SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4363-6
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) offer a compelling combination of high safety, environmental compatibility, and abundant zinc resources, positioning them as viable candidates for grid-scale energy storage. Their practical deployment, however, is constrained by cathode materials that suffer from structural degradation, sluggish Zn2+ diffusion, and inadequate electronic conductivity. Ammonium vanadates (AVOs) have emerged as high-performance cathodes owing to their layered or tunneled frameworks, which accommodate reversible Zn2+ (de)intercalation with diffusion coefficients superior to conventional vanadium oxides. This review systematically examines recent advances in AVO cathodes for AZIBs, correlating morphological variations—including nanowires, nanobelts, and microflowers—with electrochemical characteristics. The analysis establishes structure–performance relationships that govern capacity retention, rate capability, and cycling stability. Key optimization strategies are critically assessed: defect engineering to enhance electronic conductivity and active site density, interlayer spacing modulation via pre-intercalated cations or structural water to facilitate Zn2+ transport, and composite construction with conductive carbonaceous or polymeric matrices to mitigate dissolution and improve mechanical integrity. Despite these advances, challenges persist in achieving long-term cycling stability (>10,000 cycles) and high areal mass loading (>10 mg cm-2) required for commercial viability. The review concludes by outlining future research directions, including operando characterization of degradation mechanisms and scalable synthesis routes for AVO cathodes in practical AZIB configurations.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4346-y
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to the complex, dynamic lesion microenvironment that impedes axonal regeneration and functional recovery. This highlight examines a microenvironment-responsive therapeutic platform integrating microneedle delivery, ferroptosis modulation, and hydrogen therapy. The platform leverages the pathological hallmarks of SCI—oxidative stress, iron dyshomeostasis, and lipid peroxidation—to achieve spatiotemporally controlled cargo release. By combining microneedle arrays for minimally invasive intraparenchymal administration with hydrogen-releasing biomaterials, the system addresses the dual bottlenecks of poor drug penetration across the blood-spinal cord barrier and insufficient neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Ferroptosis inhibition is achieved through iron chelation and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) stabilization, while hydrogen gas scavenges hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. This multimodal strategy attenuates secondary injury cascades, reduces glial scar formation, and promotes neural stem cell differentiation. The work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82574518) and the Talent Cultivation Project of Paring Academicians with Young Talents in higher education institutions in Zhejiang. The authors declare no conflict of interest. This highlight underscores the translational potential of microenvironment-responsive platforms for SCI repair, emphasizing the need for rigorous preclinical validation and scalable manufacturing.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4433-5
Negative thermal expansion (NTE) and zero thermal expansion (ZTE) materials are technologically relevant for precision engineering, yet their practical deployment is constrained by narrow operating temperature windows. This study introduces an entropy-designing strategy to regulate the thermal expansion behavior in the AⅠBⅡCⅢMo3O12 system, specifically K0.4(Mg0.25Mn0.25Co0.25Ni0.25)0.4Sc1.6Mo3O12 (CE0.4MO) and related CExMO compositions (x = 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0). By tuning configurational entropy, the operating temperature windows for both NTE and ZTE are significantly broadened, with the ZTE region shifting to higher temperatures. Among single-phase compositions, CE0.4MO exhibits the lowest configurational entropy and demonstrates NTE from 100 to 830 K and ZTE up to 1100 K, surpassing most reported ZTE materials. Systematic analyses of structural evolution, lattice dynamics, and electronic structure reveal that reduced configurational entropy suppresses structural evolution, directly correlating with decreased structural flexibility. Higher atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) of oxygen in CE1.0MO provide experimental evidence for enhanced flexibility. Raman spectroscopy shows that the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of peaks in the 750–900 cm-1 range positively correlates with configurational entropy, indicating reduced lattice disorder, while modes within 750–1050 cm-1 blue-shift as entropy decreases, confirming lattice stiffening. Electron localization function (ELF) and charge density analyses indicate that Mg/Mn/Co/Ni/Sc–O bonds are ionic, with ionicity weakening as configurational entropy decreases, thereby enhancing constraints on atomic vibrations and reducing structural flexibility. This work establishes a theoretical foundation for designing thermal expansion materials with wide operating temperature ranges.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4377-9
Continuous molecular monitoring on dynamic biological tissues demands electrochemical interfaces that maintain charge transport and reactivity under large mechanical strain. Existing stretchable platforms based on conductive elastomer composites or serpentine metal interconnects suffer from strain-induced disruption of percolation networks, active area fluctuation, and interfacial charge-transfer kinetic degradation, producing baseline drift and signal distortion that preclude reliable operation on skin, stomach, or intestine. Xu et al. (Science, 2026, 392) introduced SIRES, an intrinsically stretchable electrochemical interface that couples a strain-resilient liquid-metal elastomeric architecture with a Randles-circuit-informed design strategy. The platform preserves stable charge transport and electrochemical reactivity during large deformation, enabling high-fidelity multiplexed molecular sensing across diverse dynamic biological surfaces. This highlight analyzes the material-circuit co-design framework, evaluates its performance limits against conventional stretchable electrodes, and identifies remaining barriers in fabrication scalability, encapsulation reliability, and system-level integration. The work establishes a universal design paradigm for soft bioelectronics, with direct implications for wearable and implantable diagnostic translation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4249-2
Underwater bubble manipulation is critical for water electrolysis, heat transfer, and mineral flotation, yet existing strategies relying on buoyancy or Laplace gradient forces from asymmetric surface geometries suffer from limited flexibility and narrow applicability. This work introduces a temperature-responsive anisotropic cilia surface (TRAS) that achieves bidirectional long-range bubble transport by modulating elastic modulus and stiffness. The TRAS enables precise control over the asymmetric three-phase contact line and viscous resistance, facilitating reversible bubble motion. Experimental validation using aqueous ethanol droplets with varying surface tensions (73.16 mN/m for 0 vol% to 22.27 mN/m for 100 vol%) on cilia with center-to-center spacings of 0.2–1.0 mm reveals that transport direction depends on both cilia spacing and liquid surface tension. Droplets of 0 vol% and 20 vol% ethanol exhibit sustained reverse transport on hard cilia, while 60 vol%, 80 vol%, and 100 vol% solutions show sustained forward transport. Notably, 40 vol% ethanol droplets display bidirectional transport at 0.6 mm spacing, reverse transport at 0.8 and 1.0 mm, and forward transport at 0.2 and 0.4 mm. These results demonstrate that tuning surface tension and cilia spacing provides a versatile platform for directional bubble manipulation, with promising applications in heat transfer, electrochemistry, and gas handling systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4498-7
Two-dimensional porphyrin-based hypercrosslinked polymers (TPP-HCPs) were synthesized via room-temperature interfacial polymerization using 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and 1,3,5-trioxane. The resulting TPP-HCPs exhibited a BET surface area of 548 m2 g-1 and a CO2 uptake of 7.97 wt% at 1 bar and 298 K. CuO/TPP-HCPs nanospheres were fabricated by thermal conversion of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O in DMF at 135 °C, using TPP-HCPs as dynamic templates. This in-situ strategy generated CuO nanoparticles within the conjugated porous matrix, facilitating electron transfer and enhancing CO2 access to catalytic centers. In CO2 electroreduction, the composite achieved a total gas Faradaic efficiency exceeding 90% at ~500 mA cm-2 (-1.4 V vs. RHE), with 40.9% for C2H4, 8.2% for CH4, 31.9% for CO, and 12.3% for H2. The catalyst maintained stability over 24 h in an H-cell. These results demonstrate that 2D conjugated polymer-templated catalysts can sustain high-rate CO2 conversion to value-added products, offering a viable route for industrial CO2 utilization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4432-9
Sodium vanadium phosphate (Na3V2(PO4)3, NVP) with NASICON structure is a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries but suffers from low electronic conductivity and a high energy barrier for the V4+/V5+ redox couple, limiting practical energy density. A medium-entropy tuning strategy yields the multi-element substituted Na3.2V1.5Cr0.1Fe0.1Mn0.1Ni0.1Ti0.1(PO4)3 (ME-NVP). Entropy modulation tailors the microscopic electronic structure, enabling reversible V4+/V5+ redox at 4.0 V. Analyses reveal a synergistic diffusion mechanism that accelerates Na+ transport and enhances multiple-electron redox kinetics. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction confirms highly reversible structural evolution during cycling. The ME-NVP cathode delivers 116.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1C and retains 83.9% of initial capacity after 1000 cycles at 20C, with excellent performance from -12 to 50 °C. This work demonstrates that configurational entropy regulation unlocks high-energy polyanion cathodes for advanced sodium-ion batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4476-1
Self-sustained oscillation in soft actuators enables autonomous, untethered robotic locomotion, yet existing light-driven systems suffer from low oscillation frequencies, rapid photothermal degradation, and reliance on external controllers. This work presents a bat-inspired soft robot that converts continuous near-infrared (NIR) irradiation into sustained rotational motion via a coiled MXene-based liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuator. The actuator integrates Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets as photothermal converters within an LCE matrix, achieving a photothermal conversion efficiency of 78.3% and a steady-state temperature of 142 °C under 1.5 W cm−2 NIR (808 nm). The coil geometry induces a self-shadowing effect that generates periodic light exposure, producing autonomous oscillation at 2.7 Hz with an amplitude of 45°. The robot demonstrates a rotational speed of 120 rpm and a specific power density of 3.2 W kg−1, outperforming previously reported light-driven oscillators by a factor of 2.5. Under continuous operation for 10,000 cycles, the actuator retains 92% of its initial oscillation amplitude, with a degradation rate of 0.008% per cycle. The bat-inspired wing morphology enables directional rotation and obstacle avoidance in confined spaces. This platform eliminates the need for external modulation, offering a scalable route to autonomous soft robotics for inspection, environmental monitoring, and micro-manipulation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4321-x
Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes are leading candidates for solid-state lithium metal batteries due to their flexibility, processability, and interfacial compliance. However, the strong crystallization tendency of PEO and limited lithium salt dissociation result in low ionic conductivity and low Li+ transference number, exacerbating concentration polarization and interfacial instability. Introducing metal-organic framework (MOF) fillers into PEO matrices has emerged as an effective route to regulate polymer-chain packing and promote salt dissociation via Lewis acid-base interactions. Yet, most studies focus on cubic ZIF-8, whose saturated Zn coordination environment limits intrinsic Lewis acidity and restricts its ability to immobilize TFSI- anions. Simultaneously, simple physical blending often leaves discontinuous interfacial transport regions in composite electrolytes, so improved salt dissociation does not automatically translate into fast Li+ transport. Here we report a PEO-based composite polymer electrolyte, denoted as PZS, that couples monoclinic ZIF-8 (M-ZIF-8) nanosheets with a thin SiO2 layer. The design combines two complementary functions: the under-coordinated Zn sites in M-ZIF-8 provide strong Lewis acid centers to adsorb TFSI- and promote LiTFSI dissociation, while the hydroxyl-rich SiO2 shell improves compatibility with the PEO matrix and helps construct continuous interfacial Li+ transport pathways. Benefiting from this synergy, the optimized PZS electrolyte delivers an ionic conductivity of 8.3 × 10-4 S cm-1 and a Li+ transference number of 0.57 at 60 ℃, together with an electrochemical stability window of 5.2 V. Li||Li symmetric cells remain stable for over 1200 h at 0.1 mA cm-2, and LFP||Li full cells retain 80% of their capacity after 400 cycles at 0.5 C.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4351-8
Breaking intrinsic structural symmetry is a fundamental prerequisite for pronounced nonlinear optical responses. Low-symmetry semiconductors with inherent anisotropy enable self-powered optoelectronic conversion and polarization-sensitive functionalities. This work reports the synthesis of low-dimensional van der Waals chain TeSe2 crystals with intrinsic inversion and C3 symmetry breaking. Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy and second-harmonic generation measurements confirm crystalline anisotropy and nonlinear optical performance. Electrical transport studies reveal p-type conduction with a room-temperature field-effect mobility of 122 cm2 V-1 s-1. The TeSe2 photodetector achieves self-powered detection and linearly polarized light detection across 405–1064 nm, with a photoresponsivity of 77.3 mA/W at 532 nm. The linear photogalvanic effect response is effectively modulated by gate voltage. Density functional theory calculations attribute p-type doping to Te and Se vacancies, while the nonlinear optical origin is linked to strong Berry curvature. Applications in polarization encoding communication and polarization imaging are demonstrated, indicating potential for low-energy-consuming, highly sensitive, on-chip integrated linear polarized photodetectors.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4490-y
The development of efficient enzyme mimics for CO2 hydration remains a critical challenge for industrial carbon capture. This study reports a bioinspired three-dimensional Zn-coordinated organic framework (Zn-SOF) synthesized via solvothermal assembly of a salen-based ligand with zinc ions. The resulting material exhibits a carbonic anhydrase-like active site with a Zn-N2O2 coordination environment, as confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The Zn-SOF demonstrates a CO2 hydration rate of 3.2 × 10^-3 s^-1 per active site, representing a 12-fold enhancement over the homogeneous Zn-salen complex and approaching 8% of native carbonic anhydrase II activity. The catalyst maintains structural integrity over 10 consecutive cycles with <5% activity loss and operates optimally at 25–40 °C and pH 7.4–9.0. Kinetic analysis reveals a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 28 mM for CO2 and a turnover number (kcat) of 4.1 s^-1, outperforming benchmark Zn-based mimics. The framework's hierarchical porosity (BET surface area: 620 m2 g^-1) facilitates substrate diffusion, while the hydrophobic pore environment enhances CO2 affinity. This work establishes a design paradigm for robust, recyclable enzyme mimics that bridge the gap between homogeneous catalysts and natural enzymes, offering a scalable route for post-combustion CO2 capture.
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/s40843-026-4477-7
The rapid demand for high-energy-density lithium batteries necessitates advanced solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to overcome the safety and performance limitations of conventional liquid counterparts. Macrocyclic compounds, with their well-defined cavities, programmable binding sites, and tunable self-assembly, have emerged as powerful molecular regulators for designing next-generation SSEs. This review examines recent advancements in macrocyclic compound-based SSEs by categorizing their functions into four fundamental supramolecular regulation paradigms: cation-centered regulation (e.g., crown ethers), anion-centered regulation (e.g., calixarenes and calixpyrroles), channel-dominated transport (e.g., cyclodextrins), and hybrid regulation (e.g., cucurbiturils). We elucidate how these macrocycles precisely control ion coordination, modulate migration dynamics, and reshape interfacial chemistry, leading to enhanced ionic conductivity, improved Li+ transference numbers, suppressed lithium dendrite growth, and superior interfacial stability. While each paradigm offers distinct advantages, the most promising SSEs often leverage synergistic combinations of these strategies. Finally, we highlight the remaining challenges, including synthetic complexity and multi-objective performance trade-offs, and propose future research directions for developing highly efficient and durable macrocycle-based solid-state lithium batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4483-x
The referenced literature comprises five peer-reviewed studies published between 2025 and 2026 in Nature Materials, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Nature Communications, and Science China Materials. These works collectively address the persistent trade-off between open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current density (Jsc) in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Tao et al. (Nat Mater, 2026) demonstrate that narrow-bandgap nonfullerene acceptors engineered to exhibit low energetic disorder achieve power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 21%, primarily by suppressing non-radiative recombination losses. Westbrook et al. (JACS, 2025) establish that solid-state packing motifs govern exciton delocalization and photophysics in nonfullerene acceptors, providing a structural handle for reducing energetic disorder. Jiang et al. (Nat Commun, 2025) show that photoluminescent delocalized excitons in donor polymers facilitate efficient charge generation, linking exciton coherence to device performance. Zhang et al. (Nat Commun, 2026) employ synergistic steric hindrance and chlorination to realize binary OSCs with low energy loss, achieving high Voc without sacrificing photocurrent. The cumulative findings indicate that molecular design strategies targeting low energetic disorder and controlled solid-state packing can overcome the longstanding efficiency ceiling of ~20% in OPVs. These results have direct implications for the commercial viability of solution-processed, lightweight, and flexible solar cells, though scalability and long-term stability remain to be validated under industrial manufacturing conditions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4177-3
Chirality profoundly influences tumor therapy by regulating key physiological processes, yet the link between chirality and therapeutic properties of atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) remains poorly understood. Atomically precise Au25 NCs protected by chiral cysteine ligands (L-Au25(cys)18, D-Au25(cys)18, and Rac-Au25(cys)18) were constructed and systematically investigated to elucidate the association between chirality and tumor therapeutic performance. Although no significant difference in enzyme-like activity was observed among the three NCs, Rac-Au25(cys)18 exhibited enhanced reactive oxygen species generation under 808 nm laser irradiation, achieving superior phototherapeutic effects in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models. The chiral Au25 NCs induced distinct cell death pathways: L-Au25(cys)18 primarily triggered ferroptosis, D-Au25(cys)18 induced both ferroptosis and apoptosis, and all three NCs activated disulfidptosis. In vivo, tumor inhibition rates for L-Au25, D-Au25, and Rac-Au25 groups were 46.7%, 42.5%, and 68.3%, respectively, with no significant body weight fluctuations and minimal hepatorenal toxicity. Hematological and histopathological analyses confirmed favorable systemic biocompatibility. This work clarifies the correlation between chiral structures and tumor therapeutic performance of gold NCs, providing experimental insights and theoretical support for the design of novel chiral nanomaterials and optimization of precise tumor phototherapeutic strategies.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4272-3
Ruthenium (Ru)-based alloys are promising alternatives to commercial Pt/C catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to their low cost and favorable hydrogen adsorption properties. However, the sluggish water dissociation on Ru catalysts remains a major kinetic bottleneck in alkaline solutions. Herein, we report a rare earth (RE) dilute alloy strategy by incorporating a trace amount of cerium (Ce, ~1 at%) into a RuCu alloy to promote interfacial water activation. The oxophilic Ce sites strengthen H2O adsorption and reduce the energy barrier for water dissociation, thereby accelerating the Volmer step during alkaline hydrogen evolution. Consequently, the RuCuCe catalyst delivers 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of only 18 mV in 1.0 M KOH and maintains stable operation for over 100 h at 500 mA cm−2 in a membrane electrode assembly. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and pH-dependent measurements verify the facilitated Volmer process induced by Ce incorporation. Temperature-dependent analysis further shows that the apparent activation energy decreases from 47.4 kJ mol−1 for RuCu to 26.4 kJ mol−1 for RuCuCe, consistent with enhanced water dissociation kinetics. This work establishes RE dilute metal alloys as an effective platform for boosting the intrinsic activity of Ru-based alloy catalysts, in which RE incorporation promotes water dissociation while inducing charge redistribution in the alloy matrix.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4244-0
Near-infrared perovskite light-emitting diodes (NIR-PeLEDs) suffer from poor operational stability, largely due to interfacial reactions at the electron-transport layer (ETL)/perovskite interface. Here, we introduce a zinc ion (Zn2+)-chelated hybrid ETL derived from a Zn2+-chelated polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) complex, which partially retains the surface properties of ZnO but exhibits significantly reduced oxygen defects and surface-adsorbed hydroxyl groups. This well-modulated surface promotes perovskite crystallization and mitigates interface-induced deprotonation of organic cations during device operation. Consequently, NIR-PeLEDs employing this hybrid ETL achieve a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 20.1%, a high radiance of 652 W sr-1 m-2, and an exceptional T50 lifetime of 270.7 hours at a high current density of 100 mA cm-2, which is over five times that of devices based on conventional ZnO nanocrystal (NC) ETLs. Our results present an effective ETL strategy for operationally stable NIR-PeLEDs and thoroughly reveal the critical role of regulating interfacial reactions in stabilizing buried interfacial contacts. These findings provide valuable insights for advancing perovskite optoelectronic devices that suffer from interface-induced performance degradation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4302-9
The pre-deposited lead iodide (PbI2) film in two-step inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) often exhibits a dense structure, which impedes the diffusion and reaction of organic ammonium salts, leading to unreacted PbI2 residues and compromised device performance. To address this, 2,4-oxazolidinedione (OD) is introduced as a molecule additive into the PbI2 precursor solution. Owing to its stronger coordination with PbI2, OD effectively modulates its crystallization behavior, resulting in a porous structure. This porous structure significantly facilitates the diffusion and infiltration of organic ammonium salts, thereby minimizing PbI2 residue and enhancing the completeness of the perovskite conversion. Furthermore, OD and the constructed porous network jointly retard the crystallization kinetics of perovskite, promoting the formation of perovskite films with improved crystallinity and preferred crystal orientation. Therefore, the optimized PSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.31%, and demonstrate excellent operational stability, retaining 90.24% of initial PCE for 1500 h at 25°C and 90.47% after 1000 h at 65°C. The champion device exhibits a VOC of 1.197 V, a JSC of 26.28 mA cm-2, and an FF of 83.58%, with negligible hysteresis. This study presents a straightforward yet effective approach to advancing the performance and stability of inverted PSCs fabricated via the two-step method.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4271-5
Photocatalytic functional coatings are at a pivotal juncture where the primary research focus must transition from intrinsic material activity to a unified framework centered on surface serviceability. Surface serviceability encompasses the ability of a coating to maintain catalytic activity, interfacial integrity, multifunctional performance, safety, and manufacturability under specific service environments over its operational lifetime. Over the past three decades, photocatalytic surfaces have demonstrated potential for degrading organic pollutants, maintaining surface cleanliness, and enabling air purification, with applications in buildings, glass, highways, and infrastructure. However, high intrinsic activity alone does not guarantee stable long-term performance when the photocatalyst is immobilized as a substrate-integrated film. Performance is governed by coupled factors including interfacial adhesion, film structure, environmental aging, and functional durability. Current challenges extend beyond catalytic activity to include long-term deactivation, coating-substrate interfacial stability, trade-offs among multiple functions, adequacy of evaluation methods, and scalability of fabrication. These issues form a progressive service chain: design determines catalyst exposure and adhesion; environmental stresses induce functional or structural failure; multifunctional integration may compromise one function for another. Therefore, application-oriented evaluation is essential. This perspective advocates for a paradigm shift toward service-oriented design, requiring establishment of service-relevant evaluation protocols and development of scalable, repairable fabrication routes. Such efforts will enable photocatalytic coatings to evolve from high-activity laboratory materials into engineering surfaces that are verifiable, comparable, manufacturable, and durable in real-world applications.
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/s40843-026-4340-0
Thin films with nonreciprocal circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emit circularly polarized light with opposite handedness from its two opposite sides, holding great promise for advancing optical multiplexing technologies. Herein, we introduce component orientation mismatch into chiral composite films via stretching, which leads to macroscopic optical anisotropy and accordingly drives the films to show nonreciprocal CPL activity. Stretching triggers linear dichroism-linear birefringence (LD-LB) coupling to realize nonreciprocal circular dichroism (CD) in elastomer films consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and chiral polyacetylene (R/S-PSA). Moreover, fluorescence anisotropy-linear birefringence (f-LB) coupling occurs after introducing fluorescent groups into the films to achieve multi-color nonreciprocal CPL. The unstretched films exhibit reciprocal CPL with a luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) of 10⁻¹, with handedness determined by PSA’s intrinsic helical chirality. In the stretched films, the oriented fluorescent groups undergo f-LB coupling with matrix crystallization, resulting in nonreciprocal CPL (|glum|=10⁻²). Based on this distinctive chiroptical feature, we have developed chiral logic gates, multidimensional optical encryption systems, and enantioselective photopolymerization platforms to demonstrate the potential uses of the as-obtained CPL films. This work provides both fundamental insights into and a versatile material platform for developing smart nonreciprocal photonic systems with advanced chiroptical functionality.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4350-4
Flexible wearable sensors have transformed motion tracking, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces by enabling precise movement detection and adaptability to curved surfaces. However, conventional composite sensors often face challenges such as limited sensitivity, detection range, linearity, and durability. In this study, we propose a stretchable auxetic sensing textile with a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) structure, incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) by micro-crack engineering to enhance its mechanical durability and sensing performance. Integrating macro-scale NPR with micro-scale wrinkles, this innovative design achieves a high sensitivity of 11.2 within a wide detection range (0-100%), a more linear sensing range with an R2 value of 0.998, an ultra-low detection limit of 0.5%, and exceptional durability, outperforming conventional wearable sensors. Additionally, the textile sensor boasts excellent moisture permeability (32.7 g m⁻² h⁻¹) and a remarkable NPR value of -0.25, ensuring comfort and adaptability for various wearable applications. Integrated with deep learning algorithms, the auxetic sensing textile demonstrates 98% accuracy in recognizing soft robotic movements at various bending angles. It is capable of capturing both small-scale physiological signals, such as electrocardiograms, and large-scale movements, offering significant freedom of movement and adaptability to complex surfaces.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4242-1
Infected bone defects remain a formidable clinical challenge due to the coupled pathologies of bacterial infection and impaired osteogenesis. Conventional treatments often fail to address the dynamic microenvironment, leading to persistent infection and inadequate bone repair. Here, we report a microenvironment-adaptive hydrogel incorporating a Ti3C2Tx MXene-based coordination nanoreactor that orchestrates an immune-osteogenic cascade. The nanoreactor, constructed by coordinating Fe3+ ions onto MXene nanosheets, exhibits pH- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive release of Fe3+ and MXene, enabling sequential antibacterial and pro-osteogenic activities. In vitro studies demonstrated that the hydrogel eradicated Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (>99.9% killing) within 6 h via synergistic photothermal and chemodynamic effects, while simultaneously scavenging excess ROS to mitigate oxidative stress. Notably, the released Fe3+ ions promoted M2 macrophage polarization, as evidenced by a 2.5-fold increase in CD206 expression, and subsequently enhanced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), with alkaline phosphatase activity elevated by 1.8-fold and alizarin red staining intensity increased by 2.2-fold. In a rat model of infected calvarial defects, the hydrogel significantly accelerated bone regeneration, achieving a bone volume fraction of 78.4% at 8 weeks post-implantation, compared to 35.2% in the untreated control. Micro-CT and histological analyses confirmed robust new bone formation and complete infection clearance. This study presents a paradigm for designing adaptive biomaterials that integrate infection control and bone regeneration, offering a promising strategy for treating infected bone defects.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4354-9
This review systematically examines the synthesis-structure-property relationships of hybrid graphene and carbon fiber reinforced composites, encompassing polymer, metal, and ceramic matrix systems. The hybridization of graphene with carbon fibers addresses the intrinsic limitations of conventional composites, such as weak interfacial bonding and insufficient multifunctionality. The review consolidates recent advances in fabrication strategies, including electrophoretic deposition, layer-by-layer assembly, and precursor impregnation, which enable controlled graphene distribution and orientation. Critical analyses of mechanical, tribological, electrochemical, and anti-ablation properties reveal that graphene addition significantly enhances interfacial shear strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity. For instance, in copper matrix composites, the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide with short carbon fibers improves tribological performance, reducing wear rates under specific load conditions. In ceramic matrix composites, graphene-modified C/C-SiC composites exhibit superior anti-ablation resistance, with mass loss rates reduced by up to 30% at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, graphene-coated carbon fiber electrodes demonstrate high specific capacitance and cycling stability in energy storage applications. The review also addresses challenges such as dispersion uniformity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, proposing future directions for industrial adoption. By providing a comprehensive framework, this work guides the design of next-generation hybrid composites tailored for aerospace, automotive, and energy storage sectors.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4359-0
Organic solar cells (OSCs) require cathode interlayers (CILs) that combine high charge transport, defect passivation, and thickness insensitivity for scalable manufacturing. Here, we report the synthesis of a novel A-D-A-A'-type polymer, PDPP2F-NDI-N, via the green and efficient direct arylation polymerization (DArP) method. The multiple electron-deficient units in the backbone confer strong electron-withdrawing character, effective work function modulation, enhanced built-in potential, high crystallinity, and ordered molecular packing. PDPP2F-NDI-N exhibits a high electron mobility of 1.01 × 10⁻³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and electrical conductivity of 3.13 × 10⁻³ S m⁻¹, facilitating efficient charge extraction and transport. Its interfacial modification capability suppresses interfacial defects and reduces non-radiative recombination losses. In ternary OSCs, PDPP2F-NDI-N achieves a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.44%, with outstanding thickness insensitivity retaining 92.8% of peak PCE at a 30 nm CIL thickness, and a T80 lifetime exceeding 1700 hours under photo-thermal aging. This work demonstrates that poly(A-D-A-alt-A') backbone design combined with DArP synthesis provides an effective strategy for developing high-performance, thickness-insensitive, and stable polymeric CILs, advancing efficient, stable, and scalable OSC applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4360-7
Polarization-sensitive photodetection is critical for advanced optical communication and imaging systems, yet conventional photodetectors suffer from low on-off ratios and limited polarization discrimination. Here, we report gate-tunable PdSe2/WSe2 van der Waals heterostructures that achieve ultrahigh light on-off ratio and polarization-sensitive photodetection. The heterostructure forms a type-II band alignment, enabling efficient charge separation and self-powered operation. By applying a gate voltage, the photoresponse can be modulated, achieving an on-off ratio exceeding 10^6 under illumination. The device exhibits a high responsivity of 1.2 A/W and a specific detectivity of 10^12 Jones at room temperature. Polarization-sensitive measurements reveal a linear dichroism ratio of 2.1 at 532 nm, attributed to the anisotropic crystal structure of PdSe2. The photodetector operates over a broad spectral range from visible to near-infrared (400-1000 nm) with fast response times (rise/fall < 100 μs). The gate-tunable capability allows dynamic control of the photocurrent, enabling adaptive sensing applications. These results demonstrate that PdSe2/WSe2 heterostructures are promising candidates for high-performance, polarization-sensitive photodetectors, offering a pathway for next-generation optoelectronic devices.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4378-6
Electrical stimulation (ES) is a powerful strategy to mimic endogenous bioelectricity and accelerate complex tissue regeneration, such as chronic wound healing. However, aligning external stimulation with native bioelectrical and biochemical signals for rapid and scarless tissue regeneration remains challenging. Here, we report a wireless bioelectronic dressing (E-dressing) that establishes stable bioelectronic interfaces and precisely modulates cellular physiological activities. Bioactive allylamine-functionalized gold clusterzymes (AM-AuNCs) with intrinsic superoxide dismutase-like activity were designed as functional modifiers to co-polymerize with acrylic acid (AA), forming conductive p(AA-AuNCs) hydrogels. AM-AuNCs impart the hydrogel with superior antioxidant activity, robust interfacial adhesion, and high conductivity, enabling rapid hemostasis, efficient electrical stimulation transmission, and precise fibroblast regulation. Combined with 1.00 V of electrical stimulation, the p(AA-AuNCs) hydrogel significantly promotes fibroblast proliferation, migration, and alignment by upregulating TGF-β, FGF-2, and EGF. Integrated with a biocompatible, flexible zinc-ion battery delivering sustained and tunable electrical signals for over 7 days, the E-dressing precisely guides collagen remodeling, inhibits myofibroblast activation, and maintains Col I/Col III balance, leading to a 5-fold acceleration of wound closure and a 65.5% reduction in scar formation. This multifunctional E-dressing represents a promising bioelectronic device for precise cellular regulation and multimodal regenerative therapy.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4369-1
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage due to sodium's abundance and low cost. Among cathode materials, polyanionic compounds like Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) offer high energy density and dual voltage plateaus at ~3.6 and 4.0 V, but suffer from low electronic conductivity and sluggish Na+ diffusion. Here, we report a dual-modulation strategy combining high-valence Nb5+ doping and polydopamine-derived carbon coating to synthesize Na3V1.94Nb0.06(PO4)2O2F-C (NVPOF-Nb-C) via a hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement confirm that Nb5+ doping induces slight lattice expansion without altering the tetragonal I4/mmm framework. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Nb5+ doping optimizes the crystal structure and reduces the Na+ diffusion barrier, while the uniform carbon coating enhances electron transport. Consequently, NVPOF-Nb-C exhibits remarkably improved electrochemical performance, including high reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and ultralong cycling stability. In a full cell with hard carbon anode, it delivers a high energy density of 487.2 Wh kg−1 at 1C and retains 91.51% capacity after 3000 cycles at 20C. This work provides a synergistic strategy to overcome the intrinsic limitations of polyanionic cathodes for practical SIB applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4206-6
Precise patterning of highly ordered organic semiconductor (OSC) thin-film arrays is critical for next-generation electronics. We report a ladder-like polysilsesquioxane (LPSQ) strategy to synthesize two functional analogs with tunable surface energies and robust dielectric properties. These LPSQ dielectrics, functionalized with alkyl or fluoroalkyl side chains, serve dual roles as gate insulators and patterning layers to guide blade-coating of 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT). This approach yields highly aligned arrays suitable for three-dimensional integration in flexible electronics. Synergistic combination of dense LPSQ dielectric packing and aligned semiconductor domains leads to excellent organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) performance, achieving approximately four-fold improvement in field-effect mobility compared to conventional silicon oxide dielectrics. Patterned LPSQ dielectrics enable high-resolution C8-BTBT patterning on plastic substrates, supporting 4-inch-scale 3D integration of flexible logic circuits, including inverters (voltage gain >100), NOR gates, and NAND gates. This work provides a scalable route to high-performance, large-area flexible organic circuits.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4236-8
Electrochemical nitrate reduction (NO3RR) to ammonia offers a sustainable route for nitrogen recovery from wastewater, yet its efficiency is constrained by complex multi-step proton-electron transfers and competitive hydrogen evolution. Here, we report a series of binary cobalt-copper phosphates with precisely tuned Co/Cu ratios, revealing a volcano-type relationship between composition and catalytic activity. The optimized Co0.5Cu1.5(OH)PO4 catalyst, supported on a Ni3Co1OxHy/Ni foam substrate, achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 99.0% for ammonia at a high current density of 200 mA cm−2 in 1 M nitrate electrolyte, with a production rate of 9.18 mg h−1 cm−2 and sustained stability over 200 hours. In-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations elucidate a tandem mechanism: Co sites promote water dissociation to generate active hydrogen (H*), while adjacent Cu sites facilitate nitrate adsorption and subsequent hydrogenation steps. This synergistic division of labor lowers the energy barrier for the rate-determining step, effectively suppressing HER and enhancing intrinsic kinetics. The work demonstrates that precise atomic-ratio engineering in dual-site transition metal phosphates provides a viable strategy to overcome activity-selectivity trade-offs in electrocatalytic nitrate-to-ammonia conversion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4212-x
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options. Current treatments, such as nintedanib and pirfenidone, target downstream fibrosis but fail to address the upstream drivers, including persistent alveolar epithelial injury and abnormal repair. This study presents an inhalable, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive liposomal system (SAB/GC-1@Lip-cRGD) that co-delivers the antioxidant salvianolic acid B (SAB) and the thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ) agonist Sobetirome (GC-1). The liposomes are surface-modified with cRGD peptides for targeted delivery to fibrotic lesions and possess a negative surface charge to enhance mucus penetration. In the high-ROS fibrotic microenvironment, the liposomes destabilize, releasing SAB and GC-1. SAB scavenges ROS to remodel the fibrotic niche, while GC-1 reactivates TRβ signaling, driving the differentiation of stalled Krt8+ transitional epithelial cells into functional alveolar type I (AT1) cells. In a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, SAB/GC-1@Lip-cRGD significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and TGF-β1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenates. The proportion of CD206+ M2 macrophages decreased from 27.4% in the model group to 6.2% after treatment, indicating potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. This synergistic strategy of microenvironment remodeling and epithelial regeneration achieved robust collagen depletion, restoration of alveolar integrity, and recovery of pulmonary function, outperforming single-drug or non-targeted formulations. The work provides a generalized paradigm for integrating microenvironment regulation with regenerative repair in pulmonary diseases.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4220-x
High-temperature electronics demand non-volatile memories (NVMs) capable of stable operation above 500 °C for applications in space exploration, nuclear energy, and autonomous driving. Conventional silicon-based devices fail above ~250 °C, and silicon carbide (SiC) cannot process data above 300 °C. Memristors offer a promising solution due to their simple structure, low power consumption, and scalability. A recent breakthrough by Yang et al. (Science) demonstrated a graphene (Gra)/HfOx/W memristor achieving data retention at 700 °C, with retention time of 50 h, endurance of 10^9 cycles, ON/OFF ratio exceeding three orders of magnitude, and operation voltage ~1.5 V. The key innovation is replacing the Pt bottom electrode with in-situ grown graphene, which suppresses high-temperature diffusion of the W top electrode through the HfOx layer. In contrast, Pt/HfOx/W devices fail after annealing at 800 °C for 10^4 s due to W migration, forming conductive filaments that lock the device in the ON state. High-resolution TEM and EDS reveal tungsten oxide (WOx) formation at the W/HfOx interface in Pt-based devices, while Gra-based devices show no such degradation. STEM-EELS confirms W migration across the HfOx layer in Pt devices, but graphene acts as a diffusion barrier, preserving stable switching behavior. This interfacial engineering approach provides a viable pathway for high-temperature NVM, addressing the critical bottleneck of electrode diffusion.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4113-3
Constructing abundant grain boundary defects is a promising strategy for developing high-efficiency catalysts. However, achieving dense grain boundary defects in CuO and Cu at the nanoscale remains challenging. Inspired by Turing patterns in nature, a Turing-type CuO catalyst (TGB-CuO) with abundant grain boundaries at ~10 nm nanoscale was prepared by annealing a dodecyl sulfate-intercalated basic copper carbonate. The balanced diffusion-reaction dynamics during pyrolysis drove the spontaneous formation of Turing-type grain boundary architectures in TGB-CuO. The resulting TGB-CuO electrode exhibited outstanding performance in electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECO2RR), delivering a Faradaic efficiency of 80.15% toward multi-carbon (C2+) products and maintaining over 50% ethylene selectivity at 300 mA cm−2 for 30 h of continuous operation. Activity investigations indicated that the metallic Cu retaining Turing-type grain boundary features (TGB-Cu) formed during electroreduction was responsible for the enhanced ECO2RR performance. The Cu(100)/(100), Cu(100)/(111), and Cu(111)/(111) grain boundaries promoted CO2 activation and *CO adsorption, while lowering the free energy barriers for the rate-determining *CO2− → *COOH step and C–C coupling step. This bioinspired reaction-diffusion strategy offers a new paradigm for creating high-density grain boundary defects, offering a general route toward efficient catalyst design.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4277-1
Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials hold promise for next-generation spintronics, yet most exhibit Curie temperatures (Tc) far below room temperature, limiting practical applications. Here, we report the realization of room-temperature ferromagnetism in CuCrSe2 nanosheets via controlled anion removal achieved by post-synthetic vacuum annealing. Raw CuCrSe2 shows a low Tc of ~120 K, whereas annealed CuCrSe2 (A-CuCrSe2) nanosheets exhibit robust ferromagnetic ordering above 300 K. Structural and compositional analyses, including transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, confirm that A-CuCrSe2 retains the original layered crystal structure with an estimated Se vacancy concentration of approximately 10%. Magnetic measurements reveal room-temperature ferromagnetism in exfoliated nanosheets, corroborated by magnetic imaging and electric transport measurements. Anomalous Hall effect (AHE) measurements uncover the coexistence of two ferromagnetic phases within the same sample: one with low Tc (~120 K) and another with high Tc (>300 K), indicating spatially heterogeneous magnetic ordering driven by anion removal distribution. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate the microscopic mechanism, suggesting that Se vacancies modulate the magnetic exchange interactions, enhancing Tc. This work demonstrates that anion modulation is an effective intrinsic strategy to achieve room-temperature ferromagnetism in 2D materials, potentially advancing spintronic applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4234-3
The pursuit of high-energy-density sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) necessitates the development of stable high-capacity anodes. While amorphous carbon is a promising anode candidate for SIBs, its practical application is hindered by limited capacity. Herein, we design a composite anode by chemically confining a high-content (~25 wt%) short-chain sulfur into hierarchical porous hard carbon microspheres (SHHC) derived from microbe yeast. The SHHC anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of ~807 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1 (~3 times that of conventional amorphous carbon) along with superior rate capability, and extraordinary long-term cyclability (almost 100% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1). The high-content sulfur species contribute to superb redox reactivity for high-capacity sodium storage via a surface-dominated storage mechanism. The carbon matrix features an enlarged interlayer distance, which facilitates Na-ion intercalation and deintercalation for high-rate capability. Furthermore, the hierarchical porous structure with built-in cavities facilitates the Na-ion transfer and effectively accommodates the electrode’s volume expansion, achieving fast electrode kinetics and outstanding cyclability. Such a combination of favored properties leads to state-of-the-art comprehensive battery performance for Na-ion storage. Our finding envisions a new perspective on building stable high-capacity anode materials for SIBs.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4192-y
Electrochemical water splitting is pivotal for scalable green hydrogen production, yet its practical deployment hinges on cost-effective electrocatalysts with high activity and durability. This study introduces a low-cost, three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous ZrVFeCoNi material fabricated via chemical dealloying, at merely 0.16% of the cost of Pt. The structure-activity relationship between its microstructure and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance was systematically explored. Lattice defect effects from multiphase intermetallic compounds, combined with multi-metal synergy, optimize H+ adsorption energy and electron transfer kinetics. The 3D nanoporous architecture provides a high electrochemical surface area with abundant active sites, enhancing electrolyte penetration and reducing interfacial mass transfer resistance. Consequently, the ZrVFeCoNi electrode exhibits outstanding HER performance, requiring only a 38 mV overpotential to reach 10 mA cm−2 and maintaining stable operation for 1000 h at 500 mA cm−2. Integrated into a full water electrolyzer (ZrVFeCoNi || IrO2/Ni), the system achieves a cell voltage of 1.60 V at a current density of 400 mA cm−2. Advanced characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that interfacial interactions and charge transfer at heterointerfaces drive catalytic activity, showcasing the potential of 3D nano-structured multiphase intermetallic compounds as high-performance electrocatalysts for green hydrogen systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4322-4
Ultrafast scintillators with low-nanosecond emission are essential for next-generation high-rate X-ray and particle imaging. Although Ce3+-activated scintillators inherently exhibit fast response characteristics, conventional Ce3+-doped hosts rarely achieve low-nanosecond ultrafast decay. Here, we report a high-entropy fluoride scintillator (HEFS), Ce:LaGdCaSrBaF12 (Ce:LGCSB), in the form of bulk single crystals. The severe lattice distortion arising from multi-cation disorder induces exciton localization and effectively suppresses exciton diffusion. Through the rapid relaxation of localized excitons, the high-entropy Ce:LGCSB single crystals deliver a decay time of 1.23 ns with a 94.6% fast-component contribution and without any noticeable slow component. Through first-principles calculations, spectroscopic characterization, and transient dynamics analysis, we reveal that the ultrafast response originates from accelerated Frenkel exciton (FE) recombination enabled by the high-entropy environment. This work establishes entropy-engineered fluorides as promising ultrafast scintillator platforms and proposes a general strategy for extending sluggish diffusion effects to the excitonic scale, offering new opportunities for improving scintillation timing performance.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4203-7
The solution process holds great promise for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) fabrication owing to its minimal material loss, simple processing and low equipment investment. However, solution-processed blue OLEDs still face the challenges of low electroluminescence efficiency and poor working stability. In this study, two new cross-linkable blue light-emitting molecules, v-4CzBn and v-5CzBn, were synthesized. They featured a multicarbazole-substituted benzonitrile donor–acceptor structure as the emitting core, with two vinyl phenyl units on the carbazole rings serving as cross-linking groups. A singlet–triplet energy gap of ΔEST ≤ 0.10 eV and a high reverse intersystem crossing rate (kRISC > 10^6 s−1) were achieved because the three-dimensionally confined covalent network structure formed through a thermal cross-linking reaction limited intramolecular motions and vibrational relaxations of luminescent units. Moreover, this structure suppressed irreversible morphological changes and structural deterioration of light-emitting units due to aggregation or crystallization, improving the light-emitting performance of the device. Nondoped solution-processed OLEDs with the structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/TFB/S-4CzBn/TPBi/LiF/Al exhibited blue emission with a peak at 488 nm, achieving a maximum external quantum efficiency of 12.01%, a maximum luminance of 11,141.15 cd m−2, and a T50 lifetime of 1375.66 h@100 cd m−2. This result represents the longest operational lifetime reported to date for solution-process devices with cross-linked emitting layers.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4183-3
Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses significant risks to human health, necessitating highly sensitive detection systems. Organic photodetectors (OPDs) offer high sensitivity and tunable spectral response, but their UV performance is constrained by conventional glass/indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates and electrodes, and insufficient photoactive layer responsivity. Here, we report high-performance UV-OPDs achieved through UV-transparent window and active-layer optimization. Replacing glass/ITO with a UV-transparent window comprising a quartz substrate and PH1000 electrode enhances UV transmittance. Integrating the high UV-responsive blend PM6:Y6:PC71BM as the active layer, the optimal ternary UV-OPD exhibits external quantum efficiency (EQE) exceeding 53% across 280–400 nm, with a peak EQE of 78.29% and responsivity of 214.68 mA/W at 340 nm, alongside a rapid response time of 2.6/2.1 μs. This performance represents the best combination of responsivity and response time reported to date in the UV region. We demonstrate the potential of these UV-OPDs for outdoor real-time UV monitoring. This work presents a promising strategy for developing high-performance UV-OPDs through transparent substrate and electrode engineering, and active-layer optimization.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4197-4
Deep-blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) remain the most challenging primary-color emitters due to stringent exciton energy requirements. We strategically designed two innovative deep-blue emitters, SCZ-4AnCN and STPA-4AnCN, via systematic functionalization of an anthracene core with arylamino-decorated spirofluorene donors and cyano-substituted phenyl acceptors. Comprehensive theoretical and experimental analyses demonstrate that these spirofluorene-anthracene hybrids adopt precisely engineered distorted configurations, effectively suppressing detrimental intermolecular π–π stacking in condensed phases. The sp3-hybridized bridgehead carbons in spirofluorene units play a pivotal role by simultaneously restricting π-conjugation extension and fine-tuning donor–acceptor interactions, thereby stabilizing the lowest excited singlet (S1) state with dominant local excitation (LE) character. This molecular engineering yields exceptional deep-blue emission with remarkable efficiency. Notably, the materials exhibit unique high-lying reverse intersystem crossing (hRISC) behavior, enabling efficient triplet harvesting. Optimized doped devices incorporating SCZ-4AnCN achieve outstanding performance, including a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE_max) exceeding 10% and CIE coordinates (0.154, 0.052) approaching the BT.2020 blue standard. Nondoped devices maintain impressive performance with an EQE_max of 7.51% and superior operational stability, demonstrating less than 10% efficiency roll-off at 1000 cd m−2. This work validates anthracene-based molecular architectures for deep-blue electroluminescence and establishes a transformative design paradigm for next-generation OLED emitters.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4199-8
High-entropy borides (HEBs) represent an emerging class of high-entropy materials that have garnered significant attention as ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs). By leveraging the high configuration entropy effect, HEBs stabilize single-phase solid solutions, exhibiting a suite of properties unattainable in traditional binary borides. This review systematically consolidates research progress on HEBs, beginning with theoretical predictions and component design via first-principles methods. It then details typical HEB systems and principal synthesis techniques, including arc melting and spark plasma sintering. The core analysis evaluates the outstanding performance of HEBs, emphasizing exceptional mechanical properties such as ultra-high hardness and excellent fracture toughness, alongside high-temperature friction and wear behavior, and oxidation resistance. Finally, the review outlines application prospects in extreme environments like aerospace and cutting tools, while also addressing current challenges. The paper underscores the potential of HEBs to overcome the hardness-toughness trade-off inherent in conventional ceramics, driven by strong metal-boron hybridization. This comprehensive overview positions HEBs as promising candidates for next-generation thermal and mechanical protection systems, with future research directions focusing on optimizing compositions and processing to tailor properties for specific applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4110-9
Flexible tactile sensors are pivotal for human-machine interaction, yet accurate decoupled sensing of three-dimensional (3D) forces and integration into functional systems remain challenging. Here, we present a piezoresistive 3D force sensor based on ionic hydrogels that detects and analyzes multi-directional forces. The sensor exhibits a linear response to normal forces from 1 to 25 N (R²=0.99) and maintains stable sensitivity for shear forces within 0–4 N. By incorporating both force magnitude and direction, the sensor enables multidimensional password input, expanding traditional one-dimensional passwords into numeric, alphabetic, and Morse code formats. Experimental results demonstrate significant potential for enhancing information security. The sensor's simple structure, mature fabrication, and ease of integration with flexible electronics underscore its practicality. This work addresses the bottleneck of unidirectional sensing in conventional flexible pressure sensors, offering a robust solution for multidimensional force acquisition in human-machine interfaces, soft robotics, and biomechanical monitoring.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3536-5
Nanomaterial-based optical biomedicine and devices have attracted significant attention for tumor diagnosis and treatment, yet their application in tumor ablation is often hindered by limited functional integration and concerns over excessive radiation exposure. In this study, we address these challenges by developing a multifunctional fiber probe based on lanthanide-doped nanoparticles, featuring decoupled modules for localized heating and optical thermometry. This design enables synergistic therapy under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Beyond achieving precise photothermal ablation and real-time temperature monitoring, we uncovered a unique phenomenon: the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by these nanoparticles under NIR laser excitation, even in the absence of traditional photosensitizers. Through a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we elucidated the physical mechanisms underlying ROS generation in wide-bandgap lanthanide nanoparticles. Leveraging these insights, we constructed an all-optical fiber system capable of simultaneous precise thermal control and photodynamic therapy. Our findings offer valuable guidance for the development of advanced optical nanomaterials and devices for effective tumor treatment, both in vivo and in vitro.
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/s40843-025-3700-7
Photocatalytic synthesis has been considered a promising technology for solar-to-chemicals conversion. Here, a series of novel photocatalysts was synthesized by decorating uranyl sites on imine-based covalent organic frameworks (i-COF) and proved functioning for the uniformly boosted H2O2 production by 1.6–10.1 folds compared with the bare i-COFs in a wide pH range from 2 to 11. Typically, an optimal H2O2 production rate of 1435.9 μmol g−1 h−1, i.e., 28.72 mmol g(U)−1 h−1, was realized over uranyl decorated TTa-COFs under visible light. Systematic investigations reveal that the universally and remarkably promoted performance is attributed to the outstanding electron-transfer ability, accelerated activation of molecular oxygen and favored formation of ·O2− and *OOH as the key intermediate by virtue of the decorated uranyl ions; thus the two-step single-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for H2O2 photo-generation is significantly facilitated. This work paves a new way for the uranyl-decorated COFs as a novel photocatalyst and provides in-depth insight to the reaction mechanism for photocatalytic H2O2 production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3831-0
Ammonia decomposition is a key process for generating COx-free hydrogen, yet conventional cobalt catalysts require high temperatures (>550 °C) to overcome the strong Co–N binding that limits N2 desorption. Here we report a novel Co catalyst supported on a Ce and N co-modified perovskite (Co@La_xCe_{1-x}AlO_{3-y}N_z) that achieves 92.6% ammonia conversion with a hydrogen production rate of 9.7 mmol g−1 min−1 at 425 °C and GHSV = 9000 mL h−1 g_cat−1, representing a 125 °C reduction in operating temperature relative to conventional Co-based catalysts. Mechanistic studies using isotopic labeling and in-situ DRIFTS reveal that synergistic Ce and N modification creates a unique LA-L(A+B)-LB active site configuration, which lowers the Schottky barrier at the metal-support interface and promotes facile hydrogen spillover. The reaction proceeds via an interfacial Mars-van Krevelen mechanism, contrasting with the traditional Langmuir-Hinshelwood pathway on conventional Co catalysts. This work provides new insights for designing low-temperature Co-based ammonia decomposition catalysts.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3848-7
Conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts often suffer from insufficient light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and a lack of specific reactive sites for efficient photocatalytic oxidation. To overcome these limitations, we propose a molecular polarization engineering approach utilizing structurally well-defined donor (D)-acceptor (A) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). The construction of dipole-induced built-in electric fields within the D-A-structured CTFs enables enhanced exciton dissociation and facilitates directional charge transfer. Specifically, the asymmetric A1-D-A2 moiety enhances molecular polarization in the dual-acceptor system CTF-TBT (A1-D-A2), enabling efficient charge separation through multiple electron-withdrawing units. This structural design promotes directional electron transfer toward the secondary acceptor (benzothiazole, A2), while simultaneously concentrating holes on the donor unit. Consequently, the A2 moiety acts as a site for efficient O2 activation via electron accumulation, whereas the highly oxidized donor unit provides strongly positive holes (h+) that facilitate substrate oxidation. Experimental and DFT calculation results confirm that CTF-TBT demonstrates highly enhanced photocatalytic oxidation performance, which can be attributed to its multi-channel charge separation mechanism and spatially separated redox-active sites. This study highlights the effectiveness of molecular dipole engineering in designing heterogeneous photocatalysts with controlled charge transfer pathways and improved redox capabilities. The proposed design principles provide a universal approach for promoting solar-driven chemical synthesis applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3558-4
The development of advanced titanium alloys capable of operating above 600 °C remains a critical challenge for aerospace propulsion systems, where conventional Ti alloys suffer from insufficient high-temperature strength and microstructural instability. Here, we propose a computationally driven design strategy for titanium-based medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) that integrates thermodynamic phase prediction with mechanistically informed strength modeling, enabling systematic exploration of the Ti-Nb-Al-Cr quaternary system. The optimized Ti70Nb10Al15Cr5 MEA exhibits exceptional performance metrics: 18% room-temperature ductility (as-cast), a yield strength of 520.7 MPa at 650 °C (post-aging), and an ultralow density of 4.76 g/cm3 (45% lighter than Inconel 718). Microstructural characterization reveals a metastable single-phase BCC structure in the as-cast state, which transforms into a BCC/Ti3Al dual-phase system upon aging, with temperature-dependent precipitate morphology and phase stability. The alloy demonstrates superior high-temperature strength retention up to 900 °C (>80 MPa yield strength), outperforming commercial titanium alloys (e.g., Ti-1100, TG6) and bridging the performance gap between conventional Ti alloys and nickel-based superalloys. This work establishes a multi-criteria design paradigm for entropy-engineered alloys, offering a viable pathway to lightweight, high-temperature structural materials for next-generation aerospace applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3645-3
Postoperative abdominal adhesion, a complication with morbidity exceeding 90%, imposes severe clinical and economic burdens. Existing bioadhesive barriers often exhibit unreliable adhesion to the slippery abdominal wall, risk mispositioning, and neglect frictional stimuli and inflammation. Inspired by the lubricated peritoneum, we developed a programmable adhesive dual-layer Janus patch (DJP) barrier integrating a lubricated layer and an adhesive matrix. DJP achieves rapid, noncovalent interfacial adhesion, subsequently enhanced 2.81-fold via covalent interactions, enabling repositioning within a short time window to improve surgical fault tolerance. The micron-scale poly(sulfobetaine methacrylamide) brush on the DJP surface provides hydration lubrication with a low coefficient of friction (0.06), mimicking peritoneal lubrication and reducing frictional damage to injured tissue. The catechol-containing copolymer confers antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, confirmed in vitro. In a rat model, DJP adhering to the injured site significantly reduced collagen deposition between the abdominal wall and cecum, preventing adhesion and promoting tissue healing compared to commercial barriers. This work provides a guiding reference for developing antiadhesive biomaterials.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3888-9
Flexible thermoelectrics (f-TEs) are being developed rapidly due to their unique advantages, such as direct conversion between electricity and thermal energy, compatibility with curved heat sources, and ease of integration. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in enhancing the overall performance of f-TE materials and devices, particularly in terms of output power, mechanical flexibility, and durability. Recent research efforts are increasingly focused on translating these advancements into practical applications across diverse fields. For example, f-TE-based multimodal sensors are capable of simultaneously detecting temperature, pressure and strain. In biomedicine, f-TE generators are being explored for wound healing, antibacterial therapy, and neural modulation. Furthermore, f-TE devices show promise in personalized thermal management and hybrid energy harvesting systems. This review moves beyond material preparation and device optimization to focus on the expanding multifunctional applications of f-TEs. We provide a broad perspective by comprehensively exploring the latest progress of f-TEs in intelligent sensing, biomedicine, personalized thermal management, and multifunctional hybrid systems. Key challenges are also discussed, including the development of high-performance flexible devices, robust bio-interfaces, ensuring long-term stability, and achieving intelligent integration with data-driven algorithms and multimodal platforms. Finally, we offer insights into future directions for f-TEs, pointing toward next-generation intelligent and bio-integrated flexible electronics.
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/s40843-025-3746-x
The polyanionic compound Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) possesses a stable three-dimensional framework, high theoretical specific capacity, and favorable operating voltage, yet its sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics and low electronic conductivity impede industrial application. This study proposes a dual regulation strategy combining carbon coating and heat treatment temperature to synergistically enhance crystallinity and electrochemical performance. NVPOF@C-400 and NVPOF@C-600 were synthesized via in-situ dopamine hydrochloride coating followed by heat treatment at 400 °C and 600 °C, respectively. Carbon coating at 600 °C significantly improved crystallinity and increased electronic conductivity by three orders of magnitude through the carbon layer's conductive network. The ~4.5 nm carbon layer effectively suppressed abnormal grain growth and secondary crystallization aggregation at high temperatures, maintaining uniform particle size of approximately 0.36 μm, which shortens Na+ diffusion pathways and prevents ion transport obstruction. Consequently, NVPOF@C-600 delivered a high discharge capacity of 102.5 mAh g−1 at 20 C and retained 96.5% capacity after 10,000 cycles. In a full-cell configuration with hard carbon (HC), NVPOF@C-600//HC achieved an impressive 89.3% capacity retention after 9,000 cycles. This work provides critical insights for practical implementation of high-performance NVPOF cathodes in sodium-ion batteries.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3506-3
Metallic glasses (MGs) often suffer from sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics in neutral and alkaline media, with their catalytic performance predominantly confined to acidic environments. Herein, we reported a novel thermoplastic forming technique to fabricate a self-supported partially crystallized nanoporous Pt56.2Ni5.2Cu16.8P21.8 metallic glass (C-NPMG). The C-NPMG catalyst delivers ultralow overpotentials of 18.0 mV (0.5 M H2SO4), 42.2 mV (1 M KOH), and 88.0 mV (1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, outperforming most state-of-the-art non-noble MGs and Pt-based benchmarks across all pH conditions. Notably, it maintains negligible performance decay for over 1000 h in alkaline electrolytes, showcasing superior stability. Experimental and computational analyses reveal that the enhanced HER activity arises from three synergistic effects: (1) the high-specific-surface-area nanoporous architecture that maximizes active site exposure; (2) the formation of crystallite-amorphous interfaces during partial crystallization, which lowers the energy barrier for H2 desorption; (3) the hierarchical super-hydrophilic and super-hydrophobic wettability of the C-NPMG, which optimizes mass transport and prevents electrolyte-induced corrosion. This work establishes a novel design paradigm for developing high-performance, pH-universal HER electrocatalysts by integrating structural nano-engineering and crystallite-amorphous phase synergy in metallic glass systems to overcome the trade-offs between performance and stability in electrochemical water splitting.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3686-6
Fused silica (SiO2) exhibits exceptional thermal stability and dielectric properties, making it an attractive material for aerospace and military applications. However, its relatively poor mechanical performance has limited its widespread practical utilization. This study proposed an innovative approach to fabricate SiO2-hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) composite ceramics via spark plasma sintering (SPS), leveraging the high-temperature phase transformation of cubic boron nitride (cBN) to introduce randomly oriented hBN as a reinforcing phase within the SiO2 matrix. The randomly oriented hBN nanoplates allow cracks to propagate along stronger grain boundaries, rather than along weaker interlayers of hBN, significantly improving the overall strength and fracture toughness of the composite. The maximum flexural strength and fracture toughness achieved are 183.4 MPa and 2.06 MPa m1/2 respectively, which are 3.6 times and 4 times that of fused SiO2. Concurrently, the composites exhibit low dielectric constants (ε = 3.58–3.69) and dielectric losses (tan δ < 0.0087) at 1 MHz. This work successfully enhanced the mechanical performance of fused SiO2 while preserving its excellent dielectric characteristics, opening new possibilities for its potential applications in advanced structural and functional fields.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3652-2
Existing robotic end-effector gripping technologies often encounter challenges such as poor adaptability to environmental changes, incomplete deformation sensing, and insufficient adhesion stability, which can compromise operational safety and reliability. Here, we present the bio-inspired self-sensing suction cup, in which the core self-sensing capability is achieved by combining high-performance, laser-induced graphene/Ag NWs flexible sensors with a Wheatstone bridge design. The flexible sensors provide high sensitivity, while the Wheatstone bridge circuit enables accurate and stable detection of deformation during the gripping process. Integrated into the octopus-inspired suction cup, this system allows for real-time monitoring of deformation and adsorption stability. The self-sensing suction cup demonstrates good performance across a 0–25 kPa negative pressure range, with outstanding linearity (R2 = 0.993) and high sensitivity (GF = 10.436 kPa−1). Experimental results confirm that the suction cup can achieve stable adsorption under varying loads and enable real-time monitoring of the suction cup status during the gripping process. This design provides a promising solution for intelligent gripping systems, logistics, and object recognition in challenging environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3789-x
Wearable sensors have attracted significant attention due to their superior sensitivity, safety, and adaptability compared with conventional detection technologies. However, developing sustainable sensing materials that combine excellent performance with environmental friendliness remains a significant challenge. In this study, Juncus effusus (JE), a natural fiber featuring a unique internal three-dimensional (3D) network structure, was employed as the substrate. Conductive polyaniline was loaded onto the JE structure to impart electrical conductivity, and Ecoflex encapsulation provided high elasticity. Based on this approach, a JE-based resistive flexible sensor (PHE-JE) was successfully fabricated. The PHE-JE sensor exhibits high stability under various strain conditions, along with excellent flexibility and durability. Moreover, benefiting from its complex 3D structure and synergistic material interactions, the PHE-JE sensor enables accurate detection of diverse motion types, showing promising potential for future wearable sensing applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3679-8
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Dysregulated macrophage polarization drives fibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), yet no effective management exists. Here, we develop an inhalable methane nanocapsule (MNC) that spatiotemporally controls methane release in the lung to remodel the fibrogenic microenvironment. MNC is formulated via self-assembly of biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) and a novel acid-responsive methane prodrug Fe(BPY)2(CH3)2, enhancing mucosal penetration and sustained methane release in acidic inflammatory niches. In a bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis model, MNC inhalation achieves efficient lung deposition and sustained methane release, significantly reducing inflammation, ameliorating fibrosis, and improving lung function without systemic side effects. Mechanistically, MNC rebalances macrophage polarization by inhibiting M2 phenotype overexpression and downregulates the MMP9/TIMP-1 ratio to suppress myofibroblast proliferation and EMT, synergistically halting fibrotic progression. This inhalable methane nanocapsule offers a promising strategy for safe and effective IPF treatment.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3657-9
Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs) have achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCE) up to 34.9%, surpassing the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction devices. The interconnection layer (ICL) critically bridges top and bottom subcells, enabling charge carrier recombination. Conventional indium oxide (In2O3)-based TCOs suffer from high-energy ion bombardment during sputtering, damaging amorphous silicon subcells and reducing open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). Additionally, indium scarcity and cost necessitate indium-free alternatives. Here, we introduce a highly degenerate indium-free samarium-doped cadmium oxide (CdO:Sm) TCO as the ICL for perovskite/SHJ TSCs, deposited via low-damage reactive plasma deposition (RPD). The ultrathin CdO:Sm film (~3 nm) exhibits average transmittance of 85% (400–1200 nm) and 90% (800–1200 nm), enabling efficient near-infrared absorption in the bottom subcell. High doping concentration and mobility ensure excellent electrical conductivity. The low work function (4.04 eV) of CdO:Sm facilitates carrier tunneling and efficient recombination. Devices employing CdO:Sm ICL achieved approximately 1% higher efficiency compared to those with indium-based TCO ICLs. Detailed characterization including contact resistivity (1.68 mΩ cm2), conductive atomic force microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, and photoluminescence quenching confirm enhanced carrier transport and extraction. This work demonstrates a viable indium-free ICL for high-efficiency perovskite/SHJ TSCs, addressing both performance and sustainability challenges.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3761-7
Ruthenium-based materials, including metallic Ru and RuO2, are promising electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting (EWS) due to their high activity for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, their practical application is hindered by the relatively strong adsorption of reaction intermediates on Ru surfaces and the oxidative dissolution of RuO2 under operating conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress and challenges in Ru-based electrocatalysts for EWS. We first summarize the fundamentals of EWS, including reaction mechanisms and activity descriptors. Then, we detail typical synthesis methods such as hydrothermal/solvothermal syntheses, organic ligand-assisted syntheses, pyrolysis, acid etching, cation exchange, and molten salt-assisted syntheses. Subsequently, we focus on enhancement strategies, including alloying, doping, structure design, interface engineering, single-atom catalyst design, high-entropy alloy design, phase engineering, and defect engineering, with typical examples illustrating structure-property correlations. Finally, we address remaining challenges and future prospects for the development of efficient and durable Ru-based electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3780-3
Real-time health monitoring and ongoing evaluation of physiological conditions are becoming increasingly vital for the advancement of future medical diagnostics and personalized healthcare solutions. Given that certain illnesses necessitate prompt and accessible detection methods, wearable chemical sensors have garnered considerable interest for their capability to monitor health through physiological signals and chemical indicators. This review delivers a thorough examination of recent developments in four primary categories of wearable chemical sensors: biosensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and ion sensors. We explore the representative materials, device structures, operating mechanisms, and various application scenarios for each type of sensor. By investigating the latest innovations in these technologies, we aim to provide a detailed overview of the current research landscape, highlight existing challenges, and present potential future directions of wearable chemical sensors in healthcare monitoring.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3710-y
Layered transition metal oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) suffer from Jahn–Teller distortion of MnO6, Na+/vacancy ordering, and irreversible lattice oxygen loss, causing capacity fading and voltage decay. Here, we report a P2-type material, Na0.67Ni0.3Mn0.6Li0.09Sn0.01O2 (NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01), co-doped with closed-shell Li+ and Sn4+ ions. Li+ increases the Mn4+/Mn3+ ratio, mitigating Jahn–Teller distortion, and disrupts Ni/Mn ordering, suppressing Na+/vacancy ordering. Sn4+ forms stronger Sn–O bonds (548 kJ mol−1), enhancing bonding between transition metal ions and oxygen, reducing oxygen loss. NNMO-Li0.09Sn0.01 delivers a specific capacity of 90.3 mAh g−1 with 62.9% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA g−1), and 90.3% voltage retention. This closed-shell substitution strategy offers a viable approach for enhancing structural stability of wide-voltage layered oxide cathodes.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3727-0
Lead halide perovskites are promising scintillators for X-ray imaging due to high X-ray absorption efficiency, excellent luminescence, and facile synthesis. However, their ionic nature challenges simultaneous high photoluminescence efficiency and environmental robustness. This work introduces a multilevel encapsulation strategy: CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) are sequentially coated with Cs4PbBr6, SiO2, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Cs4PbBr6 passivates surface defects, while SiO2 and PDMS provide barriers against moisture, heat, and radiation. The resulting CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6/SiO2/PDMS flexible films exhibit a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 85%, outstanding mechanical flexibility, and durability under stretching, bending, and compressing. Films retain emission stability under elevated temperatures, prolonged X-ray irradiation, and extended water immersion. X-ray imaging demonstrates spatial resolution of 12 lp/mm, enabling distortion-free imaging of curved objects; superior water resistance allows long-term underwater imaging. This work highlights hierarchical encapsulation in balancing luminescence efficiency and stability, offering a pathway toward practical flexible perovskite scintillators.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3838-5
Air-permeable and ultrathin conductive electrodes are essential for next-generation soft electronics, including breathable wearables, on-skin devices, and bio-integrated electronics. However, conventional metallization strategies, such as sputtering and ink-printing, often suffer from severe vertical charge leakage due to the porous and ultrathin characteristics of nanofibrous networks, leading to device short-circuiting, operational failure, and limited vertical integration. Here, we present a solvent-selective dissolution-assisted transfer printing strategy to achieve surface-confined metallization of ultrathin, lightweight, and gas-permeable nanofibrous networks, enabling lateral conductivity while maintaining vertical insulation. This transfer printing process facilitates not only the rapid formation of conductive patterns on the surface of nanofibrous networks but also mechanical reinforcement through solvent evaporation-induced interlocked fiber-fiber welding. Meanwhile, the strategy preserves the high permeability of the nanofibrous networks and imparts a unique combination of surface conductivity (2 Ω cm) and vertical insulativity (10^11 Ω cm). The resulting anisotropic conductive networks enable low-voltage wearable heaters, high-sensitive pressure sensors, and ultralight temperature sensors. A pressure-temperature dual-modal sensing patch is further fabricated for intelligent grasping classification. The proposed surface-confined metallization strategy enables rapid fabrication of an anisotropic conductive network as a building block to construct air-permeable, ultrathin, and lightweight wearable electronics.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3581-2
Radiotherapy (RT) is a standard cancer treatment that directly kills tumor cells and promotes systemic immune responses. However, RT can exacerbate tumor hypoxia, which suppresses dendritic cell (DC) antigen presentation and weakens systemic anti-tumor immunity. Here, we report oxygen-loaded in situ gels carrying bacterial outer membrane (MOGel) that slowly degrade to release oxygen and bacterial outer membrane (OM). Oxygen release alleviates tumor hypoxia, while OM continuously activates DCs, enhancing their antigen-presenting capability. In vitro, MOGel combined with RT induced the strongest tumor cell apoptosis. In an orthotopic colon cancer model, MOGel+RT achieved an 80% tumor suppression rate. Notably, MOGel+RT elicited an enhanced abscopal effect, with hypoxia relief and enhanced DC activation contributing to systemic immune responses. These findings suggest that OM-based oxygen gels offer a novel strategy to enhance systemic immune responses to RT.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3689-9
Converting body heat into electricity presents an appealing route for sustainably powering wearable electronics; however, conventional thermoelectric materials face significant drawbacks, including high ionic concentrations, toxicity, and limited thermoelectric efficiency. Here, we report an ionic thermoelectric hydrogel designed through precise supramolecular chemistry, utilizing dual molecular interactions: host-guest complexation of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) with I3− ions and hydrogen bonding between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer chains and I3−. This molecularly tailored approach markedly amplifies thermoelectric performance, achieving a high thermopower of 2.21 mV/K and a tenfold enhancement in peak power output at an exceptionally low iodine concentration (10 mmol/L I− + 2.5 mmol/L I3−). The hydrogel maintains excellent biocompatibility and mechanical robustness, suitable for direct skin contact. Demonstrated applications include flexible thermoelectric devices generating nearly 100 mV from body heat and sensor arrays capable of motion and spatial temperature sensing. These results underscore the substantial potential of supramolecularly designed ionic thermoelectric hydrogels for wearable energy harvesting, personalized healthcare monitoring, and advanced human-computer interfaces.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3716-x
Flexible pressure sensors (FPSs) are pivotal for fall detection and rehabilitation training, yet conventional synthetic-based sensors suffer from resource-intensive manufacturing, high costs, and environmental pollution. This study introduces a sustainable fabrication strategy for FPSs using natural materials. Electrodes were fabricated by treating natural wood strips with a flame retardant, converting them into high-quality graphene via cost-effective infrared laser processing, and transferring onto starch-based substrates. The dielectric layer comprised an electrospun composite nanofiber membrane of cyclodextrin and carbon nanotubes. The resultant capacitive FPS exhibited high sensitivity (2.15 kPa⁻¹ within 0–10 kPa), a low detection limit (~6.5 Pa), rapid response and recovery times (29 ms and 39 ms), and excellent long-term stability exceeding 5000 cycles. Biocompatibility was outstanding (cell viability >98%), and the sensor fully degraded within 6 hours. Integrated with wireless technology, the sensor enabled a fall detection and rehabilitation monitoring system. Data processing utilized a Tiny Machine Learning module on a mobile platform, transmitting data to a cloud-based system. The system accurately identified five common fall postures and assisted clinicians in guiding rehabilitation exercises, achieving recognition accuracies of 99% and 100%, respectively. This work offers a sustainable healthcare solution for elderly care, addressing environmental and economic limitations of existing FPS technologies.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506005
The escalating generation of medical waste, driven by healthcare expansion and frequent medical activities, poses significant environmental and public health risks. Under the framework of ecological civilization, China is developing a comprehensive policy system for medical waste treatment and disposal, yet the current framework remains nascent and exhibits inconsistencies between national and local policies. This study systematically analyzes the status of national and local policies from 2003 to 2024, collecting 413 policy documents (166 from national ministries and 247 from provincial governments). The analysis examines temporal evolution, regional distribution, and policy focus, alongside the influence of medical waste output, treatment technologies, facility infrastructure, and major epidemic responses. Findings reveal distinct policy phases: initial self-disposal, exploratory management, foundational system building, and rapid development. Regional disparities are pronounced, with eastern coastal areas showing more advanced policies due to greater technical and financial resources. The surge in medical waste, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for enhanced regulatory guidance. Non-incineration technologies are gaining traction for their environmental and cost benefits, and facility coverage has improved but remains uneven. The study proposes five policy principles to foster technological innovation and industrial upgrading, ensuring safe medical waste management and environmental protection.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202506010
To facilitate accurate understanding and implementation of the provisions in the Technical Specification for Comprehensive Utilization of Titanium Gypsum (GB/T 45015-2024), and to promote technological capability in comprehensive utilization while effectively controlling environmental risks during utilization, this paper analyzes the current status and existing problems of titanium gypsum generation, management, and utilization technologies in China. The standard is systematically interpreted. It is concluded that the implementation of this standard will promote resource utilization of titanium gypsum, foster energy conservation and carbon reduction in the titanium dioxide industry, and further safeguard ecological and environmental security. China produces over 3,120×10^4 t of titanium gypsum annually (2023), yet its comprehensive utilization rate is only about 10%, far lower than that of phosphogypsum (~40%) and desulfurization gypsum (~80%). The standard, as the first national standard dedicated to titanium gypsum resource utilization, establishes technical pathways for building materials and ecological restoration, sets limits for soluble impurities, and specifies pollution control indicators throughout the utilization process. It addresses the long-standing gaps in technical standards, product quality variability, and environmental supervision, providing critical support for the green and low-carbon transformation of the sulfuric acid process titanium dioxide industry.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3912-0
This erratum corrects an error in the Chinese name of co-first author Tianxiao Xiao (肖天孝) as originally published in the article 'A multi-modal smart chest patch for real-time cardiopulmonary monitoring and anomaly detection' (Sci China Mater, 2025, 68(12): 4413–4422). The corrected Chinese name is 肖天笑. The correction applies solely to the author's name and does not affect the scientific content, experimental data, or conclusions of the original paper. The authors and publisher apologize for any inconvenience caused.
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.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507030
Arsenic is a toxic metalloid predominantly present in water as As(V) and As(III), whose speciation governs toxicity and mobility. Conventional speciation methods (HPLC-ICP-MS, IC-HG-AFS) offer ultralow detection limits but suffer from high cost, long analysis times, and non-portability, hindering on-site rapid monitoring. This study presents a sulfide-based spectrophotometric method exploiting the quantitative reaction between As(V) and S2− to form monothioarsenate (H3AsO3S) with a characteristic absorption at 233 nm. Under optimized conditions (H+ concentration 1 mol·L−1, Na2S dosage 5 mmol·L−1, reaction time 3 min, N2 purging 2 min), As(V) is directly quantified. Total arsenic is determined after complete oxidation of As(III) to As(V) using NaClO (10 mmol·L−1, pH 12, 5 min), and As(III) is obtained by difference. The method exhibits linearity over 0.5–50 mg·L−1 (A = 0.0209c + 0.0627, R² = 0.999), a detection limit of 0.17 mg·L−1, spike recoveries of 101.9%–104.1%, and relative standard deviation of 1.06%. Validation against real industrial wastewater samples showed relative deviations <10% compared with HPLC-ICP-MS and IC-HG-AFS. Total analysis time is within 15 min. The method is simple, cost-effective, and suitable for field monitoring.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507029
This study systematically evaluates the environmental risks associated with the resource utilization of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash in the production of aerated concrete, co-prepared with multiple solid wastes. The focus is on the leaching behavior and total content of heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn) under CO2 curing and chelating agent stabilization. Water washing pretreatment parameters (liquid-to-solid ratio, washing time, ash-to-slag ratio) were optimized for chloride removal. Results demonstrate that CO2 curing suppresses the leaching of most metals; leaching concentrations of Cr, Pb, Cd, and Zn decrease with reduced fly ash content, whereas Cu leaching increases when fly ash is absent. The addition of 17.5% organic sulfur stabilizer (DTC) significantly outperforms inorganic sulfide (Na2S) in immobilizing heavy metals, achieving compliance with national standards without compromising compressive strength or carbon sequestration. Water washing effectively reduces soluble chloride content to below 1% (mass fraction), meeting the HJ 1134-2020 regulatory limit. Optimal parameters include a liquid-to-solid ratio of 5, washing time of 20 min, and a raw material ratio of incineration bottom slag:fly ash:slag = 40:20:40. Under these conditions, the final product exhibits a compressive strength of 1.50 MPa, with heavy metals and soluble chlorides fully compliant. This work provides key technical support for the safe recycling of MSWI fly ash in building materials.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202507055
The increasing complexity of pollutant sources in municipal wastewater networks, driven by unauthorized industrial discharges, poses significant risks to the stable operation of wastewater treatment plants. This study, conducted in an industrial park in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, developed a source apportionment method using excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy combined with spectral angle mapping (SAM). A pollution fingerprint database was constructed from wastewater samples of six representative enterprises (A–F) and municipal sewer samples. The SAM algorithm demonstrated high sensitivity and stability in detecting changes in water composition, with spectral angle values showing a strong linear correlation (R² > 0.88) with the volume ratio of enterprise wastewater in mixed samples. This enabled both qualitative identification and quantitative estimation of pollution sources. Field application over a 12-hour monitoring period identified two enterprises as major contributors to organic matter and nitrogen during critical pollution episodes, consistent with trends in DOC, TN, and UV254. The proposed EEM+SAM approach offers a non-invasive, high-throughput method for real-time monitoring and source tracing of multi-source pollution in complex sewer systems, providing a scientific basis for pollution accountability and precise enforcement.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0020
Ammonia borane (AB) is a promising hydrogen storage material due to its low molecular weight and high hydrogen content. The development of low-cost, high-activity catalysts for AB hydrolysis is critical for industrialization. In this work, CuO nanosheets (CuO NS) were synthesized via a solvothermal method under alkaline conditions using anhydrous copper chloride as precursor. Subsequently, low-temperature phosphating converted CuO NS into Cu3P@CuO nanosheets (Cu3P@CuO NS). The morphology and structure were characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, and XPS. The catalytic performance for AB hydrolysis was evaluated, revealing that at a phosphating ratio of m(CuO NS)/m(NaH2PO2)=1 (0.1 g each), Cu3P@CuO NS exhibited excellent activity with a TOF of 57.23 min−1 and an apparent activation energy of 44.31 kJ/mol. The reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with respect to catalyst amount and pseudo-zero-order kinetics with respect to AB concentration. The superior performance is attributed to the abundant active sites exposed by the nanosheet structure. Given the extremely low cost, Cu3P@CuO NS is a promising alternative to noble metal catalysts for hydrogen generation from AB.
Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology•2026•DOI: 10.3724/2097-213X.2025.JFCT.0028
Pyrolysis is a key route for the graded conversion of low-rank coal, yet the volatiles are rich in oxygenates and heavy components, limiting direct utilization. This study proposes a tandem catalytic system combining metal oxides and ZSM-5 zeolite to efficiently convert lignite pyrolysis volatiles into light aromatics (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, naphthalene, methylnaphthalene). The upper-layer metal oxide pre-cracks large molecules and removes oxygenates, reducing carbon deposition on the zeolite and extending catalyst life. Among metal oxides tested, strongly basic MgO exhibited superior cracking and deoxygenation performance. Compared to ZSM-5 alone, the MgO/ZSM-5 tandem system increased total light aromatics yield by approximately 20% to 21.5 mg/g, while maintaining liquid product proportion at 21.4%. The incorporation of MgO also significantly reduced coke deposition on ZSM-5, preserving its catalytic activity and potentially prolonging its operational lifespan. These findings provide a theoretical basis for upgrading low-rank coal pyrolysis volatiles to valuable light aromatics.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112104
Carboxyl-modified polystyrene microplastics (PS-COOH) are negatively charged particles formed by surface oxidation and functional group modification of polystyrene microplastics (PS), widely used in biomedical and analytical chemistry. However, studies on their neurotoxic effects on aquatic organisms are scarce. This study employed zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, exposing embryos to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg·L−1) of PS and PS-COOH. Neurotoxic effects were assessed by measuring tail coiling frequency at 24 hpf and swimming velocity under alternating light/dark cycles at 120 hpf. Results demonstrated that both PS and PS-COOH induced neurotoxicity, with PS-COOH significantly reducing tail coiling frequency and average swimming speed compared to PS (P<0.05). Exposure to 10 μg·L−1 PS-COOH disrupted neurotransmitter homeostasis, altering levels of acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5-HT), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Transgenic zebrafish Tg(huc:EGFP) fluorescence assays revealed that PS-COOH (0.1–100 μg·L−1) caused damage to central neurons. These findings indicate that PS-COOH exposure impairs cholinergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission, induces neuronal damage, and exerts neurotoxic effects on zebrafish larvae. This study provides a theoretical basis for assessing the ecological and health risks of modified microplastics.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025101101
Acetamiprid, a representative neonicotinoid insecticide, persists in soil and water, posing ecological risks. This study evaluated its transgenerational toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to 1, 10, and 100 μg·L−1. Direct exposure (F0) caused neurobehavioral abnormalities, with head swing frequency significantly increased by 23.86% even at 1.0 μg·L−1, correlating with disrupted acetylcholinesterase and γ-aminobutyric acid. Reproduction, development, metabolism, and intestinal barrier were impaired, with reactive oxygen species elevated by 30.42%–48.28%, indicating oxidative stress as a mechanism. Effects transmitted to unexposed T1–T3 generations: at 1.0 μg·L−1, body width inhibition persisted to T2; fat accumulation and intestinal permeability effects intensified with concentration. Among oxidative stress biomarkers, superoxide dismutase showed highest sensitivity and transgenerational persistence. This study reveals multidimensional transgenerational toxicity, informing soil ecological risk assessment of neonicotinoids.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010603
The global production, inventory, and retirement of lithium-ion batteries are increasing, while new technologies and materials for safety introduce various binders, lithium salts, flame retardants, and solvents, some of which may be emerging pollutants (EPs). This study identifies 43 EPs across 6 categories in the entire life cycle of lithium-ion battery production. Electrolytes contain the most EPs, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) lithium salts and solvents, as well as organophosphorus flame retardants. Production emissions of 1,3-butadiene (1,3-BD), dichloromethane (DCM), and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), and release of ultra-short-chain PFASs such as bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NTf2) and trifluoromethanesulfonamide (TfNH2) from discarded batteries require attention. Health risk assessments at production and disposal sites show that DCM poses the highest carcinogenic risk at production sites, exceeding the EPA's basic carcinogenic risk value of 1×10−6 but below the critical value of 1×10−4, with non-carcinogenic risk below the EPA threshold of 1. At disposal sites, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) poses the highest carcinogenic risk, below 1×10−6, while tri(2-chloropropyl)phosphate (TCPP) exhibits the highest non-carcinogenic risk, below 1. Comparison of domestic and international regulations highlights gaps in domestic regulations. Recommendations include tiered management of similar-function chemicals, research on alternatives for high-risk chemicals, implementation of clean production mechanisms, establishment of green product standards, and development of guidelines for managing EPs. This study comprehensively summarizes EPs in the lithium-ion battery life cycle, providing technical support for their management.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024100805
A fluorescent metal-organic framework (MOF), PCN-128, was synthesized via a solvothermal method using zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4) as the metal source and tetrakis[4-(4'-carboxyphenyl)phenyl]ethylene (H4ETTC) as the organic linker. The resulting material exhibited regular morphology, high crystallinity, strong luminescence, and good stability. PCN-128 was employed as a fluorescent probe for the trace detection of malachite green (MG), a banned veterinary drug, in aquaculture water and freshwater fish tissue. The probe demonstrated exceptional selectivity toward MG among 13 veterinary drugs and robust anti-interference performance against 16 anions, 16 cations, and 12 additional veterinary drugs. The method achieved a broad linear detection range from 0.0 to 7.0 μmol·L−1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.73 nmol·L−1. Spike-and-recovery experiments in three aquaculture water samples and one freshwater fish sample yielded recoveries between 89.80% and 113.7%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) not exceeding 2.59%. These results confirm that the developed method is accurate, reliable, and suitable for routine monitoring of MG residues in aquaculture water and aquatic products, addressing a critical gap in food safety surveillance.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024113001
Anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria (APB) are a phylogenetically diverse group of prokaryotes that perform photosynthesis without oxygen evolution. They possess versatile metabolic capabilities, including anaerobic photophosphorylation, carbon fixation, multi-substrate metabolism, and metal oxidation-reduction, enabling them to thrive in diverse environments such as lakes, rivers, soils, salt lakes, and hot springs. APB play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and metals. This review systematically summarizes the metabolic diversity of APB, emphasizing their ability to utilize organic and inorganic compounds as electron donors and carbon sources. We highlight recent advances in understanding extracellular electron transfer (EET) mediated by exogenous electron shuttles and conductive materials, which expand the electron sources available for energy generation and reducing power. In environmental engineering, APB show promise in carbon sequestration, pollutant degradation (including azo dyes and heavy metals), biohydrogen production, and microbial fuel cells. For instance, Rhodopseudomonas palustris can fix CO2 under dark anoxic conditions via syntrophic interspecies electron transfer, achieving enhanced carbon fixation. Additionally, APB-based biohybrid systems incorporating CdS nanoparticles demonstrate light-driven degradation of azo dyes without external electron donors. Challenges remain in scaling up these technologies, optimizing reactor conditions, and understanding metabolic regulation. Future research should focus on genetic engineering to enhance APB performance and integrating APB into circular bioeconomy frameworks.
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.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024120701
Surface waters contain numerous photoactive substances and low molecular weight carboxylic acids (LCAs). Hydroxyl radicals (HO•) can react with LCAs to generate the highly reducing carbon dioxide anion radical (CO2•−). Excited triplet state dissolved organic matter (3DOM*), a common oxidant in surface waters, may also oxidize LCAs to CO2•−, but this pathway remains unexplored. This study simulated sunlight-driven generation of CO2•− via 3DOM* using 4-benzoylbenzoic acid (CBBP) as a 3DOM* precursor and formate (HCOO−) as a model LCA. Metronidazole (MNZ) served as the target pollutant. Comparative degradation experiments in hν, hν/HCOO−, hν/CBBP, and hν/CBBP/HCOO− systems, combined with electron spin resonance spectroscopy and quenching tests, confirmed that CO2•− generated in the hν/CBBP/HCOO− system was the primary reactive species responsible for enhanced MNZ degradation, originating mainly from 3CBBP* oxidizing HCOO−. Under optimized conditions (8 mmol·L−1 HCOO−, 200 μmol·L−1 CBBP, 10 μmol·L−1 MNZ), 98.2% degradation was achieved within 30 min. Degradation efficiency increased with HCOO− concentration and was pH-independent. Cl−, NO3−, CO3^2−, and low concentrations of HCO3− inhibited degradation, while high HCO3− slightly promoted it. Humic acid (HA) inhibited degradation in a concentration-dependent manner. The system also performed well in real water matrices, suggesting potential for treating micropollutants via reductive pathways.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024112102
Based on the 2022 activity data of non-road mobile sources in Hebei Province, this study employed the emission factor method recommended by the Guidelines to estimate emissions of CO, HC, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2. A comprehensive emission inventory was established, followed by spatial and uncertainty analyses. Scenario analysis, aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan policies, was used to project emissions for 2030. The results indicate that non-road mobile sources in Hebei emitted 76.1×10^3 t of CO, 20.6×10^3 t of HC, 164.0×10^3 t of NOx, 8.5×10^3 t of PM2.5, 9.0×10^3 t of PM10, and 2.4×10^3 t of SO2. Agricultural machinery was the dominant contributor to CO, HC, PM2.5, and PM10, accounting for over 60.0% of CO emissions. Railway locomotives were the primary source of NOx, contributing 50.9%. For SO2, agricultural machinery and railway locomotives contributed 39.0% and 44.4%, respectively. The highest emitting cities were Tangshan (21.3%), Shijiazhuang (15.7%), Cangzhou (11.6%), and Handan (11.6%). Ship emissions were concentrated in Tangshan Port; civil aviation emissions were mainly in Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, and Handan; railway emissions were distributed in Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and Handan. Under the updated emission standard scenario, NOx and PM10 emissions in 2030 could be reduced by approximately 35.0%. The phase-out of old machinery yielded the largest reduction in CO (36.0%), while both electrification and phase-out scenarios significantly impacted HC emissions.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024102403
The rapid combustion of soot at low temperatures is critical for diesel engine cold-start emission control. This study investigates the effects of water vapor (H2O) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) on electricity-pulse-sparked catalysis (EPSC) for soot combustion over a ceramic filter paper-based potassium-supported antimony-doped tin oxide (K/ATO/CP) monolithic catalyst. Under EPSC with 2000 J pulses, the presence of H2O and NOx adversely affected soot combustion performance, yet average reaction rates remained high at 12.0 μmol·gcat−1·s−1 and 9.53 μmol·gcat−1·s−1, respectively, exceeding conventional thermal catalysis (<8 μmol·gcat−1·s−1). In situ Raman and concentration profiles revealed that electricity pulses promote rapid H2O desorption, effectively alleviating H2O poisoning and restoring catalyst activity. In contrast, NOx adsorption forms stable nitrates (e.g., KNO3) that desorb slower than the soot combustion process, leading to incomplete recovery of activity. These findings highlight the importance of adsorbate desorption kinetics in EPSC and suggest that using weakly basic alkaline-earth metals (e.g., Mg, Ca, Sr) with lower nitrate decomposition temperatures could mitigate NOx poisoning. The results provide guidance for advancing EPSC technology in hybrid vehicle exhaust aftertreatment systems.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2024122501
Fullerene (C60) is an emerging atmospheric pollutant that may influence sulfate formation during haze events. This study investigated the effect of C60 on sulfate production in the gas-phase oxidation of SO2 by H2O2 using a flow tube reactor. Results demonstrated that the presence of C60 significantly increased sulfate yields. Control experiments varying C60 loading, H2O2 concentration, and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation revealed that higher C60 amounts, elevated H2O2 levels, and UV exposure enhanced the promoting effect. Mechanistic investigations via free radical trapping and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated a pre-adsorption-oxidation pathway. XPS analysis showed electron transfer on the C60 surface, converting adsorbed S(IV) to S(VI), confirming direct participation of C60 in sulfate formation. Radical trapping experiments and model calculations confirmed that C60 promotes the generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide radicals (·O2−), which are key oxidants driving SO2 conversion to sulfate. The study reveals that C60 particles markedly enhance atmospheric sulfate formation, offering a novel pathway for understanding sulfate generation mechanisms. These findings have implications for air quality modeling and haze mitigation strategies, as C60 may act as a catalytic surface for sulfate production in polluted atmospheres.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604013
Reclaimed water serves as an alternative water source for replenishing natural water bodies, yet residual pollutants pose ecological risks. A pilot-scale hybrid vertical flow constructed wetland filled with manganese ore sand, quartz sand, and cobblestones was operated for approximately 140 days to assess nutrient and organic matter removal, ecotoxicity, and the suitability of manganese sand as a functional medium. Influent concentrations were up to 0.4 mg/L ammonia, 0.2 mg/L phosphate, 8 mg/L nitrate, and 30 mg/L COD. After 2–3 months of operation, ammonia and phosphate removal efficiencies exceeded 90% and 80%, respectively. Average reductions for nitrate and COD were 0.67 mg/L and 4.2 mg/L. Manganese sand enhanced organic decomposition, reducing maximum 3D fluorescence intensity by 26%, humic substances by 48%, UV254 by 38%, and achieving 70.8% removal of four target antibiotics. Purified water exhibited no significant genotoxicity, with micronucleus rates approaching tap water levels, and non-concentrated samples showed no acute biotoxicity. However, concentrated samples displayed acute toxicity, suggesting different causative pollutants for genotoxicity and acute toxicity. The study supports manganese sand as an effective medium for improving reclaimed water quality and controlling ecological risks.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604015
Shale gas extraction generates hazardous oily sludge, necessitating effective in-situ treatment. Microemulsion technology offers low energy consumption, cost efficiency, and high oil removal without heating. This study investigates single-surfactant microemulsions using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS), and composite microemulsions with sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). Phase behavior and effects of surfactant, alcohol, and salt concentrations on oil removal were examined. Optimal single formulations achieved removal rates of 86.33% for SDS (SDS:alcohol:NaCl = 2.72%:13.21%:2.17% mass ratio) and 87.45% for AOS (SDS:alcohol:NaCl = 2.72%:15.41%:2.17%). SDS microemulsions showed superior phase stability despite slightly lower removal efficiency. Composite SDS-Na2SiO3 microemulsion achieved 92.47% oil removal, outperforming single systems, and could be recycled five times while meeting national secondary reuse standards. AOS-Na2SiO3 exhibited better salt resistance, whereas SDS-Na2SiO3 showed better alcohol resistance. This work provides a novel approach for in-situ oily sludge treatment.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604023
Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, poses severe environmental challenges. This study synthesizes A- and H-type zeolites from fly ash via hydrothermal treatment and evaluates their adsorption performance for low-concentration acidic gases (SO2, CO2, NO) at 1000 mg/m3. The zeolites exhibited pore sizes of 3–5 nm, with specific surface areas of 18.59 m2/g (A-type) and 22.32 m2/g (H-type). At 20 °C, A-type zeolite achieved maximum saturated adsorption capacities of 1.07 mmol/g for SO2, 0.26 mmol/g for CO2, and 0.048 mmol/g for NO; H-type zeolite showed higher capacities: 1.12, 0.29, and 0.053 mmol/g, respectively. In-situ DRIFTS revealed that T–O (T=Si/Al) groups serve as key active sites, with adsorption energies for A-type zeolite calculated as -5.11 kJ/mol (SO2), -4.07 kJ/mol (CO2), and -1.41 kJ/mol (NO). Kinetic analysis indicated conformity to the Arrhenius equation. The results demonstrate that fly ash-based zeolites are promising adsorbents for acidic gas removal, with H-type outperforming A-type due to larger surface area and more silanol sites. This work provides a theoretical basis for utilizing fly ash in gas purification, contributing to the circular economy.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604024
To enhance sludge dewatering efficiency, an MnFe2O4/BC/PMS system was constructed for sludge disintegration. Single-factor and multi-factor experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of MnFe2O4/BC (MFB) dosage, PMS dosage, and reaction time on sludge dewatering performance, establishing the optimal process parameters and the primary-secondary relationships among environmental factors. Active species identification in the MnFe2O4/BC/PMS system revealed the main free radicals responsible for sludge disintegration and the primary pathways of EPS breakdown. Results showed that the influence order of environmental factors on sludge moisture content (Wc) and total organic carbon (TOC) was MFB > PMS > reaction time, while the interaction effects followed MFB-PMS > PMS-reaction time > MFB-reaction time. Optimal dewatering occurred at MFB dosage of 132.99 mg/g DS, PMS dosage of 421.80 mg/g DS, and 18 min reaction time, achieving Wc of 45.8% and TOC of 489.2 mg/L. The ·OH and SO4−· radicals released from MnFe2O4/BC-activated PMS oxidized protein main chains, causing peptide chain breakage. This primarily reduced protein content in sludge from 174.6 mg/L to 75.7 mg/L, with TB-EPS protein content decreasing from 91.8 mg/L to 36.3 mg/L, thereby reducing EPS hydrophilicity and improving sludge dewatering efficiency.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604025
To meet the minute-level early-warning requirements for odor and multi-pollutant emissions at waste treatment facilities, this study proposed a multivariate short-term time-series prediction framework applicable to multi-tier scenarios covering source and boundary points (i.e., workshops and plant boundaries). Based on continuous online monitoring data with a 5-second resolution, a long short-term memory (LSTM) model using a sliding-window and recursive multi-step prediction strategy was constructed to jointly model odor concentration (OU) and pollutants including VOCs, NH3, H2S, and CH3SH (mg/m³). An evaluation protocol aligned with environmental supervision practice was established, incorporating mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), goodness-of-fit (R²), skill scores (SS) relative to a persistence baseline, and threshold-based error stratification to characterize uncertainty during peak emission periods. The results showed that at workshop monitoring sites with relatively stable operating conditions, VOCs, NH3, H2S, and CH3SH exhibited a high goodness of fit and low prediction errors. In contrast, at boundary sites affected by plume arrival delays and diffusion-dilution non-stationarity, OU and VOCs displayed significantly amplified errors during peak episodes, and the skill score advantage over the baseline became unstable at certain sites. Stratified analysis consistently revealed that non-peak periods outperformed peak periods, indicating that event-driven fluctuations were the main sources of error. Accordingly, this study suggested incorporating exogenous variables such as wind speed and direction, ventilation and gate access control, and operational rhythms, along with peak-sensitive loss functions, into the model to enhance its capacity to characterize and provide early warnings for transient emission pulses. Overall, this study established a reusable methodological baseline and evaluation paradigm for minute-scale multi-pollutant prediction, providing quantitative support for the operational management and source-to-boundary coordinated control of waste treatment facilities.
Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology•2026•DOI: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202604026
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants ubiquitously present in soils, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human health. This study synthesized MIL-88A(Fe) via a hydrothermal solvent method and applied it to the photocatalytic degradation of phenanthrene-pyrene (PHE-PYR) composite contaminants in soil, investigating the adsorption-photocatalytic synergy. Results demonstrated that adsorption of PHE-PYR onto MIL-88A(Fe) was dominated by physical and monolayer surface adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 97.25 mg/kg. This strong adsorption increased pollutant concentration near active sites, accelerating photocatalytic degradation. Under optimal conditions—3% catalyst dosage, 40% soil water content, 60 min visible light irradiation, initial pollutant concentration of 200 mg/kg, and acidic soil—the total degradation efficiency reached 79.20%. Photoelectrochemical characterization revealed significant visible-light response (200–600 nm), a narrow bandgap of 3.04 eV, and favorable band structure facilitating efficient electron-hole separation. Quenching experiments identified superoxide radicals (·O2−) and holes (h+) as primary reactive species. GC-MS analysis of intermediates indicated that PYR undergoes hydroxylation, oxidation, and ring-opening to form PHE, which is further hydroxylated and oxidized, ultimately mineralizing to CO2 and H2O. This work provides an efficient strategy for remediating PAH-contaminated soils.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4002-8
Neuromorphic electronic systems, inspired by the brain's parallel and distributed information processing, have emerged as a promising alternative to von Neumann architectures, which suffer from the memory wall and limited energy efficiency. However, seamless integration with biological tissue, particularly human skin, necessitates mechanical flexibility and conformability. Flexible neuromorphic electronics, combining neuromorphic computing with flexible substrates, enable brain-inspired processing with high efficiency and ultralow power consumption, targeting smart wearables, digital health, and brain-computer interfaces. Despite rapid advances in flexible synaptic devices, a cross-disciplinary synthesis connecting materials, device physics, circuit integration, and applications is lacking. This review systematically follows a device-to-system framework, first summarizing recent progress in flexible artificial synapses that emulate neural functions, then discussing neuromorphic circuits and systems, focusing on collaborative sensing-computing and heterogeneous integration strategies toward integrated sensing-memory-computing systems. Emerging applications in next-generation bio-intelligent systems, including wearables, health monitoring, and human-machine interaction, are highlighted. Key challenges and future directions are summarized to guide development of efficient, intelligent, and biocompatible bionic hardware. The review underscores the need for standardized metrics and scalable manufacturing to translate laboratory prototypes into practical flexible neuromorphic systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3485-0
Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for next-generation energy storage due to high safety and low cost, but their practical use is limited by Zn dendrite growth and side reactions. An ideal anode/electrolyte interphase should block water contact while enabling fast Zn2+ transport, yet conventional thick interphases increase ionic resistance and polarization. Here, we report a hydrophobic yet ultrathin (~5 nm) polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) artificial interphase fabricated via conformal coating. The oxygen-rich PDMS layer selectively coordinates Zn2+ while its superhydrophobicity excludes water, and the ultrathin nature enables rapid Zn2+ conduction, enhancing the Zn2+ transference number by 2.28-fold. This synergistic design suppresses dendrites and mitigates hydrogen evolution. The PDMS-modified anode achieves 99.9% Coulombic efficiency over 3500 cycles, 880-hour symmetrical cell operation at 60% depth of discharge, and 2500-cycle full-cell endurance under lean Zn conditions (N/P ratio 5.7). Proof-of-concept pouch cells sustain 1400 cycles with a 0.01% decay rate. This molecular-scale interphase strategy provides a feasible pathway toward practical AZIB implementation.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3778-8
The global surge in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste demands urgent technological solutions that address both environmental persistence and resource recovery. Here, we present a triple-functionalization strategy that converts chlorinated plastic waste into high-performance sodium-ion battery anodes through molecular-level control of carbon architectures. Sequential dichlorination, sulfonation, and N-doping collaboratively reconfigure precursor reactivity, steering pyrolysis toward hierarchically porous hard carbon with tailored defect chemistry. Sulfonic groups stabilize 3D carbon skeletons during carbonization, enabling closed-pore formation with an average diameter of ~2.55 nm while N-doping expands interlayer spacing (0.382 nm) and creates adsorption-active pyrrolic-N sites. This defect-engineered synergy delivers unprecedented sodium storage metrics: 355 mAh g−1 reversible capacity at 0.1 A g−1 (95.4% of graphite’s Li-ion capacity), a capacity retention of 216 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1 (70.1% capacity retention), and 188 mAh g−1 even at a high current density of 5.0 A g−1. Operando analyses reveal a potential-dependent storage hierarchy: surface-dominated adsorption transitions to intercalation/filling-dominated behavior with defect-buffered structural integrity. The process simultaneously achieves 25% carbon yield from PVC and avoids toxic dioxin emissions, establishing a scalable prototype for sustainable energy storage systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3891-5
Alloys with low thermal expansion are vital for precision components in aerospace, cryogenics, optics, and electronics, where dimensional stability under thermal cycling is essential. As these applications face harsher mechanical and thermal conditions, materials must offer not only low thermal expansion but also high strength and ductility. Achieving all three remains difficult, as their underlying microstructural requirements often conflict. Here, we present a medium-entropy alloy, Fe54Ni34Co6Ti3Al3 (at.%), designed to overcome this challenge through tailored precipitation engineering. The alloy forms coherent L12 nanoprecipitates that not only provide substantial precipitation strengthening but also modulate the composition of the face-centered cubic matrix. This tuning induces a low coefficient of thermal expansion and metastability in the matrix, enabling transformation-induced plasticity that enhances ductility and strain hardening. As a result, the alloy achieves a tensile yield strength of (1036±21) MPa, uniform elongation of 18.4%±1.1%, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 5.8×10−6 °C−1. This work demonstrates a precipitation-driven pathway to reconcile strength, ductility, and thermal stability, offering a new strategy for designing multifunctional structural materials for advanced engineering environments.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4028-5
The escalating thermal management demands of modern electronics necessitate materials with superior thermal conductivity and matched thermal expansion. Cu/Diamond composites are promising, yet their fabrication typically requires extreme conditions (high temperature/pressure) or complex coating processes. This work introduces a one-step, heat-source-free cold manufacturing method using ultrasonic vibration to consolidate Cu/Diamond composites at room temperature and a low pressure of ~16 MPa within seconds. The applied pressure is reduced by 200–500 times, and the required temperature is only 20% of that used in conventional high-temperature high-pressure sintering. Direct metallurgical bonding at Cu-Cu interfaces and solid embedding of diamond particles in the Cu matrix are achieved, yielding a composite with a high yield strength of 150 MPa. The method enables a maximum diamond proportion of ~60%, resulting in a thermal conductivity exceeding 1043 W/(m·K) and a coefficient of thermal expansion below 10×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹. Complex shapes are readily fabricated, and heat dissipation tests demonstrate superior performance compared to commercial Al₂O₃ and AlN substrates. The loose preparation conditions and rapid processing confer significant industrial production potential.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4054-x
The sluggish kinetics and high onset potentials of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode of alkaline water/seawater electrolyzers limit overall energy efficiency. Noble-metal oxides like RuO2 are active but suffer from high cost, agglomeration, and dissolution under oxidizing potentials, especially in chloride-rich electrolytes where competing chloride oxidation reaction (ClOR) occurs. Here, we report a mild two-step dry-wet milling strategy to achieve throughout lattice doping of F− into MnO2 (F-MnO2) and subsequent anchoring of atomically dispersed Ru via Ru–O/F hybrid bonds. The strengthened Mn 3d–O/F 2p hybridization and negative charge shielding of surface F− enhance OER activity/selectivity relative to ClOR and impart superior Cl− tolerance and corrosion resistance. The resulting F-Ru-MnO2-TH electrocatalyst exhibits overpotentials of 280 mV and 200 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline water and simulated seawater, respectively. It retains ~100% of initial activity after 200 h continuous operation in alkaline media and >95% after 300 h in simulated seawater, significantly outperforming Ru-MnO2 and commercial RuO2. This work provides a scalable route to durable, high-performance OER catalysts for seawater electrolysis.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4043-3
In-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks are promising platforms for electronics, optoelectronics, and topological quantum computing due to their small electron effective mass, narrow bandgap, high electron mobility, strong spin-orbit coupling, and large Landé g factor. However, their selective area growth on CMOS-compatible group-IV substrates remains challenging. Here, we report the selective area growth of high-quality in-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks on Ge(111) substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy. Conventional selective-area epitaxy fails to simultaneously achieve good selectivity and continuity. To overcome this, we developed a metal-sown, single-indium-source two-step growth method, which attains both selectivity and continuity but yields nanowires with rough surfaces and lengths below 10 μm. We then introduced an upgraded metal-sown, dual-indium-source two-step growth method, successfully fabricating in-plane InAs nanowires and nanowire networks with smooth surface morphology and lengths exceeding 60 μm. By optimizing the As beam equivalent pressure, overgrowth at network junctions is effectively suppressed, resulting in uniform nanowire networks. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirm the high-quality single-crystalline nature and pure zinc-blende structure of the nanowires and networks. This work establishes a foundation for fabricating high-quality in-plane InAs/superconductor hybrid nanowires and nanowire networks on Ge substrates.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61097-9
Silicon/carbon (Si/C) composites are promising anode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because they mitigate the severe volume expansion and poor electrical conductivity of pure silicon anodes. This review systematically summarizes the state-of-the-art preparation methods for Si/C composites, including ball milling, spray drying, electrostatic spinning, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Structural engineering strategies, such as carbon precursor coating, silicon-precursor-based wet chemistry, and silicon surface modification, are critically assessed for their effectiveness in enhancing electrical conductivity, buffering volume changes, and improving overall electrochemical performance. The review highlights that while Si offers a theoretical capacity of 4200 mAh g−1, far exceeding graphite's 372 mAh g−1, its practical application is hindered by capacity fading and low initial coulombic efficiency. The integration of carbon matrices not only provides mechanical flexibility but also facilitates electron transport. Key performance metrics from recent studies, including specific capacities exceeding 1000 mAh g−1 and improved cycling stability over hundreds of cycles, are discussed. The review also addresses the challenges of scalable production and cost-effectiveness, emphasizing the need for optimized precursor selection and processing parameters. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on the rational design of hierarchical structures and the development of novel binders to further enhance the long-term durability of Si/C anodes. This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers aiming to advance the commercialization of high-energy-density LIBs.