SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4419-1
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) fed with reformate hydrogen suffer severe anode poisoning by trace CO, necessitating high CO electrooxidation potentials that degrade performance and durability. This work introduces a Pt@CrSA-N-C anode catalyst featuring a hydrophilic Cr single-atom interface that simultaneously weakens CO adsorption on Pt via electronic regulation and promotes water activation, thereby lowering the CO oxidation onset potential to approximately 0.13 V vs. RHE. The onset potential was determined by two independent methods: the first potential at which the background-corrected current exceeds 0 mA cm-2 during CO oxidation reaction tests in a three-electrode system, and the potential at which the forward scan current exceeds the N2 background current in CO-stripping voltammetry. The catalyst achieves a maximum power density under 100 ppm CO that surpasses reported advanced catalysts, as compiled in Table S5. Structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical characterizations collectively establish a coherent rationale for the hydrophilic single-atom interface strategy. This approach addresses the longstanding trade-off between CO tolerance and Pt utilization, offering a viable route for low-potential CO removal in practical PEMFC anodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4351-8
Breaking intrinsic structural symmetry is a fundamental prerequisite for pronounced nonlinear optical responses. Low-symmetry semiconductors with inherent anisotropy enable self-powered optoelectronic conversion and polarization-sensitive functionalities. This work reports the synthesis of low-dimensional van der Waals chain TeSe2 crystals with intrinsic inversion and C3 symmetry breaking. Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy and second-harmonic generation measurements confirm crystalline anisotropy and nonlinear optical performance. Electrical transport studies reveal p-type conduction with a room-temperature field-effect mobility of 122 cm2 V-1 s-1. The TeSe2 photodetector achieves self-powered detection and linearly polarized light detection across 405–1064 nm, with a photoresponsivity of 77.3 mA/W at 532 nm. The linear photogalvanic effect response is effectively modulated by gate voltage. Density functional theory calculations attribute p-type doping to Te and Se vacancies, while the nonlinear optical origin is linked to strong Berry curvature. Applications in polarization encoding communication and polarization imaging are demonstrated, indicating potential for low-energy-consuming, highly sensitive, on-chip integrated linear polarized photodetectors.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4350-4
Flexible wearable sensors have transformed motion tracking, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces by enabling precise movement detection and adaptability to curved surfaces. However, conventional composite sensors often face challenges such as limited sensitivity, detection range, linearity, and durability. In this study, we propose a stretchable auxetic sensing textile with a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) structure, incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) by micro-crack engineering to enhance its mechanical durability and sensing performance. Integrating macro-scale NPR with micro-scale wrinkles, this innovative design achieves a high sensitivity of 11.2 within a wide detection range (0-100%), a more linear sensing range with an R2 value of 0.998, an ultra-low detection limit of 0.5%, and exceptional durability, outperforming conventional wearable sensors. Additionally, the textile sensor boasts excellent moisture permeability (32.7 g m⁻² h⁻¹) and a remarkable NPR value of -0.25, ensuring comfort and adaptability for various wearable applications. Integrated with deep learning algorithms, the auxetic sensing textile demonstrates 98% accuracy in recognizing soft robotic movements at various bending angles. It is capable of capturing both small-scale physiological signals, such as electrocardiograms, and large-scale movements, offering significant freedom of movement and adaptability to complex surfaces.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4385-1
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are effective hole-selective contacts for inverted perovskite solar cells, but scalable deposition on rough substrates is hindered by molecular aggregation, disordered packing, and incomplete adsorption. We propose a hybrid strategy incorporating 4-(Piperidin-4-yl)butanoic acid hydrochloride (PBACl) into the 4PABCz solution during dip-coating. PBACl suppresses aggregation via hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, yielding homogeneous coverage and improved wettability. The piperidine and carboxyl groups passivate buried interfacial defects through hydrogen bonding and coordination with perovskites. Small-area cells achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.09%, while a 5 cm × 5 cm mini-module (aperture area 14.4 cm²) delivers 23.29% PCE. Encapsulated devices retain 80% of initial PCE after 1350 h maximum power point tracking under continuous illumination. This ion modulation strategy bridges molecular-level interface control with scalable processing, offering a pathway to industrially relevant perovskite photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3648-2
Transient energy storage devices represent an emerging class of biodegradable power systems that provide temporary energy for implantable medical electronics before safely degrading in vivo. From early transient primary batteries to contemporary rechargeable batteries integrated with wireless charging systems, these devices have evolved to enable stable prolonged power supply. Through rational transient design and structural engineering, they achieve desirable electrochemical performance, tunable degradation rates, and mechanical compatibility with soft, irregular, and dynamic biological tissues. This work provides a critical review of state-of-the-art transient energy storage devices, including transient primary batteries, transient secondary batteries, and transient supercapacitors, with emphasis on their electrodes, electrolytes, encapsulation materials, fabrication processes, and applications. We critically analyze material selection strategies, transient design principles, and architecture design for various transient batteries and capacitors. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and outline future directions to guide the clinical translation of biodegradable power solutions for biomedical implants.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3557-3
The commercialization of perovskite solar modules (PSMs) is hindered by the challenge of achieving uniform, high-quality perovskite films over large areas with scalable manufacturing methods. While the laminar air drying (LAD) method has demonstrated high manufacturing efficiency and module performance, the geometric design of the drying apparatus is critical for uniform and efficient drying. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in perovskite crystallization and film formation, emphasizing the role of drying kinetics in determining film quality. We analyze the LAD method reported by Yan et al., which achieved square meter-sized modules with excellent efficiency and stability, and contrast it with alternative scalable deposition techniques such as air knife and vacuum flash-assisted methods. The operational lifetimes of perovskite modules (~9 years) remain below those of silicon modules (~15 years) and PV modules (>20 years), underscoring the need for improved stability. We discuss the fundamental aspects of crystallization in nanocrystals, single crystals, and thin films, and the influence of vertical orientation in 2D perovskites. The review highlights the importance of process control in scalable deposition, particularly the role of airflow uniformity in preventing cracking and defects. Our analysis provides a framework for optimizing LAD parameters to achieve high-quality films, addressing the critical bottleneck of scalability and stability for perovskite photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3449-5
The escalating demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in portable electronics and electric vehicles has driven extensive research into advanced electrolytes. Ionic liquids (ILs) and their derived electrolytes, including poly(ionic liquids), ionogels, and IL-functionalized systems, offer significant potential for enhancing the safety and electrochemical performance of LIBs due to their unique properties such as non-volatility, wide electrochemical windows, and excellent thermal stability. These properties enable safer, high-energy, and long-lasting batteries. This review conducts a thorough analysis of the physicochemical properties of ILs and their versatile applications in electrolytes, particularly emphasizing their adaptability to fulfill the specific needs of different battery systems. In liquid electrolyte systems, ILs can function as solvents, interfacial modifiers, and critical components for constructing artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In (quasi-)solid-state electrolyte systems, ILs can be polymerized to form poly(ionic liquid)s or integrated with organic, inorganic, or composite materials to develop IL-based electrolytes, demonstrating multifunctional electrochemical performance. Finally, the review critically examines the challenges and opportunities in this field, offering insightful perspectives for future advancements.
The Chinese Journal of Process Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225200
Phosphogypsum, a by-product of wet-process phosphoric acid production, poses severe environmental and safety challenges due to its massive annual output and stockpiling. This study addresses the urgent need for resource utilization by employing phosphogypsum as the primary raw material, supplemented with ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and type II anhydrite. Two foaming agents, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and aluminum powder, were used to regulate pore structure, and their effects on ceramsite performance were compared. Under identical preparation conditions, aluminum powder yielded higher 7-day cylinder compressive strength than NaHCO3. Optimal formulations achieved a maximum cylinder compressive strength of 6.5 MPa with a bulk density of 1020 kg/m3, meeting lightweight aggregate concrete strength requirements. Aluminum powder produced closed pores, reducing bulk density to as low as 765 kg/m3, while NaHCO3 generated interconnected pores leading to higher water absorption. XRD, SEM, and BET analyses revealed that strength-contributing phases are calcium silicate hydrate and calcium aluminate hydrate; trace heavy metals (Mo, Ti) hinder their formation, causing structural defects. This work demonstrates a green, non-fired route for phosphogypsum valorization, offering environmental and economic benefits and a pathway for large-scale utilization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4043-3
In-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks are promising platforms for electronics, optoelectronics, and topological quantum computing due to their small electron effective mass, narrow bandgap, high electron mobility, strong spin-orbit coupling, and large Landé g factor. However, their selective area growth on CMOS-compatible group-IV substrates remains challenging. Here, we report the selective area growth of high-quality in-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks on Ge(111) substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy. Conventional selective-area epitaxy fails to simultaneously achieve good selectivity and continuity. To overcome this, we developed a metal-sown, single-indium-source two-step growth method, which attains both selectivity and continuity but yields nanowires with rough surfaces and lengths below 10 μm. We then introduced an upgraded metal-sown, dual-indium-source two-step growth method, successfully fabricating in-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks with smooth surface morphology and lengths exceeding 60 μm. By optimizing the As beam equivalent pressure, overgrowth at network junctions is effectively suppressed, resulting in uniform nanowire networks. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirm the high-quality single-crystalline nature and pure zinc-blende structure of the nanowires and networks. This work establishes a foundation for fabricating high-quality in-plane InAs/superconductor hybrid nanowires and nanowire networks on Ge substrates.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61104-3
Lithium/fluorinated carbon (Li/CFx) batteries are among the most promising high-energy-density primary batteries, yet substantial heat generation during discharge poses safety concerns, particularly for high-mass-loaded pouch cells. This study systematically investigates the effects of fluorination temperature on the structure and kinetics of fluorinated porous carbon (FPC) cathodes and on heat generation in Ah-level Li/FPC pouch cells. FPC samples with varying degrees of fluorination were synthesized by adjusting fluorination temperature, which influenced not only the F/C ratio but also the C–F bonding configuration, pore structure, and electronic transport capability. Pouch cells employing more highly fluorinated cathodes generated the most heat during discharge, with heat generation exhibiting clear stage dependence, predominantly in the 0–20% depth of discharge (DOD) range. Post-discharge structural characterization and kinetic analysis revealed that highly fluorinated FPC cathodes (FPC-250) undergo more concentrated LiF accumulation, leading to higher charge-transfer resistance, stronger polarization, lower Li+ diffusivity, and higher nucleation overpotential. These factors collectively intensify early-stage heat generation. The study establishes a correlation between fluorination temperature and cathode structure, discharge-product evolution, discharge kinetics, and heat generation, demonstrating that regulating fluorination temperature is an effective strategy for improving the thermal safety of Li/CFx batteries.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202510041
This study presents a full-scale engineering practice of retrofitting an idle upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor into an aerobic granular sludge (AGS) system for treating low-strength municipal wastewater. The design capacity was 20,000 m3/d (maximum 24,000 m3/d), achieving separate treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater to reduce operational costs. Systematic analysis covered hydraulic capacity enhancement, effluent quality, pollutant removal efficiencies, sludge granulation progress, and operational costs. Results showed rapid start-up: the system reached 75% of design capacity by day 10 and 90% by day 26. During a 4-month operation, average removal efficiencies for COD, NH4+-N, TN, and SS were 83.2%, 97.0%, 75.9%, and 94.4%, respectively, even under low influent BOD5/TN ratios (typically below 4). Granulation progressed quickly: by day 44, average particle size was 2.6 times that of the inoculum and over 4 times that of flocs, with granules (>200 μm) accounting for 17.3%; by day 110, these values increased to 3.2 times and 5 times, with granule proportion reaching 33.4%. Compared to the previous year (June–August), the AGS process reduced electricity consumption, chemical consumption, and sludge production by 77.3%, 25.4%, and 30.4%, respectively, while saving 65.6% of footprint. This ten-thousand-ton case provides a practical basis for AGS technology application in China.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3858-8
High-quality β-Ga2O3 membranes are pivotal for fabricating high-performance memristive devices. Here, vertical Ag/β-Ga2O3/Pt memristors built on high-crystalline-quality β-Ga2O3 membranes via lattice epitaxy engineering and a sacrificial-layer-assisted exfoliation strategy are reported. The resulting β-Ga2O3-based device demonstrates a high ON/OFF ratio exceeding 10^8, low SET/RESET voltages of 0.13 V/−0.11 V, low programming current of 10^-10 A, stable data retention beyond 4 × 10^4 s, and excellent subthreshold characteristics of ~0.47 mV/dec. Adjustable compliance current enables the coexistence of volatile and non-volatile switching modes. Additionally, the resistive switching versatility is predominantly governed by the migration of Ag ions, as supported by electrical characterizations and first-principles calculations. Furthermore, a β-Ga2O3 memristor-based circuit that functions as a reconfigurable and non-volatile exclusive OR (XOR) logic gate has been designed and simulated, enabling both image encryption/decryption and edge detection. This work not only demonstrates lattice-engineered, high-quality β-Ga2O3 membranes for fabricating advanced memristors but also extends their applicability to digital logic and reconfigurable image processing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3808-x
The uncontrollable Zn dendrites and serious parasitic side reactions of the zinc anode severely impede the practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. In this work, a unique strategy of multipoint solvate coordination center is proposed, which anchors Zn2+ and H2O with complex sites to establish an intermolecular connection within the asymmetric solvation structure. A hydrated deep eutectic electrolyte based on multi-site methylurea (MU) with Janus properties is developed, in which Zn2+ and H2O interact with MU through Lewis acid-base and hydrogen bonding interaction, and the regulated asymmetric solvation configuration can guide the (002)-ordered Zn deposition. Simultaneously, a small amount of polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mw=20000) can facilitate homogenous (002) Zn deposition by suppressing Zn2+ transfer kinetics. Benefiting from the rationally regulated solvation structure and PEG molecules adsorbed onto Zn anodes, the side reactions and Zn dendrites are significantly inhibited. As a result, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell delivers outstanding cycling performance over 3900 h (1 mA cm−2, 0.5 mA h cm−2). In addition, the Zn||V2O5 battery maintains 79.2% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1. The results suggest a promising oriented regulation strategy for sustainable aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60638-X
The extensive emission of greenhouse gases, primarily CO2 and CH4, has contributed to intensified global warming. Dry reforming of methane (DRM, CH4 + CO2 → 2CO + 2H2) offers a pathway for the synergistic utilization of these two major greenhouse gases, presenting important implications for both environmental protection and energy sustainability. However, the catalysts still face challenges such as carbon deposition and sintering of active metals, which adversely affect the catalytic performance and long-term stability. Oxygen vacancies, which are common lattice defects in metal oxides, have been demonstrated to improve the DRM performance by modulating the surface and interfacial properties of the catalysts. This review systematically summarizes research progresses in DRM over the past decade, outlines the major challenges and emphasizes the critical roles of oxygen vacancies in suppressing carbon deposition and inhibiting metal sintering. Furthermore, the mechanisms through which oxygen vacancies influence DRM reactions are discussed, combined with their formation pathways and regulation strategies. These insights provide essential theoretical foundations for the design and synthesis of highly efficient and stable DRM catalysts.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202607024
This study systematically investigated the effects of single and composite conditioning with lysozyme, amylase, and protease on sludge dewatering performance and carbon source recovery in filtrate from residual sludge of a water treatment plant in Foshan City. Results indicated that lysozyme significantly improved sludge dewatering by reducing specific resistance of filtration (SRF), capillary suction time (CST), and water content of the filtered sludge cake (Wc). While amylase and protease decreased Wc, they elevated SRF and CST, deteriorating sludge filtration properties. Among combined enzyme treatments, lysozyme and protease exhibited synergistic effects. The asynchronous addition strategy (protease/amylase followed by lysozyme) demonstrated the best performance in reducing Wc, while simultaneous addition was more effective in improving SRF and CST. Mechanistic analysis revealed that all three enzymes reduced sludge particle size. Lysozyme primarily targeted cell lysis and wall disruption, releasing intracellular substances, reducing viscosity, and enhancing sludge hydrophobicity. Meanwhile, amylase and protease mainly disrupted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), leading to release of proteins and polysaccharides into slime EPS, increasing viscosity and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, all three enzymes effectively promoted carbon source release, increased soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) of filtrate, and transformed recalcitrant humic acid-like organic matters into readily bioavailable tryptophan-like and tyrosine-like substances. These findings provide a basis for optimizing enzyme-based sludge conditioning to achieve simultaneous dewatering enhancement and carbon source recovery.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511043
Zero-valent iron (ZVI) suffers from surface passivation and low electron utilization in reductive removal of nitrobenzene (NB). To address these issues, a ball-milled iron/digestate biochar composite (BM-Fe/DBC) was prepared and compared with a physically mixed counterpart (PM-Fe/DBC). Characterization revealed that ball milling tightly embedded ZVI particles into the carbon matrix, forming Fe–C chemical bonds and a strong interfacial coupling structure that established efficient electron transfer channels. This structure significantly enhanced the micro-galvanic effect between iron and carbon, yielding superior reduction performance across a wide pH range (3–9). Under optimal conditions (Fe:C mass ratio 2:1, dosage 1.0 g·L−1, pH 5), BM-Fe/DBC achieved 79.9% NB removal, and the generation of aniline (AN) was 1.85 times that of PM-Fe/DBC. Mechanistic studies indicated that the intimate Fe–C interfacial coupling promoted sustained ZVI corrosion and enhanced the production of indirect reducing species, including adsorbed Fe(II) and atomic hydrogen (H*). Electrochemical analyses showed that BM-Fe/DBC exhibited a lower corrosion potential, a higher corrosion current density (approximately 2.15 times higher), and lower charge transfer resistance, kinetically confirming its superior electron transfer capability. These findings reveal that constructing strong interfacial coupling in iron–carbon composites via mechanochemical methods can effectively overcome key limitations of ZVI in reduction reactions, providing a theoretical basis and practical pathway for designing high-performance water treatment materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4116-0
The design of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) for poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based solid-state batteries has largely focused on solvent-affinity of Li+ to generate robust but ionically sluggish LiF-rich layers, inherently compromising transport kinetics. Here, we establish a paradigm based on quantifiable physicochemical descriptors (ionic potential and donor number) to guide the design of amphitropic ion pairs (AIPs). These AIPs are engineered to simultaneously tailor both the solvent-affinity and anion-affinity of Li+: a solvent-philic cation with high ionic potential (Al3+) first sequesters reactive solvents, clearing the path for a high-donor-number, lithium-philic anion (NO3−) to remodel solvation. This rationally guided, sequential mechanism enables the in situ synthesis of a LiF/Li3N heterostructured SEI, where dendrite-suppressing LiF domains are seamlessly integrated with ultra-fast Li3N ion channels. This design heterogeneity effectively enhances stability and kinetics, yielding a robust and highly conductive interface. Consequently, Li|Li cells achieve >2000 h of stable cycling, and Li|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cells surpass 600 cycles.