SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4312-8
Carbazole phosphonic acid-based self-assembled molecules (SAMs) serve as effective hole-selective contacts in organic solar cells (OSCs), yet their molecular packing and aggregation behavior during solution processing remain difficult to control, limiting hole transport and device durability. This study introduces a polymer-templated self-assembly strategy to regulate molecular organization by one-step spin-coating a blend of [2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (2PACz) and PEDOT:PSS. The polycationic PEDOT+ framework acts as a template, providing supplementary anchoring interactions that promote ordered molecular arrangement and suppress unfavorable agglomeration. Pronounced face-on orientation and enhanced structural coherence of 2PACz within the polymer matrix are evidenced. The templated ordering improves vertical charge transport, interfacial homogeneity, and film morphology. In binary OSCs based on PM6:BTP-eC9, the hybrid hole transport layers (HTLs) yield a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.26%, with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.874 V, a short-circuit current (JSC) of 28.97 mA cm-2, and a fill factor (FF) of 80.02%. Devices incorporating hybrid HTLs exhibit exceptional operational stability, retaining over 90% of initial PCE (T90) after 405 h of continuous operation at the maximum power point (MPP). This work establishes polymer-directed SAM assembly as a scalable route to simultaneously optimize nanoscale molecular packing, interfacial energetics, and long-term device stability for high-performance OSCs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4452-8
Europium(III) complexes offer intrinsically narrow red emission (full-width at half-maximum < 5 nm) that is highly desirable for ultrahigh-definition displays, yet their electroluminescence performance is severely limited by unbalanced charge transport and inefficient energy transfer. This work reports a molecular design strategy that modulates both energy transfer and charge transport in Eu³⁺ OLEDs. The synthesized complex, Cz-Eu, incorporates a carbazole-functionalized ancillary ligand to facilitate host–guest energy transfer and hole transport. The single-crystal structure was deposited (CIF: Cz-Eu-cif.cif) and subjected to PLATON validation, which flagged 3 type-1 alerts (CIF construction/syntax errors), 8 type-2 alerts (possible structural model deficiencies), 12 type-3 alerts (low structure quality), and 4 type-4 alerts (improvement suggestions), with no duplication detected. These crystallographic alerts indicate that the reported structure requires further refinement before it can be considered reliable. Nevertheless, the device metrics demonstrate a promising route: the optimized OLED achieves efficient ultranarrow-band red emission, with the potential for high color purity and reduced power consumption. The findings underscore the critical role of ligand engineering in balancing charge fluxes and fostering efficient energy transfer, providing a viable pathway for next-generation red emitters. However, the structural ambiguities highlighted by the PLATON analysis warrant cautious interpretation of the structure–property relationships and suggest that additional crystallographic and device stability studies are necessary to substantiate the claimed performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4391-5
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) enable precise tuning of the ITO/active layer interfacial dipole, yet their impact on the crystallization kinetics of the overlying active layer remains poorly understood, limiting their potential in high-efficiency organic solar cells. This study introduces THPC, a self-assembling material with an extended carbazole core and heteroatom substitution, as a hole transport layer (HTL). Unlike the hydrophilic PEDOT:PSS, THPC exhibits low surface energy, providing a favorable template that extends the film formation kinetics of the PM6:L8-BO-X blend by nearly 1.4 times, mitigating the explosive nucleation prevalent in PM6-based active layers. This promotes a highly ordered fibrous morphology and enhances vertical phase separation. The deep work function of THPC (5.32 eV) increases the built-in potential, reduces interfacial trap density, and facilitates charge extraction. Consequently, non-radiative recombination loss decreases from 0.243 eV to 0.227 eV, and the open-circuit voltage rises from 0.866 V to 0.883 V, yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.19%, outperforming the PEDOT:PSS control (18.67%). This finding is confirmed across multiple Y-series acceptors, all approaching 20% PCE. Notably, the D18:L8-BO system achieves a PCE of 20.55%, demonstrating broad applicability.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4238-2
Infrared nonlinear optical (IR NLO) materials are critical for laser frequency conversion, yet their performance is often constrained by a trade-off between second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency and laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). Here, we report a new ternary diamond-like compound, AlGaS3, which successfully balances these competing demands. AlGaS3 crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric structure composed of wide HOMO-LUMO gap [AlS4] tetrahedra and NLO-active [GaS4] tetrahedra. The compound exhibits a wide experimental optical band gap of approximately 3.38 eV, which is significantly larger than that of the benchmark AgGaS2 (AGS, ~2.70 eV). This wide band gap contributes to a high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of approximately 6.0 times that of AGS, as determined by powder-based measurements. Notably, AlGaS3 also demonstrates a phase-matching SHG response of approximately 0.5 times that of AGS at a fundamental wavelength of 2.09 μm, with particle size-dependent behavior confirming phase-matchability. The combination of wide band gap, high LIDT, and moderate SHG response positions AlGaS3 as a promising candidate for high-power IR NLO applications. This work provides a viable strategy for designing IR NLO materials with enhanced laser damage resistance by incorporating wide-gap tetrahedral units.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4260-5
Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are recognized as a leading candidate for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh g⁻¹). However, the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) severely limits cycle life and energy efficiency. Here, we report a multi-interface engineering strategy employing a MnO₂-TiO₂@Ti₃C₂ MXene (MT@MX) heterojunction, synthesized via a facile redox reaction between MXene and KMnO₄, to modulate bidirectional polysulfide conversion. The 2D structure with high conductivity and abundant heterogeneous interfaces facilitates fast ion/electron transfer, reduces reaction energy barriers, and enhances adsorption via d-band center effects. The stepped built-in electric field (BIEF) in MT@MX lowers the migration energy barrier of LiPSs from catalytic MXene to TiO₂ and then to adsorptive MnO₂, enabling reversible migration across multi-interfaces. Optimized heterointerfaces synergistically integrate adsorption, diffusion, and catalytic conversion, yielding excellent cycling stability even at a high sulfur loading of 6.4 mg cm⁻². This work demonstrates that constructing heterojunctions with stepped BIEF offers a feasible approach to modulate interfacial diffusion and provides a new design strategy for high-performance LSB electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4339-7
Neuromorphic computing demands energy-efficient synaptic devices that emulate biological plasticity. Optoelectronic memristors based on colloidal quantum dots (QDs) offer tunable bandgaps and solution processability, yet suffer from defect-mediated nonradiative recombination and instability. Here, we report ZnS-passivated CdZnSe core/shell QDs as the active layer in memristive devices, achieving enhanced synaptic emulation and information encryption. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) decay curves were fitted with a tri-exponential function, revealing that ZnS passivation suppresses defect-related trap states, prolonging the average carrier lifetime from 12.3 ns (CdZnSe) to 28.7 ns (CdZnSe/ZnS). The intensity proportion of the fast decay component (τ1 ≈ 1.2 ns) decreased from 45% to 18%, indicating reduced surface trapping. Devices incorporating CdZnSe/ZnS QDs exhibit stable bipolar resistive switching with an ON/OFF ratio exceeding 10^3, endurance of >10^3 cycles, and retention of >10^4 s. Under 365 nm UV illumination, the devices show light-tunable synaptic plasticity, including paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) with a facilitation index of 180% at a 50 ms interval, and transition from short-term to long-term memory. The memristors successfully emulate essential synaptic functions and are employed in a simple encryption scheme, demonstrating the potential of defect-passivated QDs for secure neuromorphic hardware.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4315-2
High-temperature X-ray imaging demands scintillators with high crystallinity, efficient scintillation, and robust thermal stability, yet suitable materials remain scarce. Here, we report an ultra-high-crystallinity transparent glass-ceramic (GC) scintillator strategically designed via controllable heat-treatment-induced crystallization. A sequential precipitation method is employed, where cubic CaF2 nanocrystals initially form, subsequently promoting heterogeneous nucleation and growth of hexagonal BaAl2Si2O8. Intrinsic nanoscale phase separation into F-rich and O-rich domains significantly reduces atomic diffusion distances, yielding an unprecedented crystallinity of up to 97.6%. Notably, defect traps (oxygen vacancy defects, likely located within the lattice or at crystalline/amorphous interfaces) enable efficient carrier capture and thermally stimulated release, contributing to remarkable resistance to thermal quenching. Consequently, the GC scintillator maintains 90.6% of its integrated X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) intensity at 300 °C, with the integrated XEL intensity reaching 94.2% of commercial Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) at room temperature. This enables stable high-temperature X-ray imaging with a spatial resolution of ~10.4 lp mm−1 up to 225 °C. This work provides a versatile pathway for developing high-sensitivity scintillators for extreme-environment X-ray imaging.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3828-y
The rapid development of halogen-free solvent-processed organic solar cells (OSCs) has been enabled by side-chain modification on small molecular acceptors, yet the structure-property relationship between inner/outer chain lengths and device performance remains unclear. This study systematically investigates five non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with varied side-chain positions and architectures, clarifying the effects of inner versus outer modifications on energy level distribution, film morphology, and carrier dynamics. Notably, longer alkyl chains are not always superior; excessive solubility reduces molecular packing order. The optimized PM6:BTP-TO12 blend achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.2%. Furthermore, ternary OSCs incorporating BTP-TO12 as a guest material reach a remarkable PCE of 19.5%, enhancing the performance of L8-BO-based devices processed with green solvents. This improvement is attributed to the low energy loss and well-controlled aggregation behavior of BTP-TO12 in environmentally friendly toluene. These findings establish a design guideline for side-chain engineering in green-solvent-processed OSCs, achieving state-of-the-art performance and advancing scalable, eco-compatible photovoltaic technologies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3738-1
The escalating demand for intelligent and functional textiles, driven by technological advancements, has shifted focus from conventional attributes like warmth and aesthetics to smart functionalities. Natural biomass-derived polysaccharides, owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, and unique chemical structures, are pivotal for next-generation flexible wearable smart textiles. This review systematically outlines common natural polysaccharides (e.g., cellulose, chitosan, starch, alginate) used in such textiles, detailing their structural features and modification strategies. It critically evaluates current fabrication methods, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The performance characteristics, action mechanisms, and application scenarios of polysaccharide-based smart textiles are examined, with emphasis on healthcare, motion tracking, smart clothing, and energy storage/management. The review concludes by addressing existing challenges and proposing future directions for integrating polysaccharide materials into smart textile systems, aiming to guide the development of efficient, green flexible wearable devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3628-3
The solution aggregation structures of conjugated polymers are pivotal in determining their film morphology and optoelectronic properties, yet the relationship between solution aggregation and device performance remains elusive in organic photodiode (OPD) systems. Herein, we introduce the first examination of solution aggregation structures of all-polymer OPD blends, with a focus on how molecular entanglement modulates aggregation behavior and subsequent photodiode performance of low-cost poly(3-pentylthiophene). Using small-angle neutron scattering and freeze-dried imaging, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the solution-state aggregation behavior of poly(3-pentylthiophene) and its evolution in the blend, revealing profound impacts on film morphology and device performance. With finely optimized aggregation, the resulting all-polymer OPD achieves a record-high specific detectivity of ~4×10^13 Jones at zero bias, outperforming all bulk heterojunction (BHJ)-type self-powered OPDs reported to date. This device also demonstrates remarkable thermal stability, with negligible performance degradation after over 800 h of thermal annealing at 85 °C. Furthermore, the self-powered OPD exhibits excellent performance across a broad spectral range, enabling its application in both water quality monitoring and biosensing. This work offers new insights into the solution aggregation behavior of conjugated polymers in OPDs and highlights the importance of resolving solution aggregation in optimizing device function.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3598-1
Embedding a dielectric layer between as-synthesized graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and metal surfaces represents a powerful strategy to achieve electronic decoupling, thereby enabling the extraction of these ribbons' intrinsic electrical properties. Although several reports have documented dielectric intercalation between GNRs and metal substrates, studies on Ag(111) substrates are limited. Here, we demonstrate a semiconducting AgTe monolayer intercalation method to achieve electronic decoupling between as-synthesized GNRs and an Ag(111) substrate. Using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, we directly observed the AgTe intercalation process at the GNR/Ag(111) interface. By combining scanning tunneling spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, we elucidate the critical role of AgTe monolayer intercalation in reducing the interaction between as-synthesized GNRs and the Ag(111) substrate and observe the near-intrinsic electrical properties of the GNRs. Our findings offer a practical and effective strategy for intercalating AgTe monolayers between carbon-based nanomaterials and Ag(111) substrates, facilitating the unambiguous characterization of the near-intrinsic electronic properties of these materials.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(25)61036-5
Large graphene oxide (LGO) sheets offer significant advantages over smaller ones in various applications, yet their production via Hummers-type oxidation of large natural graphite flakes remains challenging due to difficulties in achieving full oxidation and avoiding fragmentation. This study provides the first direct evidence that large graphite flakes (up to 1 mm) can be completely oxidized without fragmentation under static conditions, as revealed by in-situ monitoring. The oxidation process is governed by diffusion of the oxidizer between layers, described by Fick's law, where a high oxidizer concentration gradient increases the diffusion rate. By minimizing the amount of concentrated H2SO4 solvent, we achieved a semi-solid state that elevates oxidizer concentration, facilitating Mn(VII) diffusion and enabling complete oxidation of gram-scale large flakes with significantly reduced reagent consumption. Reaction temperature was optimized to balance graphite oxidation and Mn(VII) self-decomposition. Using this approach, 200-, 100-, and 50-mesh natural graphite were fully oxidized with reduced H2SO4 and KMnO4 usage. After exfoliation, LGO with average lateral sizes of 27.3, 58.7, and 116.2 μm were obtained, respectively, with 100% conversion and yield over 165%. This work not only provides a scalable, cost-effective strategy for LGO production but also advances the fundamental understanding of Hummers-type oxidation.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506021
To elucidate the seasonal variation in cadmium (Cd) accumulation in ratoon rice and its relationship with root surface iron plaque, this study compared Cd concentrations in brown rice and the characteristics of iron plaque components (amorphous Fe, Am-Fe; crystalline Fe, Cry-Fe) between the main and ratoon crops of six rice varieties under different stubble heights. A field experiment was conducted in a Cd-contaminated paddy in Liuyang, Hunan (soil total Cd: 0.56 ± 0.06 mg·kg⁻¹). Ratoon crop treatments included low stubble (20 cm) and high stubble (60 cm). Brown rice Cd concentrations varied by variety, season, and stubble height. Low stubble generally increased brown rice Cd in the ratoon crop compared to high stubble; high stubble reduced Cd in most varieties relative to the main crop. Health risk assessment indicated that low stubble in the ratoon crop posed higher non-carcinogenic risk than the main crop and high stubble, while carcinogenic risks exceeded acceptable levels across all treatments. Iron plaque Am-Fe and Cry-Fe concentrations in the ratoon crop were generally lower than in the main crop, with Am-Fe consistently exceeding Cry-Fe. In the main crop, total Fe, Am-Fe, and Cry-Fe on root surfaces were significantly negatively correlated with brown rice Cd (P < 0.05), but correlations were not significant in the ratoon crop. High stubble reduced Cd accumulation and non-carcinogenic risk in most varieties, yet carcinogenic risk remained. Iron plaque significantly impeded Cd uptake in the main crop but its effect weakened in the ratoon crop. Selecting low-Cd-accumulating varieties and optimizing stubble height are key strategies for safe ratoon rice production in Cd-contaminated areas.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112806
Microplastics (MPs) are persistent emerging contaminants ubiquitously distributed in soil-groundwater environments, where their aggregation and transport critically govern pollutant fate and ecological risks. Natural organic matter (NOM), a complex assemblage of organic compounds, interacts with MPs and porous media via hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions, hydrophobic effects, and electrostatic binding, thereby modulating MP surface properties and environmental behavior. This review systematically synthesizes the mechanisms by which NOM influences MP aggregation and transport, with emphasis on the distinct roles of humic substances, proteins, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and their synergistic modulation with solution chemistry (pH, ionic strength, ion type). Additionally, NOM accelerates MP aging and alters surface characteristics, consequently impacting transport capacity. Current research limitations are identified, and future directions are proposed to inform MP pollution risk assessment and management strategies. Key findings indicate that NOM generally enhances MP stability and mobility at low ionic strengths, while high ionic strengths may induce aggregation depending on NOM type and ion valence. Humic substances predominantly increase electrostatic repulsion, whereas proteins and EPS can bridge particles, promoting aggregation. Aging processes, accelerated by NOM photochemical activity, increase surface oxygen functionality and hydrophilicity, further altering transport. The review underscores the need for systematic studies under environmentally relevant conditions to predict MP fate accurately.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112101
The biological reduction of Cr(VI) to less hazardous Cr(III) is a promising strategy for remediating Cr(VI)-contaminated sites. Both biochar and riboflavin can act as electron shuttles to accelerate this bioreduction process, yet their combined effects remain poorly understood. Using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 as a model reducing bacterium, we investigated the joint influence of biochar (average particle size 28.85 μm) and riboflavin at high (1 mmol·L−1) and low concentrations on Cr(VI) bioreduction. Individually, biochar and high-concentration riboflavin enhanced indirect electron transfer, accelerating Cr(VI) removal. However, when combined, the fast-phase reaction rate (rf0) did not significantly improve compared to single amendments. The combined action factor revealed an antagonistic inhibition between biochar and riboflavin. Mechanistically, high-concentration riboflavin saturated biochar's adsorption sites (equilibrium concentration 0.96±0.04 mmol·L−1), hindering biochar's role as an electron conduit. With a bacterial density of 3.4×10^7 cells·mL−1, the inter-bacterial distance (30.87 μm) exceeded biochar's particle size, and the per-cell riboflavin concentration (2.9×10−2 pmol·cell−1) was sufficient for riboflavin to dominate as the primary electron shuttle, while biochar's surface became coated, reducing its efficacy. These findings reveal the complex interplay between biochar and soluble organic matter in Cr(VI) bioreduction, underscoring the need to consider such antagonistic effects when designing bioremediation strategies for multi-component contaminated environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3846-9
The tuning of ligand linkage modes in porous crystalline materials to create isomers with varied properties is significant, yet remains rare in structural design and photocatalytic applications. Here, we investigate isomeric metal-covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs), MCOF-E and MCOF-Z, and reveal that specific construction struts lead to E/Z ligand linkage modes with distinct stacking structures, stimulated by temperature. These isomeric MCOFs exhibit different light absorption, charge transfer, and photocatalytic performance. Notably, MCOF-E achieves an aniline generation efficiency of 4.90 mM h−1 in nitrobenzene hydrogenation, with high conversion (~100%) and selectivity (>99%), outperforming MCOF-Z and other counterparts. Theoretical calculations indicate that MCOF-E possesses a narrower band gap than MCOF-Z, facilitating more efficient generation of photo-induced carriers, which accelerates reaction kinetics and significantly improves nitrobenzene hydrogenation efficiency. This work provides insight into the structure-function relationships of MCOFs and demonstrates the potential of isomerization as a strategy to optimize photocatalytic performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3856-0
Replacing the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with biomass oxidation at photoanodes offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient route for simultaneous hydrogen production and value-added chemical synthesis in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Here, titanium-doped hematite nanorods (Hem) decorated with CoNi bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) were prepared via room-temperature deposition and employed as photoanodes for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation. Using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) as a redox mediator in alkaline electrolyte, the CoNi-ZIF/Hem photoanode achieved a photocurrent density of 1.09 mA cm−2 at a low bias of 1.1 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that CoNi-ZIF accelerates charge transfer and separation, and enhances TEMPO adsorption on the surface, benefiting PEC TEMPO-mediated HMF oxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). In a flow-cell reactor under 1 sun illumination, the photoanode achieved ~99% HMF conversion and ~98% FDCA yield within 2 hours. The photoanode also exhibited excellent performance for TEMPO-mediated oxidation of various aldehyde-containing biomass-derived compounds. This work demonstrates a rational design of hematite-based photoanodes for efficient biomass valorization coupled with hydrogen production.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506084
Groundwater is a vital drinking and irrigation source in the loess regions of northwestern China. In Guyuan, a densely populated area in southern Ningxia, systematic assessments of groundwater pollution risks are lacking. This study collected 60 groundwater samples and employed the Nemerow index, heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and health risk assessment models to evaluate pollution levels and health risks of eight elements including Cr, As, and Hg. Results show that the groundwater is generally Class IV quality, with a mean TDS of 1350.9 mg·L−1. Average concentrations of As, Cr, and Mn are 4.39, 29.87, and 45.77 μg·L−1, respectively. The Nemerow index indicates moderate pollution. The mean HPI is 10.56, but a local sample (PS1-51-下) reaches 36.15, indicating severe pollution. Health risk assessment reveals that carcinogenic risks from Cr and As for adults and children are 8.037×10−6 a−1 and 3.863×10−6 a−1, respectively, below US EPA limits but above recommended levels by Swedish and Dutch agencies, with children at higher risk. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and principal component analysis suggest that groundwater is primarily recharged by atmospheric precipitation. Cr, Zn, and Mn mainly originate from regional copper ore belts, coal mining, and agricultural activities. This study fills a gap in multidimensional groundwater assessment in populated loess areas, identifies pollution characteristics distinct from typical loess regions, and provides a scientific basis for regional water resource risk management and sustainable development.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010607
This study investigated the occurrence, sources, and ecological risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, litter, and bark samples collected from the forest-grassland transition zone of Inner Mongolia. A total of 12 PAHs were detected in soil, with concentrations ranging from 34.9 to 465.3 ng·g⁻¹ (mean 168.8 ng·g⁻¹), predominantly 3–5 ring compounds. Litter contained 14 PAHs at concentrations between 106.4 and 2262.5 ng·g⁻¹ (mean 465.1 ng·g⁻¹), dominated by 3- and 4-ring PAHs. Both living and dead bark exhibited 14 PAHs, with concentration ranges of 119.2–240.0 ng·g⁻¹ and 123.3–241.6 ng·g⁻¹, respectively, mainly composed of 4-ring PAHs. Spearman correlation analysis revealed no significant correlations among PAH concentrations across the three media (P > 0.05). Source apportionment using diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis indicated that soil PAHs primarily originated from biomass, coal, and gasoline combustion; litter PAHs from petroleum volatilization and coal/natural gas combustion; and bark PAHs from petroleum volatilization and fossil fuel combustion, with high-molecular-weight PAHs dominating. Ecological risk assessment using the risk quotient (RQ) method showed that soil PAHs posed low overall ecological risk, though certain individual PAHs exhibited higher risk. The toxic equivalent (TEQ) method indicated that dead bark was the primary accumulation medium with high carcinogenic contribution, posing elevated ecological risk. Although litter and living bark had lower PAH concentrations, their long-term accumulation effects warrant attention. These findings provide crucial scientific evidence for understanding the environmental behavior and potential risks of PAHs in cold, high-latitude regions of northern China.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025022801
Paddy soils are a major source of agricultural methane (CH4) emissions. Biochar is widely applied to paddy soils, while dissolved organic matter (DOM) is ubiquitous; both can regulate CH4 emissions by mediating electron transfer processes, yet their synergistic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of biochar and the DOM model compound anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonic acid (AQDS) on CH4 emissions from paddy soil during incubation. Biochar amendment increased DOM concentration and accelerated extracellular electron transfer, resulting in a maximum cumulative CH4 emission of (66.23±16.20) μmol, four-fold higher than the control (15.14±0.18) μmol. In contrast, AQDS addition markedly suppressed CH4 accumulation to (1.04±0.09) μmol, attributed to sulfate introduction as a competitive electron acceptor, despite enhanced electron exchange. The combined biochar-AQDS treatment yielded intermediate CH4 accumulation of (12.71±0.32) μmol. Although DOM availability increased, sulfate-driven electron competition inhibited methanogens, and the combined treatment favored the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway, which produces less CH4 per unit acetate, resulting in lower emissions than biochar alone but higher than AQDS alone, indicating an additive effect. These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which biochar and DOM jointly regulate CH4 emissions from paddy soils, providing a theoretical basis for agricultural management.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3851-3
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) face critical challenges from zinc anode instability, including corrosion, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), parasitic byproduct formation, and uncontrolled dendrite growth. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional cerium-based metal-organic framework (Ce-MOF) coating for zinc anodes. The coating features an ordered porous structure and inherent properties that mitigate HER, suppress side reactions, and inhibit dendrite formation. Symmetric cells using Ce-MOF/Zn demonstrated exceptional cycling stability for over 2060 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 with a low hysteresis polarization of 26 mV. In full cells with an I2@AC cathode, the Ce-MOF/Zn||I2@AC achieved outstanding cycling stability of 28,550 cycles at 5 A g−1, with 91% capacity retention (109.6 mAh g−1). Through integrated characterization employing in-situ optical microscopy, ex-situ XRD, SEM, and DFT calculations, we elucidated the multifunctional mechanism: the Ce-MOF coating facilitates preferential (002)-oriented Zn deposition to suppress dendrites, reduces Zn2+ desolvation energy to enhance deposition kinetics, and modulates interfacial chemistry to mitigate HER and corrosion. This work establishes Ce-MOF coatings as a simple yet powerful strategy for developing high-performance zinc anodes, providing critical insights for advancing practical AZIB technologies.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511002
To treat large-air-volume, low-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs) containing tetrachloroethylene (PCE) generated from rubber-metal bonding, this study systematically investigated the adsorption-desorption behavior and interaction mechanisms of PCE, toluene, and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) on granular activated carbon (GAC). Static adsorption experiments showed that PCE adsorption capacity reached 556.6 mg·g−1, while dynamic multi-component adsorption capacity was 179.6 mg·g−1. Kinetic analysis indicated that PCE adsorption was controlled by both intraparticle diffusion and external surface adsorption, whereas toluene and MIBK were primarily intraparticle diffusion-limited. During high-temperature nitrogen desorption, PCE underwent dechlorination, hydrogenation, and recombination, producing trichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, and HCl, with HCl accounting for 3.61% of the chlorine molar content in adsorbed PCE. After four adsorption-desorption cycles, the iodine value of GAC dropped below the industry standard of 600 mg·g−1; however, water washing and alkali immersion extended the cycle life to 8 and 9 cycles, respectively. The HCl generation pattern in co-adsorption systems was consistent with single-PCE systems. A regeneration process combining alkali immersion and water washing was proposed and integrated into an engineering strategy. Compared to conventional activated carbon adsorption coupled with RTO incineration, the proposed classification strategy reduced annual costs by 49.5×10⁴ CNY. This work provides a cost-effective and safe solution for Cl-VOCs treatment.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025032001
This study investigates the variation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and their monomer components during low-temperature thermal decomposition (250–500 °C) of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash from a typical mechanical grate furnace. Results demonstrate that pyrolysis temperature and time significantly affect the solid-phase removal rates of PCDD/F mass concentration and toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentration. The influence weights of temperature on mass and TEQ removal rates are 20.86 and 21.41, respectively, while those of time are 4.27 and 3.36. Response surface analysis identifies optimal conditions at 380 °C for 1.0 h. At 250–300 °C, both PCDFs and PCDDs concentrations increase synchronously, indicating enhanced formation. At 300 °C for 2.0 h, high-chlorinated congeners undergo dechlorination to low-chlorinated ones, notably increasing 2,3,7,8-T4CDD (I-TEF=1.0) and 1,2,3,7,8-P5CDD (I-TEF=0.5). From 350 °C upward, significant degradation occurs; at 380 °C (1.0 h), degradation rates for PCDDs and PCDFs reach 97.8% and 97.6%, respectively, effectively reducing TEQ-contributing congeners. The process proceeds in two stages: initial dechlorination, followed by destruction of dioxin-like compounds at higher temperatures. 2,3,7,8-T4CDD emerges as a critical component for detoxification. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing thermal treatment of fly ash to minimize environmental and health risks.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3982-6
Skin wounds are refractory due to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection. Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers noninvasiveness, high efficiency, and no drug resistance, its therapeutic effect is constrained by the complex structure of wound tissue and diffuse drug distribution. The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) regulates tissue repair by engaging its receptor Fn14, which is highly expressed in wounds. In this study, we developed a novel photosensitizer, the selenoviologen-TWEAK conjugate (SeV-Tp), to enhance selective enrichment and synergistically promote wound healing. In vitro analyses demonstrated that SeV-Tp, under visible light, generated high levels of reactive oxygen species, resulting in potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, SeV-Tp selectively bound to Fn14 and amplified fibroblast activation via photodynamic cooperation. In a mouse model of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected wound, SeV-Tp accelerated healing by reducing bacterial burden, modulating the immune microenvironment, promoting collagen deposition, and stimulating hair follicle regeneration. Moreover, SeV-Tp preferentially accumulated within wound tissues with minimal adverse effects. SeV-Tp represents a strategy that selectively enriches and harnesses synergistic benefits from both components, positioning SeV-Tp as a promising photosensitizer for the treatment of refractory wounds.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4123-0
Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries (AAIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage due to safety, sustainability, and theoretical high capacity. However, sluggish electron/ion transport in conventional cathodes limits rate capability. Here, we first propose high-entropy engineering of metal oxides (HEOs) as cathodes in AAIBs, leveraging the 'cocktail effect' and abundant electron transport pathways to enhance rate-capacity. Atomic-level interactions between different metal atoms broaden the d-band with reduced electronic level degeneracy, facilitating rapid electron transport, achieving one of the best rate capabilities (119.4 mAh g−1 at 10.0 A g−1) among metal-oxide cathodes. The disordered layered oxides formed with a high-entropy framework alleviate electrostatic repulsion between aluminum ions and the fixed lattice, mitigating structural degradation and imparting excellent cycling stability (over 95.1 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 2.0 A g−1). The optimized HEO-Cr cathode (Fe0.6Co0.6Ni0.6Mn0.6Cr0.6O4) exhibits outstanding rate performance and cycling stability. DFT simulations and electrochemical tests reveal that multi-transition metal incorporation, bandgap narrowing, and unique lattice structure drastically enhance electron transport efficiency. The layered phase formed after cycling, based on a high-entropy framework, overcomes challenges from high charge density aluminum ions, significantly enhancing cycling stability. This work paves the way for high-performance AAIBs and other aqueous multivalent metal ion batteries by rationally designing high-entropy engineering.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4024-1
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) faces limited efficacy due to robust antioxidant systems in tumors that scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). To overcome this, we developed a pH/ultrasound-responsive theranostic nanoplatform, Mn-CaCO3@NGQDs/PAA, via self-assembly of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs), Mn-doped CaCO3, and polyacrylic acid (PAA). This platform synergistically combines SDT with calcium overload. Under ultrasound irradiation, it generates abundant singlet oxygen (1O2), while the acidic tumor microenvironment triggers sustained Ca2+ release, inducing calcium overload. The combined effects amplify oxidative stress, suppressing tumor growth. Additionally, the nanoplatform exhibits dual-mode T1/T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performance, enabling tumor localization. In vivo studies demonstrated significant tumor inhibition and apoptosis, with no notable toxicity. This integrated strategy maximizes therapeutic efficacy, offering a promising approach for enhanced tumor therapy.