SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4362-y
The commercial viability of zinc-air batteries (ZABs) is constrained by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which necessitates robust, cost-effective catalysts. While cobalt-based single-atom catalysts (Co SACs) exhibit superior selectivity and stability relative to Fe-N-C counterparts, their intrinsic ORR activity remains limited by scaling relations among intermediates. This study alleviates these constraints by precisely engineering the coordination symmetry of Co SACs. Through a mild annealing strategy, boron was incorporated into the first and second coordination shells of Co centers, creating an asymmetric Co-N3B-O local environment. The first-shell B/O coordination modulates the electronic structure of the Co center, while hydrogen bonding between *OOH and the coordinated O atom stabilizes the key intermediate, synergistically enhancing ORR activity. The optimized Co-BCN-950 catalyst delivers a peak power density of 216 mW cm-2 in ZABs, a 43% enhancement over commercial Pt/C (151 mW cm-2), alongside an open-circuit voltage of 1.43 V and a specific capacity of 790 mAh g-1. These findings establish a paradigm for tailoring the local coordination of SACs, enabling next-generation high-stability energy storage systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4257-y
Hafnia-based ferroelectrics exhibit a distinctive reverse size effect and exceptional scalability, positioning them as critical candidates for CMOS-compatible non-volatile memory and ferroelectric transistors, with substantial promise for advancing hardware acceleration in artificial intelligence and large-data storage technologies. However, their practical deployment is constrained by a longstanding dilemma: the difficulty in simultaneously stabilizing metastable polar phases and ensuring long-term reliability under the high electric fields required for polarization switching. This review reinterprets this challenge through the lens of defect physics and advocates a paradigm shift from stochastic, disorder-mediated defect incorporation toward ordered, multiscale defect engineering. We systematically discuss the collective influence of point defects, line defects, planar defects, and defect-coupled structures on the phase stability, switching kinetics, and failure mechanisms in hafnia-based ferroelectrics. Controlling oxygen-vacancy states, engineering dopants via Fermi-level and chemical pressure, deploying periodic dislocation arrays, designing topological domain walls, functionalizing interfaces, and leveraging flexoelectric strain gradients constitute the core strategic toolkit. Through such ordered defect architectures, scalable performance metrics, including high remanent polarization, low coercive field, fast switching speed, and endurance exceeding 10^12 cycles, become attainable. These approaches establish a set of design principles for next-generation low-power, high-reliability ferroelectric electronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3547-7
Inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their excellent light and thermal stability and potential in tandem applications. However, their efficiency and stability are often limited by residual lattice stress and defects at interfaces and within the bulk, causing severe nonradiative recombination. Here, we introduce a zero-dimensional supramolecular complex, (ETP)2SbCl5, as a dual-interface and bulk modifier to regulate CsPbI3 film growth. The modifier exhibits spatial segregation: ETP+ cations anchor at the buried interface, passivating defects on TiO2 and perovskite surfaces; Sb3+ and Cl− ions diffuse into the bulk during annealing, relieving residual stress; and Cl− accumulates on the top surface, passivating cation defects. Consequently, the modified CsPbI3 solar cell achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.71% and an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.27 V, retaining 97.4% of initial efficiency after 500 h of maximum power point (MPP) tracking. This work demonstrates a synergistic strategy to simultaneously address interfacial and bulk defects, advancing high-performance and stable inorganic photovoltaics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3727-0
Lead halide perovskites are promising scintillators for X-ray imaging due to high X-ray absorption efficiency, excellent luminescence, and facile synthesis. However, their ionic nature challenges simultaneous high photoluminescence efficiency and environmental robustness. This work introduces a multilevel encapsulation strategy: CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) are sequentially coated with Cs4PbBr6, SiO2, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Cs4PbBr6 passivates surface defects, while SiO2 and PDMS provide barriers against moisture, heat, and radiation. The resulting CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6/SiO2/PDMS flexible films exhibit a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 85%, outstanding mechanical flexibility, and durability under stretching, bending, and compressing. Films retain emission stability under elevated temperatures, prolonged X-ray irradiation, and extended water immersion. X-ray imaging demonstrates spatial resolution of 12 lp/mm, enabling distortion-free imaging of curved objects; superior water resistance allows long-term underwater imaging. This work highlights hierarchical encapsulation in balancing luminescence efficiency and stability, offering a pathway toward practical flexible perovskite scintillators.
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.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506031
The production of activated carbon from waste biomass such as cyanobacteria from Lake Taihu represents a promising resource utilization route. However, existing studies are mostly confined to laboratory scale, and the gap between laboratory processes and industrial production hinders the evaluation of technical feasibility and economic viability. This study optimized the process for producing cyanobacteria-based columnar activated carbon by co-processing cyanobacteria with garden waste (sawdust), and validated the process on an engineering-scale production line with a daily capacity of 5 t of raw materials. Economic feasibility was also assessed. Results showed that the optimized activated carbon exhibited a particle strength of 91.3% and a specific surface area of 571.44 m2·g−1. The engineering-scale line processed 5 t of raw materials daily, yielding approximately 1.18 t of activated carbon with stable quality: strength of 94.3% and specific surface area of 471.42 m2·g−1, featuring a microporous-dominant structure with coexisting micropores and mesopores. Cost analysis indicated a production cost of 3,595.65 CNY per ton of activated carbon, demonstrating favorable economic benefits. This work provides a basis for larger-scale production and application of cyanobacteria-based activated carbon.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604022
The resource utilization of food waste contributes to reducing environmental pollution, driving nutrient cycling and biomass energy development, and promoting the resource recycling industry, achieving a win-win outcome for environment and economy. This study evaluated the resource recovery performance and environmental impacts of producing carbon sources for wastewater treatment through hydrolysis and acidification of food waste, comparing with two conventional alternatives: anaerobic fermentation and incineration. Results showed that among the three technologies, hydrolysis for carbon source production ranked middle in resource recycling efficiency, but its environmental benefits were superior to incineration and anaerobic fermentation. The hydrolysis process did not produce additional wastewater requiring treatment, and its greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste generation intensity were relatively low, at -40.7 kg CO2-eq/t and 9.3%, respectively. Carbon sources derived from food waste can replace commercial alternatives, reducing wastewater treatment costs and promoting synergies between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation. Sensitivity analysis revealed that water content in food waste significantly influences solid impurity generation and energy recovery efficiency of hydrolysis technology. In regions with high food waste generation and carbon source demand, hydrolysis technology is recommended to facilitate large-scale synergistic treatment of wastewater and food waste.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202605021
The digestate from anaerobic digestion of food waste is separated into solid residue and liquid filtrate. The filtrate retains high nutrient and carbon content, making it a viable resource for recovery. This study prepared biochar from food waste digestate residue and employed it as an electrode active material in a flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) system, with activated carbon as a control, to assess nitrogen and phosphorus removal from kitchen waste biogas slurry. ZnCl₂ modification significantly enhanced the biochar's specific surface area, adsorption capacity, capacitance, and conductivity. The optimal mass fraction of modified biochar in the electrode liquid was 7.5%. In simulated digestate, the FCDI system achieved removal efficiencies of 47.7% for NH₄⁺-N and 55.2% for reactive phosphorus (RP) over 12 hours. Performance ranking of electrode materials was activated carbon > ZnCl₂-modified biochar > unmodified biochar. In continuous operation with actual anaerobic digestion filtrate, maximum removal efficiencies were 32.2% for NH₄⁺-N and 26.2% for RP. The reduced performance in real digestate is attributed to organic foulants such as peptides and amino acids, which block ion-exchange membrane channels, increase membrane resistance, and impede ion transfer and charge transport, thereby diminishing deionization efficiency.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025022302
The escalating environmental contamination by mercury ions (Hg2+) poses severe risks to ecosystems and human health, necessitating the development of rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective detection methods. In this study, Fe1-xS@CNT composite nanozymes were synthesized via a straightforward solvothermal approach. The nanozymes exhibit uniform morphology, structural stability, and significant peroxidase (POD)-like activity. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) facilitates electron transfer, enhancing the Fenton reaction between Fe2+/Fe3+ to generate abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide anions (·O2−). The synergistic action of these ROS and photogenerated holes (h+) promotes the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to a blue-colored product (oxTMB), establishing a colorimetric system of Fe1-xS@CNT + H2O2 + TMB. The specific binding of S2− on the nanozyme surface to Hg2+ inhibits POD activity, reducing the absorbance of the system. This principle was harnessed to develop a colorimetric method for Hg2+ quantification in environmental water samples. The method demonstrates a linear range of 0.1–500 μg·L−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 μg·L−1. Validation in real water samples (campus and tap water) showed recoveries between 94.4% and 111.1% with relative standard deviations (RSD) below 3.0%, comparable to atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The method offers advantages of simplicity, rapid analysis, and naked-eye visibility, providing a novel approach for on-site monitoring of heavy metal pollutants.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025021902
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration membranes are widely used in water treatment, yet their anti-fouling performance remains a challenge. In this work, PAN was first reacted with sodium azide via click chemistry to synthesize 1,2,3,4-tetrazolium polyacrylonitrile (PAN-N). Subsequently, PAN-N was reacted with iodoacetamide (IAM), 2-iodoethanol (IH), iodoacetic acid (IA), and chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) to introduce hydrophilic groups, and anti-fouling PAN ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated via phase inversion. The membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements. Results showed that the PAN-N membrane exhibited superior performance to pristine PAN, with water flux increasing from 0.9233 to 1.232 L·(m2·h·kPa)−1 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection from 69.23% to 82.4%. Hydrophilic modification further enhanced performance; the PAN-N-IA membrane achieved the highest water flux of 1.7347 L·(m2·h·kPa)−1 and rejection of 93.57%. Anti-fouling tests revealed that modified membranes followed the order: PAN-N-CSA > PAN-N-IA > PAN-N-IH > PAN-N-IAM > PAN-N > PAN. PAN-N-CSA and PAN-N-IA showed comparable anti-fouling performance, with total fouling indices of 56.1% and 58.47%, reversible fouling indices of 47.17% and 46.97%, and irreversible fouling indices of 8.97% and 11.47%, respectively. This work demonstrates that PAN-N-IA membranes combine high flux, high rejection, and excellent anti-fouling properties, making them promising for water treatment applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3869-7
Iontronic capacitive pressure sensors (ICPSs) are pivotal for wearable technology, yet their performance is constrained by an inherent trade-off between sensitivity and detection range. Here, we introduce a micro-electric double layer (micro-EDL) engineering strategy to overcome this limitation. This is realized through a nanocomposite dielectric where multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) form a percolated network, generating a dense array of pressure-responsive nano-capacitors. Synergistically integrating a hierarchical MoS2/NiCo-LDH electrode provides abundant pseudocapacitive interfaces. The resulting sensor exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 67,095 kPa−1 at 1 kHz, a broad detection range up to 1.3 MPa, rapid response and recovery times of 4 ms and 5 ms, respectively, and outstanding durability exceeding 18,000 cycles. Practical validation demonstrates 100% classification accuracy in recognizing complex gestures and gait patterns, underscoring its real-world applicability. These findings establish micro-EDL engineering as a promising route for advancing next-generation iontronic devices, offering insights into their electrochemical mechanisms.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3776-9
Organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) are fundamental building blocks for flexible electronics, offering mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, chemical tunability, and compatibility with large-area, cost-effective fabrication. However, their widespread adoption in high-density integrated systems is hindered by the thermionic limit of carrier injection, which constrains the subthreshold swing (SS) to a minimum of 60 mV/dec at room temperature, posing a critical barrier to ultra-low-power operation. In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Electronics, Deng et al. report the realization of organic thin-film tunnel transistors (OTFTTs) that decisively break this Boltzmann tyranny. The breakthrough is enabled by an interfacial molecule decoupling strategy, introducing a high-ionization-energy molecular interlayer, N,N'-bis(2-phenylethyl)perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (BPE-PTCDI), between the high-work-function metal oxide (MoO3) source and the p-type organic semiconductor (2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT)) channel. This interlayer passivates the interface, minimizing interfacial gap states and alleviating Fermi-level pinning, thereby creating a clean heterojunction with a lowered tunneling barrier. This facilitates efficient quantum mechanical band-to-band tunneling for carrier injection at low supply voltages, instead of relying on traditional thermionic emission. The OTFTTs exhibit sub-thermionic SS values below 60 mV/dec, enabling high electrical performance at low operating voltages. This work provides a viable pathway for beyond-thermionic electronics, with potential applications in flexible displays, wearable health monitors, brain-computer interfaces, and distributed sensor networks, addressing the critical challenge of power dissipation in flexible systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3765-9
Ion-selective membranes are critical for water purification, resource recovery, and energy storage. Polyamide (PA) nanofiltration (NF) membranes are the gold standard, with size sieving and charge repulsion as fundamental mechanisms. However, the role of surface charge distribution has been overlooked. A groundbreaking study in Nature Water reveals that nanoscale spatial charge homogeneity, not pore size distribution, is the key determinant of ion selectivity. Using multimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques, including Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and electrostatic force microscopy (EFM), the authors mapped surface charge of commercial NF270 and NF90 membranes. NF270, despite looser pores, exhibited a Cl−/SO4^2− selectivity nearly tenfold higher than NF90, correlating with a more homogeneous charge distribution. AFM-infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) showed uniform carboxyl group (–COOH) distribution on NF270, while NF90 had patchy, structure-dependent distribution, creating defects for ion leakage. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed SO4^2− ions preferentially localize in regions lacking –COOH. The authors translated this insight into a polyethyleneimine multivariate (PEI-MTV) strategy to program homogeneous positive charge on PA membranes for cation separation. Comparing grafting routes, EDC/NHS-catalyzed amidation yielded the most homogeneous charge distribution and highest charge density, achieving exceptional Li+/Mg2+ separation performance. This work establishes a transformative design principle for highly selective membranes via nano-charge manipulation, bypassing precise pore size control.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60650-0
Aldehydes and ketones are valuable oxygen-containing organic intermediates essential for synthesizing fine chemicals, fuels, and materials. Lignocellulosic biomass, as the most abundant renewable carbon resource with an annual production exceeding 180 billion tons, offers a sustainable route to produce platform carbonyl compounds such as furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and low-molecular-weight aliphatic ketones via pyrolysis. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in catalytic pyrolysis of biomass for aldehyde and ketone production. It first outlines the structural features, types, and biomass-derived origins of typical carbonyl platform molecules. Second, it compares the decomposition pathways and intermediate evolution behaviors of cellulose-rich, hemicellulose-rich, and lignin-rich biomasses under non-catalytic pyrolysis, clarifying the influence of multicomponent synergistic effects on aldehyde and ketone formation. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanistic roles and dominant reaction pathways of metal salts, metal oxides, and carbon-based catalytic systems in regulating key steps such as dehydration, decarbonylation, C−O/C−C bond cleavage, and skeletal rearrangement. The review identifies major challenges, including unclear catalyst structure-activity relationships, inadequate active site stability, and limited product selectivity. Future perspectives propose rational design of multilevel structured catalysts, integration of in situ characterization with multiscale simulation, and development of green scale-up and process integration strategies. This work aims to provide a systematic theoretical reference for high-value biomass utilization and renewable carbon conversion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4025-y
Gd3+-sensitized Tb3+-based glasses are high light-yield scintillators. Energy transfer sensitization between Gd3+ and Tb3+ is well-recognized. Gd3+ ions are also found to typically modulate the interionic distances of Tb3+ ions; however, the mechanism why this effect enhances the latter’s photoluminescence still remains unclear. This work focuses on Gd3+, Tb3+ co-doped La2O3-B2O3-SiO2 (LBSO), first demonstrating Tb3+ clusters via spectroscopy. LBSO’s optimal Tb3+ single-doping concentration is 37%, rising to 50% with 20% Gd3+. The LBSO:20%Gd3+,50%Tb3+ sample exhibits a 542 nm emission intensity 2.22 times that of the 37%Tb3+ single-doped sample, 38% scintillation efficiency (vs. BGO), and >20 lp mm−1 X-ray resolution. The introduction of Gd3+ increases the interionic distance between Tb3+ ions within the clusters, thereby suppressing the concentration quenching effect and enhancing the fluorescence emission. We propose this mechanism as “cluster-dispersion sensitization effect”. This effect was further confirmed in other glass systems (LBSO:Lu3+, Tb3+, LBSO:Y3+, Tb3+, Bi-based:Lu3+, Tb3+, etc.). Spectroscopic analysis shows Gd3+-Tb3+ energy transfer efficiency up to 80%. In conclusion, Gd3+ synergistically enhances Tb3+ fluorescence via both effects. These findings not only fully elucidate the sensitization mechanism of Gd3+ ions in Gd3+, Tb3+ co-doped scintillating glasses but also provide new insights for researching the manipulation of activator ion clusters in luminescent materials. In search for novel scintillators, cluster-dispersion sensitization effect may greatly improve their spatial resolution via intrinsic architectures design in glasses, ceramics, thin films, and nanoparticles.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60665-2
Levulinic acid (LA) is a promising platform product with wide industrial applications. Efficient conversion of cellulose into LA has become a research hotspot, yet traditional experimental optimization is time-consuming and inefficient. This study integrates multidimensional data—reaction conditions, solvent properties, and physicochemical characteristics of metal salts—to construct a systematic dataset. Six machine learning models (decision tree, gradient boosting regression, K-nearest neighbors, multilayer perceptron, random forest, and support vector machine) were developed to predict LA yield. The gradient boosting regression (GBR) model achieved the best performance, with a test-set determination coefficient (R²) of 0.94 and the lowest root-mean-square error (RMSE). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and partial dependence analysis identified water fraction, catalyst dosage, and reaction temperature as the key factors influencing LA formation. By integrating the GBR model with particle swarm optimization (PSO), RuCl₃ was identified as an efficient catalyst under high-temperature and short-reaction-time conditions. This study demonstrates the potential of machine learning in cellulose conversion research, providing a data-driven strategy and theoretical guidance for efficient and green LA production.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202608005
The escalating volume of end-of-life carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and the high energy consumption and emissions of virgin fiber production necessitate low-carbon recycling technologies. Superheated steam pyrolysis, an emerging method, is systematically reviewed. At 450–500 °C, the synergistic 'hydrothermal-weak oxidation' mechanism enables controlled resin cracking and simultaneous char removal. Key parameters—temperature, oxygen concentration, residence time, and CO2/steam two-step coupling—affect the mechanical, surface, and electrical properties of recycled carbon fiber (rCF). A 'low-temperature, short-duration, micro-oxygen' process retains over 90% tensile strength. Comparison of laboratory, pilot, and industrial setups highlights challenges in exhaust gas treatment, multi-component waste adaptability, and energy integration. Life cycle assessment (LCA) confirms this route reduces energy consumption by ~25% and carbon emissions by ~30% versus landfilling/incineration, offering environmental and economic advantages. Future research should focus on product databases, distributed recycling networks, and unified LCA frameworks to support CFRP closed-loop recycling.
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/s40843-025-4018-6
The pursuit of advanced wear-resistant materials for cryogenic applications is often hindered by a fundamental trade-off between enhancing strength and damage tolerance. CoCrNi-based medium-entropy alloys (MEAs), while excellent in cryogenic toughness, suffer from this very limitation. Although second-phase reinforcement boosts strength, the strain incompatibility between phases inevitably triggers cracking, which is severely exacerbated at low temperatures. This work introduces a novel microstructural design strategy based on regulated partial recrystallization to overcome this long-standing challenge. By tailoring the thermomechanical processing of a (CoCrNi)90Mo10 MEA, we engineered a unique architecture where a fully recrystallized FCC phase is homogeneously embedded within a continuous skeleton of a hard, non-recrystallized σ phase. The alloy with this optimized microstructure achieved a remarkably low wear rate at 113 K that is less than half of its as-cast and fully recrystallized counterparts. The experimental and modeling results indicate the underlying synergy: the σ skeleton provides robust structural support and distributes stress deeply, while the recrystallized FCC phase, with its high density of grain boundaries and annealing twins, acts as a compliant strain-accommodating medium, effectively suppressing interfacial cracking. This combined 'skeleton effect' and 'recrystallization effect' not only delivers exceptional cryogenic wear resistance but also offers a practical strategy for designing high-performance, crack-resistant dual-phase composites for extreme environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4173-x
Ferroelectric memory, with its promise of low power consumption, high writing speed and exceptional endurance, requires the scaling of ferroelectric films to ultrathin dimensions—often just a few atomic layers thick. However, such extreme thinning risks destabilizing or even erasing electric polarization, mainly due to the detrimental depolarization field. Remarkably, certain ferroelectrics exhibit an intrinsic immunity to this effect, as predicted theoretically and confirmed experimentally. Examples include improper ferroelectrics, hyper ferroelectrics, engineered heterostructures, and low-dimensional van der Waals ferroelectrics. This review systematically examines these unique materials, unravelling the fundamental physics behind their polarization robustness and the mechanisms enabling them to resist the depolarization field. By bridging theory with experimental advances, we aim to inspire the design of next-generation ferroelectrics capable of overcoming critical challenges encountered in practical ferroelectric memory devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4072-3
All-inorganic, hole-transport-material-free (HTM-free), carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional stability and low cost. However, their performance and commercial potential are constrained by poor interfacial contact, insufficient crystallinity, and energy level misalignment. In this work, we address these challenges via a molecular engineering strategy by introducing tetrakis(4-ethynylphenyl)methane (TEPM) as a multifunctional additive. The alkynyl moiety (C≡C) in TEPM coordinates with Pb2+ ions in perovskite precursors, synergistically slowing crystallization kinetics to regulate crystal growth and passivate deep-level defects. Consequently, CsPbI3 films exhibit larger grain sizes, improved crystallinity, and lower defect densities. Devices modified with TEPM achieved a record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.01% (certified 19.58%). Additionally, unencapsulated devices retained 87.6% of their initial efficiency after 1080 h under ambient conditions (25 °C, 30% relative humidity), and maintained 94.0% of their initial efficiency after 730 h of continuous AM 1.5G illumination in air. This work sets a new efficiency benchmark for inorganic HTM-free C-PSCs and provides a versatile molecular engineering strategy for developing high-performance, stable perovskite photovoltaics.
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.