SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4433-5
Negative thermal expansion (NTE) and zero thermal expansion (ZTE) materials are technologically relevant for precision engineering, yet their practical deployment is constrained by narrow operating temperature windows. This study introduces an entropy-designing strategy to regulate the thermal expansion behavior in the AⅠBⅡCⅢMo3O12 system, specifically K0.4(Mg0.25Mn0.25Co0.25Ni0.25)0.4Sc1.6Mo3O12 (CE0.4MO) and related CExMO compositions (x = 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0). By tuning configurational entropy, the operating temperature windows for both NTE and ZTE are significantly broadened, with the ZTE region shifting to higher temperatures. Among single-phase compositions, CE0.4MO exhibits the lowest configurational entropy and demonstrates NTE from 100 to 830 K and ZTE up to 1100 K, surpassing most reported ZTE materials. Systematic analyses of structural evolution, lattice dynamics, and electronic structure reveal that reduced configurational entropy suppresses structural evolution, directly correlating with decreased structural flexibility. Higher atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) of oxygen in CE1.0MO provide experimental evidence for enhanced flexibility. Raman spectroscopy shows that the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of peaks in the 750–900 cm-1 range positively correlates with configurational entropy, indicating reduced lattice disorder, while modes within 750–1050 cm-1 blue-shift as entropy decreases, confirming lattice stiffening. Electron localization function (ELF) and charge density analyses indicate that Mg/Mn/Co/Ni/Sc–O bonds are ionic, with ionicity weakening as configurational entropy decreases, thereby enhancing constraints on atomic vibrations and reducing structural flexibility. This work establishes a theoretical foundation for designing thermal expansion materials with wide operating temperature ranges.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4360-7
Polarization-sensitive photodetection is critical for advanced optical communication and imaging systems, yet conventional photodetectors suffer from low on-off ratios and limited polarization discrimination. Here, we report gate-tunable PdSe2/WSe2 van der Waals heterostructures that achieve ultrahigh light on-off ratio and polarization-sensitive photodetection. The heterostructure forms a type-II band alignment, enabling efficient charge separation and self-powered operation. By applying a gate voltage, the photoresponse can be modulated, achieving an on-off ratio exceeding 10^6 under illumination. The device exhibits a high responsivity of 1.2 A/W and a specific detectivity of 10^12 Jones at room temperature. Polarization-sensitive measurements reveal a linear dichroism ratio of 2.1 at 532 nm, attributed to the anisotropic crystal structure of PdSe2. The photodetector operates over a broad spectral range from visible to near-infrared (400-1000 nm) with fast response times (rise/fall < 100 μs). The gate-tunable capability allows dynamic control of the photocurrent, enabling adaptive sensing applications. These results demonstrate that PdSe2/WSe2 heterostructures are promising candidates for high-performance, polarization-sensitive photodetectors, offering a pathway for next-generation optoelectronic devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4212-x
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options. Current treatments, such as nintedanib and pirfenidone, target downstream fibrosis but fail to address the upstream drivers, including persistent alveolar epithelial injury and abnormal repair. This study presents an inhalable, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive liposomal system (SAB/GC-1@Lip-cRGD) that co-delivers the antioxidant salvianolic acid B (SAB) and the thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ) agonist Sobetirome (GC-1). The liposomes are surface-modified with cRGD peptides for targeted delivery to fibrotic lesions and possess a negative surface charge to enhance mucus penetration. In the high-ROS fibrotic microenvironment, the liposomes destabilize, releasing SAB and GC-1. SAB scavenges ROS to remodel the fibrotic niche, while GC-1 reactivates TRβ signaling, driving the differentiation of stalled Krt8+ transitional epithelial cells into functional alveolar type I (AT1) cells. In a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, SAB/GC-1@Lip-cRGD significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and TGF-β1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenates. The proportion of CD206+ M2 macrophages decreased from 27.4% in the model group to 6.2% after treatment, indicating potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. This synergistic strategy of microenvironment remodeling and epithelial regeneration achieved robust collagen depletion, restoration of alveolar integrity, and recovery of pulmonary function, outperforming single-drug or non-targeted formulations. The work provides a generalized paradigm for integrating microenvironment regulation with regenerative repair in pulmonary diseases.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3558-4
The development of advanced titanium alloys capable of operating above 600 °C remains a critical challenge for aerospace propulsion systems, where conventional Ti alloys suffer from insufficient high-temperature strength and microstructural instability. Here, we propose a computationally driven design strategy for titanium-based medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) that integrates thermodynamic phase prediction with mechanistically informed strength modeling, enabling systematic exploration of the Ti-Nb-Al-Cr quaternary system. The optimized Ti70Nb10Al15Cr5 MEA exhibits exceptional performance metrics: 18% room-temperature ductility (as-cast), a yield strength of 520.7 MPa at 650 °C (post-aging), and an ultralow density of 4.76 g/cm3 (45% lighter than Inconel 718). Microstructural characterization reveals a metastable single-phase BCC structure in the as-cast state, which transforms into a BCC/Ti3Al dual-phase system upon aging, with temperature-dependent precipitate morphology and phase stability. The alloy demonstrates superior high-temperature strength retention up to 900 °C (>80 MPa yield strength), outperforming commercial titanium alloys (e.g., Ti-1100, TG6) and bridging the performance gap between conventional Ti alloys and nickel-based superalloys. This work establishes a multi-criteria design paradigm for entropy-engineered alloys, offering a viable pathway to lightweight, high-temperature structural materials for next-generation aerospace applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3767-9
Progressive skin fibrosis ultimately results in irreversible contractures, causing both joint dysfunction and cosmetic deformity. The key pathological features of skin fibrosis include persistent inflammation and abnormal accumulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) playing a critical role in disease progression. However, current therapeutic strategies for cutaneous fibrosis are largely palliative and often require repeated interventions, with limited efficacy. Celastrol (Cel) exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in skin tissue, but its clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability and a narrow therapeutic window. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA), a novel nanocarrier system, exhibits multiple advantages, including enhanced cellular uptake, improved cell viability, and intrinsic anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this study applied tFNA-Cel complex (TCC) as an advanced nanotherapeutic agent, designed to exert a synergistic anti-fibrotic effect. In this study, an in vitro model of skin fibrosis was established using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells treated with 5 ng mL−1 transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) for 24 h. The results showed that TCC significantly inhibited EMT progression by reducing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels and increasing E-cadherin level. Compared to tFNA or Cel alone, TCC exhibited superior anti-fibrotic effects in the fibrosis model, as evidenced by modulation of SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) signaling and collagen I expression. Furthermore, the TCC group showed lower levels of nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65), BCL-2-associated X protein (Bax), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to the Cel or tFNA groups. These findings highlight TCC as a promising treatment for skin fibrosis, with its synergistic anti-fibrotic effects providing new therapeutic avenues.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506005
The escalating generation of medical waste, driven by healthcare expansion and frequent medical activities, poses significant environmental and public health risks. Under the framework of ecological civilization, China is developing a comprehensive policy system for medical waste treatment and disposal, yet the current framework remains nascent and exhibits inconsistencies between national and local policies. This study systematically analyzes the status of national and local policies from 2003 to 2024, collecting 413 policy documents (166 from national ministries and 247 from provincial governments). The analysis examines temporal evolution, regional distribution, and policy focus, alongside the influence of medical waste output, treatment technologies, facility infrastructure, and major epidemic responses. Findings reveal distinct policy phases: initial self-disposal, exploratory management, foundational system building, and rapid development. Regional disparities are pronounced, with eastern coastal areas showing more advanced policies due to greater technical and financial resources. The surge in medical waste, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for enhanced regulatory guidance. Non-incineration technologies are gaining traction for their environmental and cost benefits, and facility coverage has improved but remains uneven. The study proposes five policy principles to foster technological innovation and industrial upgrading, ensuring safe medical waste management and environmental protection.
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.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61113-4
Porous pyrolytic carbon (PPyC) serves as the buffer layer in TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel particles, providing storage for fission gases, preventing damage to outer layers, and absorbing stresses caused by fuel-kernel swelling. However, the changes of PPyC micro- and meso-structure at high temperatures remain insufficiently understood. In this study, PPyC fabricated by chemical vapor deposition was heat-treated from 1200 to 1600 °C and characterized across atomic-to-mesoscopic scales. Results show that the structure changes with temperature with a transition at approximately 1400 °C. Below 1400 °C, a decrease in Raman ID/IG ratio, narrowing of the graphite diffraction peak, and increased sp2 hybridization indicate progressive ordering associated with defect redistribution. Concurrent decreases in true density and mesopore volume, together with increased closed porosity, are consistent with partial conversion of open pores into closed pores. Above 1400 °C, increased ID/IG ratio, broadening of the diffraction peak near the rhombohedral graphite (101) reflection, and transition regions between crystalline and amorphous material observed by TEM indicate increasing structural disorder. Meanwhile, initially distinct PPyC particle boundaries blur and merge into broad, plate-like domains. Subsequent decrease in closed porosity and increase in mesopore surface area are consistent with partial connection of closed pores to the open-pore network. This work shows that intrinsic coupling between atomic-scale structural change and mesoscale pore connectivity provides a basis for assessing high-temperature structural stability of PPyC in TRISO fuel particles.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3854-7
The tertiary spatial structure of biological macromolecules determines their physiological functions. In the formation of the tertiary structure, the secondary structure serves as the assembly foundation, and interactions between secondary structures play a critical role in driving and stabilizing the tertiary architecture. Synthetic foldamers, characterized by their modifiability and structural diversity, can adopt various helical conformations, enabling them to mimic natural protein secondary structures such as the α-helix, while also providing chemical models for studying interactions between secondary structures. This review outlines recent advances in aromatic foldamers and supramolecular helical assemblies formed by helical polymers, with particular attention to unique chiral phenomena observed during the formation of helical secondary structures. It provides a detailed summary of their applications in molecular recognition, ion channels, and circularly polarized luminescence, among others, and discusses future challenges facing aromatic foldamers. The review emphasizes the hierarchical nature of chirality—from primary atomic asymmetry to quaternary higher-order structures—and highlights the importance of understanding non-covalent interactions between helical secondary structures for regulating chiral assembly. Key strategies for constructing chiral helical aromatic foldamers include the use of chiral side chains, terminal groups, and solvent effects, as well as the sergeants-and-soldiers effect and majority-rules principle for chirality amplification. The applications of these foldamers in asymmetric catalysis, chiroptical materials, and biomimetic ion transport are also discussed, underscoring their potential in advanced functional materials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3798-x
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colorectal mucosa, where conventional enema therapies suffer from poor retention and limited inflammation modulation. Here, we report a highly fluid probiotic-containing enema solution (s-BSA-Fe+EcN) integrating bovine serum albumin (BSA), Fe2+, and probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). The solution's high fluidity enables comprehensive coverage of irregular colorectal mucosa. Upon encountering reactive oxygen species (ROS)-rich inflamed lesions, Fe2+ mediates H2O2 scavenging and hydroxyl radical generation, triggering BSA crosslinking and in situ gelation into a conformal hydrogel (h-BSA-Fe+EcN). This targeted adhesion mitigates oxidative damage to host tissues and preserves probiotic viability. In a porcine model, endoscopic imaging confirmed inflammation-targeted gelation in vivo. In a dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse colitis model, h-BSA-Fe+EcN demonstrated excellent therapeutic efficacy, reducing disease activity index and restoring colonic architecture. This strategy addresses the dual challenges of fluid perfusion and rapid ROS-responsive gelation, offering an advanced transanal treatment for UC.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60615-3
Co-pyrolysis of oil-rich coal and biomass is a promising route to enhance oil and gas production, yet the underlying synergistic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effect of hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) on the co-pyrolysis of Huangling coal (H) and enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (E). Raw and pretreated samples were characterized via proximate/ultimate analysis, SEM, ICP-OES, and 13C-NMR. Fixed-bed pyrolysis experiments were conducted to evaluate synergistic performance. Results show that HTP reduces oxygen content, develops pore structure, and increases concentrations of inorganic metal ions (Ca, K, Fe) in the aqueous phase. Structural modifications bring the carbon skeleton of E closer to that of H, with increased bridge carbon ratio and improved thermal stability, aligning pyrolysis temperature ranges. For the H/E blend (8:2) after 24 h HTP, tar yield increases by 80.52% compared to untreated blend, with significant rises in aliphatic compounds and monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Gas yields of H2, CO, and CH4 increase by 5.47%, 10.98%, and 9.27%, respectively, while CO2 and pyrolysis water generation are inhibited (water yield decreases by 93.98%). Semi-coke pore structure becomes more developed. The enhanced synergistic effect is attributed to a multi-fold mechanism of 'component interaction-structural modification-catalytic cracking'. These findings provide theoretical support for developing technologies to improve co-pyrolysis of oil-rich coal and biomass, advancing low-carbon, high-quality utilization.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0034
Catalytic cracking of gasoline and diesel to light olefins is a pivotal route for high-value utilization of surplus fuels, typically employing zeolite catalysts. This study systematically investigates the effects of zeolite type and acidic properties on the catalytic cracking of dodecane, a diesel model compound, using SAPO-34, ZSM-5 with SiO2/Al2O3 ratios of 38, 85, and 200, and USY. Catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, N2 physisorption, NH3-TPD, and pyridine-FTIR, and evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor. Results demonstrate that zeolite type is the primary determinant of conversion and product distribution. SAPO-34, with 0.38 nm pores, achieved only 24.33% conversion and negligible BTX yield, with severe external coking. ZSM-5-38 and USY, with larger pores, achieved near-complete conversion; however, ZSM-5-38, possessing moderate acidity, yielded the highest light olefins (18.40%) and minimal coke (0.18%), while USY, with higher acidity, promoted hydrogen transfer and coking (12.90% coke). Within ZSM-5 series, lower acid site density (ZSM-5-200) proved optimal, achieving 97.79% conversion and a total light olefin yield of 41.93% (ethylene 11.11%, propylene 20.33%, butenes 10.49%) with low coke (0.43%). The study proposes reaction pathways and regulatory mechanisms, highlighting that zeolite type and acidity govern the relative rates of cracking, hydrogen transfer, oligomerization, aromatization, and coking, thereby dictating performance. These findings provide a rational basis for optimizing zeolite catalysts in commercial gasoline/diesel cracking processes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4079-4
Utilization of ultrahigh-nickel LiNi_xCo_yMn_1-x-yO_2 (NCM) (x > 0.97) in Li-ion batteries can distinctively boost energy density through enhanced discharge capacity. However, capacity and thermal stability deteriorate as Ni content approaches the limit. Here, we propose a facile strategy by introducing high-valence tungsten (W) into ultrahigh-nickel polycrystalline LiNi_0.98Co_0.01Mn_0.01O_2 (PCNCM98). W-doped PCNCM98 (W-PCNCM98) exhibits refined, compactly stacked primary particles, whereas PCNCM98 shows equiaxial, non-uniform larger particles. The refined microstructure enhances mechanical strength: average particle hardness of W-PCNCM98 is 104 MPa, 1.5 times higher than PCNCM98 (68 MPa). This improved mechanical property suppresses lattice volume changes and relieves microcrack formation from H2–H3 phase transition. Consequently, cycling performance in pouch-type full cells is significantly enhanced, with capacity retention of 73% after 2000 cycles at 1 C and 25 °C, 54% higher than PCNCM98. Enhanced structural stability and strong electron affinity of W6+ also improve thermal stability: exothermic peak for W-PCNCM98 is postponed to 203 °C with heat generation of 1287 J g−1, versus 190 °C and 1528 J g−1 for PCNCM98. This high-valent doping strategy stabilizes ultrahigh-nickel NCM cathodes, accelerating large-scale EV applications.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60657-3
Fe-Mn catalysts have attracted considerable attention for industrial Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) due to their ability to modulate product spectra. Carbon adsorption and permeation on catalyst surfaces are critical elementary steps in the in situ formation of active iron carbide phases. Here, density functional theory (DFT) calculations systematically investigate the atomistic structures, thermodynamic stabilities, and electronic properties of carbon-deposited Fe-Mn alloy surfaces at the early stage of carburization. These surfaces exhibit distinct thermodynamic sensitivity to carbon atoms adsorbed on the surface and permeating into interstitial sites. By combining DFT with minima-hopping structural searches, we demonstrate that the initial stage of carbon permeation cannot trigger surface reconstruction to form iron carbide phases. The addition of manganese thermodynamically hinders carbon permeation. Although deposited carbon atoms modulate the electronic structure of metals, manganese retards the shift of d-band centers toward those of bulk iron carbide phases. This study provides atomic-scale insight into the in situ evolution of Fe-Mn catalyst surfaces during carbon deposition, indicating that manganese promoter has a noticeable effect on carbon permeation.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2026030601
Bisphenol A (BPA), a high-volume industrial chemical, is implicated in neurotoxicity and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. This study integrates network toxicology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to systematically delineate the common mechanisms linking BPA to Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). Using the human astrocyte cell line SVGP12 as an in vitro model, we identified six key toxic functional proteins—TP53, HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, INS, BCL2, and AKT1—that mediate BPA's effects across these diseases, with BCL2 emerging as the most central node. Experimental validation demonstrated that BPA induces oxidative stress and cell cycle arrest, suppresses the INS-AKT1-BCL2 anti-apoptotic pathway, and activates the TP53-HSP90 pro-apoptotic pathway, culminating in mitochondrial apoptosis of astrocytes and disruption of neural microenvironment homeostasis. These findings reveal a convergent mechanism by which BPA accelerates neurodegeneration, filling a critical gap in understanding BPA's role in AD, PD, and HD. The study provides a novel theoretical framework and experimental evidence for BPA neurotoxicity risk assessment and informs preventive and therapeutic strategies for BPA-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025042702
This study estimated initial volume mixing ratios of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Dalian from June 1 to August 31, 2024, using a photochemical age-based parameterization method, and performed source apportionment with positive matrix factorization (PMF). Observed average TVOCs concentration was 12.49×10⁻⁹, comprising alkanes (84.2%), alkenes (10.4%), and aromatics (5.4%). Corrected initial TVOCs was 14.93×10⁻⁹, indicating a loss rate of 16.4%. Loss rates were highest for alkenes (53.2%), followed by aromatics (23.3%) and alkanes (6.8%). Ozone formation potential (OFP) averaged 21.31×10⁻⁹ (observed) and 38.75×10⁻⁹ (initial), with an OFP loss rate of 45.0%, distributed as alkenes (56.4%), aromatics (32.7%), and alkanes (10.3%). During ozone pollution episodes, TVOCs chemical loss was 1.9 times that of non-pollution periods, with alkene loss reaching 61.6%; OFP loss was 1.2 times higher, with alkenes contributing 88.4% to TVOCs loss. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation potential from 08:00–17:00 was 1.51×10⁻¹ μg·m⁻³, with 99.4% from aromatics and toluene contributing 68.3%. PMF identified five sources: motor vehicles (49.6%), oil and gas volatilization (20.7%), petrochemical enterprises (12.6%), industrial processes (11.2%), and solvent use (5.9%). OFP modeling indicated motor vehicles contributed most to ozone formation (41.1%), followed by petrochemical enterprises (35.8%). During ozone pollution, PMF based on initial concentrations showed petrochemical sources had the highest OFP contribution (42.5%), whereas observed concentrations indicated motor vehicles as the top contributor (42.5%). This discrepancy underscores the necessity of correcting for photochemical losses in source apportionment studies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4075-1
Titanium alloys, such as Ti-6Al-4V (TC4), are indispensable in aerospace, biomedical, and advanced manufacturing due to their high specific strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, their inherent strength-ductility trade-off and limited stiffness hinder next-generation lightweight structural applications. Traditional ceramic reinforcements (TiC, TiB2, SiC) improve strength but introduce brittleness and interfacial incompatibility, degrading plasticity and fatigue resistance. Graphene, with theoretical strength ~130 GPa and Young's modulus ~1 TPa, offers a promising two-dimensional reinforcement. This review systematically examines graphene-reinforced titanium matrix composites (TMCs), focusing on the intrinsic relationship between preparation, microstructure, and properties. Key preparation routes include powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing, with challenges in achieving uniform dispersion and controlling interfacial reactions. Recent studies demonstrate that surface modification and process optimization can form an ideal interface structure comprising a nano-TiC layer and residual graphene. Even at low graphene additions, synergistic strengthening mechanisms—load transfer, fine-grain strengthening, and Orowan dislocation bypass—significantly enhance strength, hardness, and wear resistance while preserving ductility. This review consolidates critical theoretical and experimental findings, offering guidance to overcome technological bottlenecks and promote engineering applications of graphene-reinforced TMCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4017-y
Lattice distortion via entropy engineering can significantly optimize thermoelectric performance by intensifying phonon scattering. However, excessive lattice distortion in high-entropy materials inevitably hinders carrier transport, limiting the wide-temperature average ZT (ZTave). To enhance the wide-temperature thermoelectric performance of low-cost PbS-based compounds, this work introduces moderate lattice distortion by controlling entropy around 1.0R (R is the gas constant) to balance phonon and carrier transport, alleviating restrictions on carrier mobility. Substantial Se and Te alloying in PbS induces rock-salt lattice distortion, effectively impeding phonon propagation, thus suppressing lattice thermal conductivity (κlat) from 2.41 W m−1 K−1 in PbS to 0.66 W m−1 K−1 in PbS0.5Se0.35Te0.15 at 300 K. Additionally, Cu interstitials are introduced into the lattice-distorted PbS0.5Se0.35Te0.15 to further optimize carrier density and weighted carrier mobility (μW), leading to significant improvement in μW/κlat parameter at 300–773 K. Finally, a room-temperature ZT of 0.53 and a maximum ZT of 1.44 are obtained in PbS0.5Se0.35Te0.15-1%Cu sample, contributing to an impressive ZTave of 1.08 at 300–773 K and a maximum power generation efficiency (ηmax) of 7.5%. The results outperform previously reported cost-effective PbS-based compounds and highlight the importance of lattice distortion regulation in enhancing wide-temperature thermoelectric performance.