Power Automation Equipment•2026•DOI: 10.16081/j.epae.202606009
The large-scale integration of renewable energy sources has imposed strong nonlinearities and multi-timescale coupling on modern power systems, rendering conventional time-domain simulation solution algorithms inadequate for offline transient analysis of large-scale new-type power systems with high proportions of power electronic devices. This review systematically addresses the performance optimization problem of time-domain simulation algorithms. First, new requirements are identified across three solution stages: numerical integration, nonlinear algebraic equation solution, and linear algebraic equation solution. Second, existing research progress is consolidated under two core optimization paradigms—algorithm modification and algorithm adaptation—with their respective advantages and challenges analyzed. Algorithm modification pursues mathematical format innovation to expand absolute performance boundaries, while algorithm adaptation achieves optimal resource allocation within given boundaries through real-time scheduling and combination. The review concludes that the core challenge lies in coordinating multi-dimensional performance conflicts and responding to time-varying simulation demands. Persistent deficiencies include: in algorithm modification, multi-dimensional performance conflicts hinder reform efforts, diminish performance gains, and fixed algorithmic structures cannot respond to time-varying requirements; in algorithm adaptation, adjustment objectives and state-sensing dimensions remain singular, with parameters and switching logic heavily reliant on manual experience, severely constraining robustness. Future directions advocate integrating both paradigms to expand performance adjustment ranges and enhance responsiveness to time-varying demands, while exploring artificial intelligence fusion with traditional numerical methods to replace empirical parameter design and achieve precise algorithm regulation.
Power Automation Equipment•2026•DOI: 10.16081/j.epae.202606001
The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources has introduced novel instability phenomena in power grids, such as sustained and repeated low-voltage ride-through events, which existing models fail to analyze or explain. This paper addresses the typical continuous-discrete hybrid characteristics of renewable energy generation systems at both the unit and station levels. It discusses the interwoven discrete multi-mode switching and continuous state evolution during faults, emphasizing the necessity of hybrid models. Four classes of hybrid models are compared, including hybrid automata, hybrid Petri nets, switching models, and piecewise affine models, with their applicable scenarios. For switching models and piecewise affine models, parameter identification methods are proposed, and their applicable scenarios are discussed. To tackle the challenge of aggregating dispersed renewable units with diverse discrete event states, a mechanism-data fusion hybrid model aggregation method is proposed. Future research directions for hybrid characteristic modeling of renewable energy generation systems are outlined. The review highlights that current hybrid models remain in an early stage, and mechanism-data fusion modeling is a promising supplement. Key challenges include balancing model complexity and accuracy, and addressing the contradiction between diverse transient behaviors and model universality.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4471-6
Triplet sensitization, inspired in part by the natural management of triplet-state energy in photosynthetic systems, has emerged as a transformative strategy for overcoming the intrinsic photophysical limitations of photochromic systems driven by direct excitation, including rapid fatigue, inefficient photoconversion, and the stringent requirement for high-energy ultraviolet light. By exploiting triplet excited states and Dexter-type triplet–triplet energy transfer (TET), this strategy enables red-shifted activation and improved switching performance under milder irradiation conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in triplet-sensitized photochromism across two mechanistic platforms, E/Z isomerization (azobenzenes and overcrowded-alkene molecular motors) and electrocyclization (diarylethenes), examining the full range of triplet sensitizers employed to date, from metalloporphyrins, organic chromophores, and semiconductor quantum dots to metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) and charge-transfer complexes (CTCs). Finally, we examine the key challenges of directional control, structural organization, and efficient long-wavelength sensitization, while discuss emerging strategies that may promote triplet-sensitized photochromism as a versatile platform for next-generation photoresponsive materials and light-controlled biomedicine.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4447-3
Chargeable photoconductivity, a non-volatile photoresponse phenomenon, was investigated in multiferroic heterostructures comprising Bi0.85La0.15FeO3 (BLFO) and a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (Q2DEG). Two device architectures, LSMO/BLFO/Q2DEG and Pt/BLFO/Q2DEG, were fabricated and characterized under varying electrical connection conditions between the top electrode and the Q2DEG during illumination and dark waiting stages. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements reveal that the heterostructures exhibit persistent photoconductivity after illumination, with the magnitude and retention dependent on the circuit configuration. Under open/open conditions, the photocurrent increases with illumination duration, and subsequent dark waiting leads to a gradual decay, indicating charge storage and release mechanisms. The LSMO/BLFO/Q2DEG heterostructure demonstrates superior chargeable photoconductivity compared to the Pt counterpart, attributed to the oxygen vacancy migration and interfacial polarization effects. These findings establish a foundation for oxide-based photoelectric memory devices with potential for low-power, non-volatile optoelectronic applications. The results provide critical insights into the interplay between ferroelectric polarization, oxygen vacancy dynamics, and charge trapping at the BLFO/Q2DEG interface, offering a pathway for designing advanced multiferroic optoelectronic devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4263-3
Monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene) exhibits a direct bandgap and strong in-plane anisotropy, making it a promising candidate for near-infrared (NIR) optoelectronic devices. However, the precise modulation of its excitonic emission via anisotropic strain remains insufficiently understood, particularly regarding the contrasting strain responses of phosphorene versus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Here, we combine experimental characterization with tight-binding (TB) modeling to elucidate the strain-dependent bandgap evolution in phosphorene. Using a four-band TB model, we derive the bandgap at the Γ point as E_g^BP = 4t1 + 2t2 + 4t3 + 2t5, with hopping parameters t1 = -1.220 eV, t2 = 3.665 eV, t3 = -0.205 eV, t4 = -0.105 eV, and t5 = -0.055 eV. Under tensile strain along the zigzag (ZZ) direction, the interatomic distance associated with t1 increases, reducing the magnitude of |t1|. Since t1 is negative, the bandgap increases, contrary to the behavior of monolayer MoS2, where tensile strain decreases the bandgap due to positive hopping parameters t11, t22, and t12. This anisotropic strain response enables selective tuning of NIR exciton emission. Our findings provide a quantitative framework for strain engineering in phosphorene-based NIR devices, highlighting the critical role of hopping parameter signs in determining bandgap modulation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4176-y
Three-photon microscopy (3PM) in the near-infrared-III (NIR-III) window (1600–1840 nm) enables high-resolution visualization of cerebral vasculature in vivo, but its imaging depth and quality are limited by the performance of fluorescent probes. Here, we report a probe optimization strategy transitioning from mirror symmetry to centrosymmetry, yielding a highly symmetric aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule, T4PQ. The centrosymmetric structure aligns donor-acceptor units, promoting uniform electron cloud delocalization and directional charge transfer, which enhances exciton formation and suppresses non-radiative decay, thereby increasing fluorescence quantum yield. This symmetry also boosts the three-photon absorption cross-section by enhancing electron delocalization and transition dipole moment, enabling stronger nonlinear optical responses under long-wavelength excitation. T4PQ nanoparticles (T4PQ NPs) exhibit an enhanced three-photon absorption cross-section, high fluorescence quantum yield, and excellent photostability. In murine models, T4PQ NPs achieved three-dimensional cerebrovascular imaging at a depth of 1785 μm and real-time hemodynamic observation in microvessels at 1006 μm depth, with good biocompatibility. These results validate the advantage of centrosymmetric molecular design for deep-brain imaging probes, offering a high-performance tool for neurovascular research.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3709-4
Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) detoxification of ofloxacin in hyposaline wastewater is hindered by weak built-in electric fields (IEF) and rapid charge recombination. Here, we report a crystal dipole engineering strategy using high-valence Mo-doped BiVO4 to enhance IEF and PEC activity. Mo incorporation breaks lattice symmetry, increasing the crystal dipole moment and amplifying IEF to 2.05 times that of pristine BiVO4. This promotes directional carrier migration, improving electron-hole separation efficiency. The optimized 4% Mo-BiVO4 photoanode achieves 96.5% ofloxacin degradation within 60 minutes and maintains 91.9% degradation efficiency in natural lake water containing saline and organic interferents, demonstrating exceptional anti-interference capability. This work provides a strategy for boosting photocatalytic performance through unit-cell dipole engineering, aiming to enhance sustainability in wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3575-4
Halide perovskite memristors, known for their ion mobility, have emerged as strong candidates for computational units in next-generation memory and neuromorphic computing systems. Nevertheless, most memristors are limited to operating in a single mode, either resistive switching or threshold switching. In this work, we overcome this limitation by developing dual-mode α-formamidinium lead triiodide (α-FAPbI3) perovskite memristors with switchable volatile/nonvolatile states, enabled by engineered SnO2 electron transport layers (ETLs). Through molecular interface optimization using 3-(N,N′-dimethylmyristylammonio) propanesulfonate (Z14) and 4,4′-(1,10-phenanthroline-3,8-diyl)bis(N,N′-bis(4-methoxyphen-yl)aniline) (PNL), we achieved exceptional device stability. Volatile devices exhibited >500 switching cycles, while nonvolatile devices surpassed 1000 cycles, both maintaining a high on/off ratio (~10^3). Beyond memory applications, these devices successfully emulated biological functionalities. The volatile mode replicated four key nociceptor characteristics (threshold, relaxation, sensitization, and no adaptation), while the nonvolatile mode demonstrated advanced synaptic plasticity, including paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). Capitalizing on this dual-mode synergy, we constructed a spiking neural network (SNN) for handwritten digit recognition, achieving a 93% accuracy rate—a significant milestone for perovskite-based neuromorphic systems. This study not only provides a material-level strategy for multifunctional memristor design but also bridges the gap between biological sensing and artificial intelligence, paving the way for adaptive neuromorphic hardware.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3860-0
Drug detection is critical for public health and security, yet reversible and highly sensitive sensing materials remain scarce. This study presents a novel ionogel sensor material, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)/1-butyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafluoroborate, for reproducible detection of N-methylphenylethylamine (MPEA), a structural analogue of methamphetamine. The ionogel is fabricated by immobilizing a flowable ionic liquid within a PEGDA network via UV curing, preserving ionic mobility for efficient conduction. Integrated on a flexible poly(ethylene naphthalate) substrate, the sensor exhibits over 72.6% transmittance in the visible spectrum, enabling concealed attachment. Utilizing non-covalent interactions, the sensor achieves reproducible MPEA detection at sub-ppb levels at room temperature, with a theoretical detection limit of 317 ppt. It demonstrates high selectivity and consistency. Ionic conductivity was confirmed via current-voltage tests and impedance spectroscopy, and the sensing mechanism was clarified. The device maintains reliable performance under bending, indicating suitability for dynamic environments. With Bluetooth integration for wireless data transmission, the sensor shows strong potential for practical, discreet drug monitoring in real-world applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3702-0
Construction of metal-mediated redox sites is an appealing approach to enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with H2O oxidation. However, conventional static redox sites generally lack spatiotemporal matching during reaction processes due to the constraints of rigid structure and the linear scaling relationship of adsorbed species. Herein, an alkanolamine-Ir synergistic system was developed, where flexible monoethanolamine (MEA) molecules function as molecular ferries to selectively adsorb CO2 via carbamate formation, while adjacent Ir nanoparticles (NPs) serve as H spillover hubs that relay protons, creating spatiotemporal adaptability that synchronizes CO2 reduction and water oxidation. In addition, time-resolved in situ spectroscopy directly captures the rapid transformation of carbamate intermediates concurrent with sustained IrOOH intermediates formation. Microkinetic modeling further demonstrates that the MEA-Ir modified system (M-Ir/ACN) creates interconnected H spillover networks between Ir NPs and MEA, facilitating efficient proton transport that drives *COOH formation with a favorable thermodynamic energy. As a result, the M-Ir/ACN achieves a 20-fold increase in CO production compared to the pristine sample while maintaining high stability throughout 45 h of continuous operation. This study presents that flexible molecular ferries boost CO2 adsorption, and deciphers how flexible molecular-metal synergy directs the trafficking of CO2-derived intermediates toward highly efficient CO2 photoreduction.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3788-9
Fabrication of large-area perovskite solar modules under ambient air conditions remains a critical challenge due to air sensitivity of perovskite intermediate phases during crystallization. Here, we introduce 2-iodoimidazole (IIZ) into the perovskite precursor, enabling the formation of an air-stable pure δ-phase intermediate, which, upon annealing, fully transforms into a highly oriented α-phase perovskite film with reduced defects and variability. Leveraging this approach, we achieve a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 20.9% for 927.5 cm2 perovskite solar modules with high reproducibility. The encapsulated modules meet stringent international photovoltaic testing standards (IEC61215:2021), demonstrating excellent stability under continuous operation, thermal cycling (−40 to 85 °C) and damp heat (85 °C and 85% relative humidity).
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3747-3
Thermochromic soft materials are flexible functional materials that adaptively tune optical properties (transmittance, reflectance, or scattering) with temperature for thermal modulation. Herein, a laminated thermochromic gel (DEE-DA) is synthesized by encapsulating a thermochromic hydrogel (DA) between two hydrophobic ionogels (DEE) in a stacked configuration. The synergy of multiple dynamic bonds endows the DEE-DA gel with exceptional mechanical properties and remarkable self-healing capability (98.8% at 30 °C). More importantly, attributed to the temperature-responsive reversible cleavage and recombination of hydrogen bonds and borate ester bonds, DEE-DA gel demonstrates tunable transmittance with a light modulation efficiency of 85.45%. In response to the various external conditions, the gel can auto-adjust the optical properties to avoid sun irradiation or heat loss. Accordingly, the gel enables efficient dual-mode thermal modulation across a broad temperature range to realize thermal management. The research proposes gel thermochromism and laminated durability enhancement for adaptive materials in smart buildings and wearables.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507085
This study investigates the spatiotemporal differentiation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) characteristics, sources, and their impacts on water quality between the Middle Route (closed artificial channel) and East Route (open natural water system) of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Thirty sampling sites (13 on the Middle Route, 17 on the East Route) were established, and samples were collected during dry and wet seasons. Water quality parameters and SPM characteristics were analyzed, including particle size distribution, total suspended solids (TSS), chlorophyll a, and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes. Results show that the Middle Route maintains good and stable water quality, with SPM dominated by coarse particles (>63 μm, 61.43%–94.68%), total phosphorus (TP) <0.01 mg·L−1, and a significant positive correlation between chlorophyll a and coarse particles (r=0.60), indicating algal aggregation dominates particle formation. In contrast, the East Route exhibits high and fluctuating nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, with SPM dominated by fine particles (<20 μm, 51.26%–88.61%), TP ranging from 0.03 to 1.11 mg·L−1, and a positive correlation with fine particles, suggesting significant external inputs. Carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis reveals that Middle Route SPM primarily originates from autochthonous algae (contribution >46.75%), while East Route SPM is influenced by both terrestrial C3 plants and algae. The distinct engineering and management approaches of the two routes lead to significant differences in SPM characteristics and sources, thereby affecting water quality dynamics. The Middle Route requires an 'algal reduction and hydrodynamic optimization' strategy to control algal-derived coarse particle deposition, whereas the East Route benefits from 'retention-sedimentation and wetland purification' to reduce external fine particles and pollutant inputs. This research provides theoretical support and practical guidance for differentiated SPM management in long-distance water diversion systems.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506020
The rotary kiln roasting of lepidolite for lithium extraction faces challenges of unstable lithium conversion rates and high energy consumption. To address this, a multi-objective optimization method coupling improved neural network simulation with a multi-objective genetic algorithm was proposed, targeting the synergistic optimization of lithium conversion rate (TRLi) and natural gas consumption intensity (EIng). Using long-term industrial time-series data of batching parameters and kiln operating variables, back-propagation (BP) neural network and its particle swarm optimization (PSO) improved variant were developed to model TRLi and EIng. The PSO-BP model demonstrated superior accuracy in capturing the complex nonlinear relationships, reducing mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) to 0.278 and 0.284 for TRLi and EIng, respectively. Subsequently, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) was employed to construct a multi-objective optimization model, yielding a Pareto-optimal set of process parameters that maximize TRLi and minimize EIng. The results revealed that under NSGA-II optimized conditions, TRLi could be stabilized between 82.45% and 87.96%, an average increase of 3.61 percentage points over baseline operations, while EIng could be reduced to 53.7 m3 per ton of clinker. For an annual processing capacity of 3.2×105 tons of lepidolite concentrate and sulfate mixture, this corresponds to an additional 127.1 tons of lithium metal recovery, a reduction of 1,964,912 m3 in natural gas consumption, and a decrease of 3,763.84 tons in CO2 emissions annually. This study provides theoretical and technical support for the green, high-quality, and low-carbon supply of critical raw materials for the lithium battery new energy industry.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507027
Ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) is a common water pollutant that can induce eutrophication and threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health. Accurate monitoring is essential for water safety. This study applied a self-developed gas-permeable membrane-based conductivity sensor (GPMCS) for real-time in-situ monitoring of NH3-N in two water bodies. In the Qunying River (surface river water), GPMCS captured concentration fluctuations linked to pump operations and sewage intrusion, with mean inlet and outlet concentrations of 4.67 and 3.42 mg/L, respectively. In Swan Lake (landscape aquaculture water), concentrations reached up to 11.16 mg/L, with site means of 6.42 and 7.04 mg/L, influenced by aquaculture activities, weather, and location. GPMCS results correlated strongly with national standard methods (r1=0.8132, r2=0.7483), confirming accuracy and reliability. Compared to existing techniques, GPMCS offers high selectivity, strong anti-interference, portability, no sample pretreatment, low cost, and environmental friendliness, making it suitable for long-term in-situ monitoring. This technology provides robust support for sustainable water environment management.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024083002
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human health, and dietary intake through Se-rich crops is the primary route. However, total soil Se content does not directly reflect the bioavailability to plants, which depends largely on soil available Se. This study, conducted in Shipai Town, Longshan County, Hunan Province, used 1:50,000 land quality geochemical survey data to investigate factors influencing the Se bioaccumulation coefficient in maize kernels. Soil pH, CaO, and MgO were identified as significantly positively correlated with the bioaccumulation coefficient and were selected as proxies for soil available Se. A random forest (RF) model was developed to predict maize grain Se content and assess the feasibility of cultivating Se-rich maize in low-Se farmland. Results showed that although soil Se was deficient, 53.64% of maize grain samples met the Se-rich product standard (0.02–0.30 mg·kg−1). Compared with multiple linear regression, the RF model exhibited higher accuracy and reliability. The RF model predicted that 40.91% of farmland in the study area is suitable for natural Se-rich maize cultivation, representing a 25.86% increase over the area identified by soil total Se alone. This study provides a novel methodological framework for planting natural Se-rich maize in Se-deficient regions, validating the potential for such cultivation.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604017
The Shule River Basin, a typical arid inland river basin, faces critical water scarcity that threatens ecological security and sustainable development. This study integrated the FLUS and InVEST models to simulate water yield in 2030 and 2050 under three climate scenarios (SSP119, SSP245, SSP585). Geographic detectors quantified the driving mechanisms of natural and human factors. Results showed: (1) Desert dominates land use (78.6% in 2020). Under SSP119, desert area decreases by 0.69% by 2050, while under SSP585 it expands by 5.7%, with grassland loss of 23.0%, indicating severe ecological degradation. (2) Water yield exhibits a south-high, north-low spatial pattern, with high values in glacier-covered and high-altitude areas. SSP119 yields the most significant increase (147.6×10^8 t by 2050), whereas SSP585 shows minimal increase (43.9×10^8 t) due to extreme climate. (3) Precipitation and DEM are core driving factors; the interaction between land use type and precipitation has the strongest influence, implying that artificial land use changes can significantly regulate water yield. This multi-scenario framework provides decision support for water resource management and ecological governance in arid inland river basins.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025011303
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants with environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, posing significant threats to marine ecosystems and human health. This study developed an analytical method using anhydrous sodium sulfate-alumina composite column chromatography coupled with gas chromatography-orbitrap mass spectrometry to quantify mono- to deca-BDEs in coastal seawater of Dalian, China. The total PBDE concentrations (∑PBDEs) ranged from not detected to 511.96 pg·L−1, with a mean of 163.96 pg·L−1. BDE-209 was the dominant congener, contributing 24.1% to ∑PBDEs. Spatial distribution exhibited distinct heterogeneity, with higher abundances of highly brominated PBDEs near sewage discharge outlets. Partial least squares discriminant analysis indicated that anthropogenic activities, particularly sewage discharge, were the primary sources. Ecological risk assessment revealed extremely low risk, with the highest risk quotient of 0.013 for BDE-17. These findings provide baseline data for PBDE contamination in Dalian coastal waters and underscore the need for continued monitoring of emerging contaminants.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3650-6
Aggregation-induced emission active chiral polymer dots (AIE@CPdots) are emerging as high-performance emission layers (EMLs) for circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs) due to their persistent emission stability, high photoluminescence quantum yields, excellent solution processability, facile functionalization, tunable bandgap-governed emission, and superior device processability. However, reports on such systems remain scarce. In this study, a pair of chiral conjugated polymer enantiomers (R/S-PFC) was synthesized via Suzuki polymerization using three monomers: a chiral binaphthalene moiety, a fluorenyl linker, and an AIE-active cyanostyrene dye. After annealing at 110 °C, the resulting R/S-PFC self-assembled into chiral nanoparticles (AIE@CPdots) in a chloroform/n-hexane mixed solvent (9:1 v/v), exhibiting enhanced circularly polarized luminescence with a luminescence dissymmetry factor (|g_lum|) of 4.4 × 10⁻³ at 462 nm. Notably, AIE@CPdots served as the EML in CP-OLEDs, achieving high-performance circularly polarized electroluminescence with an electroluminescence dissymmetry factor (|g_EL|) of 3.0 × 10⁻³ at 464 nm, a maximum luminance (L_max) of 6022 cd m⁻², and a maximum current efficiency (CE_max) of 1.10 cd A⁻¹. This work provides a novel strategy for designing superior EML materials for CP-OLEDs via chiral self-assembled AIE@CPdots.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60636-6
Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (DMMx) are promising clean diesel additives. Compared to the traditional aldol condensation route, the one-step oxidative method for producing DMMx directly from methanol is a green synthesis route offering significant advantages. However, due to the complexity of the reaction, a balance must be struck between oxidation depth and C–O chain growth efficiency. This imposes specific requirements on the design of catalysts with multifunctional active sites: the catalyst should possess appropriate oxidative activity, suitable acid strength distribution, and effective synergy between these two functions. To address these challenges, this study designed a sulfuric acid-modified molybdenum-doped NASICON catalyst, which demonstrated favorable catalytic performance in the one-step oxidative synthesis of DMMx from methanol. Over the NSC-Mo-0.5-30% catalyst, methanol conversion rate of 81.3% and the DMMx selectivity of 58.7% were achieved, along with the formation of heavier molecules, as evidenced by the DMM2–6 selectivity of 11.3%. The NH3-TPD, Py-IR and XPS results indicate that the introduction of molybdenum increases the number of weak Lewis acid sites, while sulfuric acid impregnation not only generates gradient-distributed Brønsted acid sites but also promotes the formation of Mo5+/Mo6+ redox pairs. The cooperation of the two types of active sites significantly enhances catalyst performance.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60652-4
The performance of industrial zeolite catalysts, exemplified by fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, is governed by microscopic behaviors including mass transfer, acidity, and coking. Conventional characterization techniques such as XRD, N2 physisorption, and TPD provide bulk-averaged or static ex situ information, failing to resolve dynamic processes under realistic reaction conditions. Recent advances in super-resolution fluorescence imaging enable nanoscale visualization of these key processes. This review systematically summarizes three critical applications: (1) Mass transfer diffusion: heterogeneous diffusion of reactant molecules within hierarchical pore networks is revealed, quantifying diffusion barriers and tortuosity. (2) Acid site accessibility: nanoscale localization of acid sites and their accessibility is achieved, correlating with catalytic activity. (3) Coking behavior: spatiotemporal evolution of coke species is identified, linking coke precursors to deactivation. The review elaborates how super-resolution imaging deepens understanding of fundamental catalytic mechanisms, providing theoretical support for rational design of high-performance catalysts through pore structure optimization, acid site regulation, and coking suppression. Current challenges and future directions are discussed, emphasizing the need for in situ correlation with catalytic performance.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025100102
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of concern in China, and drinking water is a major exposure pathway. This study investigated 17 PFAS in surface water from 12 drinking water sources along the Hubei section of the Yangtze River mainstream during dry, normal, and wet seasons. Total PFAS concentrations ranged from 10.84 to 41.05 ng/L (dry), nd to 62.60 ng/L (normal), and 6.77 to 29.00 ng/L (wet). Predominant compounds were PFBS, PFOA, PFHxA, PFBA, and PFOS. Lake-type sources exhibited significantly higher concentrations than river-type sources, and dry and normal seasons showed higher levels than wet season. Compared to other Chinese sources, PFAS levels in Hubei were moderate, with fluorochemical plant inputs and population density as likely influencing factors. Ecological and health risk assessments indicated acceptable risks. In four selected water supply systems, PFAS distribution from source to tap was examined; PFOA, PFBA, PFHxA, and PFBS were dominant, and secondary water supply did not significantly introduce or remove PFAS. Health risks from tap water were within acceptable limits.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3810-y
Amorphous metal-organic frameworks (aMOFs), with abundant defects and unsaturated coordination sites, are ideal precursors for investigating electrocatalytic reconstruction mechanisms. However, systematic understanding of how different modulation strategies affect reconstruction pathways and final active species remains lacking. Here, an amorphous MOF constructed from 3,4,9,10-pyrene-tetracarboxylic acid (PTA) serves as a controllable precursor to compare doping and alloying effects on structural reconstruction and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. Doping promotes preferential reconstruction into Fe-rich (oxy)hydroxides with more exposed active sites, whereas alloying yields Fe-Co mixed (oxy)hydroxides with limited site exposure. The doped system FeCo0.05-PTA exhibits outstanding OER activity in alkaline conditions, with overpotentials of 208 and 248 mV at 50 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, and a low Tafel slope of 36.2 mV dec−1. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) captures the OOH* intermediate, confirming the adsorbate evolution mechanism. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show the doped system has the lowest free-energy barrier (ΔG = 0.59 eV) at the rate-determining step. This study underscores the decisive role of precursor design, elucidates distinct effects of doping and alloying on reconstruction pathways and final properties of amorphous MOF-derived (oxy)hydroxides, and provides insights for designing related electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3597-2
Magnetism and electric polarity are fundamental physical phenomena whose coupling gives rise to magnetoelectric (ME) effects. Multiferroics, materials hosting simultaneous ferroelectric and magnetic orders, offer cross-control mechanisms but face inherent incompatibility due to the d0 rule versus partially filled d/f orbitals. Improper ferroelectricity, as in h-YMnO3, circumvents this but yields weak polarization (<10 μC/cm2). Type-I multiferroics like BiFeO3 exhibit strong polarization (~100 μC/cm2) but weak ME coupling. This paper introduces autferroicity, a novel ferroic state where ferroelectric and magnetic orders are mutually exclusive, leveraging their repulsive coupling to achieve field-selective switching and strong ME response. Autferroics encode logic states in the identity of the active ferroic phase, enabling high-contrast, low-crosstalk nonvolatile memory. Their bistable energy landscape, reshaped by strong ME coupling, facilitates true random number generation (TRNG) with reduced energy barriers and higher switching frequencies. Practical realization demands advances in synthesis and phase control. Autferroicity offers a paradigm shift, exploiting ferroic exclusivity rather than coexistence, promising robust bistability and intrinsically strong ME coupling for next-generation devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3965-5
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have emerged as a promising material platform for soft robotics, effectively integrating programmable molecular orientation with the inherent flexibility of elastomers. This unique combination enables significant, reversible deformations responding to external stimuli, including heat, light, electric, and magnetic fields. Due to these characteristics, LCEs serve as an ideal material system for bridging biological principles with engineered soft robotic applications, enabling the development of adaptive and multifunctional systems with enhanced biomimetic capabilities. However, the mechanisms of bioinspired motion and the effective integration of biomimetic functions in LCE-based robots remain insufficiently explored. This review systematically examines recent advances in LCE-based biomimetic soft robots, focusing on multimodal actuation strategies, including contraction, crawling, rolling, jumping, swimming, and plant-inspired motions. It highlights integrated functional enhancements achieved via innovative material compositions, structural designs, and advanced manufacturing techniques. These developments have enabled novel robotic functionalities, including programmable actuation, self-healing and recycling, color morphing and camouflage, and tunable bioinspired surface characteristics.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60680-9
Low-temperature chemical looping air separation (CLAS) is a promising technology for producing oxygen-enriched gas streams, utilizing the redox properties of solid oxygen carriers to selectively capture and release oxygen from air. Oxygen vacancy formation energy (Eovf) is a key descriptor for evaluating the ease of oxygen release. In this study, the applicable range of Eovf for CLAS oxygen carriers was determined to be <2.3 eV via thermodynamic calculations. A graph neural network (GNN) model, specifically the ALIGNN architecture, was trained to predict Eovf with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.26 eV on the test set. Using this model, a high-throughput screening of 3,649 compositions of SrxA1−xFeyB1−yO3 perovskites was conducted to identify promising CLAS oxygen carriers. The predictions revealed that doping with Ba and Ca at the A-site and Co at the B-site effectively reduces Eovf. The screening criterion of Eovf < 2.3 eV successfully rediscovered several previously reported low-temperature CLAS oxygen carriers, validating the approach. This work demonstrates that GNN-based Eovf prediction can significantly accelerate the discovery of CLAS materials, with broader implications for other chemical looping applications such as full oxidation and syngas production.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025042203
Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in crops is influenced by complex, crop-specific factors, posing challenges for the safe utilization of soils with elevated Cd levels. This study focused on a region with anomalously high soil Cd in northern Longshan County, Hunan Province, China. We systematically collected and analyzed Cd concentrations in the edible parts of lily (Lilium spp.) and maize (Zea mays L.), along with corresponding root-zone soil properties including Cd content, pH, and oxide levels. The bioconcentration factors (BCF-Cd) for lily and maize were compared, and their controlling factors were identified. Using random forest with hyperparameter optimization, optimal predictive models for BCF-Cd were developed for each crop. Results showed that lily BCF-Cd was significantly higher than that of maize. Key factors influencing BCF-Cd in both crops included soil pH, manganese (Mn), organic matter (OM), and the weathering-leaching coefficient (ba). Feature importance analysis identified soil pH as the most critical factor. Based on model predictions, a zoning scheme for safe arable land utilization was proposed to maximize land productivity while ensuring the medicinal safety of lily and food safety of maize. This study provides scientific support for enhancing food security and optimizing land resource use.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60708-6
Mercury emissions from coal combustion are highly toxic, volatile, and bioaccumulative, posing long-term threats to ecosystems and human health. This review systematically examines the current status and control policies of mercury emissions from coal combustion in China, analyzing distribution characteristics and transformation mechanisms during combustion, with emphasis on collaborative removal in pollution control devices after ultra-low emission retrofitting. A progressive strategy of 'synergistic enhancement–deep purification–resource recycling' is proposed, comprising three tiers: optimizing operational parameters of existing control systems to enhance synergistic mercury removal; developing efficient adsorption and catalytic oxidation technologies for industrial application; and advancing integrated mercury removal and recovery technologies, such as magnetosphere-based sorbents and recovery processes, focusing on high-value utilization. The paper also outlines future research directions aligned with international compliance and domestic environmental tax policies, providing theoretical and technical support for China's commitments to near-zero emissions of coal combustion pollutants.
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/s40843-026-4093-8
Cyclohexanone oxime (CHO) is a pivotal feedstock for nylon-6 production, yet conventional synthesis routes suffer from high explosion risks, harsh conditions, and costly catalysts. Here, we report an electrocatalytic approach for CHO synthesis via reductive coupling of cyclohexanone (CYC) with nitrite over commercially available Bi2O3. A two-stage pulsed electrolysis protocol is employed: the first stage prepares amorphous Bi2O3, while the second stage produces CHO with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 74.63% and a yield rate of 0.156 mmol h−1 cm−2. Mechanistic studies, combining experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, reveal that on amorphous Bi2O3, the *NOH intermediate preferentially undergoes hydrogenation to *NHOH and then *NH2OH, rather than the *NOH→*N pathway leading to NH3. This selectivity is attributed to the higher integral crystal orbital Hamilton population (ICOHP) for the N–O bond in *NOH on amorphous Bi2O3 (1.34 vs. 0.84 on amorphous Bi), indicating a weakened N–O bond that facilitates hydrodeoxygenation. Transition state calculations show a kinetic barrier of 0.86 eV for *NH2OH→*NH2, while desorption of *NH2OH to NH2OH is barrierless, favoring NH2OH release. This work provides a sustainable, efficient alternative to conventional CHO production, addressing safety and cost concerns while achieving high selectivity.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4131-3
p-n heterojunction solar-blind photodetectors based on p-type materials and n-type Ga2O3 have attracted significant attention in optoelectronics due to their inherent low dark current and self-powered operation. Organic-inorganic hybrid heterojunctions integrating p-type organic materials with n-type Ga2O3 offer a promising solution to overcome lattice mismatch, enabling device performance breakthroughs. In this work, Ga2O3 thin films were treated via a supercritical fluid (SC) technique, which significantly reduced defect state density while improving crystallinity and surface uniformity, laying a foundation for heterojunction interface optimization. Simultaneously, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was introduced at the organic-inorganic heterojunction interface. The high-quality Ga2O3 surface engineered via SC treatment facilitated efficient, oriented self-assembly of SAM molecules, enabling precise modulation of interfacial energy band alignment and promoting separation and transport dynamics of photogenerated carriers. Benefiting from synergistic SC modification and SAM functionalization, the fabricated solar-blind photodetector achieved a highest responsivity of 111.7 mA/W and a specific detectivity of 1.02 × 10^11 Jones under zero bias (self-powered mode) and weak 254 nm light with an intensity of 5 μW/cm2. These results demonstrate a viable route to high-performance, self-powered solar-blind photodetectors through interface engineering.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4222-9
The proliferation of high-frequency communication technologies has escalated electromagnetic (EM) pollution, posing risks to health and device reliability. Conventional microwave absorbers dissipate EM energy as heat, creating thermal management burdens and energy waste. This study introduces Bi2Se3 nanosheets, a topological insulator with surface conductivity and internal insulation, as a dual-functional material capable of both microwave absorption and thermoelectric conversion. Nanosheets with controlled morphology were synthesized via a polyol reduction method, with thickness and lateral size tuned by preparation conditions. The resulting composites exhibited excellent microwave absorption, achieving a broad absorption bandwidth of 2.95 GHz at sub-millimeter thickness. A multilayered structure design enabled full-band absorption from 2 to 18 GHz using a single absorbent. The Seebeck coefficient, derived from temperature differences up to 110 °C, was -152 μV/K, indicating efficient conversion of absorbed EM energy into electrical energy. This work demonstrates the potential of Bi2Se3 nanomaterials for self-powered electromagnetic devices, addressing both EM pollution and energy supply challenges.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3403-x
The adsorption of rare earth elements (REEs) from wastewater is vital for environmental protection and resource utilization. Adsorbents with magnetic properties are easy to separate but incorporating magnetic particles can reduce adsorption capacity by decreasing the surface area or blocking active sites. Herein, an efficient magnetic adsorbent (i.e., Fe3O4@PDAPEI), consisting of an Fe3O4 core, a polydopamine (PDA) intermediate layer and a polyethylenimine (PEI) outer layer, was designed to extract Gd3+, Nd3+, Ho3+, and Y3+ from low-concentration solutions with adsorption capacities of 168.3, 168.5, 179.7, and 180.3 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption capacities exceed those of most reported magnetic REE adsorbents in the literature. The adsorption behavior could be fitted to the pseudo-second-order model, intraparticle diffusion model, and Langmuir model. Fe3O4@PDAPEI exhibited good reusability, with the adsorption capacity remaining above 90% of the initial value after five reuse cycles. In addition, despite the presence of competing ions (i.e., Na+, Mg2+, and Al3+) in model wastewater, the adsorption capacity could be maintained above 100 mg/g for all four REEs. The adsorption mechanism was investigated via density functional theory calculations, zeta potential measurements, and surface force measurements via atomic force microscopy. REEs could adsorb on Fe3O4@PDAPEI through binding to primary amines and electrostatic interactions. This work presents a highly efficient magnetic adsorbent and evaluates the underlying interaction mechanism from both theoretical and experimental perspectives, shedding light on facile and efficient REE recovery in various engineering processes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3440-2
Flexible bimodal pressure-temperature sensing patches are critical for advancing tactile and thermal perception in healthcare and robotics. Existing integrated systems suffer from signal crosstalk and insufficient stability under mechanical deformation. This work presents an interference-free intelligent sensing patch comprising a laser-patterned pressure sensor and a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor. The pressure sensor achieves a detection range of 8 Pa to 220 kPa with a 50 ms response time, while the thermistor delivers a temperature resolution of 0.01 °C across 10–50 °C. The patch maintains stable performance under 150° bending and 10% tensile strain. An integrated real-time processing platform enables continuous wrist pulse and epidermis temperature monitoring. When integrated with a neural network for soft robotic grippers, the patch achieves 94.09% recognition accuracy across ten distinct objects. These results demonstrate the patch's potential for precise, non-invasive health monitoring and intelligent robotic manipulation, addressing key challenges in interference suppression and system-level integration for multimodal tactile sensing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3466-1
The relationship between tensile and fatigue properties in Al alloys remains vague because strengthening often affects fatigue damage in many aspects. In this study, 7xxx Al alloys were strengthened solely by varying the precipitate content while keeping both the overall microstructure and damage mechanisms consistent, so as to examine the intrinsic effect of strengthening on fatigue performance. The results show that there was an increment of 100 MPa in tensile strength, while the fatigue strength remained nearly unchanged. Further analysis indicates that the strengthening had a dual-edged effect: strengthening enhanced the whole resistance to plastic deformation, while also causing strain localization. Combining our previous models associated with tensile and fatigue properties, a relationship between yield and fatigue strengths is established, which shows a first increasing and then declining trend in fatigue strength with increasing yield strength, leaving a relatively stable region in between. This explains the plateau phenomenon of fatigue strength in a middle yield strength range for high-strength 7xxx alloys.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3434-y
Nanoparticle-integrated hydrogels combine the favorable properties of hydrogels and nanoparticles, yet conventional integration methods fail to ensure uniform dispersion and full exposure of nanoparticles, resulting in suboptimal performance. This study introduces a confined electrophoretic deposition (EPD) strategy to fabricate hydrogels uniformly deposited with MnSiO3 nanoparticles (designated MnSiO3-based E-gels). The density of cross-linking points and electrostatic attraction at the cathode critically govern nanoparticle deposition behavior. The confined EPD strategy enables ultra-uniform deposition of positively charged nanoparticles (Ag, ZnO, NiO, Fe3O4, MoS2, MnO2, CuO, and ZIF-8) within hydrogel micropores in less than one minute. Nanoparticles deposited under the electrostatic field exhibit equidistant distribution, superior dispersity, and enhanced binding stability. Consequently, the E-gels demonstrate significant improvements in mechanical strength, adhesion, enzyme-like activity, and in vitro and in vivo antibacterial efficacy compared to conventional hydrogels. This confined EPD approach offers a versatile and efficient protocol for integrating polymer-based hydrogel networks with functional nanoparticles, holding promise for biomedicine and materials science.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3482-2
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have long dominated consumer electronics, grid storage, and electric vehicles due to high energy density and cycle life. Graphite remains the most commercialized anode material, owing to its stable layered structure, electrical conductivity, and cost-effectiveness. However, its theoretical specific capacity is limited to 372 mAh/g, and intrinsic Li+ diffusion kinetics are sluggish, impeding high-power and high-energy density systems. This review examines the intercalation and failure mechanisms of graphite anodes, focusing on bulk and surface engineering strategies to enhance fast-charging capability. Key approaches include carbon coating, artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers, and heteroatom doping. Empirical data from recent studies demonstrate that Li3PO4-enriched SEI layers improve Li+ de-solvation, enabling fast charging and low-temperature operation. Black TiO2−x coatings and amorphous Al2O3 layers enhance fast charging by reducing charge-transfer resistance. Pitch crystallinity in carbon coatings affects electrochemical performance, with optimized coatings achieving reversible capacities exceeding 350 mAh/g at 4C. The review synthesizes these advances, highlighting that interface engineering can reduce Li+ diffusion barriers and mitigate graphite exfoliation, while bulk modifications such as sp-carbon interfaces and order@disorder pathways facilitate rapid lithium diffusion. Industrial adoption requires scalable, cost-effective coating methods that maintain cycle life beyond 1000 cycles with minimal capacity fade. The review concludes that synergistic bulk and interface engineering is essential for next-generation graphite anodes, but challenges remain in achieving uniform coatings and preventing SEI degradation under extreme fast-charging conditions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3514-3
Rechargeable lithium batteries (LBs) capable of withstanding extreme high and low temperatures (HT/LT) are indispensable for carbon neutrality, yet commercial cells deliver only 80% of room-temperature capacity at −20 °C and 90% at 55 °C. This review systematically examines the failure mechanisms of electrolytes under HT/LT conditions, including thermally driven side reactions, LiPF6 hydrolysis generating corrosive HF, transition-metal dissolution, sluggish Li+ desolvation, and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation. Electrolyte additives, characterized by small dosage, low cost, and minimal energy-density penalty, are classified by their working mechanisms, functions, advantages, and disadvantages. Design principles for advanced additives are proposed, emphasizing synergistic optimization of oxidative stability at HT and ion mobility at LT. Although tailored to lithium-based systems, the strategies offer transferable insights for sodium and potassium batteries facing temperature-dependent degradation. Key empirical benchmarks from the literature include nitrile-based passivation layers, localized high-concentration electrolytes with lithium nitrate, and polymer-like glass-forming electrolytes enabling fast ion transport at low temperatures. The review consolidates 130 references, providing a rigorous framework for additive selection and interface engineering to extend operational temperature ranges.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3529-7
Thermoelectric cooling offers a fluoride-free alternative to vapor compression refrigeration, yet commercial adoption is constrained by low figures of merit (ZT) and high material costs. This study reports an economical fabrication route for conductive polyethylene/polypyrrole@constantan (PE/[email protected]) composites via a self-created extensional rheological technology. Pyrrole monomers are polymerized on Ni0.49Cu0.59 particles and subsequently dispersed within a polyethylene matrix under an extensional flow field, forming a continuous conductive network. The resulting composite exhibits an electrical conductivity of 1699.8 S cm−2, a thermal conductivity of 13.9 W m−1 K−1, and a ZT of 0.16 at 25 °C. A thermoelectric device integrating PE/Ppy@iron achieved a temperature reduction of 0.4 °C under 30 V/0.3 A direct current. Square-wave pulsed current excitation stabilized the cooling efficiency at its optimum level, while a custom thermal insulation system mitigated parasitic heat loss, collectively yielding a total temperature reduction of 1.6 °C. These results demonstrate a scalable, low-cost pathway for thermoelectric cooling materials, with potential for large-scale commercialization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3570-4
Flexible perovskite photodetectors (FPDs) are critically evaluated as alternatives to rigid silicon-based photodetectors for wearable health monitoring, environmental sensing, and human-machine interfaces. Metal halide perovskites offer high absorption coefficients enabling sub-500 nm active layers, tunable band gaps spanning UV to NIR, and low-temperature solution processability (<150°C) compatible with PET and PI substrates. FPD architectures—photodiodes, photoconductors, and phototransistors—are compared, with self-powered heterojunction devices achieving dark currents of ~10^-12 A and detection of 3 nW cm^-2 at 0 V bias. Despite these metrics, commercialization is impeded by crystallization control during roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing, lead waste management, and long-term operational stability under coupled light-thermal-humidity stress. Lead-free alternatives based on Sn2+, Bi3+, and metal-free compositions, along with aqueous 'one-click restart' recycling achieving near-complete material recovery, are assessed. The analysis concludes that standardized accelerated aging tests, robust encapsulation, and closed-loop material circularity are prerequisites for scalable deployment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3548-9
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is constrained by the absence of tumor selectivity in conventional photosensitizers (PSs), which produces phototoxicity in normal tissues and risks activation by ambient light. Covalent conjugation of PSs to targeting peptides improves accumulation but does not suppress off-target activation. This work reports B-HCPP-RGD, a single-molecule PS that integrates αVβ3 integrin targeting with dual responsiveness to H2O2 and cathepsin B. The hypocrellin-derived type I PS HCEA is masked by a 4-(bromomethyl)phenylboronic acid pinacol ester H2O2-responsive group and conjugated to cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD) through a cathepsin B-cleavable Gln-Val dipeptide linker. ROS generation in solution is effectively suppressed until both H2O2 and cathepsin B are present, at which point HCEA is released. In vitro, B-HCPP-RGD shows negligible phototoxicity toward normal cells and pronounced phototoxicity toward tumor cells, including under hypoxic conditions. In vivo, the conjugate actively targets tumor tissue and achieves a high tumor inhibition rate with favorable biosafety. The results establish a modular design for dual-responsive, tumor-targeted PSs that improves the precision and safety of PDT.