kg−1). In indoor dust, BPS levels reach 26.6 μg·g−1, with adult daily exposure estimated at 0.78 ng·kg−1 in China. Mechanistically, BPS disrupts lipid and glucose metabolism, induces oxidative stress and inflammation, and alters nuclear receptor signaling. The review highlights the need for molecular target identification and metabolic network interaction studies to develop intervention strategies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3917-x
The escalating global challenge of antibiotic contamination demands advanced sensing technologies for environmental monitoring and public health protection. Here, we present a structurally well-defined, intercalation-engineered metal-organic framework (MOF), HSB-W18, which functions as an ultrasensitive and selective fluorescence sensor for fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis unambiguously determined both the framework architecture and the spatial organization of intercalated 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate molecules at atomic resolution. Through ultrasound-assisted synthesis, highly stable book-shaped microsheets (HSB-W18-MS) were obtained, maintaining exceptional aqueous dispersibility and luminescence intensity for over one month. These microsheets offer distinct advantages for antibiotic detection: specific recognition of diverse fluoroquinolones via unique fluorescence signatures; highly sensitive ratiometric detection of enoxacin (ENX) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.62 nM and rapid response kinetics (<30 s); exceptional selectivity alongside reusability. Systematic mechanistic investigations revealed a synergistic detection process involving multiple photophysical pathways. Furthermore, a smartphone-based portable detection system was successfully implemented, and the practical utility of the sensor was validated by quantifying ENX in complex environmental samples: tap water LOD = 18.32 nM and river water LOD = 29.87 nM. This study contributes to fundamental materials science and environmental monitoring by elucidating discernible structure-property relationships in intercalated MOFs, demonstrating a robust platform for field-deployable antibiotic detection and proposing an innovative design paradigm for environmental optical sensors.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4107-x
Aqueous fiber zinc-iodine batteries (FZIBs) with four-electron redox exhibit inherent safety and high energy density for wearable electronics. Nevertheless, their practical implementations are hindered by unsatisfactory cycling stability and low realistic energy density, mainly caused by severe H2O-induced nucleophilic attack toward iodine species and poor zinc anode reversibility. Here, we report a quaternary ammonium-mediated coordination strategy to simultaneously address the irreversible cathode/anode redox behavior and thus promote the electrochemical performance of four-electron FZIBs. The cationic choline ion (Ch+) induces complexation with ICl2− via electrostatic interaction, homogenizing the electron cloud density and suppressing irreversible hydrolysis of I+ species, enabling a reversible near-theoretical high capacity of 418.3 mAh g−1. Meanwhile, preferentially adsorbed Ch+ on the zinc anode surface creates positively charged shielding layers, mitigating the tip effect caused by localized electric field and achieving robust zinc stripping/plating. The enhanced cathode/anode reversibility and improved interfacial stability enable stable FZIBs operation for over 20,000 cycles at 20.0 A g−1. Moreover, successful integration of FZIBs into electronic textiles with glucose and cardiac rhythm sensors demonstrates great potential for next-generation wearable electronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4012-4
Stimuli-responsive fluorescent hydrogels, owing to their tunable optical properties and unique smart response characteristics, have significant potential in encryption applications and information security. However, most current systems are limited to single-stimulus responsiveness and lack the capability for programmable information erasure or multi-modal dynamic synergy. Hence, we propose a multi-stimuli-responsive phase-change hydrogel incorporating aggregation-induced emission hydrophobic carbon dots (AIE-HCDs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-cellulose network, demonstrating dynamic fluorescence chromism under various external triggers. The hydrogel exhibits solvent-exchange-triggered fluorescence color changes from blue to red, enabled by the concentration modulation of AIE-HCDs through the exchange between PEG and water. Additionally, the temperature-induced phase transition of PEG from crystalline to molten state modulates the aggregation and dispersion of AIE-HCDs, thereby enabling dynamic fluorescence color changes. The phase transition further confers excellent shape-memory behavior and adjustable mechanical properties, with the tensile modulus varying from 6.28 MPa in the molten state to 36.23 MPa in the crystalline state, while maintaining high transparency (~88% in the molten state). By utilizing micro-contact printing and the multi-stimulus response, an encryption platform enables information to be hidden, selectively read under sequential stimuli (thermal, UV, and solvent), and completely erased upon demand. This strategy demonstrates significant potential for advancing high-level information encryption and anti-counterfeiting technologies.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510017
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a significant source of urban carbon emissions. This study integrates life cycle assessment (LCA) and system dynamics (SD) to construct a multi-subsystem LCA-SD model covering economy, population, waste generation, transportation, treatment, and resource utilization, using Fuzhou City as a case study. The model was validated against historical data and uncertainty analysis. Carbon emissions from MSW transportation, treatment, and resource utilization during 2013–2023 were calculated, and emission trends under seven reduction scenarios for 2024–2035 were predicted. Results show that Fuzhou's MSW treatment evolved through three stages: 'landfill+incineration', 'treatment structure adjustment', and 'incineration+kitchen waste resource utilization', corresponding to emission growth, fluctuation, and reduction periods. In 2023, total net carbon emissions were 1.07×10^6 t CO2-eq, with incineration being the largest contributor (9.93×10^5 t), followed by transportation (2.93×10^4 t), leachate treatment (2.14×10^4 t), and kitchen waste treatment (7.90×10^3 t, negative emission). Scenario analysis indicates that without further measures, carbon neutrality cannot be achieved. Synergistic enhancement of kitchen waste separation and incineration power generation efficiency can significantly boost reduction, potentially achieving carbon neutrality by 2032. The study provides a dynamic accounting and scenario assessment framework for low-carbon transition of urban solid waste systems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026050701
Azo food colorants are persistent aquatic pollutants posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Utilizing biomass waste to produce low-cost activated carbon offers a sustainable strategy for their removal. In this study, activated carbon (HPR-AC) was synthesized from Haematococcus pluvialis residue via phosphoric acid activation, and its adsorption performance was evaluated using Sunset Yellow (SY), Ponceau 4R (P4R), and Tartrazine (TY) as model pollutants. The effects of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and temperature on adsorption efficiency were systematically examined. Characterization by BET, FTIR, XRD, and XPS revealed that HPR-AC possesses a high specific surface area and an abundant mesoporous structure. The adsorption process was well described by the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, indicating monolayer chemisorption and an endothermic nature. At pH 5 and 55 °C, the maximum adsorption capacities reached 67.12, 79.72, and 72.75 mg·g−1 for SY, P4R, and TY, respectively. Statistical physics modeling further suggested a multilayer physical adsorption mechanism, primarily governed by pore filling, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and charge transfer. These findings provide both theoretical insights and empirical data for the valorization of H. pluvialis residue and the development of efficient, sustainable adsorbents for azo dye removal from water.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608018
Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are volatile, difficult to degrade, and highly toxic, posing serious threats to the atmospheric environment and human health. Catalytic oxidation is currently one of the mainstream methods for CVOCs abatement, owing to its high efficiency, safety, and economic feasibility, and its key aspect lies in the design and development of high-performance catalysts. In the catalytic oxidation of CVOCs, the poisoning effect of chlorine species on catalysts severely restricts catalytic performance. Ru-based catalysts, which exhibit excellent catalytic oxidation activity toward CVOCs and favorable chlorine-resistant performance, have been widely studied in recent years. This paper reviews the latest research progress on Ru-based catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of CVOCs. The mechanism of catalytic oxidation of CVOCs by Ru-based catalysts is elucidated through a systematic analysis of the relevant literature. Furthermore, the strategies for the design and structural regulation of Ru-based catalysts are outlined from the perspectives of active components, supports, and surface modification. Finally, novel preparation methods for Ru-based catalysts and the influence of reaction components on catalytic performance are summarized. Future research directions in this field are also prospected, aiming to provide a reference for the subsequent design and development of high-performance Ru-based catalysts suitable for complex operating conditions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3951-4
Silicon anodes offer an ultrahigh theoretical capacity (4200 mAh g−1) but suffer from >300% volumetric expansion during cycling and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, leading to rapid capacity fading. Here, we design a hierarchical composite p-cSi@aSi@MgSiN2@C featuring a porous crystalline-amorphous silicon core (p-cSi@aSi), an in-situ MgSiN2 transition layer, and an outer nitrogen-doped carbon shell. The 3D interconnected pores accommodate volume expansion, while amorphous silicon enables isotropic lithiation-induced strain, eliminating crystalline phase transition barriers. The MgSiN2 layer transforms into a tough Li3N-rich SEI with ultra-fast ion channels, and the carbon shell provides mechanical confinement and electronic conductivity. This synergistic interface engineering achieves an initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 81.4%, a charge transfer resistance of 16.4 Ω after 200 cycles (64% reduction), and a Li+ diffusion coefficient of 1.72×10−11 cm2 s−1. The anode delivers 1719.3 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 200 cycles and 823.8 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C after 500 cycles. The molten salt electrolysis synthesis achieves a current efficiency of 68.12% and specific energy consumption of 12.76 kWh kg−1, with an estimated electricity cost of 1154.69 USD ton−1, only 20% of commercial Si/C anodes. This work resolves the ICE-cycle life trade-off and provides a scalable, cost-effective approach for next-generation high-energy batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4144-y
Developing efficient strategies for electrically manipulating two-dimensional magnetism at room temperature is a key challenge in contemporary spintronics. In this study, we demonstrate giant electromechanical control over the magnetism of the room-temperature van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 by integrating it with the ferroelectric α-In2Se3. Modest gate voltages lead to an almost complete suppression of the coercive field by 96.5%, corresponding to a remarkable peak modulation sensitivity of ~8.1 mT V−1, which stands out among existing van der Waals magnetoelectric systems. Importantly, this substantial magnetoelectric response is predominantly unaffected by voltage polarity, as both positive and negative gate voltages induce similar magnetic modulation effects. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we tracked the voltage-induced Raman spectral changes, revealing a peak shift of 1.7 cm−1 that accurately represents an effective in-plane tensile strain of ~1.42% under an equivalent bias, demonstrating polarity independence as well. The synchronized magnetic response and strain variation unequivocally indicate that the induced tensile strain serves as the fundamental physical driver behind the magnetic modulation. Additionally, density functional theory calculations corroborate that the reduction in magnetic anisotropy induced by tensile strain results in a decrease in the coercive field. Our work establishes a novel and efficient approach for achieving voltage control of magnetism at room temperature in van der Waals multiferroic heterostructures, highlighting their significant potential for applications in ultra-low-power magnetic logic and sensing technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4074-6
Achieving carbon neutralization relies heavily on green hydrogen and electrochemical carbon-nitrogen cycles. However, the complexity of these systems and the cost of traditional Edisonian trial-and-error methods hinder rapid progress. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool, enabling high-throughput data processing and dynamic adaptation. This review surveys the landscape of AI-driven electrochemistry, bridging the gap from atomic-scale design to industrial-scale implementation. Specifically, we focus on three areas: atomic structure-function decoding, fully automated “self-driving” laboratories, and macro-scale simulations for device durability. Furthermore, we elucidate the critical challenges in integrating AI with materials science. By mapping current trends and future directions, this work aims to unlock the full transformative potential of AI in next-generation energy storage and conversion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4149-1
Large optical anisotropy is paramount for efficient light manipulation in optoelectronic devices. Van der Waals layered materials, exhibiting large structural contrast between in-plane and out-of-plane directions, are inherently anisotropic in 3D space. However, measurements of their optical constants have been limited to 2D planes. Here, we directly measure reflectance spectra from the edge and basal surfaces of layered MoS2, NbOCl2, and WTe2 crystals to compare out-of-plane and in-plane optical constants in the 500–1000 nm range. Results show that out-of-plane refractive indices are smaller than in-plane values. Out-of-plane extinction coefficients are zero for MoS2 and NbOCl2 but nonzero for WTe2, confirmed by transient reflection spectroscopy. The nonzero extinction in WTe2 arises from symmetry of transition dipole moments and density of states dictated by crystal structure. Out-of-plane optical constants of MoS2 and NbOCl2 exhibit less dispersion than in-plane, whereas WTe2 shows enhanced out-of-plane dispersion around 2.14 eV, attributed to increased optical transition probability from larger density of states. These parameters indicate giant birefringence (>1.8 for MoS2, >0.6 for NbOCl2, >0.5 for WTe2) and linear dichroism (up to 100% for MoS2 and NbOCl2, 40.7% for WTe2) on edge surfaces. Results enable prediction of optical response at arbitrary incidence angles, aiding polarization-related optoelectronic devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4070-2
A series of ~20 nm intermetallic Pd3Pb nanocubes with tunable surface Pb exposure were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal approach, providing an ideal system to investigate the way in which the surface configurations of Pb-rich (Pd3Pb/Pb), Pd-rich (Pd3Pb/Pd), and standard Pd3Pb nanocubes influence the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) mainly through the ligand effect while excluding geometric influences. Electrochemical measurement results indicate that the Pd3Pb/Pb catalyst delivered outstanding C1+ selectivity, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency of 96.88% at −0.72 V (vs. RHE), significantly outperforming the Pd3Pb/Pd (39.86%) and standard Pd3Pb (81.75%) counterparts. In situ FTIR together with DFT calculations further elucidated that Pb incorporation can modulate the electronic structure of Pd via p-d hybridization, leading to the upshift of the d-band center. This will, in return, strengthen the intermediate adsorption ability and lower the energy barriers of the C1+ pathways while effectively suppressing the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. This work establishes a precise surface engineering paradigm of intermetallic nanocrystals for designing high-performance electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4125-8
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) require advanced interfacial modification materials to mitigate defects and ion migration that limit efficiency and stability. This study presents a low-cost, highly efficient screening methodology based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations to identify superior interface modifiers. The effectiveness of this method is experimentally validated. Methyl 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (TZMC) is screened as a superior molecule that simultaneously passivates perovskite defects and suppresses ion migration through a synergistic effect: coordination with Pb2+ via carbonyl oxygen and imidazole nitrogen, and stabilization of I− via N–H···I hydrogen bonding. This mechanism reduces non-radiative recombination, enhancing both open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). TZMC-modified PSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.44% and significantly improved operational stability under continuous illumination and resistance to water/oxygen. Comprehensive characterization confirms reduced defect density and increased ion migration barriers. This work demonstrates the success of DFT-guided design in advancing interfacial modification materials for high-performance PSCs, transforming interface engineering from trial-and-error to rational design and providing a framework for high-throughput screening.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3313-7
Alternating current (AC)-driven quantum dot (QD) light-emitting diodes have garnered attention for their unique optoelectronic performance. This work proposes an AC-driven device with an interdigital electrode structure that eliminates carrier injection and transport layers. The device exhibits AC electroluminescence (EL) with distinct frequency responses due to the incorporation of P(VDF-TrFE-CFE). Optical and electrical characteristics were studied under varying applied voltages and driving frequencies. Unlike conventional DC-driven devices where carriers are continuously injected, carriers in this device undergo periodic motion under an AC field, resulting in an optimal driving frequency that maximizes EL intensity. Experimental results reveal an optimal driving frequency of 50 kHz. A carrier transport model is proposed to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to this optimal frequency, and an equivalent circuit model is developed and verified. From a circuit perspective, the EL behavior at various frequencies is analyzed, further confirming the proposed working mechanism. Under high-frequency electric fields, exciton dissociation and reduced carrier accumulation at insulating layer interfaces are identified as primary causes of performance degradation. This work provides guidance for advancing QD-based light-emitting technology.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3318-9
High-energy lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are anticipated to be pivotal in next-generation energy storage systems. However, their practical implementation is severely hindered by the shuttling of polysulfides between the sulfur cathode and the lithium metal anode, as well as the safety hazards introduced using liquid electrolytes. To address these challenges, we apply molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) interlayer onto a polypropylene (PP) separator via electrostatic spraying, leveraging the Lewis acidity of MoS2 to initiate the ring-opening polymerization of 1,3-dioxolane. This process effortlessly converts a commercial liquid electrolyte into a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) before cycling, enhancing battery safety and effectively protecting lithium anodes. Furthermore, the MoS2 interlayer serves as a critical component in capturing lithium polysulfides during cycling. The GPE demonstrates exceptional performance characteristics: it maintains an ionic conductivity of 7.2 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C, extends an electrochemical window up to 4.7 V, and achieves a high lithium-ion transference number of 0.7. Moreover, the MoS2/PP composite separator with the GPE remains stable even at temperatures as high as 200 °C. Consequently, Li-S batteries equipped with GPE display excellent cycle stability, with a capacity retention of 613 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C and achieve a high coulombic efficiency of 98.5%. This research offers an effective approach to developing high-performance and safe Li-S batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3334-5
The development of sustainable energy storage solutions has driven research toward alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered promising candidates due to their cost-effectiveness and sodium abundance. To introduce defects and enhance the electrochemical performance of O3-phase sodium-ion layered oxide materials, high-temperature shock (HTS) was employed. However, given the characteristics of HTS, especially the rapid heating rate and short sintering time, suitable precursor systems need to be explored. We systematically compared three precursor systems: traditional metal oxides (HTS-O), decomposable salts (HTS-D), and a novel pre-reacted precursor system (HTS-S). The pre-reacted precursor, developed by leveraging the ethanol solubility of C4H14MnO8 and modified ball milling conditions, enabled rapid O3 phase formation and resulted in impurity-free O3-NaCu0.2Fe0.3Mn0.5O2. This material demonstrated superior electrochemical performance, achieving a discharge capacity of 144.05 mAh g−1 within 2.0–4.1 V, along with enhanced rate capabilities. Our findings underscore the critical role of precursor selection and modification in HTS synthesis, contributing to the advancement of high-performance sodium-ion battery materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3356-2
Asymmetric deformations in soft materials are ubiquitous in nature and play a crucial role in various biological and mechanical processes, yet current fabrication strategies primarily focus on introducing anisotropy while overlooking the internal transfer of stress, energy, or matter. In this work, we discovered a pattern mapping behavior driven by the selective distribution of photochemical crosslinking regions and the application of external stress fields, resulting in complementary mappable structures on the opposite side of the material. Theoretical simulations and experimental results reveal that the key to pattern mapping lies in the asymmetric deformation along the stretching direction of the material, coupled with the migration of polymer chains within the soft material. Employing complementary stress fields, 2D ordered or 3D hierarchical patterns can be precisely mapped onto both sides. Moreover, upon thermal stimulation, the mapped patterns and macroscopic deformations demonstrate outstanding reversibility across multiple cycles. This result reveals mapping behaviors induced by asymmetric deformations and polymer chain migration within soft materials under external stress fields, offering valuable insights for designing structures with interactive functionalities.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3428-6
Alternating current electroluminescent (ACEL) devices with a pyramidal conical structure luminescent layer were fabricated and integrated with a convolutional neural network (CNN) to construct an image recognition system for robotic arm applications. The ACEL device serves as a flexible, low-power, homogeneous light source, enabling multispectral imaging that mitigates ambient light interference. Images captured by an ESP32-CAM module are processed by a deep learning model, achieving a recognition accuracy of 96.7% for seven distinct shapes (rectangle, triangle, circle, star, butterfly, flower, snowflake). The system demonstrates high brightness, high contrast, and flexibility, addressing limitations of traditional image recognition systems that rely on hand-designed features and are susceptible to illumination variations. This work validates the potential of ACEL-based multispectral imaging for robust environment perception in dynamic scenarios, offering a pathway toward more efficient and reliable robotic vision systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3468-4
The magnetocaloric (MC) responses of rare-earth (RE)-dominated magnetic solids have been extensively investigated to develop high-performing MC materials for cryogenic cooling. Herein, single-phase RE3NbO7 (RE = Gd, Dy, Ho, and Er) ceramics were fabricated via solid-state reactions, and their structural and magnetic properties, specifically cryogenic MC responses, were determined through experiments and theoretical calculations. All RE3NbO7 ceramics crystallize in the orthorhombic weberite-type structure (space group C2221, No. 20). The constituent elements are uniformly distributed, with RE3+, Nb5+, and O2− valence states. All ceramics exhibit considerable cryogenic MC responses, identified by maximum magnetic entropy change (−ΔSMmax), temperature-averaged magnetic entropy change (−ΔSMavg), and relative cooling power (RCP). Under ΔH = 0–7 T, the MC parameters are: Gd3NbO7: 33.76/30.57 J/(kg K) and 362.23 J/kg; Dy3NbO7: 19.39/18.72 J/(kg K) and 444.39 J/kg; Ho3NbO7: 18.52/18.20 J/(kg K) and 495.9 J/kg; Er3NbO7: 20.26/19.31 J/(kg K) and 345.45 J/kg. These values are superior to those of RE3RuO7 ceramics and comparable to recently reported RE-dominated MC materials, indicating promising potential for cooling applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3638-2
Solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) face interlayer miscibility issues that degrade efficiency and lifetime. Cross-linkable hole transport materials (x-HTMs) with solvent resistance address this, but deep-blue OLEDs require high triplet energy (ET) and deep HOMO levels to confine excitons and facilitate hole injection. Two star-shaped x-HTMs, m-V-CzDPA and m-V-DPADPA, were designed with aromatic torsion structures yielding ET of 2.89 and 2.87 eV, respectively. Carrier diffusion coefficients of 0.54 and 0.44 cm2 s−1 and hole mobilities of 4.30×10−4 and 1.39×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 were measured. Solution-processed deep-blue TADF-OLEDs using x-m-CzDPA achieved maximum current efficiency of 5.25 cd A−1 and external quantum efficiency of 18.06% with CIE coordinates (0.162, 0.042), meeting BT.2020 standard (CIE y ≤ 0.046). This represents the first demonstration of x-HTMs enabling efficient deep-blue TADF-OLEDs via solution processing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3620-x
Current clinical vitreous substitutes, including inert expansile gases, silicone oil, and perfluorocarbon liquids, are associated with complications such as emulsification, cataract formation, glaucoma, and inflammation, necessitating safer alternatives. This study reports a purely zwitterionic polymer hydrogel constructed entirely from carboxybetaine ureido acrylate (CBUIA) without covalent cross-linkers or non-zwitterionic segments. The hydrogel self-crosslinks via multivalent hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions, forming a supramolecular network of poly(carboxybetaine ureido acrylate) (PCBUIA). The PCBUIA hydrogels exhibit shear-thinning injectability and rapid self-healing, with density (1.016–1.021 g/cm³), refractive index (1.3359–1.3389), and transmittance (>90%) matching native vitreous. The zwitterionic hydration layer confers ultralow protein adsorption and suppresses cell attachment, with no foreign-body reaction or fibrotic capsule formation. After one month of implantation in rabbit eyes, the hydrogels maintained optical transparency, preserved retinal morphology, and did not elevate intraocular pressure or cause inflammatory responses. These findings demonstrate the potential of purely zwitterionic polymer hydrogels as vitreous substitutes, though further long-term in vivo studies are required to evaluate stability and functional performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3502-2
Smart agriculture demands continuous, non-invasive monitoring of plant growth dynamics to enable precise, automated management. Existing rigid sensors and remote sensing platforms suffer from insufficient spatial and temporal resolution, mechanical mismatch with plant tissues, and inability to modulate growth. This study reports flexible, breathable strain sensors fabricated from composite nanofiber membranes (CNMs) of Ti2C2Tx (MXene), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) via electrospinning and ultrasonic immersion. The MXene/CNTs dual-network conductive structure yields tensile gauge factors of 5.41, 7.39, and 3.39 over 0–20%, 20–50%, and 50–70% strain ranges, and bending sensitivities of 1.79, 0.89, and 0.46 over 0–30°, 30–90°, and 90–120°, respectively. A tensile sensor coupled with a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep learning model enables plant growth monitoring and phased prediction. A bending sensor integrated with a shape memory alloy (SMA) soft actuator forms a closed-loop sensing-actuating system that assists leaf growth. The platform demonstrates feasibility for accurate data collection in scientific cultivation and experimental breeding, with potential for unmanned monitoring and regulation in modern agriculture, alpine regions, deserts, or space environments. This work advances smart agriculture by merging flexible strain sensing, deep learning, and soft robotics for plant growth prediction and self-regulation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3457-3
MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit a theoretical open-circuit voltage (VOC) of approximately 1.3 V, yet practical devices suffer from substantial VOC loss due to interfacial charge recombination and energy-level misalignment. This study introduces SrTiO3 nanocubes as an interfacial layer between the TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) and MAPbI3 absorber to synergistically address these losses. The SrTiO3 interlayer facilitates optimal energy-level alignment with the MAPbI3 conduction band, reducing charge carrier energy loss and enhancing electron extraction. Additionally, the minimal lattice mismatch between SrTiO3 and MAPbI3 promotes the growth of high-quality perovskite films with reduced defect density. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements reveal that the SrTiO3-modified sample exhibits a prolonged slow decay lifetime of 54 ns and an average carrier lifetime of 60.72 ns, compared to 45.20 ns for the control. Consequently, the VOC of MAPbI3 PSCs increases to 1.17 V, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) reaches 22.19%, up from 19.95% for the control. Stability tests under 25% relative humidity and 25 °C show that unencapsulated SrTiO3-based PSCs retain approximately 92% of their initial PCE after 500 h, whereas control devices degrade to 74%. This work demonstrates that synergistic energy-level grading and lattice matching via SrTiO3 interface engineering effectively minimizes VOC loss and enhances both efficiency and stability of MAPbI3 PSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3498-5
Amorphous gallium oxide (a-Ga2O3) suffers from low carrier concentration and limited mobility, impeding its use in neuromorphic computing. This study fabricates Zn-doped Ga2O3 (ZGO) two-terminal artificial synaptic devices via radio-frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS) under oxygen-free conditions. Compared to undoped Ga2O3, the ZGO device exhibits a 106-fold increase in excitatory post-synaptic current under 254 nm illumination, with response intensity positively correlated to optical pulse parameters. Under light pulse modulation, the devices demonstrate dynamic transitions from short-term plasticity to long-term plasticity, including paired-pulse facilitation and a learning-forgetting-relearning process. Electrical and optical energy consumptions of synaptic events are as low as 28 fJ and 2 nJ, respectively. Mechanism analysis attributes the persistent photoconductivity effect in ZGO thin films to abundant oxygen vacancies. A multi-layer perceptron simulation based on ZGO devices achieves 90.74% accuracy in handwritten digit recognition and maintains 76.18% accuracy under 50% noise. Zn doping provides a new material design approach for Ga2O3-based neuromorphic devices, demonstrating potential for future neuromorphic computing applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3496-5
Flexible wearable electronics demand multifunctional e-skins that reconcile high strain sensitivity, wide operating range, low detection limit, air permeability, and self-powered capability. Existing MXene-based sensors suffer from rapid conductive network destruction due to weak inter-sheet interactions, limiting their working range. Inspired by the brick-and-mortar microstructure of natural nacre, a multilayered Ti3C2Tx (MXene)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibrous mat was fabricated via electrospinning and spraying. The tunable multilayer architecture yields a gauge factor of 5.8 × 10^4, a sensing range up to 535% strain, a detection limit of 0.15% strain, an 80 ms response time, and good durability. The sensing mechanism relies on the synergistic evolution of a 2D MXene/1D CNT conductive network and synchronous microcrack expansion. The e-skin also functions as a single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with high output and stability, enabling tactile sensing and powering LEDs. Demonstrations include human physiological signal acquisition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training via smart gloves, and posture correction training for athletes. This nacre-mimetic self-powered e-skin offers a viable route for ergonomics, emergency medical services, and athlete training assessment.