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/s40843-026-4473-9
Selective ion separation is critical for resource recovery, water treatment, lithium extraction from salt lakes, and nuclear waste management, yet the differences in size, solvation structure, and coordination behavior among ions are often minimal, and separation is further complicated by valence, interfacial charge, and competing ions. Nanoporous materials with tunable sub-nanometer channels and chemically active interfaces can regulate ion entry, solvation reorganization, interfacial partitioning, intrapore migration, and release. This review examines three mechanistic categories—size and solvation sieving, chemical recognition, and dynamic gating—from the perspective of confined transport and ion–pore interactions, and compares their roles and coupling in systems of monovalent–monovalent, divalent–divalent, heterovalent, and chemically similar multivalent ions. We further distinguish selective adsorption, membrane enrichment, and transmembrane transport, and discuss how selectivity definitions, ion flux, feed composition, driving force, and operating time affect performance evaluation. Current research faces three major challenges: lack of comparability of performance data across different test conditions, insufficient direct evidence of ion solvation, site occupancy, and migration under operating conditions, and the complexity of feed streams. By adopting a sequential ion transport process as a unified conceptual framework, this review systematically compares separation mechanisms across diverse nanoporous materials, including MOFs, COFs, zeolites, 2D materials, microporous polymer membranes, ion-exchange membranes, biomimetic nanochannels, organic–inorganic composites, functionalized porous carbons, and biochars. This transport-process-oriented framework provides a general and mechanistic perspective for understanding and comparing selective ion separation across diverse nanoporous platforms.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4288-1
The high-temperature oxidation resistance of Cr2AlC MAX phase ceramics is severely compromised by rapid Al depletion and the formation of a brittle sub-surface Cr7C3 layer. This study elucidates how trace Y2O3 doping (0.25 and 0.5 wt.%) modulates the oxidation behavior of Cr2AlC at 1100 °C. The incorporation of 0.5 wt.% Y2O3 significantly suppresses the parabolic rate constant compared to undoped counterparts. This kinetic suppression is attributed to the Reactive Element Effect (REE), where Y3+ segregation at α-Al2O3 grain boundaries inhibits outward Al3+ diffusion, shifting the scale growth mechanism to inward oxygen diffusion control. Consequently, this retarded Al consumption prevents the decomposition of the Cr2AlC substrate into Cr7C3. While undoped specimens fail due to volume contraction and Kirkendall voiding associated with the Cr7C3 interlayer, specimens with the most effective doping content within the investigated range maintain a stable, atomically sharp α-Al2O3/Cr2AlC interface devoid of voids and decomposition products. The superior adhesion of this interface is attributed to three synergistic factors: the elimination of volumetric mismatch induced by phase transformation, the mechanical interlocking provided by Y-rich oxide pegs, and the intrinsically higher interfacial bonding strength of the α-Al2O3/Cr2AlC system as confirmed by DFT calculations. These findings provide a mechanistic framework for designing oxidation-resistant MAX phase ceramics via reactive element doping.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4502-1
Near-infrared-II (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) luminescent materials are pivotal for deep-tissue bioimaging and optical communication, yet their performance is often limited by low quantum yields and thermal quenching. Here, we report a thermal-enhanced NIR-II luminescence in Sb3+/Er3+ co-doped Cs3GdCl6 microcrystals synthesized via a modified Bridgman method. Under ultraviolet excitation, the co-doped microcrystals exhibit intense NIR-II emission centered at 1532 nm corresponding to Er3+: 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition, with a maximum relative sensitivity of 1.2% K−1 at 303 K. Notably, the integrated NIR-II emission intensity increases by 2.3-fold from 298 K to 373 K, demonstrating anomalous thermal enhancement. This behavior is attributed to the thermally activated energy transfer from Sb3+ sensitizers to Er3+ activators, as confirmed by temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra and decay kinetics. The energy transfer efficiency reaches 86% at room temperature and further improves with rising temperature. The microcrystals also show excellent photostability, retaining 95% of initial intensity after 120 min continuous UV irradiation. Furthermore, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept wireless optical communication link using the microcrystals as a NIR-II phosphor, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio of 30 dB at 400 Hz modulation frequency. These findings provide a new strategy for designing thermal-enhanced NIR-II luminescent materials and expand their potential in temperature sensing and optical communication.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4244-0
Near-infrared perovskite light-emitting diodes (NIR-PeLEDs) suffer from poor operational stability, largely due to interfacial reactions at the electron-transport layer (ETL)/perovskite interface. Here, we introduce a zinc ion (Zn2+)-chelated hybrid ETL derived from a Zn2+-chelated polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) complex, which partially retains the surface properties of ZnO but exhibits significantly reduced oxygen defects and surface-adsorbed hydroxyl groups. This well-modulated surface promotes perovskite crystallization and mitigates interface-induced deprotonation of organic cations during device operation. Consequently, NIR-PeLEDs employing this hybrid ETL achieve a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 20.1%, a high radiance of 652 W sr-1 m-2, and an exceptional T50 lifetime of 270.7 hours at a high current density of 100 mA cm-2, which is over five times that of devices based on conventional ZnO nanocrystal (NC) ETLs. Our results present an effective ETL strategy for operationally stable NIR-PeLEDs and thoroughly reveal the critical role of regulating interfacial reactions in stabilizing buried interfacial contacts. These findings provide valuable insights for advancing perovskite optoelectronic devices that suffer from interface-induced performance degradation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4376-3
Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) surpasses the diffraction limit to achieve molecular-scale resolution, but conventional probes suffer from photobleaching, limiting imaging duration. In a recent Nature Photonics article, Ren and co-workers introduced spontaneous photoblinking upconversion microscopy (SPUM) using Yb3+/Ho3+ co-doped core–shell–shell upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4@NaYb/HoF4@NaLuF4). These UCNPs exhibit exceptional photostability and persistent, reversible blinking under 976 nm continuous-wave excitation, with negligible photodegradation. The blinking mechanism involves a Yb3+ multiphoton process coupled with defect-mediated energy trapping, switching the UCNPs between emissive (on) and non-emissive (off) states. Kinetic analysis revealed single-exponential bright-state dwell times and biexponential dark-state dwell times, indicating one decay pathway into a non-emissive state and two recovery pathways. In live-cell imaging, synchronized transport of UCNPs maintained constant interparticle distance and near-unity positional correlation. In fixed cells, Fourier ring correlation (FRC) resolution reached 30 nm, confirming sub-50 nm performance in biological specimens. This work provides an unprecedented combination of low duty cycle and photostability, establishing a foundation for non-photobleaching luminescent nanomaterials in long-term super-resolution imaging and nanoscale tracking.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4192-y
Electrochemical water splitting is pivotal for scalable green hydrogen production, yet its practical deployment hinges on cost-effective electrocatalysts with high activity and durability. This study introduces a low-cost, three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous ZrVFeCoNi material fabricated via chemical dealloying, at merely 0.16% of the cost of Pt. The structure-activity relationship between its microstructure and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance was systematically explored. Lattice defect effects from multiphase intermetallic compounds, combined with multi-metal synergy, optimize H+ adsorption energy and electron transfer kinetics. The 3D nanoporous architecture provides a high electrochemical surface area with abundant active sites, enhancing electrolyte penetration and reducing interfacial mass transfer resistance. Consequently, the ZrVFeCoNi electrode exhibits outstanding HER performance, requiring only a 38 mV overpotential to reach 10 mA cm−2 and maintaining stable operation for 1000 h at 500 mA cm−2. Integrated into a full water electrolyzer (ZrVFeCoNi || IrO2/Ni), the system achieves a cell voltage of 1.60 V at a current density of 400 mA cm−2. Advanced characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that interfacial interactions and charge transfer at heterointerfaces drive catalytic activity, showcasing the potential of 3D nano-structured multiphase intermetallic compounds as high-performance electrocatalysts for green hydrogen systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3556-6
Photon avalanche (PA) is a nonlinear optical phenomenon characterized by steep upconversion emission growth with excitation power. Since the first demonstration of PA on nanoscale and at room temperature in 2021, PA luminescence of lanthanides has attracted considerable attention in nano- and bio-photonics. However, PA nanoparticles (NPs) remain restricted to a limited range of material systems and lanthanide ions, facing challenges including inadequate nonlinearity (N), high excitation threshold (P_th), and deficient chromaticity. In a recent publication in Nature Photonics, Dong and co-workers reported a new class of PA nanosystem based on Ho3+-doped fluoride NPs, which afforded tunable PA chromaticity for multicolor sub-diffraction imaging. Unlike conventional PA systems reliant on a single reservoir level, this study introduced a novel 'parallel PA' (PPA) mechanism leveraging the dual long-lived intermediate reservoir levels (5I7 and 5I6) of Ho3+, facilitating simultaneous operation of two PA loops to generate multicolor emissions. Under 965 nm continuous-wave excitation, the PPA of Ho3+ produced simultaneous red-green-blue emissions with large N (>20). Differential rate equation modelling identified all PA signatures, including clear P_th, S-shaped curves, extremely high sigma_ESA/sigma_GSA ratio of ~75000, and volcano-shaped rise time. The engineered NaGdF4:10%Ho@NaYF4 core/shell PA NPs (~19.6 nm) exhibited remarkably high N of 17–22 with mild P_th of ~22 kW cm−2 and fast response time of 343–371 ms. By screening host lattices and introducing co-dopants, PA chromaticity was precisely tailored, demonstrating unparalleled emission tunability for multicolor super-resolution imaging.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3694-3
Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are among the most promising candidates for next-generation batteries with high energy density. However, their practical application is hindered by persistent challenges such as dendritic lithium growth, unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEI), and poor Coulombic efficiency. Surface coating has emerged as a viable solution to address these limitations. In particular, atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) techniques offer unparalleled control over the fabrication of ultrathin, conformal coatings, making them especially suitable for stabilizing LMA interfaces. This review comprehensively summarizes recent progress in applying ALD and MLD methodologies to construct durable artificial interphases on LMAs. We discuss the underlying mechanisms through which these coatings inhibit dendrite formation, improve interfacial integrity, and facilitate uniform lithium-ion transport. The roles of inorganic ALD coatings, organic MLD coatings, and their organic–inorganic hybrids are systematically examined, with a focus on their chemical composition, deposition behavior, and electrochemical characteristics. Moreover, we highlight the enhanced performance achieved through the integration of ALD/MLD-engineered interfaces in full-cell systems. The review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and potential research avenues aimed at advancing the rational development of effective LMA protection strategies. Overall, this work offers valuable insights into the role of interfacial engineering via ALD and MLD in enabling the practical deployment of lithium metal batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3647-4
Chromium oxides (CrOx) and fluorinated graphite (CFx) are two typical cathode materials for lithium primary batteries. The former possesses the highest theoretical energy density but suffers from low practical capacity and inferior rate capability; the latter has the highest theoretical discharge capacity but fails to support fast discharge. Combining the merits of both cathodes via a composite design is desirable, yet the electrochemical performance of such composites remains unsatisfactory. In this work, we identified that by regulating the overlapped discharge potential of these two cathodes, fluorine atoms migrate from CFx to CrOx, leading to a homogeneous distribution of LiF and improved ionic and electronic conductivity, ultimately enhancing high-rate discharge performance. Benefiting from this synergetic effect, the CrOx/10%eCFx composite exhibits a considerably high energy density of 496.59 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 49.7 kW kg−1 (50 C), far superior to pure CrOx and CFx electrodes. We believe that the high-performance CrOx/eCFx composite cathode will justify its practical application in revitalizing advanced lithium primary batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3682-6
Metal single-atoms with optimized coordination structure on highly accessible substrate can maximize the metal utilization efficiency along with enhancing catalytic activities. Herein, axial nitrogen-coordinated Fe-N5 sites on N-doped carbon (denoted as FeN5@N-C) hollow microplates are fabricated via a unique Fe3+-chelated polydopamine assisted hollowing strategy using ZIF-L microplates as multifunctional templates. Due to the powerful chelating and adhesive ability of polydopamine, this hollow-carbon strategy can be extended to fabricate single-atom Fe-N-C hollow structures with different shapes and encapsulate other transition-metal single atoms (Ni, Co, Mn, and Cu) into the N-doped carbon hollow microplates. The FeN5@N-C hollow microplates exhibit outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) capability with an impressive half-wave potential of 0.93 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode and high stability, which can serve as air-cathode catalysts for high-performance Zn-air batteries with high peak power density of 225.3 mW cm−2 and stable cyclability of up to 400 h. Comprehensive analysis and theoretical calculations elucidate that axial nitrogen coordination in Fe-N5 catalytic sites, unlike the planar Fe-N4 configuration, can compete well with the bonding of OH* through additional 3d-2p orbital hybridization, thereby giving moderate bonding strength to enhance the ORR activity.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3722-3
Magnesium alloys are promising biodegradable bone implant materials due to their biocompatibility and mechanical compatibility, but rapid degradation and postoperative bacterial infection limit clinical application. Here, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PD) composite coatings (ZIF-8@PD) were fabricated in situ on micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coated AZ31 alloys via two-step and one-step (OS) methods. The MAO/ZIF-8@PD and MAO/ZIF-8@PD (OS) coatings reduced corrosion current density by three and two orders of magnitude, respectively, compared to MAO coating, due to the physical barrier of the 2D-co-3D MOF structure. Under 808 nm near-infrared laser irradiation, photothermal and photodynamic effects from PD, combined with contact killing by released Zn2+ ions, achieved bactericidal rates ≥99.5% against E. coli and S. aureus. Photothermal conversion efficiencies were 44.01% and 48.57% for the two-step and one-step coatings, respectively. The distinct Zn2+ sources led to different 2D-co-3D MOF structures, influencing degradation and antibacterial behavior. These coatings offer a strategy to enhance corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity of Mg alloys for biomedical applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3685-7
NiMo-based catalysts are promising for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), yet optimizing their electronic structure and enhancing mass transfer remain challenging. Here, we report a route to synthesize two-dimensional (2D) porous Mo2N-Ni heterojunction nanosheets with tuned Ni/Mo ratio for enhanced alkaline HER. The precursor is assembled from polyoxometalate clusters (PMo12) and layered Ni(OH)2. The interaction between PMo12 and Ni(OH)2 suppresses particle agglomeration during pyrolysis, yielding 2D porous sheets composed of small Mo2N-Ni units. Electron transfer from Ni to Mo2N redistributes electrons at the heterojunction, optimizing intermediate adsorption/desorption. The porous structure enhances mass transfer, reducing catalyst impedance. The optimized catalyst exhibits an overpotential of 19 mV at 10 mA cm−2, comparable to commercial Pt/C. An anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer pairing this catalyst with NiFe-LDH achieves 500 mA cm−2 at 1.80 V and operates stably for 300 h. This assembly method offers a scalable strategy for efficient catalyst production.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604026
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants ubiquitously present in soils, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human health. This study synthesized MIL-88A(Fe) via a hydrothermal solvent method and applied it to the photocatalytic degradation of phenanthrene-pyrene (PHE-PYR) composite contaminants in soil, investigating the adsorption-photocatalytic synergy. Results demonstrated that adsorption of PHE-PYR onto MIL-88A(Fe) was dominated by physical and monolayer surface adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 97.25 mg/kg. This strong adsorption increased pollutant concentration near active sites, accelerating photocatalytic degradation. Under optimal conditions—3% catalyst dosage, 40% soil water content, 60 min visible light irradiation, initial pollutant concentration of 200 mg/kg, and acidic soil—the total degradation efficiency reached 79.20%. Photoelectrochemical characterization revealed significant visible-light response (200–600 nm), a narrow bandgap of 3.04 eV, and favorable band structure facilitating efficient electron-hole separation. Quenching experiments identified superoxide radicals (·O2−) and holes (h+) as primary reactive species. GC-MS analysis of intermediates indicated that PYR undergoes hydroxylation, oxidation, and ring-opening to form PHE, which is further hydroxylated and oxidized, ultimately mineralizing to CO2 and H2O. This work provides an efficient strategy for remediating PAH-contaminated soils.
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/s40843-025-3956-0
Chiral organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIHMHs) are multifunctional materials with structural diversity and chiroptical properties. However, current chiral OIHMHs predominantly exhibit circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in the visible spectrum, while ultraviolet and near-infrared (NIR) CPL remains challenging. Here, we report lead-free chiral zero-dimensional (0D) OIHMHs, (R/S-DACH)2In2Br10:Sb3+/Yb3+ (DACH = 1,2-diaminocyclohexane), featuring spectrally tunable CPL emissions covering visible to NIR regions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, circular dichroism, and CPL spectroscopy revealed that robust hydrogen-bonding interactions between organic cations and inorganic emitters are crucial for chirality expression. Sb3+-doped (R/S-DACH)2In2Br10 single crystals exhibited intense broadband emission at 644 nm from the 3P1 to 1S0 transition of Sb3+, achieving a record photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 49.9% (two orders of magnitude higher than pristine crystals) and a luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) of ±7.1×10−3. Notably, Sb3+/Yb3+ co-doped crystals simultaneously generated dual-band CPL at 644 nm (glum = ±2.1×10−2) and 994 nm (glum = ±6.8×10−3), representing an important example of NIR-CPL in OIHMHs. An LED device based on (R-DACH)2In2Br10:2.7%Sb3+ exhibited bright orange emission with a color-rendering index of 78.4 and excellent spectral and operational stabilities. These findings establish a design strategy for broadband CPL and expand applications of chiral metal halides in advanced optoelectronics.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(25)60626-8
The dense crystalline structure and limited accessibility of cellulose severely hinder its efficient catalytic conversion. In response, biomimetic solid acid catalysts inspired by cellulase binding domains (CBDs) have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance cellulose hydrolysis by mimicking the substrate recognition and enrichment functions of natural enzymes. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the design of CBD-mimetic solid acids based on four representative strategies: electrostatic anchoring, hydrophobic microenvironment engineering, spatial confinement, and covalent lock-and-key mechanisms. The underlying principles of these approaches, including substrate-specific recognition, local concentration enhancement, and synergistic “adsorption-catalysis” effects, are critically discussed to elucidate their contributions in improving catalytic affinity, selectivity, and durability. Despite significant progress, challenges such as mass-transfer resistance and insufficient structural robustness remain in complex biomass conversion systems. Looking forward, the integration of sub-enzymatic materials, such as carbon quantum dots (CQDs), into biomimetic catalysts offers new opportunities to achieve efficient, recyclable, and hierarchically organized catalytic systems, thereby providing a powerful route for the sustainable valorization of cellulose and other lignocellulosic resources.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202606003
Membrane separation technology, offering high separation efficiency, low energy consumption, and operational flexibility, is promising for lithium recovery. However, selective lithium extraction from complex matrices such as salt lake brines and battery leachates remains challenging. Traditional membrane development relies on empirical trial-and-error, suffering from low efficiency and the permeability-selectivity trade-off. This review systematically delineates machine learning (ML)-based frameworks for membrane material development, including high-throughput rational screening, inverse design of synthesis protocols, and high-fidelity performance prediction. We elucidate how advanced ML algorithms decipher structure-activity relationships at the molecular level, enabling breakthroughs in performance ceilings and guiding bottom-up fabrication of next-generation membranes. Critical challenges are assessed: scarcity of high-quality standardized datasets, limited model interpretability, and poor generalizability to industrial scales. Future directions emphasize physics-informed hybrid models, open-source global databases, and full-process system optimization to bridge laboratory innovation and industrial deployment.
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.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3783-x
The synergistic strategy combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy has recently demonstrated significant promise in cancer treatment. However, the substantial physicochemical disparities between chemotherapeutic agents and small-molecule immune adjuvants pose considerable challenges for co-delivery strategies. In this study, we designed a reactive oxygen species-responsive paclitaxel prodrug, PTX-PBA, which markedly enhanced drug encapsulation stability and dual-drug loading efficiency by various polymeric delivery systems. The resultant nanosystem (NanoPR) exhibited excellent physicochemical properties and ROS-triggered release profiles, effectively inducing immunogenic cell death in tumor cells while promoting dendritic cell maturation and CD8+ T cells activation. In murine models of 4T1 breast cancer and CT26 colon carcinoma, NanoPR achieved significant tumor growth inhibition and elicited durable immune memory responses. Collectively, this work provides an innovative molecular design strategy for the co-delivery of chemotherapeutics and immunomodulators, offering a robust foundation for the clinical translation of chemo-immunotherapy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3852-9
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density are essential for electric vehicles and energy storage, but their adoption is hindered by safety and longevity trade-offs. Electrolyte engineering is critical to address these challenges. Weakly solvating electrolytes enhance anode interphase stability and safety by promoting ion association and reducing flammable solvents, yet they exacerbate thermal runaway due to ion association lowering the energy barrier for exothermic anion decomposition. Lu and coworkers demonstrated that pronounced ion association reduces the onset temperature of exothermic reactions by approximately 94 °C across over 20 electrolyte systems. To mitigate this, a solvent-relay strategy was developed: a temperature-sensitive 'passing solvent' promotes ion association at ambient temperature, forming a robust SEI and enhancing cycle life, while a temperature-insensitive 'receiving solvent' accepts Li+ at elevated temperatures, promoting dissociation and suppressing exothermic reactions. This design was validated in a 4.5-V graphite-NCM811 pouch cell (1.1 Ah), which delivered 1,000 cycles at 0.45 C, retaining ~81.9% capacity over 4,100 hours. The solvent-relay approach decouples SEI formation from thermal stability, offering a pathway to safe, long-life high-energy LIBs.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025032401
Diazepam (DZP), a benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug, has been a persistent contaminant in fishery water environments. In China, DZP is classified as a veterinary drug that must not be detected in animal-derived foods, yet it is frequently found in aquatic products, posing significant risks to ecological health and food safety. This review systematically summarizes the current pollution status of DZP in fishery water and its adverse effects on aquatic organisms, emphasizing its persistence in both water and aquatic products. The paper comprehensively examines advances in detection techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), as well as treatment technologies such as adsorption, photolysis, chemical oxidation, and biodegradation. Critical gaps remain in the integration of these technologies for practical remediation. The review underscores the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and risk assessment of DZP contamination, alongside the development of more efficient and scalable treatment methods. By consolidating current knowledge, this work provides technical support for aquatic organism protection and fishery water management, and serves as a reference for future research and technological innovation in this field.
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.
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)60676-7
Landfilled municipal solid waste (MSW) in China exceeds 8 billion tons, with high moisture (30–50%) and ash content (>50%), complicating conventional treatment. Slag gasification offers a clean and resource-oriented route, but heavy metal leaching from the resulting slag poses environmental risks. This study investigates the effect of rice husk addition (5–15%) on the vitrification of landfilled-waste slag and the immobilization of heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Cu). Results show that adding 5–10% rice husk lowers the slag flow temperature to a minimum of 1213 °C, attributed to active SiO2 reacting with CaO and Fe2O3 to form low-melting eutectics like anorthite. Leaching concentrations of Cr and Zn decrease from 41.60 and 108.00 mg/L to 5.89 and 7.10 mg/L, respectively, with 10–15% rice husk. The amorphous SiO2 enhances silicate polymerization (Q3, Q4 networks), promoting physical encapsulation and chemical incorporation of heavy metals into stable phases such as Zn2SiO4 and CuFe2O4, increasing the residual fraction and reducing bioavailability. At temperatures >1400 °C, volatilization of Cu and Zn increases, with residual rates dropping to 33–60% and 31–55%, respectively, while Cr remains stable (70–123%). This work elucidates the mechanistic role of rice husk in slag structure modulation and heavy metal immobilization, providing a theoretical basis for the co-treatment of landfilled waste and biomass via a 'treating waste with waste' strategy.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60710-4
Lignin pyrolysis is a promising route for sustainable production of high-value phenolic chemicals, yet the intricate radical reaction network remains a major bottleneck to optimizing product selectivity. This work constructs a standardized DFT computational database that systematically describes the fast pyrolysis of vanillyl alcohol at 823.15 K. The database features three key components: primary reaction pathways, thermodynamic energy barriers, and atomic-level electronic fingerprints. The dataset covers primary reaction pathways, secondary rearrangements, and both global and local reactivity indices of key intermediates. Notably, it innovatively integrates electronic-structure fingerprints, filling the gap in reaction-network–electronic-property correlation data. Standardized computational workflows and rigorous quality control ensure accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility. The public release of this dataset provides a reliable theoretical benchmark for mechanistic studies of lignin pyrolysis and offers foundational data support for rational design of new catalysts and refinement of reaction kinetic models. Ultimately, this database not only provides an important reference for data-driven catalyst development but also lays a theoretical foundation for precise regulation of lignin depolymerization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3977-8
Single quantum well (single-QW) two-dimensional (2D) perovskites are poised to revolutionize optoelectronic devices owing to their superior stability and optoelectronic properties. However, solution-processed 2D perovskites typically suffer from disordered multiple-QW structures, leading to inconsistent device performance. Here, we introduce a solvent-hydrolysis-driven method to control crystallization kinetics, yielding highly ordered single-QW 2D perovskite films. Dimethylamine (DMA), generated from the hydrolysis of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), serves as a critical mediator, preventing cluster aggregation and ensuring a uniform colloidal distribution. This approach circumvents the formation of a heterogeneous intermediate phase, thereby promoting the formation of a homogeneous (DMA,MA)PbI3 phase, which is essential for single-QW film development. The resultant photodetector exhibits outstanding performance, with a responsivity of 1153 mA/W and a detectivity of 6.98 × 10^12 Jones, along with excellent photostability under ambient conditions. These attributes render it ideal for photoelectric imaging sensors and large-scale integration. Our findings establish a scalable, solution-processed strategy for high-performance 2D perovskite materials, opening new avenues for advanced optoelectronic applications.
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/s40843-025-4274-x
The escalating power density of electronic devices necessitates effective visible-light shielding in advanced packaging to ensure circuit security and long-term reliability. Photosensitive polyimides (PSPI) serve dual roles as photodefinable dielectrics and structural layers, but intrinsically black PSPI (B-PSPI) suffer from competitive ultraviolet (UV) absorption between chromophores and photosensitive moieties, limiting co-optimization of deep visible-light blocking and lithographic resolution. Here, we report a main-/side-chain spatial decoupling strategy to synthesize a novel B-PSPI. By polymerizing pyromellitic dianhydride with a main-chain coloring monomer (4,4'-diaminodiphenylamine) and a side-chain photosensitive monomer (1,4-dihydropyridine-functionalized diamine), the monomer stoichiometric ratio is precisely engineered. This design spatially isolates functional groups and enhances charge transfer, yielding exceptional visible-light shielding (CIE L* index of 21.39, cut-off wavelength ≈ 555 nm) with good lithographic sensitivity. UV exposure triggers in situ generation of coordination sites from photosensitive groups, anchoring active metal species for electroless copper plating. This enables direct additive fabrication of fine copper lines (40/80 μm line width/spacing) with robust Cu/B-PSPI interfacial adhesion of 16.6 MPa. This work provides a robust molecular design paradigm for B-PSPI, integrating superior optical shielding and surface metallization for high-density interconnect applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4088-y
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a strong, thermally stable covalent ceramic typically regarded as brittle with limited deformability. Recent experimental and density functional theory (DFT) studies indicate that the α/β interface undergoes a β→α transformation via sliding followed by bond-switching, suggesting a pathway to achieve plasticity, but DFT's spatiotemporal reach prevents a full mechanistic picture. Here, we develop a physics-informed high-accuracy neural network interatomic potential (NNAP) model with DFT-level accuracy for phase transformations and use it to perform large-scale atomistic simulations. NNAP-guided simulations show that structural relaxation during relative sliding between α- and β-phases at the interface triggers pronounced atomic-layer rearrangements and lowers the energy barrier by nearly 60%. We further find that the ensuing phase transformation does not proceed by isolated layer-by-layer switching but instead follows in-plane nucleation and growth mediated by a bilayer cooperative mechanism, which further reduces kinetic barriers and facilitates the transformation. CI-NEB calculations reveal that the bilayer cooperative pathway has an energy barrier of 0.018 eV/Ų, lower than the independent layer-by-layer manner (0.020 eV/Ų), indicating enhanced kinetic accessibility. These results provide new atomistic insights into interface-driven phase transformations in dual-phase Si3N4 and offer guidance for designing more deformable covalent ceramics.